Laser drive circuit and related apparatus

Abstract

A kind of laser drive circuit and related device, applied to laser radar technical field.The laser drive circuit includes: at least one laser unit, at least one energy storage unit, drive unit, first voltage control unit, second voltage control unit;Wherein, the first end of at least one laser unit is connected with the first end of first voltage control unit, the second end of at least one laser unit is connected with the first end of drive unit, the first end of at least one energy storage unit is connected with the first end of first voltage control unit, the second end of at least one energy storage unit is connected with the first end of second voltage control unit, the second end of first voltage control unit is grounded, the second end of drive unit is grounded, the second end of second voltage control unit is grounded.This laser drive circuit can improve the emission power of laser, and improve the driving efficiency of laser.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lidar technology, and in particular to a laser driving circuit and related devices. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of information technology and computer vision, detection technology has made rapid progress, and various detection devices have brought great convenience to people's lives and travel. Detection devices can be regarded as the "eyes" of the environment, including visual sensors such as cameras and radar sensors such as millimeter-wave radar, lidar, and ultrasonic radar.

[0003] Among them, lidar (light detection and ranging) has the advantages of high resolution, good detection performance, and strong concealment, playing an important role in the process of equipment sensing the environment. It has been widely used, especially in the field of intelligent driving, contributing to the further development of intelligent driving technology. Coherent lidar uses frequency-modulated light as the transmitted signal to detect targets and processes the local oscillation (LO) and return signal of the transmitted signal to obtain relevant target information.

[0004] The driving of the laser is crucial to the detection performance of lidar. Therefore, improving the driving efficiency of the laser to enhance the detection performance of lidar is a hot research topic in the field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a laser driving circuit and related devices, which can improve the driving efficiency of lasers.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a laser driving circuit, the laser driving circuit comprising:

[0007] At least one laser unit, at least one energy storage unit, a drive unit, a first voltage control unit, and a second voltage control unit;

[0008] Wherein, the first end of the at least one laser unit is connected to the first end of the first voltage control unit, the second end of the at least one laser unit is connected to the first end of the driving unit, the first end of the at least one energy storage unit is connected to the first end of the first voltage control unit, the second end of the at least one energy storage unit is connected to the first end of the second voltage control unit, the second end of the first voltage control unit is grounded, the second end of the driving unit is grounded, and the second end of the second voltage control unit is grounded.

[0009] This application provides a laser driving circuit in which at least one laser unit and at least one energy storage unit are connected in parallel. The at least one laser unit can be a single laser, or two or more lasers. The at least one energy storage unit can be a single capacitor, or two or more capacitors; this application does not impose any limitations on this. A first voltage control unit in the laser driving circuit, connected to the at least one laser unit, provides a stable operating voltage to the at least one laser unit, enabling it to emit optical signals. The first voltage control unit, connected to the at least one energy storage unit, provides voltage to the at least one energy storage unit, enabling it to store electrical energy. A second voltage control unit in the laser driving circuit, connected to the at least one energy storage unit, reduces the voltage difference across the at least one energy storage unit, thus changing the amount of electrical energy that the at least one energy storage unit can store.

[0010] The energy storage effect of the energy storage unit in the current laser driving circuit is poor, resulting in low laser emission power. In addition, the feed line in the laser driving circuit is too long, resulting in large power loss and low laser driving efficiency.

[0011] In the laser driving circuit of this application embodiment, the voltage difference across the energy storage unit can be reduced by the second voltage control unit, thereby selecting an energy storage unit with a smaller withstand voltage value. The smaller the withstand voltage value, the larger the maximum selectable capacitance value, which increases the amount of electrical energy that the energy storage unit can store, improves the energy storage effect of the energy storage unit, and increases the emission power of the laser. Furthermore, since the voltage difference across the energy storage unit is reduced, an energy storage unit with a smaller withstand voltage value can be selected. The smaller the withstand voltage value, the smaller the corresponding volume of the energy storage unit, thus allowing for the selection of a smaller volume energy storage unit, reducing the feed line length in the laser driving circuit, reducing power loss, and improving the driving efficiency of the laser.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first voltage control unit is used to provide a first voltage to the at least one energy storage unit, the second voltage control unit is used to control the voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal of the at least one energy storage unit to be less than a first threshold, the at least one energy storage unit is used to power the at least one laser unit, and the driving unit is used to drive the at least one laser unit to emit optical signals.

[0013] In this application embodiment, a possible specific implementation of the function of each component in a laser driving circuit is provided. Specifically, a first voltage control unit provides a first voltage to at least one energy storage unit, enabling the at least one energy storage unit to store electrical energy. Correspondingly, the first voltage control unit also provides a first voltage to at least one laser unit, enabling the at least one laser unit to emit optical signals under a stable first voltage. A second voltage control unit is used to control the voltage difference between the first and second terminals of at least one energy storage unit to be less than a first threshold. This allows for a smaller bias voltage (relative to the first voltage) across the energy storage unit, thus allowing the selection of an energy storage unit with a lower withstand voltage value. Consequently, more electrical energy can be stored, improving the energy storage effect of the energy storage unit and increasing the emission power of the laser. Furthermore, since the bias voltage across the energy storage unit is smaller, an energy storage unit with a lower withstand voltage value can be selected, resulting in a smaller volume of the energy storage unit. This allows for the selection of a smaller energy storage unit, reducing the feed trace length in the laser driving circuit, reducing power loss, and improving the driving efficiency of the laser. Selecting a smaller energy storage unit also allows for the use of a smaller package, improving the integration of the laser driving circuit.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the second voltage control unit includes:

[0015] Second capacitor, second power source;

[0016] Wherein, the first terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the second terminal of the at least one energy storage unit, the second terminal of the second capacitor is grounded, the first terminal of the second power supply is connected to the second terminal of the at least one energy storage unit, and the second terminal of the second power supply is grounded;

[0017] The second power source is used to provide a second voltage to the second capacitor, the second voltage being less than or equal to the first voltage provided by the first voltage control unit.

[0018] In this application embodiment, a possible specific implementation of a second voltage control unit is provided. Specifically, the second voltage control unit includes a second capacitor and a second power supply, which are connected in parallel. By providing a second voltage to the second capacitor through the second power supply, and this second voltage being less than or equal to the aforementioned first voltage, the bias voltage applied across the energy storage unit (relative to the first voltage) can be smaller. This allows for the selection of an energy storage unit with a lower withstand voltage, resulting in the ability to store more electrical energy, improving the energy storage effect of the energy storage unit, and increasing the laser's emission power. Furthermore, since the bias voltage across the energy storage unit is smaller, an energy storage unit with a lower withstand voltage can be selected, resulting in a smaller volume of the energy storage unit. This allows for the selection of a smaller energy storage unit, reducing the length of the feed traces in the laser driving circuit, reducing power loss, and improving the laser's driving efficiency. Selecting a smaller energy storage unit also allows for the use of a smaller package, increasing the integration of the laser driving circuit.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the laser driving circuit further includes:

[0020] At least one switching unit;

[0021] Wherein, the first end of the at least one switching unit is connected to the first end of the first voltage control unit, and the second end of the at least one switching unit is connected to the first end of the at least one laser unit and the first end of the at least one energy storage unit;

[0022] The at least one switching unit controls the first voltage control unit to provide a first voltage to the at least one energy storage unit by turning it on or off.

[0023] In this application embodiment, a possible specific implementation of a laser driving circuit is provided. Specifically, the laser driving circuit further includes at least one switching unit, which controls the first voltage control unit to provide a first voltage to the energy storage unit by turning it on or off. It is understood that the at least one switching unit can be multiple switches, respectively disposed between multiple energy storage units and the first voltage control unit. When the switching unit is on, a path is formed between the first voltage control unit and the energy storage unit, and the first voltage control unit provides the first voltage to the energy storage unit, which is in a charging state. When the switching unit is off, the circuit between the first voltage control unit and the energy storage unit is broken, the first voltage control unit no longer provides voltage to the energy storage unit, and the energy storage unit is in a discharging state.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the drive unit includes:

[0025] drive;

[0026] Wherein, the first end of the driver is connected to the second end of the at least one laser unit, the third end of the driver is connected to the signal amplification unit, and the second end of the driver is grounded;

[0027] The driver is used to drive the at least one laser unit to emit optical signals.

[0028] In this application embodiment, a possible specific implementation of a driving unit is provided. Specifically, the driving unit includes a driver for driving a laser unit to emit optical signals. Optionally, the driver may be a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) driver, a gallium nitride driver, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first voltage control unit includes:

[0030] First power source;

[0031] Wherein, the first end of the first power supply is connected to the first end of the at least one laser unit and the first end of the at least one energy storage unit, and the second end of the first power supply is grounded;

[0032] The first power source is used to provide a first voltage to the at least one energy storage unit.

[0033] In this application embodiment, a possible specific implementation of a first voltage control unit is provided. Specifically, the first voltage control unit includes a first power supply, which provides a first voltage to at least one energy storage unit, enabling the at least one energy storage unit to store electrical energy. Correspondingly, the first power supply also provides a first voltage to at least one laser unit, enabling the at least one laser unit to emit optical signals under a stable first voltage.

[0034] In one possible implementation, during a first time period, the first voltage control unit is used to power the at least one energy storage unit, which is in a charging state; during a second time period, the at least one energy storage unit is used to power the at least one laser unit, which is in a discharging state.

[0035] This application provides a possible specific implementation of the operating state of a laser driving circuit. Specifically, a first voltage control unit initially supplies power to the energy storage unit, at which point the energy storage unit is in a charging state. After continuously supplying power for a period of time, the first voltage control unit stops supplying power to the energy storage unit, and the energy storage unit begins supplying power to the laser unit, at which point the energy storage unit is in a discharging state. Through this embodiment, the energy storage effect of the energy storage unit can be improved, the emission power of the laser can be increased, and the feed line length in the laser driving circuit can be reduced, power loss can be reduced, and the driving efficiency of the laser can be improved.

[0036] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a chip that includes the laser driving circuit described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0037] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a radar or radar system that includes the laser driving circuit described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or includes the chip described in the second aspect.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the radar includes, but is not limited to, lidar.

[0039] In one possible implementation, there may be a smart sensor that integrates multiple sensors. In the case where the smart sensor includes, but is not limited to, laser detection functions, the smart sensor may also be called a radar or radar system.

[0040] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a terminal device that includes the laser driving circuit described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or includes the chip described in the second aspect, or includes the radar or radar system described in the third aspect.

[0041] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle terminal that includes the laser driving circuit described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the chip described in the second aspect, or the radar or radar system described in the third aspect, or the terminal device described in the fourth aspect.

[0042] In this embodiment, the voltage difference across the energy storage unit is reduced by the second voltage control unit, thereby allowing the selection of an energy storage unit with a lower withstand voltage value. The lower the withstand voltage value, the larger the maximum selectable capacitance value, which increases the amount of electrical energy that the energy storage unit can store, improving the energy storage effect and increasing the laser's emission power. Furthermore, since the voltage difference across the energy storage unit is reduced, an energy storage unit with a lower withstand voltage value can be selected. The smaller the withstand voltage value, the smaller the volume of the energy storage unit, allowing for the selection of a smaller volume energy storage unit. This reduces the length of the feed lines in the laser driving circuit, reduces power loss, and improves the laser's driving efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between capacitor value and bias voltage, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a control signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0053] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the various embodiments of this application are consistent and can be mutually referenced, and technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0054] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0055] As described in the background section, improving the driving efficiency of lasers is a hot topic of research for those skilled in the art in order to enable lidar to have better detection performance. However, the energy storage effect of the energy storage unit in the current laser driving circuit is poor, resulting in low laser emission power. Furthermore, the feed lines in the laser driving circuit are too long, resulting in large power loss and low laser driving efficiency.

[0056] In view of this, this application provides a laser driving circuit and related device, which relates to the field of lidar technology, and can improve the emission power of the laser and the driving efficiency of the laser.

[0057] To more clearly describe the solution of this application, the laser driving circuit and related devices provided in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between capacitor value and bias voltage, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, the horizontal axis x represents the bias voltage, and the vertical axis y represents the actual capacitance value, that is, the amount of charge stored under a given potential difference.

[0060] Depend on Figure 1 It can be seen that, under DC bias, the actual capacitance value decreases as the bias voltage increases.

[0061] Furthermore, the higher the voltage rating of a capacitor, the smaller the maximum capacitance value that can be selected; conversely, the lower the voltage rating of a capacitor, the larger the maximum capacitance value that can be selected. A capacitor with a higher voltage rating is also larger in size, while a capacitor with a lower voltage rating is smaller in size.

[0062] For example, for a certain type of packaged capacitor with a withstand voltage of 50V, the highest selectable capacitance value is 1.5nF, and the capacitor is relatively large. For a certain type of packaged capacitor with a withstand voltage of 25V, the highest selectable capacitance value is 220nF, and the capacitor is relatively small.

[0063] Therefore, when the bias voltage is smaller, a capacitor with a smaller voltage rating can be selected, resulting in a larger maximum capacitance value and a smaller capacitor size. Conversely, when the bias voltage is larger, a capacitor with a larger voltage rating can be selected, resulting in a smaller maximum capacitance value and a larger capacitor size.

[0064] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the laser driving circuit includes:

[0066] At least one laser unit 10, at least one energy storage unit 20, a drive unit 30, a first voltage control unit 40, and a second voltage control unit 50.

[0067] Wherein, the first end 101 of the at least one laser unit 10 is connected to the first end 401 of the first voltage control unit 40, the second end 102 of the at least one laser unit 10 is connected to the first end 301 of the driving unit 30, the first end 201 of the at least one energy storage unit 20 is connected to the first end 401 of the first voltage control unit 40, the second end 202 of the at least one energy storage unit 20 is connected to the first end 501 of the second voltage control unit 50, the second end 402 of the first voltage control unit 40 is grounded, the second end 302 of the driving unit 30 is grounded, and the second end 502 of the second voltage control unit 50 is grounded.

[0068] As can be seen, the above-mentioned at least one laser unit and at least one energy storage unit are connected in parallel. The at least one laser unit can be a laser, or two or more lasers, and the at least one energy storage unit can be a capacitor, or two or more capacitors. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0069] The first voltage control unit in the laser driving circuit is connected to at least one laser unit, providing a stable operating voltage to the at least one laser unit, enabling the at least one laser unit to emit optical signals. The first voltage control unit is also connected to at least one energy storage unit, providing voltage to the at least one energy storage unit, enabling the at least one energy storage unit to store electrical energy.

[0070] The second voltage control unit in the laser driving circuit can reduce the voltage difference across at least one energy storage unit by connecting to it. This allows the selection of an energy storage unit with a lower withstand voltage value. The lower the withstand voltage value, the larger the maximum selectable capacitance value, which increases the amount of electrical energy that at least one energy storage unit can store. The lower the withstand voltage value, the smaller the volume of the energy storage unit, which also reduces the volume of at least one energy storage unit.

[0071] The energy storage effect of the energy storage unit in the current laser driving circuit is poor, resulting in low laser emission power. In addition, the feed line in the laser driving circuit is too long, resulting in large power loss and low laser driving efficiency.

[0072] In the laser driving circuit of this application embodiment, the voltage difference across the energy storage unit can be reduced by the second voltage control unit, thereby selecting an energy storage unit with a smaller withstand voltage value. The smaller the withstand voltage value, the larger the maximum selectable capacitance value, which increases the amount of electrical energy that the energy storage unit can store, improves the energy storage effect of the energy storage unit, and increases the emission power of the laser. Furthermore, since the voltage difference across the energy storage unit is reduced, an energy storage unit with a smaller withstand voltage value can be selected. The smaller the withstand voltage value, the smaller the corresponding volume of the energy storage unit, thus allowing for the selection of a smaller volume energy storage unit, reducing the feed line length in the laser driving circuit, reducing power loss, and improving the driving efficiency of the laser.

[0073] Optionally, the laser unit mentioned above can be a laser, and the energy storage unit mentioned above can be a capacitor, which will not be elaborated further below.

[0074] Furthermore, the specific functions performed by each component in the aforementioned laser driving circuit can be summarized as follows:

[0075] The first voltage control unit 40 is used to provide a first voltage to the at least one energy storage unit 20, the second voltage control unit 50 is used to control the voltage difference between the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 of the at least one energy storage unit 20 to be less than a first threshold, the at least one energy storage unit 20 is used to supply power to the at least one laser unit 10, and the driving unit 30 is used to drive the at least one laser unit 10 to emit light signals.

[0076] Understandably, the second voltage control unit is used to control the voltage difference between the first and second terminals of at least one energy storage unit to be less than a first threshold, which can make the bias voltage applied across the energy storage unit (relative to the first voltage) smaller, thereby allowing the selection of an energy storage unit with a smaller withstand voltage value.

[0077] From the above Figure 1 As can be seen from the description, the smaller the voltage rating of the capacitor, the larger the maximum capacitance value that can be selected, and the smaller the size of the capacitor.

[0078] Therefore, by utilizing the functions of the second voltage control unit, a lower voltage rating can be selected for the energy storage unit, resulting in a higher maximum capacitance. This improves the energy storage efficiency and increases the laser's emission power. Furthermore, the corresponding energy storage unit is also smaller, allowing for a more compact spatial arrangement between the energy storage and laser units. This reduces the length of the feed lines between the energy storage and laser units, minimizing power loss and improving the laser's driving efficiency. Because of the closer spatial arrangement and smaller size of the energy storage unit, a smaller package can also be used, increasing the integration of the laser driving circuit.

[0079] In one possible embodiment, the second voltage control unit 50 described above may specifically include:

[0080] Second capacitor C2, second power supply V2.

[0081] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the first end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the second end of the at least one energy storage unit 20, and the second end of the second capacitor C2 is grounded. The first end of the second power supply V2 is connected to the second end of the at least one energy storage unit 20, and the second end of the second power supply V2 is grounded.

[0083] The second power supply V2 is used to provide a second voltage to the second capacitor, and the second voltage is less than or equal to the first voltage provided by the first voltage control unit.

[0084] For example, if the first voltage control unit provides a first voltage of 50V to the energy storage unit and the second power supply provides a second voltage of 25V to the second capacitor, then the bias voltage applied across the energy storage unit is 25V, which is lower than the first voltage of 50V. This allows for the selection of an energy storage unit with a lower withstand voltage, resulting in a larger maximum selectable capacitance value. This improves the energy storage effect of the energy storage unit and increases the laser's emission power. Furthermore, the corresponding energy storage unit is also smaller in size, allowing for a more compact spatial arrangement between the energy storage unit and the laser unit. This reduces the length of the feed lines between the energy storage unit and the laser unit, decreases power loss, and improves the laser's driving efficiency. Because the spatial arrangement of the energy storage unit and the laser unit is more compact, and the energy storage unit is smaller, a smaller package can also be used, increasing the integration of the laser driving circuit.

[0085] In one possible embodiment, the laser driving circuit described above may further include:

[0086] At least one switching unit 60.

[0087] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, the first end of the at least one switching unit 60 is connected to the first end of the first voltage control unit 40, and the second end of the at least one switching unit 60 is connected to the first end of the at least one laser unit 10 and the first end of the at least one energy storage unit 20.

[0089] The at least one switching unit 60 controls the first voltage control unit 40 to provide a first voltage to the at least one energy storage unit 20 by turning it on or off.

[0090] It is understood that the at least one switching unit can be multiple switches, each disposed between multiple energy storage units and the first voltage control unit. When the switching unit is turned on, a circuit is formed between the first voltage control unit and the energy storage unit, and the first voltage control unit provides a first voltage to the energy storage unit, which is in a charging state. After the energy storage unit is charged for a period of time, the charges at both ends of the energy storage unit reach equilibrium, the switching unit is turned off, the circuit between the first voltage control unit and the energy storage unit is broken, the first voltage control unit no longer provides voltage to the energy storage unit, and the energy storage unit provides electrical energy to the laser unit, enabling the laser unit to emit light signals, and the energy storage unit is in a discharging state.

[0091] Optionally, after the energy storage unit has been charged for a period of time, the charges at both ends of the energy storage unit reach equilibrium, and the switching unit does not need to be disconnected. At this time, even if the switching unit remains closed, the first voltage control unit no longer provides voltage to the energy storage unit, and the energy storage unit provides power to the laser unit, enabling the laser unit to emit light signals. The energy storage unit is in a discharging state.

[0092] In one possible embodiment, the aforementioned driving unit may specifically include:

[0093] Driver.

[0094] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, the first end 301 of the driver is connected to the second end 102 of the at least one laser unit 10, the third end 303 of the driver is connected to the signal amplification unit, and the second end 302 of the driver is grounded.

[0096] The aforementioned driver is used to drive at least one of the aforementioned laser units 10 to emit optical signals.

[0097] Optionally, the driver may specifically be a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) driver, a gallium nitride driver, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0098] Optionally, the laser unit 10 may be a laser, and the energy storage unit 20 may be a capacitor C1.

[0099] Optionally, the first voltage control unit 40 may specifically include:

[0100] First power supply V1.

[0101] The first terminal 401 of the first power supply V1 is connected to the first terminal of at least one laser unit 10 and the first terminal 201 of at least one energy storage unit 20 via a switching unit 60, and the second terminal 402 of the first power supply V1 is grounded.

[0102] The first power supply V1 is used to provide a first voltage to the at least one energy storage unit 20.

[0103] Optionally, in the above Figures 2 to 5 In any possible laser driving circuit, the working process of the laser driving circuit can be as follows:

[0104] During the first time period, the first voltage control unit is used to supply power to the at least one energy storage unit, and the at least one energy storage unit is in a charging state; during the second time period, the at least one energy storage unit is used to supply power to the at least one laser unit, and the at least one energy storage unit is in a discharging state.

[0105] Understandably, the first voltage control unit first supplies power to the energy storage unit, at which point the energy storage unit is in a charging state. After continuously supplying power for a period of time, the first voltage control unit stops supplying power to the energy storage unit, and the energy storage unit begins to supply power to the laser unit, at which point the energy storage unit is in a discharging state.

[0106] The embodiments of this application can improve the energy storage effect of the energy storage unit, increase the emission power of the laser, and reduce the length of the feed line in the laser driving circuit, thereby reducing power loss and improving the driving efficiency of the laser.

[0107] Optionally, whether the laser unit emits an optical signal is related to the control signal of the driving unit.

[0108] The control signal is transmitted to the drive unit through the amplification unit, and the laser unit is controlled to emit light signals by controlling the drive unit to turn on or off.

[0109] Optionally, the control signal can specifically be a square wave signal composed of "0" and "1".

[0110] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a control signal provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0111] like Figure 6As shown, the control signal is a square wave signal that alternates between high and low levels. This control signal can include control commands, data segments, or data blocks. In the control signal, "0" corresponds to a low level, and "1" corresponds to a high level. Taking a control command as an example, the control signal is low level "0" in the first time period, high level "1" in the second time period, low level "0" in the third time period, low level "0" in the fourth time period, and high level "1" in the fifth time period. The sum of the durations of these five time periods can be considered as a cycle, and the corresponding levels for these five time periods can be repeated in the next cycle. This can be used to periodically transmit the same control command. It is understood that the high and low levels in the control signal do not correspond to two specific voltage values, but rather to two voltage ranges. The control signal described in this embodiment can be a control signal used in a laser driving circuit to drive a laser unit to emit light signals.

[0112] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a laser driving circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0113] like Figure 7 As shown above, Figures 2 to 5 Compared to any other possible laser driving circuit, the laser driving circuit in this embodiment includes multiple laser units and multiple energy storage units.

[0114] It is understandable that the parallel circuit composed of the aforementioned multiple laser units and multiple energy storage units can share a second voltage control unit (including C2 and V2). By using a second voltage control unit, the bias voltage across the multiple energy storage units can be reduced, allowing for the selection of energy storage units with lower withstand voltage values. This results in the storage of more electrical energy, simultaneously improving the energy storage efficiency of multiple energy storage units and increasing the laser's emission power. Furthermore, because the bias voltage across the energy storage units is lower, energy storage units with lower withstand voltage values ​​can be selected, leading to smaller unit sizes. This allows for the selection of smaller energy storage units, reducing the length of the feed lines in the laser drive circuit, reducing power loss, and improving the laser's driving efficiency. Smaller energy storage units also allow for the use of smaller packages, increasing the integration of the laser drive circuit.

[0115] This application provides a chip that includes the laser driving circuit provided in this application.

[0116] This application provides a radar or radar system, which includes the laser driving circuit or the chip described above.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the radar includes, but is not limited to, lidar.

[0118] In one possible implementation, there may be a smart sensor that integrates multiple sensors. In the case that the smart sensor includes, but is not limited to, laser detection functions, the smart sensor may also be called a radar or radar system.

[0119] This application also provides a terminal device, which includes the laser driving circuit, chip, radar, or radar system provided in this application. For example, the terminal device can be a transportation vehicle, such as a car, truck, aircraft, drone, slow-moving vehicle, spacecraft, or ship, or any other possible vehicle used in any scenario. It can also be any device capable of carrying a detection device, such as surveying equipment. One or more laser driving circuits, chips, radars, or radar systems provided in this application are deployed on the terminal device.

[0120] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A laser drive circuit, characterized by comprising: The laser driving circuit includes: At least one laser unit, at least one energy storage unit, a drive unit, a first voltage control unit, and a second voltage control unit; Wherein, the first end of the at least one laser unit is connected to the first end of the first voltage control unit, the second end of the at least one laser unit is connected to the first end of the driving unit, the first end of the at least one energy storage unit is connected to the first end of the first voltage control unit, the second end of the at least one energy storage unit is connected to the first end of the second voltage control unit, the second end of the first voltage control unit is grounded, the second end of the driving unit is grounded, and the second end of the second voltage control unit is grounded.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first voltage control unit is used to provide a first voltage to the at least one energy storage unit, the second voltage control unit is used to control the voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal of the at least one energy storage unit to be less than a first threshold, the at least one energy storage unit is used to supply power to the at least one laser unit, and the driving unit is used to drive the at least one laser unit to emit optical signals.

3. The circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second voltage control unit includes: Second capacitor, second power source; Wherein, the first terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the second terminal of the at least one energy storage unit, the second terminal of the second capacitor is grounded, the first terminal of the second power supply is connected to the second terminal of the at least one energy storage unit, and the second terminal of the second power supply is grounded; The second power source is used to provide a second voltage to the second capacitor, the second voltage being less than or equal to the first voltage provided by the first voltage control unit.

4. The circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The laser driving circuit also includes: At least one switching unit; Wherein, the first end of the at least one switching unit is connected to the first end of the first voltage control unit, and the second end of the at least one switching unit is connected to the first end of the at least one laser unit and the first end of the at least one energy storage unit; The at least one switching unit controls the first voltage control unit to provide a first voltage to the at least one energy storage unit by turning it on or off.

5. The circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The driving unit includes: drive; Wherein, the first end of the driver is connected to the second end of the at least one laser unit, the third end of the driver is connected to the signal amplification unit, and the second end of the driver is grounded; The driver is used to drive the at least one laser unit to emit optical signals.

6. The circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first voltage control unit includes: First power source; Wherein, the first end of the first power supply is connected to the first end of the at least one laser unit and the first end of the at least one energy storage unit, and the second end of the first power supply is grounded; The first power source is used to provide a first voltage to the at least one energy storage unit.

7. The circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During a first time period, the first voltage control unit is used to supply power to the at least one energy storage unit, and the at least one energy storage unit is in a charging state; during a second time period, the at least one energy storage unit is used to supply power to the at least one laser unit, and the at least one energy storage unit is in a discharging state.

8. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes the laser driving circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A radar, characterized in that, The radar includes the laser driving circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the chip according to claim 8.

10. A terminal device, characterized in that, The terminal device includes the laser driving circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the chip according to claim 8, or the radar according to claim 9.

11. A vehicle end, characterized in that, The vehicle end includes the laser driving circuit of any one of claims 1 to 7, or the chip of claim 8, or the radar of claim 9, or the terminal device of claim 10.

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