How is a signal's Time of Flight related to range measurement?

The Time of Flight (ToF) is fundamentally linked to range measurement because it represents the duration it takes for a signal, such as a radar or lidar pulse, to travel to a target object and return to the source. This principle relies on the fact that the speed of the signal is constant, typically the speed of light or sound, depending on the technology being used. By measuring the time taken for the signal to make this round trip, the distance to the object can be calculated using the simple relationship that distance equals speed multiplied by time.

In practical applications, this means that the longer the time of flight, the farther away the object is. Accurate measurement of the ToF enables precise range determination, which is essential in various fields such as navigation, surveying, and autonomous vehicle operation. Understanding this relationship is crucial for effectively utilizing radar and lidar systems in real-world scenarios.