An amplitude modulated laser rangefinder : electronic circuit design and implementation

Sammanfattning: This report describes the design and implementation of a prototype for an amplitude modulated laser rangefinder, which is made on a PCB consisting of a laser module emitting light, a photodiode receiving the light reflected from the target, and other components. The design is made for the different power levels, generation of the modulation output and the reception of the signal. The sinusoidal wave is generated with an oscillator circuit and filtered out to produce a pure sine signal. The system requires different voltage levels and current values, which is done with DC-DC converters. Finally, a receiver circuit is implemented to detect the modulation, which needs a device that transfers light energy into voltage. Many tests have been made to optimize the analog circuit for a stable output. The prototype was created as a PCB design with a laser module and a photodiode mounted on it. In the end, satisfactory results were obtained up to the receiving part, however, the prototype was tested with an external circuit for light detection. There is considerable room for improvement, e.g., signal sampling, working receiver and use of standard voltage levels, but this thesis intends to provide a basis for future work.