LiDAR (light imaging, detection, and ranging) sensors act as the eyes of autonomous vehicles, providing a 360-degree view for the vehicle. As autonomous vehicles grow in popularity, they are ushering in a massive restructuring of the automobile market. Because autonomous vehicles are already being tested on the roads in several states and soon arriving to others, it is more vital than ever that LiDAR sensors are as well-designed as possible.
In autonomous vehicles, LiDAR sensors are installed in the front, rear, and sides of vehicles. These sensors send a burst of thousands of laser pulses per second. The laser beams collide with other objects on the road, reflecting from the objects back to the sensor’s receiver.
Then, the sensors’ processor uses complex algorithms to produce a real-time 3D map of the objects detected. This map is used to manage speed and steering control to provide a safe and easy ride.
The Importance of Using CMOS Sensors
In part because of their compact design and reliable performance, Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor-based chips are usually considered the highest performing LiDAR image-based sensors. The best CMOS line scan sensors ideally will provide safety, accuracy, and sensitivity in autonomous vehicle and industrial applications by providing accurate, fast, efficient imaging of the environment around the automobile.
For more context, line scan sensors are particularly useful for empowering LiDAR systems to see the environment around them. This is an essential function of the system - without accurate, fast line scan sensors, autonomous vehicles and other applications of LiDAR systems would be nowhere near as precise or safe.
Using the best CMOS sensors like the Newsight Imaging Line Scan Industrial Sensors will provide unparalleled performance in demanding environments. These CMOS sensors feature high sensitivities and programmable frame rates of up to 40,000 frames per second. Also, these CMOS sensors have a low power consumption rate, which makes them ideal for mobile systems. They easily integrate with system on a chip (SOC) modules, too.
One especially valuable feature Newsight CMOS sensors offer is V-LiDAR, a cutting-edge 3D pulsed LiDAR system and enhanced time of flight (eToF) to bridge the gap between the short and long-distance requirements of autonomous vehicle sensors.
These affordable, high performance, highly customizable sensors are changing the market and the feasibility of autonomous vehicles. Line scan sensors like these are safe and sensitive, providing a driving option at least as safe as non-autonomous vehicles.
Visit Phase 1 Technology’s Newsight Imaging Sensors for Industrial Applications to learn more about the different options we have available.