High-Voltage Laser Current Source Without DC-DC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-powered laser systems pose safety risks due to the use of high-energy light sources, require complex and costly safety measures, and inefficient voltage conversion systems, which are dangerous and costly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing high-voltage switches, such as Gallium Nitride or silicon carbide transistors, to simplify the voltage supply system, integrate redundant safety systems into the constant current source, and eliminate the DC-to-DC converter, while using liquid cooling and redundant safety shut-offs to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If high-powered laser systems use traditional voltage conversion systems with AC-to-DC converters and DC-to-DC step down systems, then voltage conversion is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the DC-to-DC step down converter from the traditional voltage conversion system, extracting only the essential AC-to-DC conversion function while eliminating the complex and costly intermediate voltage regulation stage. This simplification maintains safety by using high-voltage switches with integrated protection circuits that directly control the laser diode array without requiring intermediate voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating voltage parameter from traditional low-voltage DC operation to high-voltage direct operation, eliminating the need for voltage step-down conversion. High-voltage switches with fast switching capability and integrated safety features directly regulate current to the laser diodes, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational safety through advanced switching control.
2Reliability
If high-powered laser systems use multiple safety measures such as mechanical shutters and opaque covers, then safety is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical safety devices such as opaque covers and mechanical shutters with electronic safety control systems. High-voltage switches with integrated safety circuits provide rapid electronic shutdown capability, eliminating the need for physical barriers and mechanical moving parts while maintaining or improving safety response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system is integrated into the constant current source circuitry itself, allowing the system to self-monitor and self-shutdown in response to abnormal conditions. The high-voltage switches include built-in protection features that automatically disconnect power without requiring external mechanical safety devices, making the safety function inherent to the operating system.
3Reliability
If high-powered laser systems use discharge circuits between voltage source and current source, then accidental discharge is prevented, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the discharge protection function directly into the high-voltage switch circuitry, merging what were previously separate discharge circuits with the voltage regulation system. The high-voltage switches integrate multiple functions including current regulation, safety shutdown, and discharge protection into a single unified circuit architecture, eliminating the need for separate discharge circuitry.
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
Reduces system complexity and cost, enhances safety by eliminating dangerous components, and achieves compact, efficient, and safe high-powered laser systems suitable for harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
Implementing high-voltage switches, such as Gallium Nitride or silicon carbide transistors, to simplify the voltage supply system
Implementation Method 2
using liquid cooling and redundant safety shut-offs to ensure safe operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more current sources configured to couple to an AC to DC power converter without a DC-to-DC converter between the current sources and the power converter. Each of the current sources includes a high voltage switch and one or more independent safety shutoffs. The one or more safety shutoffs are configured to disable emission of electromagnetic radiation from a laser module when triggered. A current source controller coupled to the safety shutoff(s) is configured to generate enabling signals that enable normal current source operation. The controller includes circuitry configured to measure power across the high voltage switch when the controller instructs the high voltage switch to turn off to determine proper operation of the safety shutoff(s).