Power supply device for diode-pumped solid-state lasers

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply device (100) for a laser (300), in particular a diode-pumped solid-state laser (300), comprising: - a first converter stage (10) which is designed to receive a voltage (U0), in particular a broadband voltage, and to provide a charging current (I1); - a second converter stage (20) which is designed to generate a capacitor output current (I22) depending on the charging current (I1), wherein the second converter stage (20) is connected to the first converter stage (10); - a third converter stage (30) which is designed to generate a pump current (I3) depending on the capacitor output current (I22), and wherein the pump current (I3) can be adjusted in order to operate a laser (300), wherein the third converter stage (30) is connected to the second converter stage (20).

Description

[0001] Title: Power supply device for diode-pumped solid-state lasers

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a power supply device having the features of the independent device claim, a laser distance measuring system having the features of the independent system claim, a method having the features of the independent method claim and a computer-readable data carrier having the features of the independent patent claim relating to a computer-readable data carrier.

[0004] For the current and / or voltage supply ("pumping") of lasers, especially pulsed solid-state lasers, short and / or high current pulses are required. These can be provided by a power supply device that is connectable (in particular connected) to the laser. The power supply device can have a capacitor or capacitors that provide a pumping current to the laser. The capacitors, in turn, can be charged via an energy source (e.g., a battery).

[0005] However, the prior art has disadvantages. For example, the installation space of known power supply devices can be unnecessarily large and / or vary (significantly) depending on the application. Wear and tear can be disproportionately high, particularly due to high current peaks, which can damage the energy source in particular. It can be provided that the energy source is (necessarily) adjusted very precisely to the power supply devices. Accordingly, only a very specific energy source can be used, in particular for a specific power supply device. The power supply devices may (at least partially) not function and / or be damaged if a different and / or varying voltage of the energy source is used. Current peaks and / or charging speed (e.g. of capacitors) cannot be (sufficiently) adjusted. In the event of defects and / or excessive (orWith varying (varying) applied input voltages, adequate protection and / or current limitation cannot be provided. For example, a laser connected to the power supply device may then draw too much current, which can damage the laser itself and / or the energy source. Furthermore, the laser class may change (unfavorably) and / or safety may no longer be guaranteed. Furthermore, the efficiency and / or effectiveness may be low. Certain solutions may require a high level of complexity and / or a large number of components, e.g., capacitors.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide an improved power supply device. At the input (e.g., of the first converter stage), no (excessively) high current, voltage, and / or power consumption (e.g., current peaks) should result. Wear, in particular of components and / or the energy source, should be reduced. The capacity or performance of an energy source, e.g., a battery that provides a voltage for the laser, should be utilized optimally / efficiently. The energy source should be better protected. A variety of energy sources can be enabled for operating a laser. In addition, it can be provided that the speed of a charging or charging process and / or the (level of) current peaks can be designed to be adjustable (e.g.,lower current peaks and / or faster charging). At the same time, it can be provided to provide the highest possible and / or constant voltage for charging capacitors. The installation space should preferably be minimized, especially in handheld and / or battery-operated systems, in order to be able to implement installation space limitations and / or specifications. In addition, it can be provided to offer as little surface area as possible (e.g. from the front). Furthermore, it can be an object to reduce weight. It can also be an object to be able to use a broadband and / or (time-) variable supply voltage, preferably in order to provide a power supply device that can be used as flexibly as possible, for example to enable (or tolerate) an exchange of the energy source and / or (voltage) fluctuations in the energy source.A broadband supply voltage is understood to mean a supply voltage that can be within a wide voltage range. Improved protection of the power supply device can be provided, which, in particular, prevents the laser from drawing uncontrolled pump current in the event of a defective component and / or increases safety (overall, especially for the user). Another objective may be to enable a less complex power supply device and / or the use of simple or cost-effective components.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a power supply device having the features of the independent device claim, a laser distance measuring system having the features of the independent system claim, a method having the features of the independent method claim, and a computer-readable data carrier having the features of the independent patent claim relating to a computer-readable data carrier. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings.Features and details described in connection with the power supply device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the laser distance measuring system according to the invention and / or in connection with the method according to the invention and / or in connection with the computer-readable data carrier according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other. In particular, advantages described in the context of the first, second, third, and / or fourth aspects also apply to the first, second, third, and / or fourth aspects.

[0008] The above object is achieved according to a first aspect by a power supply device for a laser (connected thereto), in particular a diode-pumped solid-state laser, comprising: a first converter stage which is configured to receive a voltage, in particular a broadband voltage, and to provide a charging current, preferably as a function of the voltage, a second converter stage which is configured to generate a capacitor output current as a function of the charging current, wherein the second converter stage is connected to the first converter stage, a third converter stage which is configured to generate a pump current, in particular output to a laser, as a function of the capacitor output current and wherein the pump current is adjustable for operating a laser, wherein the third converter stage is connected to the second converter stage.

[0009] The power supply device can preferably be configured to provide an optimized pumping current to a laser, in particular to realize the advantages according to the invention (e.g., those mentioned above). The power supply device can be connected to a laser and / or an energy source (electrically and / or via data communication). Within the scope of the invention, "connected" can comprise an electrical connection and / or a data connection (for data exchange, preferably bilaterally, in particular for sending and receiving signals or data). A connection can, for example, comprise and / or be established via a cable and / or a plug (in combination with a socket). The power supply device can preferably be configured to provide (electrical) power, in particular a current and / or a voltage from the energy source, to the laser, wherein in particular a conversion takes place.Accordingly, for example, the power supply device can be connected between a power source and a laser and / or connected to each of them (e.g., as an intermediate connecting component). The laser can be connected as an (electrical) load.

[0010] In this case, a first, second and / or third converter stage can (each) have a converter device and / or an (electrical) converter. A voltage, which can be denoted by UO, can be a supply voltage, which is preferably provided by an energy source that is connected in particular to the power supply device. The energy source can provide a (supply) voltage and / or a current to the power supply device. The voltage can, for example, be a direct voltage or at least have direct voltage components, and / or the current can, for example, be a direct current or at least have direct current components. In this case, the voltage can preferably be applied to an input (configured for this purpose) of the first converter stage. This allows the voltage to be picked up by the first converter stage or the voltage to be applied to the input of the first converter stage.It is possible for the first and / or second and / or third converter stages to be designed without a transformer. The first converter stage can be electrically connected directly to the second converter stage, and the second converter stage can be electrically connected directly to the third converter stage. On the other hand, it may also be advantageous to provide a transformer, for example, in the first converter stage in order to achieve potential isolation from the power supply device.

[0011] The first converter stage can be configured to provide a charging current as a function of the (applied supply) voltage, in particular to a second converter stage. This can be achieved, for example, by (electrically) converting the voltage into a charging current by the first converter stage. The first converter stage, in particular an input of the first converter stage, can be connected to a power source. The power source can provide a (supply) voltage to the first converter stage. The first converter stage can be designed as a step-down converter or contain a step-down converter. The first converter stage can have a wide-range input. It can then be connected to a plurality of different voltage sources, as well as to voltage sources with a high output voltage tolerance and / or with a fluctuating output voltage, which can also be referred to as broadband voltage sources.

[0012] The second converter stage is configured to generate a capacitor output current as a function of the charging current (supplied to it). For this purpose, the second converter stage is (electrically) connected to the first converter stage. The generation may comprise (electrically) converting the charging current into a capacitor output current. The second converter stage may comprise (at least) one capacitor, in particular an (entire) capacitor bank, which is preferably configured to be charged as a function of the charging current and / or (subsequently) to generate a capacitor output current, which preferably flows from the capacitor. The second converter stage may be configured as a boost converter or may contain a boost converter.

[0013] The third converter stage is configured to generate a pump current as a function of the capacitor output current. The pump current can be generated by (electrically) converting the capacitor output current by the third converter stage (configured for this purpose). The pump current can be configured to operate a laser, which is preferably connectable (in particular connected) to the power supply device, in particular to the third converter stage. Operating a laser can comprise emitting laser radiation, in particular pulsed radiation. Alternatively or additionally, operating the laser can (also) comprise controlling and / or regulating the laser, e.g., by a control unit (see below). The pump current can be pulsed, in particular providing (repeated) current pulses to the laser. The third converter stage is (electrically) connected to the second converter stage.The pumping current can be adjustable and / or set by the third converter stage and / or the control unit. For this purpose, the third converter stage can be controlled by the control unit. The third converter stage can be designed as a step-down converter or contain a step-down converter. The third converter stage can also be designed as a current source. The latter can be provided to output a constant current or a predetermined target current, which can be time-dependent. A power supply device can be particularly advantageous which has a step-down converter as the first converter stage, a step-up converter as the second converter stage and a step-down converter, in particular a multi-phase one.

[0014] Step-down converter. The first and / or second converter stage can be single-phase.

[0015] Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous for the power supply device, in particular the first converter stage, to have an (electrical) input which is connectable (in particular connected) to an energy source for providing a, in particular broadband, voltage to the power supply device, wherein in particular the input is designed to receive the voltage, in particular different voltages, over a wide and / or (time-) variable voltage range, wherein the voltage range preferably comprises 5V to 17V, in particular before and / or during operation.

[0016] The input can be configured to apply the voltage to the input. This allows the first converter stage, in particular the input of the first converter stage, to receive the voltage and, in particular, to further process or convert it.

[0017] The voltage range can be between 0.01 and 10,000 V, in particular between 1 and 100 V, for example between 2 and 50 V, preferably between 3 and 19 V, particularly preferably between 5 and 17 V, advantageously between 7 and 15 V, for example between 9 and 13 V. This allows the power supply device to function over a wide voltage range. Advantageously, it can therefore be used flexibly, particularly with regard to an energy source. On the one hand, it can be configured for operation with fluctuating and / or unstable voltages or energy sources. The charging capacity of a battery or accumulator can also be utilized as fully as possible, even if its voltage drops significantly towards the end of its service life or the end of the discharge cycle.Alternatively or additionally, it can be configured for operation with different energy sources, in particular each with a fixed voltage, whereby the voltage can have a comparatively wide voltage range. This can enable a broad range of applications. This can save costs, especially for development. It can also minimize failures and / or downtimes. Safety can be increased, in particular because a different energy source with a different voltage can be connected (more likely), preferably without resulting malfunctions and / or defects.

[0018] The voltage and / or the voltage range can be determined (before operation), for example by connecting an energy source with a fixed or constant (consistent) voltage to the power supply device. The power supply device, in particular the input of the first converter stage, can be designed to enable the application or absorption of voltages over a large voltage range (broadband voltage) and advantageously still enable robust and / or uniform operation of the power supply device and / or the laser. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply device, in particular the input of the first converter stage, can be designed to enable the application or absorption of voltages over a large voltage range (broadband voltage).To enable the recording of voltages over a wide voltage range (broadband voltage) that change (over time) during operation of the power supply device and / or the laser, while advantageously still enabling robust and / or consistent operation of the power supply device and / or the laser. The voltage may change, for example, due to a change in the energy source, a defect in the energy source and / or the power supply device, fluctuations in the energy source, and / or a control and / or regulation of the voltage, e.g., by the energy source and / or a control unit.Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the first converter stage comprises a step-down converter, in particular a wide-range step-down converter (and / or BUCK converter), wherein an input of the first converter stage, in particular of the step-down converter, is provided or connected for connection to an energy source and / or an output of the first converter stage, in particular of the step-down converter, is connected to an input of the second converter stage.

[0019] The step-down converter can have a (first and / or second) transistor, an inductor, a diode and / or a capacitor (each of the step-down converter). This makes it possible to achieve simple and / or cost-effective production. In addition, a compact design can be realized. The step-down converter can be designed as a finished and / or integrated circuit. Accordingly, the power supply device can be designed to be modular and / or simple. The step-down converter can have a first transistor which receives the (supply) voltage and / or is connected to the input of the first converter stage. The first transistor can be connected to a second transistor, which in turn can be connected to ground potential. A connection to a (first) inductor of the step-down converter can be made orwhich can be connected to the output of the first converter stage and / or a capacitor of the first converter stage, wherein the capacitor can preferably be connected to ground potential. The first and / or second transistor can be controlled by the first pulse width modulator, e.g. via a respective (data) connection. In this case, it can be provided that the first transistor is set up or controlled for charging or a charging process, in particular of the inductance, for example by switching it on. In this case, it can be provided that the second transistor is set up or controlled for discharging, in particular of the inductance, for example by switching it on. The inductance can, for example, be designed as a first choke coil.The step-down converter can be configured to convert the voltage (applied at the input), in particular from a higher voltage to a lower voltage. The step-down converter, in particular the wide-range step-down converter, can (only) enable the use of a large (see above) voltage range. The step-down converter can be configured for a voltage range between 0.01 and 10,000 V, in particular between 1 and 100 V, for example between 2 and 50 V, preferably between 3 and 19 V, particularly preferably between 5 and 17 V, advantageously between 7 and 15 V, for example between 9 and 13 V. Alternatively or additionally, the step-down converter can be configured, in particular by being controlled (e.g. by a first pulse width modulator), to set a level (e.g. magnitude) of the charging current and / or to reduce current peaks in the charging current.Alternatively or additionally, the step-down converter can be configured to adjust a charging speed, in particular via the level (e.g. magnitude) of the charging current, in particular by being controlled (e.g. by a first pulse width modulator).

[0020] It can be provided within the scope of the invention that the second converter stage has a boost converter, wherein an input of the second converter stage, in particular of the boost converter, is connected to an output of the first converter stage, in particular of a buck converter, and / or the boost converter is connected to a capacitor (in particular designed as a capacitor bank) of the second converter stage, wherein preferably the boost converter is designed to charge the capacitor by means of a capacitor charging current that is at least (temporally) constant in sections as a function of the charging current, whereby in particular the capacitor can (subsequently) provide the capacitor output current.

[0021] The boost converter of the second converter stage can comprise or be designed as a boost converter. This can be configured to step up the voltage (or current) and / or provide a higher voltage depending on the charging current or voltage (see also below). In other words, the (supply) voltage can first be regulated down by the first converter stage and then increased by the second converter stage. Higher voltages can make charging the capacitor more efficient and / or faster.

[0022] Alternatively, the second converter stage may comprise a boost converter which is designed in the form of a transformer circuit.

[0023] Within the scope of the invention, current and / or voltage, in particular charging current and / or charging voltage, can be used interchangeably. In particular, a (supply) voltage provided to the first converter stage can comprise a (supply) current and / or be provided by it (or vice versa). For example, a charging current provided by the first converter stage can comprise a charging voltage and / or be provided by it (or vice versa). Furthermore, a capacitor charging current provided by the second converter stage can comprise a capacitor charging voltage and / or be provided by it (or vice versa). Furthermore, a capacitor output current provided by the second converter stage can comprise a capacitor output voltage and / or be provided by it (or vice versa).In addition, a pumping current provided by the third converter stage may have and / or be provided by a pumping voltage (or vice versa).

[0024] The capacitor can be charged by a capacitor charging current. This can be configured depending on the charging current. For example, the capacitor charging current can be identical to or proportional to the charging current. The first converter stage, in particular the buck converter, can output the charging current.

[0025] It is further conceivable that the third converter stage comprises a multiphase step-down converter which is particularly designed to adjust the pump current.

[0026] The third converter stage, in particular the multiphase step-down converter, can preferably be controlled by a third pulse width modulator, whereupon the pump current (by the multiphase step-down converter) can preferably be adjusted. In the simplest case, it can be provided that the multiphase step-down converter (of the third converter stage) is identical and / or structurally identical to the step-down converter (of the first converter stage). The third converter stage can have a capacitor, in particular a third one. The (third) capacitor can be configured to store and / or provide the pump current. The (third) capacitor can be charged by the transistor(s). This can advantageously smooth the pump current.In other words, the multi-phase step-down converter can have at least one transistor, preferably a fourth and / or fifth transistor, which are in particular connected to one another, for example as a half-bridge, and in particular the fifth transistor is connected to a ground potential. An inductance (of the third converter stage) can be connected between the fourth and fifth transistors, via which inductance a pumping current can be output (e.g. by being connected to the output of the third converter stage). The inductance can be designed, for example, as a third choke coil. The step-down converter of the first converter stage can be designed identically, wherein preferably a charging current is output, and / or the inductance is also connected to the ground potential via a capacitor (of the first converter stage). In this case, the multi-phase step-down converter can preferably have several (current orVoltage) phases (especially "multi-phase"), which are connected in parallel. Several third choke coils can then be present. This allows the capacitor or capacitor bank, especially different capacitors connected in parallel, to be discharged in a more controlled and / or efficient manner. Disturbing ripple in the output current can also be minimized.

[0027] As a result, an optimized capacitor output current can be tapped from the capacitor, which can advantageously be designed to flow at a constant(er), higher, and / or more controlled rate. The pump current can be measured, in particular, by the measuring device. The measuring device can transmit the measurement signal to the third pulse width modulator and / or the control unit, for example via a respective data connection, whereby these can preferably carry out control depending on the measurement signal. For example, a target value for the pump current can be compared with an actual value of the pump current (for which the measurement signal can be specific). Control can be carried out depending on the comparison.For example, the transistor(s), in particular the fourth and / or fifth transistor, can be switched faster or slower via the third pulse-width modulator to advantageously regulate the pump current. Thus, pump currents of, for example, 100 A can be kept (relatively) very stable and / or a laser connected to the third converter stage, in particular a semiconductor laser diode of the laser, which can preferably serve to pump the laser, can be operated in a controlled manner.

[0028] It is also conceivable for the first converter stage to have a first pulse width modulator, which is connected in particular to a (or the) step-down converter (electrically and / or via data communication) in order to control the step-down converter, and which is preferably configured to adjust the level of the charging current and / or reduce current peaks in the charging current by controlling the step-down converter. It can be provided that the first, second, and / or third pulse width modulator is / are identical and / or of the same construction. The first, second, and / or third pulse width modulator is / are preferably configured for a (first, second, and / or third) pulse width modulation. This allows modulation in each case, in particular of the controlled component. In this case, a current and / or a voltage processed, received, and / or output by the component can be modulated. This allows a (respective, e.g.downstream) switch, in particular a transistor, can be switched (e.g. repeatedly and / or depending on the modulation). Preferably, the first pulse width modulator can be connected to the step-down converter, in particular one (or two) transistor(s) of the step-down converter. As a result, the transistor can be (in each case) controlled and / or switched by the pulse width modulator. The step-down converter can therefore convert the (supply) voltage or a supply current into a charging current. By means of the first pulse width modulator or a (first) pulse width modulation, it can be set (in particular by controlling the step-down converter) how long and / or at which clock speed (e.g. frequency and / or duty cycle orDuty cycle) the charging current flows, in particular the step-down converter of the first converter stage and / or the (first) transistor can be switched on, preferably as a function of the driving and / or modulation by the second pulse width modulator. It can be provided that the capacitor (of the second converter stage) is initially discharged, in particular if (previously) no operation has taken place. When the (first and / or third) transistor is switched on (conducting), a charging current and / or capacitor charging current can preferably flow, as a result of which the capacitor can be charged. It can be provided that rapid driving (in particular at a high clock speed, in particular frequency and / or duty cycle) is carried out. This can lead to a (relatively) high current peak, which can increase wear, in particular of the energy source.The first converter stage can make it possible, in particular by controlling the buck converter via the first pulse-width modulator, to reduce and / or adjust the current peak (e.g., to a current peak limit). This can be achieved, for example, by slow control (e.g., low clock speed, in particular, low frequency and / or duty cycle). This can reduce the current peak. Wear can thus be reduced. It can be provided, in particular if an energy source is used that can withstand a (certain) current peak, that the buck converter is controlled (relatively) quickly by the first pulse-width modulator, which can advantageously accelerate charging of the capacitor.It can be provided that the first converter stage, in particular at and / or at the input, has a voltage measuring sensor (for UO), configured to measure a voltage (applied at the input), which voltage is preferably transmitted via a data connection to a control unit and / or the first pulse width modulator. The (measured) voltage can be used to enable the first converter stage to be controlled depending thereon. This can enable particularly precise setting of the current peak. Accordingly, the current peak can be set to a specific setpoint value (e.g. 500 mA to 1.5 A), for example, it cannot exceed a setpoint value. For example, it can be provided that at a high (supply) voltage, e.g.of 17 V, to control the step-down converter more slowly via the first pulse-width modulator, whereby the voltage can preferably be regulated down (comparatively) more strongly than, for example, with a lower (supply) voltage, e.g., 5 V, in order to set a (or the same) current peak, for example. The first pulse-width modulator can be connected to a control unit in order to be controlled (centrally) by it, e.g., via a corresponding data connection.

[0029] Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible for the second converter stage to have a second pulse width modulator, which is in particular connected to a boost converter and which is preferably designed to control the boost converter, whereby an at least partially constant capacitor charging current and / or a charging speed of the capacitor charging current can advantageously be set (by the boost converter).

[0030] The second pulse width modulator can control the boost converter in order to set a constant charging current, in particular the capacitor charging current, and / or to set the charging rate, in particular the capacitor charging current or the capacitor. A higher (constant) charging current can lead to a higher charging rate. However, this can lead to current peaks. Accordingly, by controlling the first and / or second converter stage, a compromise and / or a balance between a high charging rate and (variably adjustable and / or lower) current peaks can be particularly advantageously enabled. The second pulse width modulator can be connected to the boost converter, in particular to a (third) transistor of the boost converter, whereby the latter can advantageously be controlled and / or switched. As a result, the charging current can be at least partially converted into a capacitor charging current.For this purpose, it can be partially diverted to earth or earth potential. It can also be provided that the charging current is (at least partially) passed on to the capacitor, in particular via a diode of the boost converter, in order to advantageously charge the capacitor. The boost converter can also have an inductance, preferably at the input, which is connected in particular to the transistor of the boost converter, a capacitor and / or the diode of the boost converter. The inductance can, for example, be designed as a second choke coil. The boost converter can be configured as an integrated circuit, which can in particular enable cost-effective production. The second pulse width modulator or a (second) pulse width modulation can be used (in particular by controlling the boost converter) to set how long and / or at what clock speed (e.g. frequency and / or duty cycle orDuty cycle) the capacitor charging current flows, in particular the boost converter of the second converter stage and / or the (third) transistor of the second converter stage can be switched on, preferably as a function of the control and / or modulation by the second pulse width modulator. The second pulse width modulator can be configured to control the boost converter, in particular the transistor of the boost converter, more quickly and / or to leave it open (conductive) for longer, whereby a higher (constant) capacitor charging current can advantageously be achieved (and vice versa). It can be provided that the capacitor charging current is measured, for example by a current measuring sensor (for the capacitor charging current), which can in particular be arranged between the boost converter and the capacitor. The measurement signal can then be sent to a control unit, e.g.via a data connection, to monitor the capacitor charging current and / or enable control (depending on the measurement signal). The second pulse width modulator can be connected to a control unit in order to be controlled (centrally) by it, e.g., via a corresponding data connection.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the third converter stage has a third pulse width modulator, which is in particular connected to a multi-phase down-converter and / or is integrated therein, and which is preferably designed to control (and / or modulate) the multi-phase down-converter, whereby the multi-phase down-converter adjusts the pumping current.

[0032] The third pulse width modulator or a (third) pulse width modulation can be used (in particular by controlling the multiphase buck converter) to adjust how long and / or at what clock speed (e.g., frequency and / or duty cycle) the pump current flows. In particular, the multiphase buck converter of the third converter stage and / or the (fourth, fifth, sixth, and / or seventh) transistor can be switched on, preferably depending on the control and / or modulation by the third pulse width modulator. The third pulse width modulator can be connected to a control unit in order to be controlled (centrally) by it, e.g., via a corresponding data connection.

[0033] With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that the third converter stage has an input which is connected to an output of the second converter stage, wherein the input (of the third converter stage) is connected to at least one input of at least one switch, wherein in particular the at least one switch is configured, in particular by control by a multi-phase buck converter, to output a pump current as a function of the capacitor output current for operating a laser, and / or has at least one output which is connected to an output of the third converter stage, and / or has at least one output which is connected to an input of a measuring device which is configured in particular to measure the pump current, preferably to provide a measurement signal, and / or has at least one control input which is connected to an output of a multi-phase buck converter,whereby, in particular, the multiphase buck converter can control the at least one switch, preferably as a function of a measurement signal from the measuring device, and / or the at least one switch comprises a first switch with a first input, a second control input, and an output, and a second switch with a first input, a second control input, and an output. In particular, the first switch can comprise a (fourth) transistor (or vice versa). In particular, the first switch can comprise a (fifth) transistor (or vice versa). Preferably, the multiphase buck converter can comprise, in particular integrate, the at least one switch. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one switch can be connected downstream of the multiphase buck converter.

[0034] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the third converter stage has a measuring device which is designed to determine a measurement signal, in particular by a current measurement of the pump current, wherein preferably the measuring device controls a multi-phase step-down converter as a function of the measurement signal, wherein in particular an input of the measuring device is connectable (in particular connected) to an input of the third converter stage, preferably to the output of at least one switch.

[0035] The measurement signal can be transmitted from the measuring device, for example via a (respective) data connection, to the multiphase step-down converter, the third pulse width modulator, and / or the control unit. This allows control to be performed depending on the measurement signal. Control can include open-loop and / or closed-loop control.

[0036] Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous for the third converter stage to have a (third) output which is connectable (in particular connected) in particular to a laser, wherein in particular the output (of the third converter stage) is connectable (in particular connected) to an output of at least one switch (or the outputs of the switches), preferably to a first output of a first switch and a first output of a second switch.

[0037] It can be provided that at least one further multiphase buck converter (and / or at least one further phase of a multiphase buck converter) is provided. This can be designed identically to the (already existing) multiphase buck converter(s). For example, the further multiphase buck converter can have an inductor (of the further multiphase buck converter), a (sixth) transistor or switch (of the further multiphase buck converter) and / or a (seventh) transistor or switch (of the further multiphase buck converter). These can preferably be designed analogously to the multiphase buck converter. By using at least one further multiphase buck converter, the capacitor can be discharged in an even more controlled, faster and / or efficient manner.

[0038] The above object is achieved according to a second aspect by a laser distance measuring system (e.g. LIDAR) according to the invention for measuring a distance (or a distance of an object to the laser), comprising a laser, in particular a diode-pumped solid-state laser, for emitting laser radiation, in particular pulsed laser radiation, a power supply device according to the first aspect, for providing a pump current to the laser, an energy source for providing a, in particular broadband, voltage to the power supply device, in particular to an input of the power supply device.

[0039] For example, the laser may comprise an erbium glass laser. Alternatively or additionally, the laser may have at least one (or more) of the following features:

[0040] - Nd:YVO4 laser

[0041] - Nd:YAG laser

[0042] - Yb:YAG laser

[0043] Ho:YAG laser

[0044] Er:YAG laser

[0045] Er:Glass laser

[0046] Titanium:Sapphire laser

[0047] Nd:glass laser

[0048] The laser and / or the laser distance measuring system can have a cooling system (e.g. for cooling the laser and / or the power supply device) and / or a receiver for receiving laser radiation reflected (from an object).

[0049] The energy source can be a battery, an accumulator, and / or a mains-powered energy source. Instead of being used in a laser distance measurement system, the power supply device can also be used in medical technology products, materials processing, and the like.

[0050] The laser distance measuring system may be provided with a receiver configured to receive reflected laser radiation. Reflected laser radiation may be received, for example, as a function of laser radiation emitted by the laser, preferably after reflection from at least one object.

[0051] This results in the same advantages with respect to a laser distance measuring system according to the invention according to the second aspect as have already been described with respect to a power supply device according to the invention according to the first aspect.

[0052] The above object is achieved according to a third aspect by a method according to the invention for operating a power supply device according to the first aspect or a laser distance measuring system for measuring a distance according to the second aspect, comprising

[0053] - controlling a first converter stage, in particular a first pulse width modulator, to provide a charging current,

[0054] - controlling a second converter stage, in particular a second pulse width modulator, to generate a capacitor output current as a function of the charging current,

[0055] - controlling a third converter stage, in particular a third pulse width modulator, to generate a pump current as a function of the capacitor output current for operating a laser.

[0056] The control can include modulation (by the respective pulse width modulator).

[0057] The method according to the third aspect can be computer-implemented and / or performed repeatedly and / or continuously. Preferably, the method can be performed during, before, and / or (preferably) during operation or use of a power supply device, a laser, and / or a laser distance measuring system. Alternatively or additionally, the method can be performed at (regular) intervals. This can reduce the load on a computer and / or a control unit. A computer and / or a control unit can implement the method, for example, by controlling the first, second, and / or third converter stage. The control unit can function as a central switching unit and preferably control the first, second, and / or third pulse width modulator.Accordingly, the control unit can (centrally) control the first, second and / or third pulse width modulator, which in turn control or modulate the first, second and / or third converter stage or the step-down converter, the step-up converter and / or the multiphase step-down converter.

[0058] Thus, with respect to a method according to the invention according to the third aspect, the same advantages arise as have already been described with respect to a power supply device according to the invention according to the first aspect and / or a laser distance measuring system according to the invention according to the second aspect.

[0059] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the control of the third converter stage comprises measuring a measurement signal by a measuring device, in particular by measuring the pump current, wherein preferably the third pulse width modulator controls the third converter stage, in particular at least one switch of the third converter stage, depending on the measurement signal.

[0060] It is also conceivable that controlling a first converter stage, in particular a first pulse-width modulator, to provide a charging current includes controlling a step-down converter of the first converter stage, whereby the step-down converter preferably adjusts the level of the charging current and / or reduces current peaks in the charging current. Accordingly, adjusting the level of the charging current can enable adjustment of the current peak(s) and / or increase efficiency.

[0061] Furthermore, it is conceivable that controlling a second converter stage, in particular a second pulse-width modulator, to provide a capacitor charging current includes controlling a boost converter of the second converter stage, whereby an at least partially constant capacitor charging current and / or a charging rate of the capacitor charging current can advantageously be set. The above object is achieved according to a fourth aspect by a computer-readable data carrier according to the invention, in which instructions are stored which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the third aspect.

[0062] A computer can comprise a conventional computer, a (higher-level) control unit, an FPGA, and / or an ASIC. The computer can comprise the first, second, and / or third converter stage, in particular the first, second, and / or third pulse width modulator and / or the measuring device, and / or be connected to them, for example, to control them.

[0063] This results in the same advantages with regard to a computer-readable data carrier according to the invention as already obtained with regard to a

[0064] Power supply device according to the first aspect and / or a laser distance measuring system according to the invention according to the second aspect and / or a method according to the invention according to the third aspect have been described.

[0065] The above object can be achieved according to a further aspect by a control unit having a computing unit and / or a memory unit in which instructions are stored which, when at least partially executed by the computing unit, carry out a method according to the third aspect.

[0066] The control unit can be comprised of a laser distance measuring system. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply device can comprise the control unit. The control unit can comprise a computer (or vice versa). Accordingly, the terms can be used interchangeably. The control unit can comprise a conventional computer, an FPGA and / or an ASIC. The control unit can comprise the first, second and / or third converter stage, in particular the first, second and / or third pulse width modulator and / or the measuring device, and / or be connected to them (e.g. via a respective data connection), for example in order to control them and / or to receive data from them (e.g. measurement signals). The method can thus be (centrally) controlled and / or implemented.It can also be provided that the control unit is connected to a current measurement sensor configured to measure a capacitor charging current and / or a voltage measurement sensor configured to measure a voltage (applied at the input). Furthermore, the control unit can be connected, e.g., via a respective data connection, for controlling and / or transmitting (measurement) data, with at least one (in particular several or all) of the following features:

[0067] Laser

[0068] Sensor of the laser, which is particularly designed to measure a current through the semiconductor laser diode, wherein the measured current can preferably be transmitted to the control unit,

[0069] Semiconductor laser diode of the laser, in particular for operating the laser and / or the laser or for emitting laser radiation, wherein the laser can be operated in particular as a function of a measured current of the laser sensor and / or a pump current of the power supply device, receiver, which in particular receives or measures reflected laser radiation, and transmits it to the control unit, whereby the control unit can advantageously calculate a distance using a propagation time difference between transmission and reception.

[0070] This allows for control and / or the transmission of (current) measured values ​​to the control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can also be connected to a power source and control and / or regulate this power source, e.g., via a data connection, or receive data from it.

[0071] Thus, with respect to a control unit (according to the further aspect), the same advantages can arise as have already been described with respect to a power supply device according to the invention according to the first aspect and / or a laser distance measuring system according to the invention according to the second aspect and / or a method according to the invention according to the third aspect and / or a computer-readable data carrier according to the invention according to the fourth aspect.

[0072] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. These schematically show:

[0073] Figure 1 a laser distance measuring system,

[0074] Figure 2 shows a power supply device,

[0075] Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of a power supply device,

[0076] Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of a power supply device,

[0077] Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram of a laser,

[0078] Figure 6 shows a method

[0079] Figure 7 Voltage as a function of time (slow charging), and

[0080] Figure 8 Voltage versus time (fast charging).

[0081] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are preferably used for the same technical features, even for different embodiments.

[0082] Within the scope of the invention, current and / or voltage, in particular charging current and / or charging voltage, can be used interchangeably. In particular, a (supply) voltage (UO) provided to the first converter stage can have a (supply) current (IO) and / or be provided by it (or vice versa). For example, a charging current (I1) provided by the first converter stage can have a charging voltage (U1) and / or be provided by it (or vice versa). Furthermore, a capacitor charging current (I21) provided by the second converter stage can have a capacitor charging voltage (U21) and / or be provided by it (or vice versa). Furthermore, a capacitor output current (I22) provided by the second converter stage can have a capacitor output voltage (U22) and / or be provided by it (or vice versa).For example, a pumping current (I3) provided by the third converter stage may have and / or be provided by a pumping voltage (U3) (or vice versa).

[0083] Fig. 1 shows a laser distance measuring system 1000 with an energy source 200 which is connected to a power supply device 100, in particular an input 11 (of the first converter stage 10), and thereby provides a (supply) voltage U0 to the power supply device 100. This voltage UO can be measured, for example, by a voltage measurement sensor for UO, which is arranged upstream of or in the power supply device 100. The voltage measurement sensor for UO can provide the measured voltage to a control unit ECU, in particular to a computing unit CU of the control unit. It can be provided that the first, second and / or third converter stage is controlled (at least partially) as a function of the measured voltage. In addition, the control unit can have a memory unit MU.The control unit ECU can (centrally) control the laser distance measuring system 1000, the energy source 200, a receiver 400, and / or the power supply device 100. The power supply device 100 can provide a pump current I3 to a laser 300 connected to it. The pulse current I3 can be pulsed. The laser 300, for example a diode-pumped solid-state laser 300, can be configured to emit laser radiation L, for example by controlling the control unit ECU. This laser radiation can be reflected by an object (not shown). The reflected laser radiation R can be detected by a receiver 400. The measured or detected reflected laser radiation R can be provided, for example in the form of a measurement signal, to the control unit ECU, which can calculate the distance to the object preferably as a function of a propagation time difference.

[0084] Fig. 2 shows (by way of example and / or schematically) a power supply device 100, comprising a first converter stage 10, which is configured to receive a, in particular broadband, voltage U0 and to provide a charging current I1, a second converter stage 20, which is configured to generate a capacitor output current I22 as a function of the charging current I1, wherein the second converter stage 20 is connected to the first converter stage 10, a third converter stage 30, which is configured to generate a pump current I3 as a function of the capacitor output current I22, and wherein the pump current I3 is adjustable for operating a laser 300, wherein the third converter stage 30 is connected to the second converter stage 20. The first converter stage 10 can receive the voltage UO (or a charging current associated or linked thereto), for example at an input 11.The input 11 can be connected to a step-down converter 15, which is configured to output a charging current 11 to the second converter stage 20, in particular to an input 21, via an output 19. The step-down converter 15 can be controlled and / or modulated by a first pulse width modulator PWM1. The first pulse width modulator PWM1 can be connected to a control unit ECU, in particular to a computing unit CU of the control unit ECU. In addition, the control unit ECU can have a memory unit MU. The control unit ECU can control the first pulse width modulator PWM1, whereby the latter, in particular, controls and / or modulates the step-down converter 15. As a result, the voltage UO can be converted by the step-down converter into the charging current 11 (or a charging voltage associated therewith).It can be provided that the voltage UO is converted into the charging current 11 by the step-down converter 15, in particular by driving 110 and / or modulating.

[0085] The second converter stage 20 can receive or tap the charging current 11 (or a charging voltage associated therewith), in particular via an input 21. The input 21 can be connected to a boost converter 25, which, in particular as a function of the charging current 11, outputs a capacitor charging current 121 and supplies it to a capacitor 26 (or a capacitor bank with several parallel capacitors). The capacitor charging current 121 can be measured by a current measuring sensor Senl21, and the measurement signal can be transmitted (e.g., via a data connection) to the control unit ECU. It can be provided that the first, second, and / or third converter stage is controlled (at least partially) as a function of the measurement signal. In the drawings, data connections can be shown by dashed lines.A second pulse width modulator PWM2 can be connected to the boost converter 25 and, in particular, control or modulate it. It can be provided that the charging current I1 is converted into the capacitor charging current I21 by the boost converter 25, in particular by control 120 and / or modulation. The capacitor 26 can be connected to an output 29 and / or the third converter stage 30, in particular to an input 31 of the third converter stage 30. The capacitor 26 can provide a capacitor output current I22 to the third converter stage 30, in particular as a function of the capacitor charging current I21. The third converter stage 30 can receive or tap off the capacitor output current I22, in particular via an input 31. The input 31 can be connected to a first switch 32, in particular to a first input 32.1 of the first switch. The input 31 can be connected to a second switch 33, in particular a first input 33.1 of the second switch. An output 32.9 of the first switch 32 can be connected to an output 39 of the third converter stage 30 and / or a measuring device 34, in particular an input 34.1 thereof. An output 33.9 of the second switch 33 can be connected to an output 39 of the third converter stage 30 and / or a measuring device 34, in particular an input 34.1 thereof. A pump current I3 (or a pump voltage associated or linked thereto) can be output via the output 39, preferably to a laser 300. The measuring device 34 can be configured to measure the pump current I3 and, in particular as a function of the measurement, to generate a measurement signal S34. The measurement signal S34 can be transmitted to a multiphase step-down converter 35, a pulse width modulator PWM3 and / or the control unit ECU, in particular via a respective (data) connection.Accordingly, the control unit ECU can control the third pulse width modulator PWM3 (at least partially) depending on the measurement signal S34. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the third pulse width modulator PWM3 controls and / or modulates the multiphase step-down converter depending on the measurement signal S34. It can be provided that (thereby) the capacitor output current I22 is converted into the pump current I3 by the multiphase step-down converter 35, in particular by controlling 130 and / or modulating. An output 34.9 of the measuring device 34 can be connected to an input 35.1 of the third pulse width modulator PWM3. An output 35.9 of the third pulse width modulator PWM3 can be connected to a (second) control input 32.2 of the first switch 32 and / or a (second) control input 33.2 of the second switch 33.As a result, the third pulse width modulator PWM3 can actuate and / or switch the first and / or second switches 32, 33, for example, by controlling them. Provision can be made for these switches to be switched essentially alternately, in particular such that one switch 32, 33 is switched to conducting and the other switch 32, 33 is switched to non-conducting. Fig. 3 shows, by way of example and / or based on Fig.2, a possible circuit diagram of a power supply device 100, comprising a first converter stage 10, which is configured to receive a, in particular broadband, voltage UO and to provide a charging current 11, a second converter stage 20, which is configured to generate a capacitor output current I22 as a function of the charging current I1, wherein the second converter stage 20 is connected to the first converter stage 10, a third converter stage 30, which is configured to generate a pump current I3 as a function of the capacitor output current I22 and wherein the pump current I3 is adjustable for operating a laser 300, wherein the third converter stage 30 is connected to the second converter stage 20.

[0086] The first converter stage 10 can receive the voltage U0, in particular via a step-down converter 15 (e.g., via an input 11 not shown). The step-down converter 15 can have two switches, in particular transistors, 15Q1, 15Q2, which are preferably interconnected, in particular as a half-bridge. The second switch 15Q2 can be connected to a ground potential GND. The switches 15Q1, 15Q2 can be connected, in particular via a line section lying between them, to an inductance 15L1, which is connected to a capacitor 15C1 of the first converter stage and / or (via an output 19 not shown) of the second converter stage 20 (e.g., an input 21 thereof). The capacitor 15C1 can be connected to the ground potential GND. The first pulse width modulator PWM1 can be controlled with the switches 15Q1 and / or 15Q2 (e.g.via a respective data connection), in particular to control and / or switch them. This allows the step-down converter 15 to convert the voltage U0. It can be provided that the switch 15Q1 is configured, in particular by being turned on, to charge the inductance 15L1. It can be provided that the switch 15Q2 is configured, in particular by being turned on, to discharge the inductance 15L1. Preferably, the switches 15Q1 and 15Q2 can be switched alternately.

[0087] The second converter stage 20 can receive the charging current I1 via the boost converter 25. The boost converter 25 can have an inductor 25L2 connected to the inductor 15L1 (with the not-shown output 19 and the input 21 interposed therebetween). The inductor 25L2 can be connected to a diode 25D1 and / or a switch 25Q3, in particular a (third) transistor 25Q3. The switch 25Q3 can be connected to ground potential GND. The diode 25D1 can be connected to the capacitor 26 and / or the third converter stage 30 (in particular via the not-shown output 29 and input 31). The capacitor 26 can be charged with a capacitor charging current 121, in particular when the switch 25Q3 is switched off (e.g., blocking) and / or a switch 32, 35Q4 of the third converter stage 30 is switched off. The switch 25Q3 can be controlled by the second pulse width modulator PWM2, e.g.via a data connection, controlled, switched and / or modulated. The capacitor 26 can provide a capacitor output current I22, which can be provided to the third converter stage 30. A capacitor charging voltage U21 can be measured or tapped as a function of the capacitor charging current I21 and preferably provided to the control unit ECU via a data connection. A capacitor output voltage U22 can be measured or tapped as a function of the capacitor output current I22 and preferably provided to the control unit ECU via a data connection. In this case, the first, second and / or third converter stage can be controlled at least partially as a function thereof.

[0088] The third converter stage 30, in particular the multiphase buck converter 35, can receive or tap the capacitor output current I22, in particular through an input 31 (not shown). The multiphase buck converter 35 can have a (first) switch 32, 35Q4, which can be configured in particular as a (fourth) transistor 35Q4. When this is switched on, the capacitor output current I22 can flow from the capacitor 26, in particular to charge an inductor 35L3. Furthermore, a (second) switch 33, 35Q5 can be provided, which can be configured in particular as a (fifth) transistor 35Q5. This can be connected to the ground potential GND. The switches 32, 35Q4, 33, 35Q5 can be connected, in particular via a line section lying between them, to an inductance 35L3, which can in particular be connected to the output 39. The pump current I3 or a current connected thereto orlinked pump voltage U3, can be output. The third pulse width modulator PWM3 can be connected to the first and / or second switches 32, 35Q4, 33, 35Q5, in particular via a respective data connection, in order to preferably control, switch and / or modulate them. As a result, the capacitor charging current I21 can be converted into the pump current I3. The switches 32, 35Q4, 33, 35Q5 can preferably be switched alternately. The third converter stage 30 can have a (not shown here), in particular a third, capacitor 300C (shown by way of example in Fig. 5). The third capacitor 300C can be configured to store and / or provide the pump current I3.

[0089] Fig. 4 shows, based on Fig. 3, a circuit diagram for a power supply device 100, wherein a further multiphase step-down converter 36 (or a further phase of the multiphase step-down converter 36) is provided, in addition to the already existing multiphase step-down converter 35. The further multiphase step-down converter 36 can be identical or structurally identical and / or connected in parallel to the multiphase step-down converter 35. The further multiphase step-down converter 36 can be connected to the second converter stage 20, the input 31 (not shown), and / or the multiphase step-down converter 35. The further multiphase step-down converter 36 can have an inductor 36L4, a (sixth) transistor 36Q6 and / or a (seventh) transistor 36Q7.The third pulse width modulator PWM3 can, in particular identically to the multiphase step-down converter 35, control, modulate and / or switch the (sixth) transistor 36Q6 and / or a (seventh) transistor 36Q7.

[0090] Fig. 5 shows, by way of example, a laser 300 which can be configured to receive or tap off the pump current I3 and / or a pump voltage U3, e.g., via an input. A capacitor 300C connected to the ground potential GND can be provided. As an alternative to the illustration shown in Fig. 5, the capacitor 300C can also be included in the third converter stage 30, for example in Figs. 3 or 4. The capacitor 300C and / or the input of the laser 300 can be connected to a semiconductor laser diode 300HLD. The semiconductor laser diode 300HLD can be configured to generate (pulsed) laser radiation L, in particular as a function of the pump current I3. The semiconductor laser diode 300HLD can be connected to a resistor 300R of the laser 300, which resistor is connected in particular to the ground potential GND.A sensor SenLas of the laser 300 can be connected, in particular between them, which can be configured to measure a current and / or a voltage of the semiconductor laser diode 300HLD and, in particular, to transmit it to the control unit ECU, e.g., via a data connection. The control unit ECU can also control the semiconductor laser diode 300HLD via a further data connection, for example, depending on the pump current 13 and / or the measurement signal of the sensor SenLas.

[0091] Fig. 6 shows a method for operating a power supply device 100 according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 or a laser distance measuring system 1000 for measuring a distance according to claim 12, comprising

[0092] - controlling 110 a first converter stage 10, in particular a first pulse width modulator PWM1, in order to provide a charging current 11,

[0093] - controlling 120 a second converter stage 20, in particular a second pulse width modulator PWM2, to generate a capacitor output current I22 as a function of the charging current I1,

[0094] - Controlling 130 a third converter stage 30, in particular a third pulse width modulator PWM3, in order to generate a pump current I3 as a function of the capacitor output current I22 for operating a laser 300.

[0095] It can be provided that the control of the third converter stage 30 comprises a measurement 131 of a measurement signal S34 by a measuring device 34, in particular by a current measurement of the pump current I3, wherein preferably the third pulse width modulator PWM3 controls the third converter stage 30, in particular at least one switch 32, 33 of the third converter stage 30, depending on the measurement signal S34.

[0096] Fig. 7 shows a current or voltage over time t, particularly in milliseconds. The input-side current waveforms of a voltage supply device 100 are shown as an example, e.g., when used in a laser distance measuring system 1000.

[0097] The top shows the supply-side current consumption or a (supply) current I0. The front peak can represent a current peak, which can be adjusted according to the invention. The subsequent constant current consumption then charges the capacitor 26 (fully and / or constantly). The center shows the (supply) voltage UO, which, for example, is (essentially) stable at approximately 5V. As described above, this can be configured with a broader bandwidth.

[0098] The voltage applied to the capacitor 26 is shown below, in particular U21 or U22, which can be tapped, for example, as in Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 4, between above and below the capacitor 26. The capacitor 26 is (initially) charged to 15 V (e.g., at 1000 ms). The first converter stage 10 and / or the second converter stage 20 can preferably be used for charging. The first converter stage 10 can be (initially) switched on, which can, for example, lead to a voltage of approximately 5 V (e.g., at approximately 300 ms). The second converter stage 20 can then increase the voltage across the capacitor 26 to 15 V, in particular as a function of the (set) charging current 11.

[0099] Fig. 7 shows a (relatively) slow charging process. The input current peak was reduced to approximately 400 mA, and the maximum charging current is (only) approximately 750 mA. The actual charging process takes approximately 600 ms.

[0100] Fig. 8 shows (similar to Fig. 7) a current or voltage over time t, specifically in milliseconds. Fig. 8 shows a (comparatively, e.g., compared to Fig. 7) fast charging process. Here, there is a current peak of 1.5 A and a constant charging current at 1 A. The charging time is now reduced to 400 ms. The two further current peaks at (approximately) 800 ms and 900 ms recharge capacitor 26 and, in particular, keep the capacitor voltage constant.

[0101] List of reference symbols for the first converter stage

[0102] Input of the first converter stage

[0103] Buck converter Q1 first switch, in particular transistor, of the buck converter Q2 second switch, in particular transistor, of the buck converter L1 inductance of the buck converter C1 capacitor of the buck converter

[0104] (first) output of the first converter stage second converter stage

[0105] Input of the second converter stage

[0106] Boost converter L2 Inductance of the boost converter D1 Diode of the boost converter Q3 (third) switch, especially transistor, of the boost converter Capacitor

[0107] (second) output of the second converter stage third converter stage

[0108] Input of the third converter stage, 33 Switch .1 , 33.1 Input of the at least one switch .2, 33.2 Control input of the at least one switch .9, 33.9 Output of the at least one switch first switch .1 first input of the first switch .2 second control input of the first switch .9 output of the first switch second switch .1 first input of the second switch .2 second control input of the second switch .9 output of the second switch 34 Measuring device

[0109] 34.1 Input of the measuring device

[0110] 34.9 Exit

[0111] 35 multiphase buck converters

[0112] 35.1 Entrance

[0113] 35L3 Inductance of the multiphase buck converter

[0114] 35Q4 (fourth) transistor of the multiphase buck converter

[0115] 35Q5 (fifth) transistor of the multiphase buck converter

[0116] 35.9 Output of the multiphase buck converter

[0117] 36 additional multiphase buck converters

[0118] 36L4 Inductance of the further multiphase buck converter

[0119] 36Q6 (sixth) transistor of the further multiphase buck converter

[0120] 36Q7 (seventh) transistor of the further multiphase buck converter

[0121] 39 (third) output of the third converter stage

[0122] 100 power supply device

[0123] 110 Control of a first converter stage

[0124] 120 Control of a second converter stage

[0125] 130 Control of a third converter stage

[0126] 131 Measuring a measurement signal

[0127] 200 Energy source

[0128] 300 lasers

[0129] 300HLD semiconductor laser diode

[0130] 300C capacitor of the laser

[0131] 300R resistance of the laser

[0132] 400 recipients

[0133] 1000 laser distance measuring system

[0134] U0 (supply) voltage

[0135] U1 charging voltage

[0136] I0 (supply) current

[0137] 11 Charging current

[0138] 121 Capacitor charging current U21 Capacitor charging voltage

[0139] I22 Capacitor output current

[0140] U22 capacitor output voltage

[0141] I3 Pump current

[0142] U3 pump voltage

[0143] GND ground potential

[0144] ECU control unit

[0145] CU computing unit

[0146] MU storage unit

[0147] PWM1 first pulse width modulator (of the first converter stage)

[0148] PWM2 second pulse width modulator (of the second converter stage)

[0149] PWM3 third pulse width modulator (of the third converter stage)

[0150] S34 measurement signal

[0151] SenUO voltage measurement sensor (for UO)

[0152] Senl21 current measuring sensor (for 121)

[0153] SenLas sensor of the laser

[0154] L Laser radiation

[0155] R reflected laser radiation t time

Claims

Patent claims 1. A power supply device (100) for a laser (300), in particular a diode-pumped solid-state laser (300), comprising: a first converter stage (10) which is configured to receive a, in particular broadband, voltage (UO) and to provide a charging current (11), a second converter stage (20) which is configured to generate a capacitor output current (I22) as a function of the charging current (I1), wherein the second converter stage (20) is connected to the first converter stage (10), a third converter stage (30) which is configured to generate a pump current (I3) as a function of the capacitor output current (I22), and wherein the pump current (I3) is adjustable for operating a laser (300), wherein the third converter stage (30) is connected to the second converter stage (20).

2. Power supply device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply device (100), in particular the first converter stage (10), has an input (11) which can be connected to an energy source (200) for providing a, in particular broadband, voltage (U0) to the power supply device (100), wherein in particular the input (11) is designed to receive the voltage (U0) over a wide and / or variable voltage range, wherein the voltage range preferably comprises from 5 to 19 V.

3. Power supply device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first converter stage (10) has a step-down converter (15), in particular a wide-range step-down converter (15), wherein an input (11) of the first converter stage (10), in particular of the step-down converter (15), is connectable to an energy source (200) and / or an output (19) of the first converter stage (10), in particular of the step-down converter (15), is connected to an input (21) of the second converter stage (20).

4. Power supply device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second converter stage (20) has a boost converter (25), wherein an input (21) of the second converter stage (20), in particular of the boost converter (25), is connected to an output (19) of the first converter stage (10), in particular of a buck converter (15), and / or the boost converter (25) is connected to a capacitor (26) of the second converter stage (20), wherein preferably the boost converter (25) is configured to charge the capacitor (26) by means of an at least sectionally constant capacitor charging current (121) as a function of the charging current (11), whereby in particular the capacitor (26) can provide the capacitor output current (I22).

5. Power supply device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third converter stage (30) has a multiphase step-down converter (35) which is particularly designed to adjust the pump current (I3).

6. Power supply device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first converter stage (10) has a first pulse width modulator (PWM1), which is in particular connected to a step-down converter (15) in order to control the step-down converter (15), and which is preferably designed to adjust the level of the charging current (11) and / or to reduce current peaks in the charging current (11) by controlling the step-down converter (15).

7. Power supply device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second converter stage (20) has a second pulse width modulator (PWM2), which is in particular connected to a boost converter (25) and which is preferably designed to control the boost converter (25), whereby an at least partially constant capacitor charging current (121) and / or a charging speed of the capacitor charging current (121) can advantageously be set.

8. Power supply device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third converter stage (30) has a third pulse width modulator (PWM3), which is in particular connected to a multi-phase step-down converter (35) and which is preferably designed to control the multi-phase step-down converter (35), whereby the multi-phase step-down converter (35) adjusts the pumping current (I3).

9. Power supply device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third converter stage (30) has an input (31) which is connected to an output (29) of the second converter stage (20), wherein the input (31) is connected to at least one input (32.1, 33.1) of at least one switch (32, 33), wherein in particular the at least one switch (32, 33) is configured, in particular by controlling by a multi-phase step-down converter (35), to output a pump current (I3) as a function of the capacitor output current (I22) for operating a laser (300), has at least one output (32.9, 33.9) which is connected to an output (39) of the third converter stage (30), has at least one output (32.9, 33.9) which is connected to an input (34.1) of a measuring device (34), which is in particular for Measuring the pump current (I3) is set up, at least one control input (32.2, 33.2), which has a. Output (35.9) of a multi-phase step-down converter (35), whereby in particular the multi-phase step-down converter (35) can control the at least one switch (32, 33), preferably as a function of a measurement signal (S34) of the measuring device (34), and / or the at least one switch (32, 33) has a first switch (32) with a first input (32.1), a second control input (32.2) and an output (32.9), and a second switch (33) with a first input (33.1), a second control input (33.2) and an output (33.9).

10. Power supply device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third converter stage (30) has a measuring device (34) which is designed to determine a measurement signal (S34), in particular by a current measurement of the pump current (I3), wherein preferably the measuring device (34) controls a multi-phase step-down converter (35) as a function of the measurement signal (S34), wherein in particular an input (34.1) of the measuring device (34) is connectable to an input (31) of the third converter stage (30), preferably to the output of at least one switch (32, 33).

11. Power supply device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third converter stage (30) has an output (39) which is connectable in particular to a laser (300), wherein in particular the output (39) is connectable to an output (32.9, 33.9) of at least one switch (32, 33), preferably to a first output (32.9) of a first switch (32) and a first output (33.9) of a second switch (33).

12. Laser distance measuring system (1000) for measuring a distance, comprising a laser (300), in particular a diode-pumped solid-state laser (300), for emitting laser radiation, in particular pulsed laser radiation (L), a power supply device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, for providing a pumping current (I3) to the laser (300), an energy source (200) for providing a, in particular broadband, voltage (U0) to the power supply device (100), in particular to an input (11) of the power supply device (100).

13. A method for operating a power supply device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 or a laser distance measuring system (1000) for measuring a distance according to claim 12, comprising - controlling (110) a first converter stage (10), in particular a first pulse width modulator (PWM1), in order to provide a charging current (11), - controlling (120) a second converter stage (20), in particular a second pulse width modulator (PWM2), to generate a capacitor output current (I22) as a function of the charging current (I1), - controlling (130) a third converter stage (30), in particular a third pulse width modulator (PWM3), in order to generate a pump current (I3) as a function of the capacitor output current (I22) for operating a laser (300).

14. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control of the third converter stage (30) comprises a measurement (131) of a measurement signal (S34) by a measuring device (34), in particular by a current measurement of the pump current (I3), wherein preferably the third pulse width modulator (PWM3) controls the third converter stage (30), in particular at least one switch (32, 33) of the third converter stage (30), depending on the measurement signal (S34).

15. A computer-readable data carrier in which instructions are stored which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims 13 or 14.

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