What Makes The 4D Lidar Unique?
Aeva’s 4D-LIDAR technology, which is a light detection and ranging system, is designed to measure the distance to a target using a combination of laser light and a reflective material. This new sensing technology takes this concept to a new level. Besides being able to measure the distance to objects, it also plots their velocity in z, x, and y coordinates. The sensor can identify objects moving away from it, as well as those moving towards, away from, and stationary. It can also illuminate two million points in a second and has a maximum range of 300 meters.
This technology is ideal for autonomous cars. It can also be used in autonomous drones, as it can recognize the target’s motion and prevent it from getting hit by objects. Its high performance could be useful in military applications. It is clear that the 4D lidar technology is one of a kind and is different from what the previous technologies have got in place. Below is a breakdown of what makes the technology stand out from the rest:
It Is Designed For Versatility
The 4D Lidar is 75% smaller than the previous model, which allows it to provide a wide range of sensor integration solutions in both automotive and non-vehicle applications. Its flexible software design allows for the creation of multiple sensing patterns and the optimal performance in various autonomous driving and mobility applications.
Highly Reliable
The 4D Lidar is built with robust automotive-grade ratings to ensure its performance in various environmental conditions. Its robust IP67 and IK07 impact ratings are also designed to protect the sensor from water, dust, and other particles. It is additionally designed to meet the requirements of ISO 16750 to ensure its durability.
LiDAR-on-Chip Technology
The 4D Lidar is built with a unique design that eliminates the need for fiber optics by placing all of its components on a single chip. This eliminates the need for multiple components and allows Aeva to scale production to meet the needs of various autonomous driving and mobility applications. This feature, which is unique to the company’s FMCW 4D technology, allows the manufacturing process to be automated.
Ultra-Long-Range Performance with Instant Velocity Detection
The 4D Lidar is equipped with Aeva’s FMCW4D technology, which allows it to directly measure the velocity of each point in a centimeter. This feature, along with its precise 3D position, delivers performance that is ideal for industrial and vehicle automation. It can operate at up to 500 meters in a field of view and has a maximum raw point rate of four million per second. These features allow it to provide high-speed and accurate sensing in various conditions.
The 4D Lidar also eliminates the ghosting and retroreflector effect from the reflective markers on road markings and street signs, which can degrade the performance of older generation sensors. This feature allows the device to perform well in complex environments where the presence of dust, snow, and other airborne particles can affect the sensor’s performance.
This feature also eliminates the interference from other sensors, such as those from Aeva, which can affect the performance of the device when operating near vehicles equipped with LIDAR. Its ability to operate in a wide field of view and avoid getting hit by the sun allows it to provide clear perception when in operation near other vehicles.
Enhanced Resolution
The 4D Lidar’s image segmentation feature allows it to provide a real-time image of the world with up to 1,000 lines per frame, which is 20 times better than the previous generation of LIDAR sensors. It can also detect various road hazards such as tire fragments and road markings. The 4D Lidar’s instant velocity data can be used to track and detect moving objects, such as oncoming vehicles. This feature allows it to provide high confidence in its performance.
4D Localization
The 4D Lidar’s per point velocity data allows it to provide a real-time vehicle motion estimation, which is ideal for developing autonomous driving applications. It can also be used to provide a variety of motion compensation and calibration features, such as on-line sensor calibration. These features allow the device to perform well in challenging environments, which can prevent the need for additional sensors.