This white paper is aimed at highlighting thermal-driven design challenges for LIDARs as well as impact of vehicle integration strategy on reliability in real-world operation. Underlying thermal issues resemble that in any consumer electronics, however, for LIDARs and other autonomous vehicle sensors unique challenges arise because of much harsher automotive environment and the associated reliability and safety issues with these sensors.

We’ll showcase how Mentor’s EDA-centric electronic cooling simulation software can be exploited by sensor vendors and Auto OEMs alike to account for these challenges. For sake of consciousness, we’ll take a generic solid-state LIDAR example but the challenges highlighted here apply equally to mechanical rotating LIDARs as well. Key takeaway message for readers is that thermally-conscious designs for LIDAR signal processing electronics as well as for their enclosures, while taking into account their vehicle integration locations, is critical to ensure desired size, cost, performance and life goals are met.