This thesis is intended to be a first investigation into the design of a laser rangefinding system with sufficient performance to be able to be implemented in aLIDAR system. All parts of the system including the transmitting and receivingcircuitry as well as the optical setup is to be considered. An aim of this project isto use ordinary off-the-shelf components.

A literature study on different laser range finding architectures and existingproducts has been performed, as well as a theoretical analysis of different photodetectors. Eye safety aspects when using lasers have been reviewed, and properprecautions were taken. The chosen circuit topology has been simulated to ensurecorrect operation and to fine tune component values.

A first PCB layout was created and realised, and a second revision was doneto improve discovered shortcomings of the first revision. The performance of thetwo systems has been evaluated experimentally, especially the second revision.

Performance wise, the designed system has been shown to measure distancesof up to 27 m with a standard deviation of 15 cm at an estimated measurementspeed of at least 8 kHz.