Abstract: An imaging device may include single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). To improve the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the SPADs, photon detection efficiency (PDE) may be increased. However increased photon detection efficiency may result in a decreased saturation rate and lower than desired dynamic range. To increase the dynamic range, a SPAD-based semiconductor device may operate with multiple sub-exposures. During the first sub-exposure, an over-bias voltage may be set to a first voltage level so that the SPADs have a first photon detection efficiency. During the second sub-exposure, the over-bias voltage may be set to a second voltage level so that the SPADs have a second photon detection efficiency that is different than the first photon detection efficiency. Image data from the first and second sub-exposures may then be combined into a single high dynamic range depth map.

Abstract: An imaging device may include single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). To improve the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the SPADs, photon detection efficiency (PDE) may be increased. However increased photon detection efficiency may result in a decreased saturation rate and lower than desired dynamic range. To increase the dynamic range, a SPAD-based semiconductor device may operate with multiple sub-exposures. During the first sub-exposure, an over-bias voltage may be set to a first voltage level so that the SPADs have a first photon detection efficiency. During the second sub-exposure, the over-bias voltage may be set to a second voltage level so that the SPADs have a second photon detection efficiency that is different than the first photon detection efficiency. Image data from the first and second sub-exposures may then be combined into a single high dynamic range depth map.

Abstract: An imaging device may include single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). To improve the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the SPADs, photon detection efficiency (PDE) may be increased. However increased photon detection efficiency may result in a decreased saturation rate and lower than desired dynamic range. To increase the dynamic range, a SPAD-based semiconductor device may operate with multiple sub-exposures. During the first sub-exposure, an over-bias voltage may be set to a first voltage level so that the SPADs have a first photon detection efficiency. During the second sub-exposure, the over-bias voltage may be set to a second voltage level so that the SPADs have a second photon detection efficiency that is different than the first photon detection efficiency. Image data from the first and second sub-exposures may then be combined into a single high dynamic range depth map.

Abstract: An imaging system may include a silicon photomultiplier with single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). The imaging system may be a LIDAR imaging system with LIDAR processing circuitry. To reduce memory requirements in the LIDAR processing circuitry, a dynamic resolution storage scheme may be used. The LIDAR processing circuitry may include autonomous dynamic resolution circuitry that receives input from a time-to-digital converter (TDC). The autonomous dynamic resolution circuitry may include a plurality of memory banks having different resolutions. Based on the magnitude of the input from the TDC, an appropriate memory bank may be selected. In parallel, an address encoder may select a memory bin based on the input from the TDC.

Abstract: An imaging device may include single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). To improve the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the SPADs, photon detection efficiency (PDE) may be increased. However increased photon detection efficiency may result in a decreased saturation rate and lower than desired dynamic range. To increase the dynamic range, a SPAD-based semiconductor device may operate with multiple sub-exposures. During the first sub-exposure, an over-bias voltage may be set to a first voltage level so that the SPADs have a first photon detection efficiency. During the second sub-exposure, the over-bias voltage may be set to a second voltage level so that the SPADs have a second photon detection efficiency that is different than the first photon detection efficiency. Image data from the first and second sub-exposures may then be combined into a single high dynamic range depth map.

Abstract: A coincidence resolving time readout circuit is described. An analog SiPM sensor for detecting photons and generating an SIPM output signal is provided. An ADC is configured to provide multiple threshold values for converting the analogue SiPM output signal to digital values. A time to digital converter configured to receive multiple digital values from the ADC and timestamp the digital values.

Abstract: A LiDAR readout circuit is described. The readout circuit comprises an SiPM sensor for detecting photons and generating an SIPM analog output signal. A plurality of comparators are provided each having an associated threshold value and being configured to compare the SiPM analog output signal with their associated threshold value and generate a comparison signal. A time to digital converter is configured to receive the comparison signals from the plurality of comparators.

Abstract: A LiDAR apparatus comprising a laser source for emitting laser pulses. An SiPM detector is provided for detecting reflected photons. Optics and an aperture stop is provide. The aperture stop is provided intermediate the SiPM detector and the optics for limiting an angle of view of the SiPM detector.

Abstract: A LiDAR readout circuit is described. The readout circuit comprises an SiPM sensor for detecting photons and generating an SIPM analog output signal. A plurality of comparators are provided each having an associated threshold value and being configured to compare the SiPM analog output signal with their associated threshold value and generate a comparison signal. A time to digital converter is configured to receive the comparison signals from the plurality of comparators.

Abstract: A coincidence resolving time readout circuit is described. An analog SiPM sensor for detecting photons and generating an SIPM output signal is provided. An ADC is configured to provide multiple threshold values for converting the analogue SiPM output signal to digital values. A time to digital converter configured to receive multiple digital values from the ADC and timestamp the digital values.

Abstract: A LiDAR apparatus comprising a laser source for emitting laser pulses. An SiPM detector is provided for detecting reflected photons. Optics and an aperture stop is provide. The aperture stop is provided intermediate the SiPM detector and the optics for limiting an angle of view of the SiPM detector.

Abstract: A LiDAR apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises an eye safe laser source for emitting laser pulses. An SiPM detector is provided for detected reflected photons; and optics are also provided. The eye-safe laser source is configured such that the emitted laser pulses have a width which are selectively matched to a desired range accuracy.

Abstract: A LiDAR apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises an eye safe laser source for emitting laser pulses. An SiPM detector is provided for detected reflected photons; and optics are also provided. The eye-safe laser source is configured such that the emitted laser pulses have a width which are selectively matched to a desired range accuracy.

Abstract: A LiDAR apparatus comprising a laser source for emitting laser pulses. An SiPM detector is provided for detecting reflected photons. Optics and an aperture stop is provide. The aperture stop is provided intermediate the SiPM detector and the optics for limiting an angle of view of the SiPM detector.

Abstract: A time to digital converter includes a sample module operable to sample an input signal at multiple different instances of time. A transition detection module, formed of comparison elements, processes the sampled input signal at successive time instances so as to detect transitions in the input signal in terms of time. An output module generates detected transitions in the input signal on multiple parallel outputs.

Abstract: A time to digital converter includes a sample module operable to sample an input signal at multiple different instances of time. A transition detection module, formed of comparison elements, processes the sampled input signal at successive time instances so as to detect transitions in the input signal in terms of time. An output module generates detected transitions in the input signal on multiple parallel outputs.