Temperature-Adaptive Laser Driver Voltage for 3D Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules for 3D applications using time of flight technology face power consumption issues due to fixed laser diode driver voltage supplies that do not regulate voltage, leading to increased voltage drop at lower temperatures and significant power loss in multi-junction light-emitting devices.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus with a controllable voltage supply, temperature sensor, and control module that adjusts the supply voltage based on temperature to maintain optimal operating conditions, minimizing power loss and maximizing optical power output across the full temperature range without external photodiodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fixed laser diode driver voltage supply is used for the full temperature range, then the device can operate across all temperatures, but the voltage drop increases at lower temperatures causing significant power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic voltage supply system that adjusts the laser diode driver voltage based on temperature feedback. The control module receives temperature information from a temperature sensor and dynamically modifies the supply voltage to compensate for temperature-induced voltage drop variations, transforming the static fixed voltage system into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains optimal power efficiency across the full temperature range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the laser diode driver supply based on temperature conditions. By adjusting the supply voltage as a variable parameter rather than a fixed value, the system compensates for temperature-dependent voltage drop changes, reducing power loss at lower temperatures while maintaining operational stability across the entire temperature range
2Reliability
If a large voltage margin is provided for multi-junction light-emitting devices, then the device can operate across temperature variations, but instantaneous power dissipation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the supply voltage parameter based on actual temperature conditions rather than using a fixed large voltage margin. The control module calculates the appropriate voltage level by considering the temperature-dependent voltage drop characteristics of multi-junction devices, providing just enough voltage headroom for reliable operation without the excessive margin that causes 45W instantaneous power dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensor feedback to automatically adjust the voltage supply, making the power management self-regulating. The control module continuously monitors temperature and autonomously modifies the supply voltage to maintain operational stability, eliminating the need for a permanently oversized voltage margin while ensuring reliable operation across temperature variations
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 reduces power loss and maintains constant optical power output across varying temperatures, enhancing battery life in consumer electronics by dynamically adjusting voltage and current in the driver circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor arranged to sense a temperature of the light-emitting device
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting device coupled to a controllable voltage supply configured to provide a supply voltage to the light-emitting device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus comprising: a light-emitting device coupled to a controllable voltage supply configured to provide a supply voltage to the light-emitting device; a temperature sensor arranged to sense a temperature of the light-emitting device; a driver die comprising a driver circuit for driving the light-emitting device; and a control module configured to: receive a voltage at the output of the light-emitting device; determine a target voltage that is to be provided at the output of the light-emitting device, wherein the control module is configured to determine the target voltage based on said temperature; and output a control signal to control the output of the light-emitting device to be at the target voltage in dependence on the voltage at the output of the light-emitting device.