A 2D-SPAD Array and Read-Out AFE for Next-Generation Solid-State LiDAR

This paper introduces several key RX techniques to realize a 200m-range and low-cost high-pixel-resolution solid-state LiDAR for autonomous self-driving systems. In-Sensor Scanning 2D-SPAD array can remove the mechanical mirror and improve the pixel-resolution by implying short dead time active-quenching SPADs. For ToF calculating SoC, we adopt the world first dual-data converter (DDC) which consolidates the functions of ADC and TDC into a single circuitry, achieving the acquisition of both high-precision time/voltage data from a single input. Such innovations lead us to 200m-range 300×80-pixel solid-state LiDAR RX under 70klux solar radiation.