ICs enable LiDAR systems to work at higher speeds

Maxim Integrated says that compared to the closest competitive solution, the MAX40026 high-speed comparator and the MAX40660/MAX40661 high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifiers enable 10mph (15km/h) faster autonomous driving using LiDAR systems at highway speeds by providing more than 2x higher bandwidth and accommodating 32 additional channels (128 vs. 96) to a LiDAR module within the same module size.

With automotive self-driving systems evolving from 35mph to 65mph and beyond, LiDAR sensors are playing an increasing role in the fusion of vehicle sensors for their ability to provide accurate distance measurement of objects.

With more than twice the bandwidth and the ability to accommodate 33% more channels within the same LiDAR module size compared to the closest competitor, the MAX40660/MAX40661 transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) provide optical receiver designers with higher-resolution images that enable faster autonomous driving systems.

The system size of the MAX40026 high-speed comparator plus the MAX40660/1 TIAs is 5mm² smaller than the closest competitive solution, which allows developers to fit far more channels into space-constrained vehicle platforms.

These ICs meet the stringent safety requirements of the automotive industry with AEC-Q100 qualification, enhanced electrostatic discharge (ESD) performance and failure modes, effects and diagnostic analysis (FMEDA) to support ISO 26262 certification at the system level.

The MAX40026 TDFN package size of 4mm² and the MAX40660/1 TDFN package size of 9mm² provide what is said to be the industry’s smallest overall solution size.

The TIAs support 128 channels with a bandwidth of 490MHz for MAX40660 and 2.1pA/ÖHz input-referred noise density to support higher accuracy distance measurement in LiDAR applications; in addition, low propagation delay dispersion of the MAX40026 (10 picoseconds) contributes to accurate detection of both fixed and moving objects.

Current consumption of the MAX40660/1 is reduced more than 80% in low power mode.

The products are available online at Maxim’s website and from authorised distributors.

Evaluation kits are also available.