Automotive LiDARs

This chapter briefly explains the background of terrestrial LiDARs, the operating principles of TOF, phase shift and FMCW, work functions of LiDARs in the automotive industry, and the core optical components of VCSELs, EELs, and SPADs with integrated SOC concept. Long‐distance 3D ranging technologies have been explained in terms of sensor fusion that leads to ADAS in the automotive industry. The use of 3D (flash, scan, and MEMS‐based) LiDARs for sensing and communication for IVE, V2X, and so forth, are explained with their novel applications in autonomous vehicles and Automotive Ethernet. Some key aspects and challenges of LiDAR developments are also presented. Lastly, the chapter ends with product examples of some commercially available LiDARs with a brief summary of market projections for the next five years.