Advanced Noise and Interference Suppression Techniques for Pulsed Light Detection and Ranging Sensors in Automotive Urban-Driving Applications

Tafaghodi Jami, Sadra; Fotowat-Ahmady, Ali; Yuan, Jie

doi:10.24200/sci.2026.68100.11035

Advanced Noise and Interference Suppression Techniques for Pulsed Light Detection and Ranging Sensors in Automotive Urban-Driving Applications

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Sadra Tafaghodi Jami ¹^{, 2}

Ali Fotowat-Ahmady ¹

Jie Yuan ²

¹ Department of Electrical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

10.24200/sci.2026.68100.11035

Abstract

This paper explores advanced techniques for noise and interference suppression in pulsed light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors, with a focus on automotive urban-driving applications. In complex urban scenarios, LiDAR performance is challenged by strong ambient light, dominated by sunlight, and interference from nearby sensors. To address these issues, circuit- and system-level strategies are developed to enhance photon detection reliability, mitigate background noise, and suppress inter-LiDAR interference while maintaining high timing precision and power efficiency. The proposed methods are evaluated through theoretical analysis, simulations, and experimental measurements using a custom-fabricated single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD)-based sensor chip in 180-nm HV CMOS technology. Results demonstrate significant enhancements in noise and interference resistance, ranging accuracy, and robustness under illumination levels typical of daytime urban environments. The system enables 20-fps depth imaging at distances up to 34 m under 79-klux background illumination, and accurate single-point target detection up to 100 m under 103-klux background illumination. These advances pave the way for reliable and scalable LiDAR systems for autonomous and assisted driving in dynamic urban settings.

Keywords

Pulsed LiDAR

Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD)

Direct Time-of-Flight (d-ToF)

Background Noise Suppression

Inter-LiDAR Interference

Automotive

Urban Driving

Subjects