Comparison of TOF, FMCW and Phase-Shift Laser Range-Finding Methods by Simulation and Measurement

Abstract

Since 1970s the use of laser based range-finders has become a necessary part of many military and domestic systems. According to the needs and the circumstances, many different types of such systems have been developed and their technologies are adapted to the local needs. Distance or displacement measurement in the medium range is mainly divided to three groups; time of flight, frequency modulation continuous wave, and phase-shift laser range finder. In this paper we present the design, implementation and/or simulation of three such systems and compare their characteristics.

Keywords

• time-of-flight
• laser range finder
• fmcw-like distance measuring system
• phase shift
• heterodyne technique