Adjustable DC-DC Laser Driver Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser driving circuits in high-speed optical modules face high power consumption due to the need for a relatively high output voltage to accommodate varying laser operating voltages, leading to significant power wastage, especially in multichannel configurations.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable DC-DC power source coupled with an optical power control loop and a power source voltage regulator, which adjusts the output voltage of the DC-DC power source and generates a power source voltage state indicator voltage to ensure proper laser operation while minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a relatively high output voltage is configured for the fixed power source to meet the operating requirements of all lasers, then all lasers can operate over the entire operating temperature range, but power consumption increases significantly with large portion wasted in the driving circuit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed power source with an adjustable DC-DC power source that can dynamically change its output voltage according to the actual operating needs of each laser. The power source voltage regulator adjusts the output voltage in real-time based on feedback from the optical power control loop, allowing the system to adapt to varying laser requirements rather than operating at a constantly high voltage level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the output voltage parameter of the power source from a fixed high value to a dynamically adjustable value. The DC-DC power source can change its output voltage within a range, and the voltage regulator adjusts this parameter based on the actual voltage drop across the laser and driving circuit, thereby optimizing power consumption while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a relatively high output voltage is configured for the fixed power source, then the driving circuit can ensure proper operation and good linearity in V/I conversion, but a large portion of power is wasted in the driving circuit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving circuit operationVSAvoidpower waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the power source voltage dynamic rather than fixed. The DC-DC power source adjusts its output voltage in real-time based on the actual operating conditions of the laser and driving circuit. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the driving circuit always has the minimum necessary voltage to operate properly without excess voltage that would be wasted as power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control where the optical power control loop monitors the actual operating conditions and provides feedback to the power source voltage regulator. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust the power source output voltage to the optimal level needed for proper driving circuit operation, minimizing power waste while ensuring ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the output voltage of the direct-current fixed power source is set to no lower than V+(min) to ensure all lasers operate over the entire operating temperature range, then laser operation is ensured, but power consumption cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser operation coverageVSAvoidpower consumption optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static fixed power source with a dynamic DC-DC power source that can adjust its output voltage. Instead of being constrained to operate at or above the minimum voltage for all conditions, the system dynamically adjusts the voltage to match the actual needs of each laser at its current operating point, ensuring reliable operation while optimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power source output voltage from a fixed parameter set at the maximum required level to a variable parameter that can be adjusted within a range. The voltage regulator modifies this parameter in real-time based on feedback from the optical power control loop, allowing the system to operate at the minimum necessary voltage for each condition rather than always at the maximum required voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution optimizes power consumption by adjusting the output voltage of the DC-DC power source, ensuring all lasers operate within optimal voltage ranges, thereby reducing waste and achieving lower overall power consumption in high-speed optical modules.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustable DC-DC power source coupled to the optical power control loop and the power source voltage regulator, so as to provide a working current for the laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC-DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

an output optical power of a laser 110 is detected by a photodiode 112, and a photoelectric current Impdk (k=1, 2, . . . , n) is generated accordingly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9847620B2Laser driver, driving method, and high-speed optical module
Publication Date: 2017.12.19 TERAHOP PTE LTD
  • US9847620B2 patent drawing
  • US9847620B2 patent drawing
  • US9847620B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laser driver for a laser, which includes an adjustable DC-DC power source, an optical power control loop, and a power source voltage regulator. The adjustable DC-DC power source is coupled to the optical power control loop and the power source voltage regulator, in order to provide a working current for the laser. The optical power control loop is configured to adjust the output optical power of the laser to a set value for optical power by adjusting a working voltage of the laser, and to generate a power source voltage state indicator voltage. The power source voltage regulator is used to generate the power source setting voltage, so that the power source voltage state indicator voltage is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, or less than or equal to a second preset threshold.