Abstract: A method of measuring the phase of a response signal relative to a periodic excitation signal, comprises the steps of producing for each cycle of the response signal two transitions synchronized to a clock and framing a reference point of the cycle; swapping the two transitions to confront them in turns to the cycles of the response signal; measuring the offsets of the confronted transitions relative to the respective reference points of the cycles; performing a delta-sigma modulation of the swapping rate of the two transitions based on the successive offsets; and producing a phase measurement based on the duty cycle of the swapping rate.

Abstract: A method of measuring the phase of a response signal relative to a periodic excitation signal, comprises the steps of producing for each cycle of the response signal two transitions synchronized to a clock and framing a reference point of the cycle; swapping the two transitions to confront them in turns to the cycles of the response signal; measuring the offsets of the confronted transitions relative to the respective reference points of the cycles; performing a delta-sigma modulation of the swapping rate of the two transitions based on the successive offsets; and producing a phase measurement based on the duty cycle of the swapping rate.

Abstract: A ranging apparatus includes an array of light sensitive detectors configured to receive light from a light source which has been reflected by an object. The array includes a number of different zones. Readout circuitry including at least one read out channel is configured to read data output from each of the zones. A processor operates to process the data output to determine position information associated with the object.

Abstract: A method, for determining the real distance separating an object and an optical detection system, includes, from several so-called reported distances respectively less than or equal to individual reference distances dependent respectively on modulation frequencies: in a first step, determining an initial deviation coefficient between the reported distances and incrementing the smallest of the reported distances with the corresponding individual reference distance; then in a second step, determining a current deviation coefficient between the current distances obtained in the preceding step and incrementing the smallest of the current distances with the corresponding individual reference distance; and in a third step, repeating the second step until all the current distances exceed a common reference distance greater than the individual reference distances.

Abstract: A ranging device includes an array of photon detection devices that receive an optical signal reflected by an object in an image scene and first and second logic devices to respectively combine the outputs of first and second pluralities of the photon detection devices. First and second counter circuits are respectively coupled an output of the first and second logic devices and generate first and second count values respectively by counting the photon detection events generated by the first and second pluralities of photon detection devices. A range estimation circuit estimates the range of the object by estimating the timing of one or more pulses of said optical signal based on the first and second count values.

Abstract: A method for managing a dynamic range of an optical detection device illuminated by a modulated optical radiation, the method including: generating a detection signal from the modulated optical radiation; generating, based on the detection signal, a histogram including a plurality of histogram classes; comparing a chosen maximum value and a value of each histogram class of the plurality of histogram classes; and stopping a generation of the histogram in response to a determination that the value of any one of the plurality of histogram classes is equal to the maximum value.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for measuring an average frequency of an AC signal includes receiving the AC signal, triggering a first counter that is clocked at a first frequency, detecting each zero crossing of the AC signal in a predetermined crossing direction, recording a value of the first counter at each detected zero crossing, incrementing a second counter at each detected zero crossing, and calculating the average frequency of the AC signal based on the first frequency, a last recorded value of the first counter, and a last value of the second counter.

Abstract: A circuit may include an array of single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) cells, each SPAD cell configured to be selectively enabled by an activation signal. The circuit may include a control circuit configured to selectively enable a subset of the array of SPAD cells based on a measured count rate of the array of SPAD cells.

Abstract: A ranging device includes an array of photon detection devices adapted to receive an optical signal reflected by an object in an image scene. First and second logic devices are adapted to respectively combine the outputs of first and second pluralities of the photon detection devices. A first range detection circuit is coupled to outputs of the first and second logic devices and a first counter is coupled to the output of the first logic device and adapted to generate a first pixel value by counting events generated by the first plurality of photon detection devices. A second counter is coupled to the output of the second logic device and is adapted to generate a second pixel value by counting events generated by the second plurality of photon detection devices. The first and second pixel values may be used in estimating a range to the object in the image scene.

Abstract: A method of detecting ambient luminous radiation includes resetting and triggering a counter each time a photodiode illuminated by the ambient luminous radiation reaches a discharge threshold. The counter is then being clocked by a clock signal having a first frequency and delivering a counter output signal. The method further includes generating an AC signal representative of the ambient luminous radiation by converting, from digital to analog, a digital signal obtained from the counter output signal.

Abstract: A method includes preparing a first histogram from the emission of initial optical radiation and including at least one processing iteration performed at a rate of a clock signal having an internal period equal to a sub-multiple of the optical period a sensor signal and a reference signal. Successive iterations of histogram preparation are performed so that in each iteration a time shift of the initial optical radiation is provided by a first fraction of the internal period until at least one portion of the internal period is covered to obtain an additional histogram at the conclusion of each iteration. A numerical combination of the first histogram and additional histograms is performed to obtain a final histogram having a finer time granularity than that of the first histogram.

Abstract: A scanning emitter generates a transmit light signal at a first scan position, and a reflection of that transmit light signal is received at a sensor array including columns, wherein each column includes photosensitive pixels. Each photosensitive pixel in the sensor array generates a photo signal in response reception of the reflection of the transmit light signal. Over an evaluation time and for each individual column in the sensor array, a count is made as to the number of times the photosensitive pixels in the column generate photo signals. A light profile histogram is produced from the column counts. The light profile histogram is then processed to detect an optical misalignment between the scanning emitter and the sensor array.

Abstract: A method is for estimating a distance to an object. The method may include determining, by a ranging device, a first range value based upon a time of flight of first optical pulses having a period of a first duration, and determining, by the ranging device, a second range value based upon a time of flight of second optical pulses having a period of a second duration different from the first duration. The method may include estimating the distance based upon the first and second range values.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a histogram output from a detector sensor, and calculating a median point of a pulse waveform within the histogram. The pulse waveform has an even probability distribution over at least one quantization step of the histogram around the median point. A corresponding apparatus can include a detector sensor and a co-processor coupled to the detector sensor.

Abstract: A method includes preparing a first histogram from the emission of initial optical radiation and including at least one processing iteration performed at a rate of a clock signal having an internal period equal to a sub-multiple of the optical period a sensor signal and a reference signal. Successive iterations of histogram preparation are performed so that in each iteration a time shift of the initial optical radiation is provided by a first fraction of the internal period until at least one portion of the internal period is covered to obtain an additional histogram at the conclusion of each iteration. A numerical combination of the first histogram and additional histograms is performed to obtain a final histogram having a finer time granularity than that of the first histogram.

Abstract: The following steps are performed in connection with a photodiode circuit: a) resetting the photodiode circuit; b) determining when a photodiode voltage changes in response to illumination to reach a threshold; and c) updating a counter in response to the determination in step b). The steps a) to c) are repeated until an end of a measurement period is reached. The value of the counter at the end of the measurement period is then output to indicate an intensity of the illumination.

Abstract: A circuit may include a first circuit configured to generate a voltage signal for generating an optical pulse, the voltage signal being generated based on a phase control signal, and an array of single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) cells configured to detect a phase of the optical pulse. The circuit may include a phase control circuit configured to generate the phase control signal based upon a target phase value and the detected phase of the optical pulse.

Abstract: A Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) is disclosed. The SPAD may include an active region for detection of incident radiation, and a cover configured to shield part of the active region from the incident radiation. An array is also disclosed and includes SPADs arranged in rows and columns. A method for making the SPAD is also disclosed.

Abstract: The following steps are performed in connection with a photodiode circuit: a) resetting the photodiode circuit; b) determining when a photodiode voltage changes in response to illumination to reach a threshold; and c) updating a counter in response to the determination in step b). The steps a) to c) are repeated until an end of a measurement period is reached. The value of the counter at the end of the measurement period is then output to indicate an intensity of the illumination.

Abstract: A method of measuring the phase of a response signal relative to a periodic excitation signal, comprises the steps of producing for each cycle of the response signal two transitions synchronized to a clock and framing a reference point of the cycle; swapping the two transitions to confront them in turns to the cycles of the response signal; measuring the offsets of the confronted transitions relative to the respective reference points of the cycles; performing a delta-sigma modulation of the swapping rate of the two transitions based on the successive offsets; and producing a phase measurement based on the duty cycle of the swapping rate.