An imager using 2-D single-photon avalanche diode array in 0.18-μm CMOS for automotive LIDAR application

A feasibility imager chip of a 32× 4-pixel array was developed in a 0.18-μm CMOS process for a small size automotive laser imaging detection and ranging. Each pixel consists of 8 single-photon avalanche diodes as a world-first 2-D pixel array with digital output macro pixel architecture which enables laser signal sensing under sunlight noise. Distance measurement results show less than 2.1% nonlinearity and 0.11-m standard deviation up to 20-m distance with 10%-refIective target under the ambient light of 75 klux.