Automotive LIDAR Technology

LIDAR is an optical analog of radar providing high spatial-resolution range information. It is an essential part of the sensor suite for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and ultimately, autonomous vehicles. Many competing LIDAR designs are being developed by established companies and startup ventures. Although there are no standards, performance and cost expectations for automotive LIDAR are consistent across the automotive industry. Why are there so many different competing designs? We can look at the system requirements and organize the design options around a few key technologies.