A Sampling-Based Pulsewidth-Compensated Timing Method Independent of Distance and Reflectivity for LiDAR Application

LiDAR with a high-ranging accuracy and large detection range serves as a critical component in the field of optical measurement. In this paper, we specifically propose a sampling-based pulse width compensated timing method for LiDAR ranging, which reveals the pulse width compensation value independent of distance and reflectivity. Characteristics of echo signals are analyzed to set up the relationship among the pulse width, compensation value, and time of flight. The implementation procedure of the timing method is described in detail, and ranging parameter calibration and experiments are carried out. Distance measurement precision and accuracy within 5cm are consistently achieved across target boards with reflectivity of 10% and 90% over ranges from 1m to 50m. Eventually, a MEMS-based single-beam LiDAR system works to verify the ranging ability, and the experimental results show that the sampling-based pulse width compensated timing method provides a promising potential for LiDAR large dynamic ranging.