Abstract: Embodiments describe in-pixel sensor fault detection system that includes plurality of photodetectors to generate signals when a photon is detected, and the number of photons detected for each photosensor is accumulated through a first data path to obtain a first number of total triggered photodetectors of the corresponding photosensor through a first data path and stored in a memory. The memory stores photon counts in time bins based on photon arrival times to form a histogram representation. The number of photons detected for each photosensor is accumulated through a second data path to obtain a second number of total triggered photodetectors of each corresponding photosensor in an integration register. The first number of total triggered photodetectors is compared against the second number of total triggered photodetectors. When the comparison returns an inconsistency, the system flags the corresponding photosensor for further possible actions.

Abstract: A lidar system may include a programmable configuration memory, configured to receive configuration values for controlling histogramming operations performed by the lidar system. The lidar system may also include an array controller, configured or programmed or set to read the configuration values and send control signals according to the configuration values in the programmable configuration memory. The lidar system may also include a sensor array, where the sensor array includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel in the plurality of pixels may include a photosensor, summation circuitry, and a memory device. Each of the plurality of pixels may be configured to generate histogram data by collecting photon counts during a plurality of time bins for each of a plurality of laser cycles.

Abstract: Techniques described herein provide memory redundancy. For example, the memory block for each pixel can be partitioned into multiple memory bins, and the number of memory bins can be larger than the number of time bins. Once a faulty memory cell is identified, an address associated with the memory bin that has the faulty memory cell can be skipped by an address generator. As such, the faulty memory cell is not used to store time-of-fight (ToF) information.

Abstract: A Time of Flight (ToF) system includes an emitter array comprising one or more emitters configured to emit optical signals, a detector array comprising a plurality of detectors that are configured to output respective detection signals responsive to the optical signals that are reflected from a target, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to: control the emitter array to emit a first optical signal; and provide a plurality of activation signals to a subset of the plurality of detectors responsive to the first optical signal to activate respective ones of the detectors of the subset for a first duration to generate detection signals associated with the first optical signal. Respective ones of the plurality of activation signals are offset from one another by respective time offsets.

Abstract: A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) detector circuit includes a memory device comprising a first memory and a second memory, and at least one control circuit. The at least one control circuit is configured to execute first memory storage operations to store data indicated by detection signals received from one or more photodetector elements in the first memory during a first portion of a time between pulses of an emitter signal output from a LIDAR emitter element, and to execute second memory storage operations to include the data, which was stored in the first memory, in the second memory during a second portion of the time between the pulses of the emitter signal. Related devices and methods of operation are also discussed.

Abstract: A digital filtering algorithm preprocesses couplet defects prior to their being operated on by a main filtering algorithm that focuses on singlet defects. The preprocessing involves the replacement of one of the defective pixel values in the couplet with a pixel value that is known to be non-defective. In preferred embodiments, the selection of the pixel value in the couplet to be replaced is customized depending on the direction of scanning of the pixel array, and can take into account edge effects of border pixels.

Abstract: A digital filtering algorithm preprocesses couplet defects prior to their being operated on by a main filtering algorithm that focuses on singlet defects. The preprocessing involves the replacement of one of the defective pixel values in the couplet with a pixel value that is known to be non-defective. In preferred embodiments, the selection of the pixel value in the couplet to be replaced is customized depending on the direction of scanning of the pixel array, and can take into account edge effects of border pixels.