In an optical detection system, a reference waveform can be used for automated analysis of a received waveform. The reference waveform can be adjusted (e.g., distorted) using information about one or more of a receive channel configuration or other aspects of the receive channel signal, facilitating a more effective comparison between a received impulse and the reference waveform. Such a comparison can be used in a time-to-digital conversion (TDC) technique, such as to provide delay values that can then be used to determine a distance between the illuminated target and an optical transceiver. Other techniques can be used to enhance range accuracy or resolution, such as using automated techniques for control of one or more of receive channel gain, summing or averaging (aggregation of received signals), or bias compensation (e.g., DC balancing).