A sensor interface for an autonomous vehicle. The sensor interface generates a plurality of sensor pulses that are each offset in phase relative to a local clock signal by a respective amount. The sensor interface receives sensor data from a sensor apparatus and formats the sensor data based at least in part on the plurality of sensor pulses to enable the sensor data to be used for navigating the autonomous vehicle. For example, the sensor interface may add a timestamp to the sensor data indicating a timing of the sensor data in relation to the local clock signal.