Laser-Mirror Synchronization Circuit Without External Clock Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser projection systems face challenges in synchronizing MEMS mirrors and lasers efficiently, particularly in high-resolution applications, due to the need for high-frequency clock signals that consume significant power, making them unsuitable for portable electronics.
Innovation Solution
A control system that generates mirror synchronization signals and laser synchronization signals, with synchronization circuitry modifying the frequency and phase of the laser clock signal based on the mirror synchronization signal, allowing for internal synchronization without the need for external clock signals, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-frequency clock signal is sent from the mirror controller to the laser modulation logic, then the synchronization between MEMS mirror and laser is achieved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock signal transmission function from the external connection and relocates it to an internal integration within the ASIC. The mirror controller and laser modulation logic are both incorporated into a single ASIC device, eliminating the need for external clock signal transmission through pins or pads. This extraction of the clock signal path from the external interface resolves the power consumption issue while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mirror controller and laser modulation logic into a single integrated circuit (ASIC). By combining these previously separate components into one unified device, the clock signal can be transmitted internally without requiring external connections. This merging eliminates the power-consuming external signal path while preserving the synchronization function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror controller and laser modulation logic are located in separate integrated circuits, then the system design is flexible, but external clock signal transmission is required which consumes power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mirror controller and laser modulation logic into a single ASIC to eliminate external clock signal transmission. This merging maintains design flexibility through integrated circuit customization while removing the power-consuming external connection requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ASIC performs multiple functions including mirror control, laser modulation, and internal clock signal distribution. By making the device multi-functional, it eliminates the need for separate components and external connections, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining system flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a control system for a laser scanning projector. The control system includes a mirror controller generating a mirror synchronization signal for an oscillating mirror apparatus based upon a mirror clock signal. The control system also includes laser modulation circuitry for generating a laser synchronization signal as a function of a laser clock signal, and generating control signals for a laser that emits a laser beam that impinges on the oscillating mirror apparatus. Synchronization circuitry is for generating the laser clock signal and sending the laser clock signal to the laser modulation circuitry, receiving the mirror synchronization signal from the mirror controller, receiving the laser synchronization signal from the laser modulation circuitry, and modifying frequency and phase of the laser clock signal for the laser as a function of the mirror synchronization signal and the laser synchronization signal.