Abstract: A method for determining a distance to a target comprises: receiving a bitstream of binary digits corresponding to a time-varying signal based on light transmitted by a light source being reflected by the target, wherein each binary digit in the bitstream is defined based on the time-varying signal at a time instance represented by the binary digit being above or below a threshold; comparing the bitstream to a set of stored reference bitstreams, wherein the set comprises pairs comprising a first reference bitstream and a second reference bitstream representing a common distance to the target, wherein the first reference bitstream is phase-shifted in relation to the second reference bitstream; and determining the distance to the target based on selection of a pair of reference bitstreams based on said comparing.

Abstract: A method for determining a distance to a target comprises: receiving a bitstream of binary digits corresponding to a variation in time of a time-varying signal based on light transmitted by a light source being reflected by the target, wherein each binary digit in the bitstream is defined based on the time-varying signal at a time instance represented by the binary digit being above or below a threshold; comparing the bitstream of binary digits to a set of stored reference bitstreams of binary digits, wherein each reference bitstream represents a distance to the target, and determining the distance to the target based on selection of a reference bitstream in the set of stored reference bitstreams based on said comparing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for achieving efficient power usage by a power amplifier. For example, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a processor unit providing one or more processor outputs, one of the processor outputs comprising a control voltage; and a variable gain amplifier operatively coupled to the processor and the power amplifier, wherein the variable gain amplifier comprises a piecewise linear circuit that receives the control voltage from the processor unit and provides a supply voltage to the power amplifier. In one embodiment, the processor unit is operatively coupled to a receiver that receives a feedback signal via radio link from a remote base station. The piecewise linear circuitry adjusts the supply voltage to the power amplifier at an exponential rate according to power requirements of the power amplifier.