Electronic driver for pulse discharge

Abstract

The present application describes a laser driver that may include a voltage source, an inductor, at least one capacitor, a diode laser, and an electronic switch. The switch may be grounded and may be configured to alternate between an on state and an off state. In a first on state, current may flow through the switch to the inductor and through the inductor to store energy in the inductor. In a first off state, the inductor may release the stored energy and allow current to flow to at least one capacitor to charge the at least one capacitor. In a second on state, the at least one capacitor may discharge and allow current to flow through the diode laser to cause the diode laser to emit light energy.

Description

background Technical Field

[0002] Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to laser scanners or other optical devices, and electronic components that generate electrical discharges therein. Background Art

[0004] Automation systems may include mobile and / or fixed robots for performing various tasks of industrial automation. Automation systems may utilize one or more safety sensors or devices to detect, measure, analyze, and process various changes occurring at the production site, such as changes in position, length, height, displacement, and appearance. Safety sensors may include laser scanners used as electronic drivers to provide pulsed discharge. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application describes an electronic laser driver for generating a pulsed discharge. The laser driver may include a voltage source, an inductor, at least one capacitor, a diode laser, and an electronic switch. The inductor may have a first end and a second end and be in electrical communication with the voltage source at the first end of the inductor. The at least one capacitor may have a first end and a second end and be in electrical communication with the second end of the inductor at the first end of the at least one capacitor. The diode laser may have a first end and a second end and be in electrical communication with the second end of the at least one capacitor at the first end of the diode laser. The second end of the diode laser may be in electrical communication with ground. The electronic switch may have a first end connected to a first node disposed between the second end of the inductor and the first end of the at least one capacitor. The switch may be grounded and may be configured to alternate between an on state and an off state. In a first on state, current may flow through the switch to the inductor and through the inductor to store energy in the inductor. In a first off state, the inductor may release the stored energy and allow current to flow to the at least one capacitor to charge the at least one capacitor. In a second on state, the at least one capacitor may discharge and allow current to flow through the diode laser to cause the diode laser to emit light energy.

[0006] A method of emitting pulsed light emissions in a laser scanner is also disclosed. The method may include using a gate controller to cause a switch to enter a first on-state for a first amount of time. The method may also include storing energy in an inductor electrically coupled to a voltage source during the first on-state. The method may also include using the gate controller to cause the switch to enter an off-state for a second amount of time. The method may include releasing energy from the inductor to charge a capacitor during the off-state. The capacitor may have a first end electrically coupled to the inductor and a second end electrically coupled to a laser diode. The method may include using the gate controller to cause the switch to enter a second on-state for a third amount of time. The method may include discharging the capacitor during the second on-state. The method may include using the laser diode to emit light pulses having a defined width. The emission of the light pulses may be based at least in part on the discharge of the capacitor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Certain embodiments may be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like features throughout. These drawings are provided for illustrative purposes, and the embodiments are not limited to the specific implementations shown in the drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 An example implementation of a laser scanner configured to guard against hazardous equipment is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of an example implementation of a laser scanner.

[0010] Figure 3 A schematic diagram is shown of one type of driver that may be used with a laser scanner in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 Shows possible Figure 3 The driver describes some of the features of the example driver.

[0012] Figure 5 Shows possible Figure 3 or Figure 4 Another example driver with some of the features described in the driver.

[0013] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example implementation of a method for operating a laser driver and / or for emitting pulsed light emissions in a laser scanner according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Laser scanners or other systems for sensing the presence of an object and / or for measuring the distance to an object can be used in a variety of applications, such as for guarding hazardous equipment (e.g., industrial machinery), for surveying, for security systems, for robotic vision, robotic guidance or pathfinding, and the like. Figure 1 A laser scanner 100 is shown configured to guard hazardous equipment 102 (e.g., such as industrial machinery). Although various examples related to laser scanners for machine guarding are provided herein, the features and concepts disclosed herein can be applied to various other environments, such as rangefinders, surveying equipment, light curtains, motion detectors, navigation systems, autonomous vehicles, etc.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the laser scanner 100 can emit light pulses and / or receive light reflected from the object 104, and the reflected light can be measured and used to determine the presence of the object 104. In some applications, the laser scanner 100 can send light pulses in multiple directions, so that the direction to the object can be determined. For example, the laser scanner 100 can step (sub-degree increment) light pulses across the angular field of view, such as, in sub-degree increments, although other increments or other configurations can be used depending on the application. The laser scanner 100 can determine the distance to the object 104, such as by determining the flight time of the light traveling to the object and then returning to the laser scanner 100. For example, the distance to the object can be 1 / 2·c·t, where c is the speed of light and t is the flight time. Using the direction and distance information, the position of the object 104 can be determined. Actions can be taken in response to the determination of the position, direction and / or distance of the object. For example, if the object 104 (e.g., a person) enters the threshold distance, the dangerous device 102 can stop, or an alarm or warning can be issued, etc.

[0016] Since light propagates very quickly, the accuracy of the time-of-flight measurement has a significant impact on distance determination. For example, a 1 nanosecond difference in flight time can result in a 150 mm difference in distance. In addition, the resolution of the distance determination can depend on the sampling rate. For example, in some embodiments, a sampling period of 2 nanoseconds (e.g., a sampling frequency of 500 MHz) can result in a native distance resolution increment of approximately 300 mm. Therefore, in this example, the laser scanner will be able to determine the distance to the object in increments of approximately 300 mm. Increasing the sampling rate of the laser scanner 100 can be expensive. Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to upsampling to increase the effective sampling rate of the laser scanner 100, thereby increasing the resolution of the distance determination (e.g., in a cost-effective manner).

[0017] Figure 21 is a block diagram showing components of an example implementation of a laser scanner 100. The laser scanner 100 may have a light emitting system 106, which may be configured to emit light, such as by generating light pulses. The light emitting system 106 may have a laser, such as a pulsed laser configured to output discrete laser pulses. The duration of the light pulse (e.g., laser pulse width) may also affect the resolution of the distance determination. For example, in some cases, if the light pulse is not fast enough, the return on increasing the actual receiver timing resolution (e.g., sampling rate) for increasing the distance resolution may decrease. Faster lasers (e.g., laser pulses that produce shorter pulse widths) are usually expensive. However, some embodiments disclosed herein relate to laser drivers that can provide short pulse widths without the need for high voltage power supplies and / or complex driver circuits. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to ADC-based receiver applications and may involve upsampling while using cost-effective lasers and other components to effectively increase the sampling rate to increase the resolution of distance measurements.

[0018] The laser scanner 100 may have a detection system 108 that may be configured to receive light of laser pulses reflected from the object 104 back to the laser scanner 100. The laser scanner 100 may have a controller 110 that is configured to control the operation of the laser scanner 100 as described herein. The controller 110 may include one or more hardware processors and may execute instructions stored in a computer-readable memory (e.g., in a non-transitory computer-readable medium). The laser scanner 100 may have a machine interface 114 that may output instructions to a corresponding hazardous device 102 (e.g., an industrial machine). For example, if an object (e.g., a person) is detected at a specified location or distance, etc., the laser scanner may stop the machine or move the machine to a safe configuration. Other output signals may also be provided, such as for warnings or alarms or data logging, etc.

[0019] The laser scanner may have an input / output function 112. For example, a user input element (e.g., one or more buttons, dials, switches, microphones, etc.) may be used to receive input from a user. A user output element (e.g., one or more lights, speakers, displays, printers, etc.) may be used to output information to a user. In some cases, user input and output elements may be combined, such as a touch screen display. The input and output elements 112 may be used to configure the laser scanner 100, operate the laser scanner 100, and / or troubleshoot the laser scanner 100. The output element 112 may provide information about the direction, distance, and / or position of an object. For example, the laser scanner 100 may have a plurality of lights that may be selectively lit to indicate the direction of an object. Different colors or values ​​may be output to indicate the distance of the detected object from the scanner 100. The laser scanner 100 may output a first color of light (e.g., green) for a safe condition (e.g., determining that no object is in a dangerous position or range), and may output a second color of light (e.g., red) for a dangerous condition (e.g., determining that an object is in a dangerous position or range). Alternatives to the above features of the laser scanner 100 as well as other features may be used for specific tasks. In addition, different types of electronic drivers may be used with the laser scanner 100 or components thereof.

[0020] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, provided herein are electronic drivers of the type that may be used with an optical device (eg, laser scanner 100) and that are configured to provide a pulsed discharge. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a driver 200 that can be used in the laser scanner 100 described above is shown. The driver 200 may include one or more components, such as a voltage source 204, a magnetic field energy storage 208, an electric field energy storage 212, a laser diode 216, a switch 220, and / or a gating controller 224. As shown, the voltage source 204 (e.g., a battery) can be directly electrically coupled to ground. In some embodiments, the voltage source 204 is coupled to ground via a node disposed between the voltage source 204 and the magnetic field energy storage 208.

[0021] The magnetic field energy storage 208 may include any electronic component configured to store energy of a magnetic field, such as, for example, an inductor. The electric field energy storage 212 may include any electronic component configured to store energy of an electric field, such as, for example, a capacitor.

[0022] A first end of the electric field energy storage 212 may be in electrical communication with a second end of the magnetic field energy storage 208. A laser diode 216 may be in electrical communication at a first end thereof with a second end of the electric field energy storage 212. A second end of the laser diode 216 may be grounded.

[0023] The node may be disposed between the second end of the magnetic field energy storage 208 and the first end of the electric field energy storage 212. The first end of the switch 220 may be electrically connected to the node, and the second end of the switch may be grounded. The controller 224 may be electrically connected to the third end of the switch 220. Figure 3 Some configurations of the example drive 200 are shown in .

[0024] Figure 4 Shows possible Figure 3 An example driver 300 of some of the functions described in the driver 200. The driver 300 may include a voltage source 304, an inductor 308, a capacitor 312, a laser diode 316, a switch 320, and / or a gating controller 324. Other components, such as those described below, may be included. As shown, the voltage source 304 may be electrically coupled to ground and the inductor 308. In some embodiments, the voltage source 304 is connected to a node connected to both the ground and the inductor 308. The voltage source 304 may provide a voltage between about 2V and about 24V, and in some embodiments provides about 5V. The node may be electrically connected to a first end of the inductor 308 and / or to a capacitor 332 (see below). The second end of the inductor 308 may be electrically connected to a first end of an electronic choke 328. The inductor 308 may have an inductance between about 10μH and about 1000μH, and in some embodiments is about 100μH.

[0025] The electronic choke 328 can be configured to reduce noise at a specific frequency range, such as at high frequencies. The electronic choke 328 can include, for example, a ferrite bead. The first end of the capacitor 312 can be electrically connected to the second end of the electronic choke 328. The electronic choke 328 can have an impedance between about 20 mΩ and about 1000 Ω at a frequency of 100 MHz, and in some embodiments, the resistance (e.g., DC resistance) is about 500 mΩ. In some embodiments, the impedance is low enough to prevent a significant voltage drop relative to the power supply voltage. Although Figure 4 31 , but some embodiments do not include the electronic choke 328. As with other elements described herein, the capacitor 312 can include multiple electrical components, such as multiple capacitors arranged in parallel with each other. The laser diode 316 can be in electrical communication at its first end with the second end of the capacitor 312. As shown, the second end of the laser diode 316 can be grounded.

[0026] In some embodiments, the driver 300 can include a second capacitor 332 having a first end connected to a node disposed between the voltage source 304 and the first end of the inductor 308. The capacitor 332 can have a second end connected to ground. The capacitor 332 can be configured to reduce parasitic impedance of the voltage source 304 (such as between laser pulses), power supply ripple, and / or reduce coupling of switching noise into the system power supply.

[0027] Driver 300 may include a resistor 336 electrically connected to a node between capacitor 312 and laser diode 316. A first end of resistor 336 may be electrically connected to the node. A second end of capacitor 312 and a first end of laser diode 316 may be electrically connected to the node. A first end of diode 340 may be electrically connected to the node. In some embodiments, a second end of one or more of resistor 336, diode 340, and / or laser diode 316 may be grounded. Laser diode 316 may emit visible light, but in some embodiments, it is configured to emit infrared light. Laser diode 316 may be configured to emit light having a wavelength between about 400nm and about 2000nm, and in some embodiments, emit light having a wavelength of about 905nm. Capacitor 312 may have a capacitance between about 50pF and about 2000pF, and in some embodiments, about 300pF. Resistor 336 may have a resistance between about 2Ω and about 200Ω, and in some embodiments, about 20Ω. The resistor 336 can be configured to shape the laser pulse. For example, the resistor 336 can reduce the fall time of the laser pulse.

[0028] Diode 340 may be in electrical communication with the node connecting capacitor 312 and laser diode 316, such as Figure 4 As shown. Diode 340 can be configured to prevent reverse bias that damages the laser diode by supporting, for example, the charging current of capacitor 312 flowing out of inductor 308. In some cases, reverse laser bias may also occur shortly after each laser pulse. For example, diode 340 can include a Schottky diode.

[0029] The switch 320 may be electrically connected to a node disposed between the inductor 308 (and / or the electronic choke 328) and the capacitor 312. A first end of the switch 320 may be electrically connected to the node. A second end of the inductor 308 (and / or the electronic choke 328) may be electrically connected to the node. A first end of the capacitor 312 may be electrically connected to the node. A second end of the switch 320 may be grounded.

[0030] The third end of the switch 320 can be connected to the controller 324. The controller 324 can be configured to control the function of the switch 320. For example, the controller 324 can manage the timing of the switch 320, as described below. Therefore, the laser pulse width can be based at least in part on the switch 320. The voltage source 344 can be connected to the controller 324 and can supply current thereto. For example, the voltage source 344 can provide a voltage between about 4V and about 20V. For example, in some embodiments, the voltage source 344 can provide a voltage of about 16V, but other voltages are also possible. In some embodiments, such as when a specific FET (e.g., a FET including gallium nitride (GaN)) is used, the supplied voltage can be significantly less than about 5V. The FET can include a silicon power MOSFET, which may require a higher voltage. The capacitor 348 can be connected to a node disposed between the voltage source 344 and the controller 324. The capacitor 348 can have a capacitance between about 0.01μF and about 100μF, and in some embodiments is about 0.1μF. The controller 324 may be connected to a laser control system configured to control the pulse length of the laser pulses and / or disable the laser.

[0031] Figure 5 Shows possible Figure 3 The drive 200 and / or about Figure 4Another example driver 300 of some functions described in the driver 300 of FIG. Driver 400 may include a voltage source 404, an inductor 408, a capacitor 412, a laser diode 416, a switch 420, a gating controller 424, a capacitor 432, a resistor 436 and / or a diode 440. Other components may be included, such as those described below. As shown, the voltage source 404 may be electrically coupled to a first node connected to the first end of the capacitor 432 and a second node connecting the parallel branch. The voltage source 404 may provide a voltage between about 2V and about 24V, and in some embodiments, about 5V. The second node may connect multiple branches. The first branch may include an inductor 408. The inductor 408 may have an inductance between about 10μH and about 1000μH, and in some embodiments, about 100μH. The second branch may include one or more electrical components, such as a resistor 458 and / or a diode 462. The diode may be arranged to drive the current away from the resistor 458. Resistor 458 can have a resistance between about 50Ω and about 5000Ω, and in some embodiments about 499Ω. Multiple branches can be arranged in parallel with each other and can be connected at a third node. Resistor 458 and / or diode 462 can be configured to reduce the variation between pulses and / or improve the pulse shape of the laser pulse. For example, resistor 458 can be configured to reduce (e.g., damping) the ringing (ringing) of inductor 408 and / or one or more of capacitors 412, 414 (e.g., after a laser pulse). Additionally or alternatively, diode 462 can be configured to reduce the decay of charging of one or more of capacitors 412, 414.

[0032] The third node may be electrically connected to a first end of an electronic choke 428. The electronic choke 428 may be configured to reduce noise at a specific frequency range, such as at high frequencies. The electronic choke 428 may include, for example, a ferrite bead. The electronic choke 428 may have an impedance between about 20 mΩ and about 1000 Ω at a frequency of about 100 MHz, and in some embodiments, the impedance is about 500 mΩ.

[0033] The fourth node may be electrically connected to the second end of the electronic choke 428. The parallel segment may run between the fourth node and the fifth node. Each segment may include a corresponding capacitor. For example, the first segment may include a first capacitor 412, and the second segment may include a second capacitor 414. One or more of the capacitors 412, 414 may have a total capacitance between about 50 pF and about 2000 pF, and in some embodiments, a total capacitance of about 400 pF. One or more of the capacitors 412, 414 may be configured to reduce their parasitic inductance and / or may reduce the width of the laser pulse.

[0034] A first end of diode 440 may be electrically connected to the fifth node. A second end of diode 440 may be grounded. Diode 440 may be configured to prevent reverse bias that damages the laser diode by supporting, for example, charging current of capacitors 412, 414 flowing from inductor 408. In some cases, reverse laser bias may also occur shortly after each laser pulse. Diode 440 may include a Schottky diode.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the parallel segment can run between the fifth node and the sixth node. Each segment can include a corresponding resistor. For example, the first segment can include a first resistor 452, and the second segment can include a second resistor 454. One or more of the resistors 452, 454 can have a resistance between about 0.5Ω and about 10Ω, and in some embodiments about 3.9Ω. In some embodiments, the resistors 452, 454 are arranged in parallel with each other (e.g., with respect to the path between the voltage source 404 and the laser diode 416). One or more of the resistors 452, 454 can be configured to reduce the fall time of the laser pulse (e.g., when in series with the laser diode 416) and / or reduce their parasitics.

[0036] The driver 400 may include a resistor 436 electrically connected to the sixth node. The sixth node may be connected to a first end of the resistor 436 and a first end of the laser diode 416. The resistor 436 may have a resistance between about 2Ω and about 200Ω, and in some embodiments, about 20Ω. The resistor 436 may be configured to shape the laser pulse. For example, the resistor 436 may reduce the fall time of the laser pulse. In some embodiments, the second end of one or more of the resistor 436 and / or the laser diode 416 may be grounded. The laser diode 416 may emit light (e.g., visible light, infrared light), as described above with respect to the laser diode 316.

[0037] The switch 420 may be electrically connected to a fourth node disposed between the electronic choke 428 and the parallel branch including the capacitor 412. The first end of the switch 420 may be electrically connected to the fourth node. The first end of the capacitor 412 may be electrically connected to the fourth node. The second end of the switch 420 may be grounded.

[0038] The third end of the switch 420 can be connected to a controller 424. The controller 424 can be configured to control the function of the switch 420. For example, the controller 424 can manage the timing of the switch 420, as described below. Therefore, the laser pulse width can be based at least in part on the switch 420. The voltage source 444 can be connected to the controller 424 and can supply current thereto. In some embodiments, the voltage source 444 can supply a voltage of about 15V, but other voltages are also possible. The capacitor 448 can be connected to a node disposed between the voltage source 444 and the controller 424. The capacitor 448 can have a capacitance between about 0.01 μF and about 100 μF, and in some embodiments is about 0.1 μF. The controller 424 can be connected to a laser control system configured to control the pulse length of the laser pulse and / or disable the laser.

[0039] A diagnostic component 466 may additionally or alternatively be connected to the fourth node. The diagnostic component 466 may be configured to provide readouts of the functionality of the switch and / or other diagnostic results (eg, timing, length of various states, current, voltage, etc.).

[0040] To obtain the laser pulses, the electronic switch (e.g., 220, 320, 420) can be configured to alternate between an on state and an off state. The switch can turn the driver to a first on state. In the first on state, a current can flow through the switch and the inductor (e.g., 208, 308, 408) to store energy (e.g., magnetic energy) in the inductor. The switch can remain in the first on state for a first time period between about 1 μs and about 10 μs. In some embodiments, the first time period is about 6 μs.

[0041] After the first on state, the switch can cause the driver to enter a first off state. In the first off state, the inductor can release the stored energy and cause current to flow to at least one capacitor (e.g., 212, 312, 412, 414) to charge the at least one capacitor (e.g., store electrical energy in the at least one capacitor). The first off state can last for a second time period between about 10ns and about 1000ns. In some embodiments, the second time period is about 320ns.

[0042] After the first off state, the switch can move the driver to a second on state. In the second on state, at least one capacitor can discharge and cause current to flow through the diode laser (e.g., 216, 316, 416) to cause the diode laser to emit light energy (e.g., as a light pulse). The second on state can last for a third time period between about 5ns and about 100ns. In some embodiments, the second time period is about 25ns. The 25ns trigger pulse is short enough to avoid generating unnecessary inductor current.

[0043] Figure 6 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example implementation of a method 500 for operating a laser driver and / or for emitting pulsed light emissions in a laser scanner according to the specification herein. Various features disclosed herein are optional and may be omitted. At block 504, the method 500 may include, using a gating controller, causing a switch to enter a first on-state for a first amount of time. At block 504, the method 500 may include storing energy in an inductor electrically coupled to a voltage source during the first on-state.

[0044] At block 508, method 500 may include using the gating controller to cause the switch to enter an off state for a second amount of time. At block 512, method 500 may include releasing energy from the inductor during the off state to charge a capacitor having a first end electrically coupled to the inductor and a second end electrically coupled to the laser diode. At block 516, method 500 may include using the gating controller to cause the switch to enter a second on state for a third amount of time.

[0045] At block 520, method 500 may include discharging the capacitor during the second on-state. Method 500 may include emitting a light pulse having a defined width using a laser diode at block 524. The emission of the light pulse may be based at least in part on the discharge of the capacitor. The light pulse may additionally or alternatively be based at least in part on a third amount of time. The first amount of time may be between about 2 microseconds and 25 microseconds. The second amount of time may be between about 10 ns and 1000 ns. The third amount of time may be between about 2 ns and 200 ns.

[0046] The method 500 may include reducing the ringing of the inductor after the light pulse is emitted by using a resistor in a branch arranged in parallel with the inductor. Additionally or alternatively, the method 500 may include reducing the attenuation associated with the charging of the capacitor by using a diode in the branch. The method 500 may include reducing the parasitic inductance of the inductor using one or more capacitors. The one or more capacitors may include a second capacitor arranged in parallel with the energy storage capacitor. The method 500 may include reducing the fall time of the laser pulse and / or reducing the parasitic inductance by using at least one resistor arranged in series with the laser diode and the capacitor. The gating controller may be configured to control the length of the first time amount, the second time amount, and / or the third time amount.

[0047] In some embodiments, the methods, techniques, microprocessors and / or controllers described herein are implemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. Special-purpose computing devices can be hardwired to perform these techniques, or special-purpose computing devices can include digital electronic devices that are permanently programmed to perform these techniques, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or special-purpose computing devices can include one or more general-purpose hardware processors that are programmed to perform these techniques according to program instructions in firmware, memory, other storage devices, or a combination thereof. Instructions can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of non-temporary computer-readable storage media. Such special-purpose computing devices can also combine customized hard-wired logic, ASICs or FPGAs with custom programming to complete these techniques. Special-purpose computing devices can be desktop computer systems, server computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices, network devices, or any other devices or combinations of devices that combine hard-wired and / or program logic to implement these techniques.

[0048] The microprocessor or controller described herein can be coordinated by operating system software, such as iOS, Android, ChromeOS, WindowsXP, WindowsVista, Windows7, Windows8, Windows10, WindowsServer, WindowsCE, Unix, Linux, SunOS, Solaris, macOS, BlackberryOS, VxWorks or other compatible operating systems. In other embodiments, the computing device can be controlled by a proprietary operating system. Conventional operating systems control and schedule computer processes for execution, perform memory management, provide file systems, networking, I / O services, and provide user interface functions (such as, graphical user interface ("GUI")), etc.

[0049] The microprocessor and / or controller described herein can use customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and / or program logic that make the microprocessor and / or controller a special-purpose machine to implement the technology described herein. According to one embodiment, in response to executing one or more sequence instructions contained in a memory, a portion of the technology disclosed herein is executed in a controller. Such instructions can be read into the memory from another storage medium (e.g., a storage device). The execution of the instruction sequence contained in the memory causes the processor or controller to perform the process steps described herein. In an alternative embodiment, a hard-wired circuit can be used instead of a software instruction or in combination with a software instruction.

[0050] In addition, the various exemplary logic blocks and modules described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or executed by a machine, such as a processor device, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor device can be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor device can be a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or a combination thereof. The processor device may include a circuit configured to process computer executable instructions. In another embodiment, the processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logical operations without processing computer executable instructions. The processor device can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although this article is mainly described with respect to digital technology, the processor device may also mainly include analog components. For example, some or all of the techniques described herein can be implemented in analog circuits or mixed analog and digital circuits.

[0051] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "include", "comprises", "contains", "has", etc. should be interpreted as inclusive, as opposed to exclusive or exhaustive; that is, with the meaning of "including but not limited to". The words "coupled" or "connected" generally used herein refer to two or more elements that can be directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, when "herein", "above", "below" and words of similar meaning are used in this application, they should refer to the entirety of this application, rather than to any particular part of this application. Where the context permits, the words used in the singular or plural in the specific embodiments may also include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" referring to a list of two or more items is intended to cover all the following interpretations of the wording: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list. All numerical values ​​provided herein are intended to include similar values ​​within the range of measurement error.

[0052] Although the present disclosure includes certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, although various variations of the embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be performed and that they still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or substituted with each other to form a variation pattern of the embodiments. Any method disclosed herein does not need to be performed in the order described. Therefore, it is intended that the scope is not limited by the above-mentioned specific embodiments.

[0053] Unless otherwise specifically stated, or otherwise understood in the context in which it is used, conditional language (such as, in particular, "may," "could," "might," or "might") is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way necessary for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include instructions for determining whether such features, elements, and / or steps are included or will be performed in any particular embodiment with or without user input or prompting. Any headings used herein are provided for the convenience of the reader only and are not meant to limit the scope.

[0054] In addition, although the devices, systems, and methods described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific forms or methods disclosed, but rather, the present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments described. In addition, any specific functions, aspects, methods, characteristics, features, qualities, attributes, elements, etc., disclosed herein in connection with an implementation or embodiment may be used in all other implementations or embodiments set forth herein. Any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the order described. The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, these methods may also include any third party's instructions to these actions, whether express or implied.

[0055] The ranges disclosed herein also include any and all overlaps, subranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as "up to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," "between," and the like includes the numbers recorded. Numbers preceded by terms such as "about" or "approximately" include the numbers recorded and should be interpreted as appropriate (e.g., as accurately as reasonably possible under the circumstances, e.g., ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, "about 3.5 mm" includes "3.5 mm." Phrases preceded by terms such as "substantially" include the phrases recorded and should be interpreted as appropriate (e.g., as accurately as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, "substantially constant" includes "constant." Unless otherwise noted, all measurements are made under standard conditions, including ambient temperature and pressure.

Claims

1. An electronic laser driver for generating a pulse discharge, the laser driver comprising: Voltage source; an inductor having a first end and a second end, the inductor being in electrical communication with the voltage source at the first end of the inductor; a first capacitor having a first end and a second end, the first capacitor being in electrical communication with the second end of the inductor at the first end of the first capacitor; a laser diode having a first end and a second end, the laser diode being in electrical communication with the second end of the first capacitor at the first end of the laser diode and the second end of the laser diode being in electrical communication with ground; and an electronic switch having a first end connected to a first node disposed between a second end of the inductor and a first end of the first capacitor, wherein the electronic switch is configured to alternate between an on state and an off state, wherein: In a first on-state, current flows through the electronic switch and the inductor to store energy in the inductor; In a first off state, the inductor releases stored energy and current flows to the first capacitor to charge the first capacitor; and In a second on-state, the first capacitor is discharged and current flows to the laser diode to cause the laser diode to emit light energy, wherein: The laser driver further comprises: a second capacitor having: i) a first end connected to a second node disposed between the voltage source and the first end of the inductor; and ii) a second end connected to ground; a first resistor having a first end in electrical communication with a third node disposed between the second end of the first capacitor and the first end of the laser diode; and The third capacitor, where Each of the first capacitor and the third capacitor is arranged in parallel with each other between the first node and a fourth node and is in electrical communication with the laser diode at the fourth node. 2 . The laser driver according to claim 1 , further comprising a diode having a first end connected to a fifth node disposed between the second end of the first capacitor and the first end of the laser diode.

3. The laser driver according to claim 2, wherein: The diode comprises a Schottky diode.

4. The laser driver according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of resistors, the plurality of resistors being arranged in parallel with each other between a sixth node and a seventh node, the sixth node being provided between the second end of the first capacitor and the plurality of resistors, and the seventh node being provided between the first end of the laser diode and the plurality of resistors.

5. The laser driver of claim 1 , further comprising an electrical combination arranged in parallel with the inductor between an eighth node and a ninth node, the eighth node being disposed between the voltage source and the inductor, the ninth node being disposed between the first capacitor and the inductor.

6. The laser driver according to claim 5, wherein: The electrical combination comprises: a second resistor configured to reduce ringing of the inductor; and A second diode is configured to reduce attenuation associated with charging of the first capacitor.

7. The laser driver according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The electronic switch is configured to be in the first on-state for between approximately 1 microsecond and 10 microseconds.

8. The laser driver according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic switch is configured to be in an off state for between approximately 10 ns and 1000 ns.

9. The laser driver according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic switch is configured to be in the second on-state for between about 5 ns and 100 ns.

10. The laser driver according to claim 1, wherein: The laser driver is configured to cause the laser diode to emit light pulses having a width less than 50 ns.

11. The laser driver of claim 1, further comprising a gate controller, wherein the gate controller is electrically connected to the second terminal of the electronic switch, and the third terminal of the electronic switch is electrically connected to ground.

12. The laser driver according to claim 11, wherein: The gating controller is configured to control when the electronic switch enters the first on-state, the off-state, and the second on-state.

13. A method of emitting pulsed light emissions in a laser scanner, the method using a laser driver according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the method comprising the steps of: using a gating controller of the laser driver to cause the electronic switch to enter the first on-state for a first amount of time; storing energy in the inductor electrically coupled to the voltage source during the first on-state; using the gating controller to cause the electronic switch to enter the first off-state for a second amount of time; releasing energy from the inductor during the first off state to charge the first capacitor, the first capacitor having a first end electrically coupled to the inductor and a second end electrically coupled to the laser diode; using the gating controller to cause the electronic switch to enter the second on-state for a third amount of time; discharging the first capacitor during the second on-state; as well as Light pulses having a defined width are emitted using the laser diode, wherein the emission of the light pulses is based at least in part on the discharge of the first capacitor.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The light pulse is based at least in part on the third amount of time.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The first amount of time is between approximately 2 microseconds and 25 microseconds.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The second amount of time is between approximately 10 ns and 1000 ns.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The third amount of time is between approximately 2 ns and 200 ns.

18. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of: Ringing of the inductor after emission of the light pulse is reduced by using a resistor in a branch arranged in parallel with the inductor.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the steps of: The attenuation associated with charging of the first capacitor is reduced by using a diode in the branch.

20. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of: One or more capacitors including the first capacitor are used to reduce the effects of parasitic inductance of the energy storage capacitor.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The one or more capacitors include a second capacitor arranged in parallel with the first capacitor.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The step of reducing the effects of the parasitic inductance comprises the step of using at least one resistor arranged in series with the laser diode and the one or more capacitors.

23. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The gate controller is configured to control the length of the first amount of time, the second amount of time, and / or the third amount of time.

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