Development of a novel time-of-flight laser rangefinder for opto-mechatronic applications

Morgan, Michael (2020) Development of a novel time-of-flight laser rangefinder for opto-mechatronic applications. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (3MB)

Abstract

A Laser rangefinder is an opto-electric device used to determine the distance between two objects. There are many applications for laser rangefinders in industries such as unmanned vehicles, defence sectors, scientific exploration, and outdoor sporting activities. In this work a novel time-of-flight laser rangefinder was designed to deliver range information while meeting size weight and power constraints. The laser rangefinder consists of three main systems, optical, electrical, and mechanical. The optical system consists of collimating transmitting optics and a focusing mirror for receiving optics. The electrical system is comprised of a pulsing circuit providing a narrow pulse with high peak current, a receiving circuit for identifying the return signal, and an FPGA controller for triggering the pulse and calculating distance. The mechanical system is made up of the housing of the laser rangefinder which ensures concentricity and spacing of the optical system.

Actions (login required)

View Item