Pulse Driver Circuit Using Inductor Energy Storage for Laser Pulsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver circuits for optical systems, such as LIDAR, struggle to provide a suitable output voltage for pulsing applications, particularly in varying voltage ranges, leading to inefficiencies and performance inconsistencies due to the use of constant voltage converters.
Innovation Solution
A driver circuit comprising a first inductor, switch, diode, and capacitor, along with a control circuit, is designed to generate a pulse output voltage by storing energy and releasing it through a series circuit, with additional components like second capacitors and inductors, and transistors for efficient energy management and pulse shaping, allowing for flexible voltage operation and energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a constant output voltage converter is used, then the voltage is stable, but it is not suitable for generating pulse voltages needed for laser emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static constant voltage output into a dynamic pulse voltage output by using a switching circuit. The switch alternates between conducting and non-conducting states, causing the inductor to store and release energy periodically, thereby generating pulse voltages that adapt to laser emission requirements while maintaining controlled stability through regulated switching timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching of the switch element to generate repeated pulse voltages. The switching occurs at specific intervals controlled by the control circuit, creating a periodic pattern of voltage pulses that match the required laser emission timing, thus achieving both adaptability to pulse requirements and reliability through consistent periodic operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a step-up converter is added to generate appropriate output voltage, then the voltage range is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing converter circuit multi-functional by adding a switching element and control circuitry. The same basic converter structure now serves both as a voltage regulator and as a pulse generator, eliminating the need for separate step-up converter components. The switch and inductor combination enables the circuit to operate in both continuous and pulsed modes, achieving voltage range flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage terminals are used to accommodate varying voltages, then voltage adaptability is improved, but the circuit structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic switching to provide multiple voltage outputs from a single converter structure. By controlling the switch timing and duty cycle, the circuit can deliver different voltage levels to the load without requiring multiple static voltage terminals. The control circuit adjusts switching parameters dynamically to accommodate varying voltage requirements, maintaining simple circuit topology while achieving voltage adaptability.
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 solution enables efficient generation of pulse output voltages suitable for multichannel lasers, reducing noise and jitter, and improving power efficiency by eliminating the need for step-up converters, while addressing voltage variations and temperature changes, thus enhancing the performance of optical systems like LIDAR and augmented/virtual reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
By setting the first switch in a conducting state, energy is stored in the first inductor. After setting the first switch in a non-conducting state, the stored energy is provided via the series circuit to the output terminal and generates an output voltage at the output terminal with a pulse.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver circuit may include a first inductor with a first terminal coupled to a first voltage terminal and a first switch with a first and a second terminal. The first terminal of the first switch is coupled to a second terminal of the first inductor via a first node and the second terminal of the first switch is coupled to a second voltage terminal. Moreover, the driver circuit may include a diode with a first terminal coupled to the first node, an output terminal, and a first capacitor with a first electrode coupled to a second terminal of the diode and a second electrode coupled to the output terminal.