LiDAR scanners are critical components in systems for autonomous vehicles as well as adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance systems, traffic sign recognition, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning. None of these systems can function without a key component: their sensors — the "eyes" of the LiDAR system. But there are presently a number of competing sensors with differing capabilities.

This paper reviews the strengths of each LiDAR sensor technology and helps design engineers select the best product for their application. It also provides tips on choosing a sensor supplier with the appropriate experience, customization capabilities, and automotive qualification expertise.