Laser Diode Power Supply Current Response Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply apparatuses for driving laser diodes struggle to change current at high speeds when different current settings are required for pulses, due to the presence of reactors in constant current source circuits, which limits the ability to achieve desired current values.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus that includes a reactor, a parallel diode, current detection means, a first switching device, and energy consumption means, where the energy consumption means consumes energy in the reactor based on a control signal to rapidly adjust the current command value, allowing for higher speed changes in drive current, even when currents differ between pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reactors are included in constant current source circuits to drive laser diodes, then stable constant current is achieved, but current response speed decreases and cannot change quickly when different current settings are required for different pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current control function into two independent parts: a constant current source circuit for stable baseline current supply, and a separate parallel switching circuit for rapid current adjustment. The switching device connected in parallel to the laser diode can independently control additional current paths, allowing fast response to different pulse requirements without affecting the stability of the main constant current source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching device as an intermediary element that mediates between the control signal and the laser diode current. This switching device acts as a mediator that can rapidly adjust the total current by controlling parallel current paths, while the constant current source continues to provide stable baseline current. The intermediary switching circuit resolves the conflict between stability and speed by handling the dynamic adjustment function separately.
2Reliability
If conventional power supply apparatuses use reactors in constant current source circuits, then reliable current supply is maintained, but switching speed between different machining conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into a reliable constant current source portion with reactors and a fast-response parallel switching portion. The constant current source maintains reliability for baseline operation, while the parallel switching device handles rapid transitions between different machining conditions, achieving both reliability and high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is pre-configured with multiple current paths and control signals prepared in advance for different machining conditions. When a pulse signal arrives, the switching device can immediately execute the pre-prepared current adjustment without waiting for the constant current source to respond, enabling fast switching between machining conditions while maintaining reliable current supply.
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
This solution enables the power supply apparatus to pulse laser power at frequencies up to a few kHz, allowing for faster switching of machining conditions and improved productivity in laser machining machines.
Implementation Method 1
a reactor (L1), which has one end serially connected to the laser oscillator (2) and another end serially connected to the power supply (600)
Implementation Method 2
a parallel diode (D3), which configures a closed circuit for serial connection of the laser oscillator (2) and the reactor (L1)
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus includes a power supply for supplying power to a laser oscillator. A reactor has one end serially connected to the laser oscillator and another end serially connected to the power supply, and a parallel diode configures a closed circuit for serial connection of the laser oscillator and the reactor. A current detector detects a current flowing in the reactor, and a first switching device is connected in parallel to the laser oscillator and drives the laser oscillator with pulses. An energy consumption circuit prefetches a current command value based on a control signal from a controller upon driving the laser oscillator with pulses, and when the current command value is smaller than a current command value of a previous pulse, the energy consumption circuit consumes energy until the current command value reaches a predetermined target current value.