Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CoRaLi-DAR (Collaborative Radio - Light Detection And Ranging)
Période du rapport: 2023-01-01 au 2024-06-30
This proposal aims at developing an advanced detection and ranging sensor system based on a collaborative scheme, integrating on the same module both radio and light-based sensing. The module will consist of: a silicon photonics solid-state light detection and ranging (LiDAR) chip with integrated laser source and driver electronics; a CMOS radio detection and ranging (RADAR) chip connected to a single transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) set of antennas; a processing unit (PU) to actively control the two sensors and process the generated data. The LiDAR and RADAR chip will be integrated on the same printed circuit board (PCB) avoiding any use of free space optics. The proposed architecture will allow an active cooperation of the two sensors through an advanced algorithm installed on the PU. With this approach we exploit the LiDAR’s high-resolution capabilities, and the RADAR’s strong reliability in adverse weather conditions; reducing power consumption, packaging size and manufacturing cost compared to the state of the art (SOTA).
The CoRaLi-DAR project has been planned to have three separate phases:
- A definition phase, lasting the first six months;
- A development phase;
- A demonstration phase, lasting the last ten months;
Up to m6 the consortium worked mostly on WP2 related tasks evaluating different applications for the proposed sensor system, referred to as CoRaLi-DAR, and related requirements. The consortium reported its findings in deliverables D2.1. As target application the consortium selected the medium range for automotive. Based on this application the consortium redacted a specification list as deliverable 2.2.
This should have concluded the definition phase. Taking in consideration the comments received in m10 from the reviewers, the consortium started a deeper evaluation into the whole system architecture, especially in the separate LiDAR and RADAR sub-system.
In March 2024 the consortium met for a full day workshop to discuss the final CoRaLi-DAR system architecture. This architecture will be the one used for the final demonstrator. WP7 instead completed its work on the simulator and used this to obtain a detailed set of requirements for each sub-system. D7.1 and 7.3 are to be considered the updated reference for CoRaLi-DAR specifications.
These findings will be reported to the external advisory board (EAB) on the 19th Sep 24 during our first EAB meeting.
The consortium has also worked, in the period from M1 to M18, on developing the first round of LiDAR and RADAR hardware. The development phase is planned to have two runs, the first one dedicated to testing multiple solutions, the second comprising to the most promising one.
WP3, together with WP6, taped-out the first electro-photonic integrated circuit (EPIC) chip in m10. The chip is being fabricated and will be delivered, on-time, in Sep 2024. WP3 has already worked on the development of an OPA testing and characterization setup. WP4 continued its work on laser integration by transfer printing, in parallel to EPIC chip fabrication. WP5 has taped-out their first design for the RADAR circuit. WP6 has worked on the modelling, schematic design and layout of the electronic components of the EPIC-LiDAR chip. Moreover, WP6 was responsible for the top layout and verifications of the LiDAR chip.
The consortium has also focused more attention on dissemination. Results from WP5 and WP3 have been submitted to conferences and accepted for oral/poster. Additionally, we have been selected for publication on a non-peer reviewed journal. WP6 is developing two papers for peer review in high impact journals and international conferences. These papers are expected to be submitted by the end of 2024 / beginning of 2025.
- A definition phase, lasting the first six months;
- A development phase;
- A demonstration phase, lasting the last ten months;
Up to m6 the consortium worked mostly on WP2 related tasks evaluating different applications for the proposed sensor system, referred to as CoRaLi-DAR, and related requirements. The consortium reported its findings in deliverables D2.1. As target application the consortium selected the medium range for automotive. Based on this application the consortium redacted a specification list as deliverable 2.2.
This should have concluded the definition phase. Taking in consideration the comments received in m10 from the reviewers, the consortium started a deeper evaluation into the whole system architecture, especially in the separate LiDAR and RADAR sub-system.
In March 2024 the consortium met for a full day workshop to discuss the final CoRaLi-DAR system architecture. This architecture will be the one used for the final demonstrator. WP7 instead completed its work on the simulator and used this to obtain a detailed set of requirements for each sub-system. D7.1 and 7.3 are to be considered the updated reference for CoRaLi-DAR specifications.
These findings will be reported to the external advisory board (EAB) on the 19th Sep 24 during our first EAB meeting.
The consortium has also worked, in the period from M1 to M18, on developing the first round of LiDAR and RADAR hardware. The development phase is planned to have two runs, the first one dedicated to testing multiple solutions, the second comprising to the most promising one.
WP3, together with WP6, taped-out the first electro-photonic integrated circuit (EPIC) chip in m10. The chip is being fabricated and will be delivered, on-time, in Sep 2024. WP3 has already worked on the development of an OPA testing and characterization setup. WP4 continued its work on laser integration by transfer printing, in parallel to EPIC chip fabrication. WP5 has taped-out their first design for the RADAR circuit. WP6 has worked on the modelling, schematic design and layout of the electronic components of the EPIC-LiDAR chip. Moreover, WP6 was responsible for the top layout and verifications of the LiDAR chip.
The consortium has also focused more attention on dissemination. Results from WP5 and WP3 have been submitted to conferences and accepted for oral/poster. Additionally, we have been selected for publication on a non-peer reviewed journal. WP6 is developing two papers for peer review in high impact journals and international conferences. These papers are expected to be submitted by the end of 2024 / beginning of 2025.
The consortium has worked on the definition of the first LiDAR electro-photonic circuit, RADAR MMIC and assembly strategy. The consortium will work on testing in the second period.