Cyclic Memory: An Efficient Alternative to Ping-Pong Buffer for FMCW LiDAR Interleaving/De-Interleaving

Abstract

A ping-pong buffer allows a system to receive a new data block while processing an old data block simultaneously without overwriting the old data block. This idea increases memory data throughput by not halting the pipeline operation. This paper presents a memory read/write algorithm called “Cyclic Memory” as an alternative to the ping-pong buffering algorithm for the data interleaving/de-interleaving process. Unlike to ping-pong buffering algorithm, the cyclic memory algorithm does not require double buffering. This means that cyclic memory cuts memory requirements in half, uses less area, and consumes less power. This paper will discuss the derivation of the algorithm as well as its implementation.