Scanning LiDARs generate an immense amount of raw digital data which must be processed as quickly as possible in order to generate 3D imagery in real time.  In order to accomplish this task for the next-generation 3-D scanning LiDAR known as the Goddard Reconfigurable Solid-state Scanning LiDAR (GRISSLi), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has developed a FPGA module capable of processing an arbitrary number of waveforms rapidly and in parallel.  This innovation enables a high-resolution 200 KHz time-of-flight solution, allows a system to process an almost limitless number of received laser pulses for LiDAR applications in real time, and is limited only by available FPGA resources.

The developed FPGA modules discern time-of-flight of laser pulses for LiDAR applications through the correlation of a Gaussian pulse with a discretely sampled waveform from the LiDAR receiver.  For GRSSLi, up to eight cross-correlation engines were instantiated within a FPGA to process the discretely sampled transmit, receive pulses from the LiDAR receiver, and ultimately measure the time-of-flight of laser pulses at 20-picosecond resolution.  Engine number is limited only by the resources within the FPGA fabric, and is configurable with a constant.  Thus, potential time-of-flight measurement rates could go well beyond the 200-KHz mark required by GRSSLi. Additionally, the engines have been designed in an extremely efficient manner and utilize the least amount of FPGA resources possible.

To express interest in this opportunity, please submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) by visiting https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/GSC-TOPS-173

If you have any questions, please contact NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Technology Transfer Office at [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at https://technology.nasa.gov/

These responses are provided to members of NASA's Technology Transfer Program for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities.  No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice.