Pulsed light time-of-flight measurement based on a differential hysteresis timing discrimination method

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Signal Processing
• Electronic Circuits

Background:

• Accurate timing point generation is critical for pulsed light time-of-flight (ToF) measurements.
• Existing methods may have limitations in accuracy, component efficiency, or dynamic range.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel differential hysteresis timing discrimination method for receiver channels in ToF systems.
• To improve the stability and accuracy of timing point generation.
• To reduce component count and avoid limiting the dynamic range.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the inherent unbalanced characteristics of a fully differential operational amplifier circuit.
• Introducing additional hysteresis levels to the discrimination process.
• Implementing the method in a receiver channel for pulsed light ToF measurements.

Main Results:

• The proposed method achieves stable timing point generation.
• It consumes fewer circuit components compared to conventional methods.
• The dynamic range of the receiver channel is not restricted by its linear range.
• Experimental results show improved single-shot accuracy over leading-edge timing discrimination.
• The method demonstrates suitability for timing walk error compensation using pulse width.

Conclusions:

• The differential hysteresis timing discrimination method effectively enhances pulsed light ToF measurements.
• It offers superior accuracy, component efficiency, and dynamic range flexibility.
• This technique represents a significant advancement for ToF sensing applications.