Multi-Channel Pulse Current Generator with GaN Charging Control

The patent extracts the charging function from the traditional floating gate driver and implements it separately using dedicated charging control transistors and capacitors. Each channel has its own charging control transistor that independently controls the charging current to the capacitor, separating the charging function from the pulse control function. This reduces the complexity of the pulse control transistor while maintaining precise current pulse control through the combination of charging control and pulse control.

The patent segments the driver circuit into distinct functional blocks: charging control transistors, pulse control transistors, and capacitors for each channel. Each channel has its own charging control transistor and capacitor, allowing independent control of charging and pulsing functions. This segmentation enables individual load control while reducing area by eliminating the need for complex floating gate driver circuits in each channel.

The patent merges the charging control transistor and pulse control transistor into a single integrated control structure for each channel. The charging control transistor and pulse control transistor are positioned close to the laser diode array, combining multiple control functions in a compact arrangement. This merging reduces the overall inductance by minimizing the distance between control elements and the laser diode while maintaining low complexity through functional integration.

The patent uses periodic charging of capacitors through charging control transistors, where capacitors are charged during idle periods and then discharged to generate current pulses. This periodic charging approach allows the system to maintain precise current pulse control capability while reducing average power consumption, as the high-current pulse path is active only during brief pulse intervals rather than continuously.