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Picture Source: https://reurl.cc/Nq5jn5
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WHAT IS “LiDAR”
“Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), also called laser scanning or 3D scanning, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth.
It’s widely implemented in industries such as automotive (e.g. automatic transfer vehicles (AGV)), infrastructure, robotics, trucking, UAV/drones, industrial, mapping, renewable energies, and more.
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), a system with functions for automatic braking and lane keeping safeguarding both driver and pedestrian. Nowadays ADAS has integrated cameras and millimeter-wave radars, however, to elevate to another level of safety, LiDAR technology is indispensable to realizing advanced automatic driving systems. Let’s see what difference LiDAR makes for Autonomous Vehicles. LiDAR provides a longer-range alternative to still image and video cameras, which aren’t as effective in poor atmospheric conditions like rain and fog. Vehicles fitted with LiDAR systems collect data such as road markings, traffic signs, pedestrians, road obstructions, and other vehicles. LiDAR is typically used with vision-based systems for fully autonomous (Level 5) vehicles.
The following graphic shows the bonding power when LiDAR, cameras, and radar technologies are woven together.
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Source: Analog Devices Inc
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HOW TO ACHIEVE THE RIGHT LiDAR THERMAL SOLUTION
In order to provide optimal thermal management of LiDAR devices, we need to take into consideration of Size, power consumption, operating, and ambient conditions. Our approach involves six steps
1. Identify the device’s ambient conditions and determine the maximum operating temperature.
2. Evaluate the thermal characteristics and identify the areas where most heat is generated; typically, the laser emitter and electronics are the main heat sources.
3. Select the most effective thermal solution, it can be a passive solution like heat sinks, or an active one such as an or liquid cooling.
4. Design with considerations of form, mounting needs, reliability, and durability when designing a device solution. Avoid interfering with device operation and handle various ambient conditions.
5. Test the device to ensure the stable device temperature within the required operating range, even in extreme conditions.
6. Monitor the Lidar device temperature when operating to ensure functional thermal management and prevent potential harm to the device.
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THERMAL SOLUTION FOR APPLICATION OF LiDAR
The power consumption of LiDAR is relatively low and sometimes can dissipate heat through natural convection or through thermal modules. However, the applications it adopted require more sophisticated thermal management. see the following examples.
1. Heat sinks are passive thermal solutions that add more fins or combine other structures to increase the device’s surface area, allowing for more efficient heat dissipation. Forged heat sinks are widely adapted for ADAS systems for autonomous vehicles which implement LiDAR technology to collect data such as road markings, traffic signs, pedestrians, road obstructions, and other vehicles.
➡See our comprehensive heat sink processes
2. Fans are active thermal solutions that use fans to increase the Lidar device’s airflow, helping dissipate heat more quickly. The robot vacuum cleaner uses LiDAR for navigation and obstacle avoidance, and a frameless fan is a suitable solution for this application. Those LiDAR applications in outdoor environments (Autonomous vehicles and renewables) require active cooling to maximize heat dissipation because when the temperature rises, the wavelength of the laser changes resulting in potential range error. Maintaining operating temperature within the LiDAR system limitation ensures its peak performance.
➡ Find the right fan for your project.
3. Liquid cooling adopts liquid coolant to absorb heat from the Lidar device and carry it away to a heat exchanger, where it can be dissipated into the surrounding environment.
Renewable energies like solar panels utilize LiDAR to optimize solar panel positioning and liquid cooling is an efficient solution for solar panels.
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We are a team of experienced professionals and can provide heat dissipation solutions from the beginning of the design of LiDAR thermal solution to the completed thermal module to assist our customers. We welcome you to discuss your development with us.
Zaward provides comprehensive product lines of thermal solutions. From DC/AC fans, and diversified processes of heat sinks, to relative components such as heat pipes, fan guards, and thermal pads. We are always well prepared to solve any cooling issues with our best passion for customers worldwide.
For more product details, please visit our website. Any inquiries about thermal solutions are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact us. Any topics you want to know more about, share your thoughts with us.
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With best regards,
ZAWARD CORPORATION
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Carmen Chen/ Managing Director
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© 2023 ZAWARD CORPORATION.
5F.-4, No.130, Jiankang Rd., Zhonghe Dist., New Taipei City 23585, Taiwan
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