Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for improved short range object detection in LiDAR systems. The associated systems may include a first portion and a second portion configured to rotate relative to one another. The system may also include a first magnet located on the second portion and arranged with a north pole of the first magnet facing a first direction. The system may also include a second magnet located on the second portion and arranged with a south pole of the second magnet facing the first direction. The system may also include a first sensor located on the first portion, wherein the first sensor is further configured to measure a first magnetic field of the first magnet and a second magnetic field of the second magnet as the first portion and second portion rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: A vehicle sensing system may include a housing for containing sensor electronics, the housing having at least one window being aligned with at least one of the sensor electronics within the housing, a fan arranged on the housing and configured to provide airflow through the housing, and a conditioning element having a plurality of fins forming configured to receive the airflow from the fan to cool the sensor electronics and to direct warmed air from the fins onto the window to provide the warmed air to the window.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a bi-directional data communication link within a LIDAR assembly that has a stationary portion attached to an autonomous vehicle and a second portion rotatably connected to the stationary portion. The second portion may include one or more emitting/receiving devices (e.g., lasers) for detecting objects surrounding the autonomous vehicle. A first printed circuit board including a first set of trace antennas. A second printed circuit board including a second set of trace antennas. The first printed circuit board may be configured to rotate 360-degrees in relation to the second printed circuit board so that the first set of trace antennas and the second set of trace antennas align to provide the bi-directional data link.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a fanless design of a rotating LIDAR system with integrated cleaning and cooling. An example system may include an enclosure including one or more electronics. The example system may also include a cooling element provided externally to the enclosure, the cooling element comprising one or more horizontal fins.