LiDAR

LiDAR (Light Distancing and Ranging) uses pulsed lasers to rapidly create a three dimensional image or map of a surrounding area. LiDAR technology allows for high accuracy, larger coverage areas, and increased speed and efficiency of data collection. The technology has traditional applications in mapping, coastline management, geological surveys, meteorology, and natural resource exploration.

Today's eGaN^® FET’s ability to switch ten times faster than the aging power MOSFET gives LiDAR systems superior resolution and faster response time. The sharp switching transitions that are possible with eGaN FETs enable greater accuracy. These characteristics enable new and broader applications for LiDAR such as real-time motion detection for video gaming, computers that respond to hand gestures, and fully autonomous vehicles.

Which would you prefer for your autopilot or autonomous car?

Accurately Measuring High Speed GaN Transistors

LiDAR (Light Distancing and Ranging) is used in augmented reality to create a three dimensional image or map of a surrounding area

eGaN FETs enable faster and higher
current laser pulses

Image source: DARPA
Multiple, compact LIDAR systems with no moving parts could be mounted at multiple places on a vehicle

LiDAR Applications

Design Resources

LiDAR Reference Designs

Part Number	Description	V_BUS (max)	V_INPUT (max)	T_Pin (min)	Max Pulse (A)	Featured Product	Schematic	Gerber	Bill of Materials
EPC9126	High Current Pulsed Laser Diode Driver Demo Board	80	5	6 ns	75	EPC2016C				Buy Now
EPC9126HC	High Current Pulsed Laser Diode Driver Demo Board	80	5	6 ns	150	EPC2001C				Buy Now

Recommended Devices for LiDAR Designs

Part Number	Configuration	V_DS	Max R_DS(ON) (mΩ) (V_GS = 5 V)	Q_G typ (nC)	Q_GS typ (nC)	Q_GD typ (nC)	Q_OSS typ (nC)	Max. Peak Pulsed I_D(A) (25°C, Tpulse = 300µs)	Package (mm)	Half-Bridge Development Boards
EPC2040	Single	15	30	0.745	0.23	0.14	0.42	28	BGA 0.85 x 1.2	N/A
EPC2015C	Single	40	4	8.7	2.7	1.2	19	235	LGA 4.1 x 1.6	EPC9201
EPC2049	Single	40	5	6.1	2.1	1.1	13	175	BGA 2.5 x 1.5	N/A
EPC2014C	Single	40	16	2	0.70	0.30	4	60	LGA 1.7 x 1.1	N/A
EPC8004	Single	40	110	0.37	0.120	0.047	0.63	7.5	LGA 2.1 x 0.85	EPC9066
EPC2035	Single	60	45	0.88	0.3	0.2	3	24	BGA 0.9 x 0.9	EPC9049
EPC8009	Single	65	130	0.37	0.120	0.055	0.94	7.5	LGA 2.1 x 0.85	EPC9067
EPC2039	Single	80	25	2.4	0.76	0.42	7.6	50	BGA 1.35 x 1.35	EPC9057
EPC2045	Single	100	7	5.2	1.7	1.1	21	130	BGA 2.5 x 1.5	EPC9078
EPC2001C	Single	100	7	7.5	2.4	1.2	31	150	LGA 4.1 x 1.6	EPC9002C
EPC2016C	Single	100	16	3.4	1.1	0.55	16	75	LGA 2.1 x 1.6	EPC9010C
EPC2007C	Single	100	30	1.6	0.6	0.3	8.3	40	LGA 1.7 x 1.1	N/A
EPC2036	Single	100	65	0.7	0.17	0.14	3.9	18	BGA 0.9 x 0.9	EPC9050
EPC8010	Single	100	160	0.36	0.130	0.060	2.2	7.5	LGA 2.1 x 0.85	EPC9068
EPC2037	Single	100	550	0.115	0.032	0.025	0.6	2.4	BGA 0.9 x 0.9	EPC9051
EPC2038	Single	100	3300	0.044	0.020	0.004	0.134	0.5	BGA 0.9 x 0.9	EPC9507