Programmable Laser Diode System with Digital Control and Switching Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high power laser diode systems face inefficiencies in power conversion and control performance, with existing systems being either slow to respond or having low efficiency and large volume, limiting their ability to meet increasing power demands.
Innovation Solution
A programmable continuous wave high power laser diode system is developed, comprising a digital control unit, a switching DC-DC converter unit, a latch current controlling unit, and a switch module unit, allowing for instant adjustment of latch current and driving current, enabling high efficiency, reliability, and fast switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If parallel or array type of high power laser diode modules are used to increase output power, then the output power is improved, but the power conversion efficiency and control performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high power laser diode system into multiple individual laser diode bars, each with its own dedicated driver circuit. This allows independent optimization of each segment's power conversion efficiency while collectively achieving high output power through parallel operation of efficient segments rather than forcing a single inefficient module to handle the entire power load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of latch current for each laser diode bar through programmable driver circuits. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize operating parameters in real-time for each individual diode, maximizing power conversion efficiency across all segments while maintaining high total output power, unlike static parallel module configurations.
2Loss of energy
If switch-driven power system is used, then the efficiency is improved, but the response speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a latch current mechanism that pre-biases the laser diode bars before full operation. This preliminary action prepares the diodes for rapid switching by establishing initial current conditions, enabling the switch-driven circuit to achieve both high efficiency and fast response by reducing the transient time required during switching transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses programmable driver circuits with dynamic control capabilities that can adjust switching parameters in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize the balance between efficiency and response speed by adapting switching waveforms and latch current levels based on operational requirements, overcoming the static limitations of conventional switch-driven systems.
3Measurement precision
If linear drive power system is used, then the control precision is improved, but the efficiency and volume deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional linear drive circuitry with programmable switch-driven circuits that use digital control and feedback mechanisms. This substitution maintains high control precision through programmable current regulation and feedback loops while achieving superior efficiency by eliminating the inherent power losses associated with linear voltage regulation, and reducing volume by using integrated circuit solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control in the programmable driver circuits to maintain high control precision. The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the actual current to each laser diode bar and adjusts the drive signal accordingly, achieving precision comparable to linear systems while benefiting from the high efficiency of switch-driven architecture.
4Device complexity
If fixed output power continuous mode is used, then the system simplicity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a programmable driver system that can operate in multiple modes (continuous wave, pulsed, variable power levels) using the same hardware infrastructure. The system achieves versatility through software programming and configurable control parameters rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function, maintaining relative simplicity while enabling wide adaptability to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic programmability in the driver circuits, allowing real-time adjustment of operating parameters including output power level, pulse width, duty cycle, and latch current. This dynamic capability enables a single system to adapt to various applications and conditions without increasing fundamental system complexity, as the programmable logic handles multiple functions through software rather than hardware multiplication.
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
The system achieves high efficiency, low output ripple current, and fast switching reaction times, with the ability to precisely control output current, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a switching DC-DC converter unit, disposed for converting power source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a programmable continuous wave high power laser diode system, which comprised digital control unit, a switch module unit, and a latch current controlling unit so as to provide user to set the latch current of the high power laser diode via the digital control unit controlling the switch module unit and the latch current controlling unit, therefore, the laser diode system includes advantages of high system efficiency, reliability, low output ripple current range and fast switching reaction time.