Calculators » FMCW LiDAR Range Calculator | Beat Frequency & Chirp Formula

FMCW LiDAR Range Calculator | Beat Frequency & Chirp Formula

This document explains how to calculate the distance to a target using FMCW LiDAR technology based on the beat frequency generated by the reflected signal. It provides the relevant equation and a calculator for determining distance.

FMCW LiDAR Distance Calculator-1

Use the calculator to determine FMCW LiDAR distance based on beat frequency, sweep time and bandwidth.

Example:

Input:

Beat Frequency (MHz): 10
Chirp Slope (MHz/μs): 20

Output:

FMCW Range in meters: 75

Constants:

Speed of Light (c): 3 x 10^8 m/s

FMCW LiDAR Distance Formula-1

FMCW LiDAR Distance Formula

FMCW LiDAR Distance Calculator-2

Example:

Input:

Fup = 12 MHz
Fdown = 8 MHz
S = 20 MHz/μs
Waveform Duration (T) = 1550 nm

Output:

FMCW Range in meters: 15
FMCW Velocity in m/s: 7.75 m/s

Constants:

Speed of Light (c): 3 x 10^8 m/s

FMCW LiDAR Distance Formula-2

Advanced FMCW LiDAR Distance & Velocity Formula

Applications/Benefits of FMCW LiDAR

FMCW LiDAR provides high precision range measurements, ideal for autonomous vehicles and robotics.
It can measure both distance and velocity, enabling advanced object tracking and collision avoidance.
FMCW LiDAR is less susceptible to interference from ambient light, improving performance in challenging environments.
The continuous wave nature of FMCW allows for longer detection ranges compared to pulsed LiDAR systems.
FMCW LiDAR can operate at lower power levels, enhancing safety and reducing energy consumption in applications like drones and mobile robots.