Laser Driver Pulsed Discharge Circuit for Short Light Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanners face challenges in achieving high resolution and precision in distance measurement due to limitations in sampling rate and light pulse width, which can be costly to overcome with high-voltage power supplies and complex driver circuits.
Innovation Solution
The development of electronic laser drivers that utilize a voltage source, inductor, capacitor, diode laser, and electronic switch to produce a pulsed electrical discharge, allowing for efficient energy storage and release to emit short pulses of light without the need for high-voltage power supplies or complex circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-voltage power supplies and complex driver circuits are used to achieve high resolution and precision in distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by using a voltage source combined with an inductor and capacitor to generate pulsed discharge at the laser diode. This transforms the continuous current requirement into pulsed current operation, achieving short pulse widths (e.g., 10-100 picoseconds) without requiring complex high-voltage power supplies. The parameter transformation from continuous to pulsed operation simplifies the driver circuit while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic pulsed discharge through the laser diode by using an electronic switch to periodically charge and discharge a capacitor through the inductor and laser diode. This periodic action generates the required short light pulses for time-of-flight measurement, enabling high sampling rates and precision distance measurement without complex continuous high-voltage circuitry.
2Measurement precision
If high-voltage power supplies and complex driver circuits are used to achieve high resolution and precision in distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters from continuous high-voltage operation to pulsed low-voltage operation with high current peaks. By using simple components (voltage source, inductor, capacitor, electronic switch) to generate pulsed discharge, the system achieves the required pulse widths for precision measurement without expensive high-voltage power supplies, significantly reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available electronic components (standard inductors, capacitors, and electronic switches) to create the pulsed discharge circuit. These components are far cheaper than traditional high-voltage power supply systems, enabling cost-effective production of precision laser distance measurement devices.
3Measurement precision
If sampling rate is increased to improve resolution in distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of the driver circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed discharge controlled by an electronic switch to generate light pulses at high repetition rates. This periodic action enables high sampling rates for improved distance measurement precision while keeping the driver circuit simple, as the timing is controlled by straightforward switching rather than complex waveform generation 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
This solution enables increased resolution and precision in distance measurement by emitting short pulses of light, effectively upsampling the sampling rate of the laser scanner while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
In a first on state, current may flow through the switch to the inductor and through the inductor to store energy in the inductor
Implementation Method 2
In a first off state, the inductor may release the stored energy and allow current to flow to the at least one capacitor to charge the at least one capacitor
Implementation Method 3
In a second on state, the at least one capacitor may discharge and allow current to flow through the diode laser to cause the diode laser to emit light energy
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes a laser driver that can include a voltage source, an inductor, at least one capacitor, a diode laser, and an electronic switch. The switch may be connected to ground and may be configured to alternate between an on state and an off state. In a first on state, current may flow through the switch to the inductor and through the inductor to store energy in the inductor. In a first off state, the inductor may release the stored energy and allow current to flow to the at least one capacitor to charge the at least one capacitor. In a second on state, the at least one capacitor may discharge and allow current to flow through the diode laser to cause the diode laser to emit light energy.