Lifetime improvement of laser diodes in optical drives

Abstract

A reproducing apparatus for reproducing data recorded on an optical record carrier is provided having an improved lifetime of the laser light source used to read the data. The reproducing apparatus includes a laser driver unit that is adapted to drive the light output of the laser light source to change from a reading mode, in which data recorded in the optical disc is being read for being reproduced, into a laser lifetime extension mode when an operation of reading said data is paused. In the laser lifetime extension mode, the laser light source is driven to emit a pulsed light output, therefore, the amount of time in which the laser light source is on without being needed is reduced and the lifetime of the laser light source is improved.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a reproducing device for reproducing data on an optical record carrier having a laser light source for reading recorded data, in particular to a reproducing device having a laser light source with an extended lifetime. Background technique [0002] Optical drives and reproducing devices for optical discs such as CD (Compact Disc) players and DVD players have been widely spread in recent years as household appliances, portable equipment and standard automobile equipment. Therefore, great efforts have been devoted to the development of cost-effective devices with low power consumption and high durability components. [0003] The laser diode used to read the recorded data from the optical disc is one of the most critical components of an optical drive in terms of cost and operating life. In particular, the lifetime of laser diodes is known to decrease with increasing ambient temperature and / or laser drive current. Therefore, eff...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] Therefore, the amount of time that the laser diode can be effectively turned off between read operations is not optimal

[0010] Furthermore, completely stopping the focus and tracking servo loops can be a disadvantage of optical drives implemented in vehicles or portable devices, which are exposed under mechanical disturbances such as rocking or vibration

If such a disturbance occurs when the focus and tracking servos are switched off, the deviation of the copy head from the switched off position will not be corrected quickly

In this case, a full focus and track search sequence may be required, so the amount of time the laser diode is not on for reading data is increased

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