Resonant Laser Diode Driver With Auto Flux Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulsed laser driver circuits rely on parasitic capacitances and inductances, requiring redesign or re-layout to adjust parameters like pulse width, and often use GaN-based switches that are not suitable for integration into a single semiconductor die.
Innovation Solution
The pulsed laser diode driver employs a tunable resonant circuit with intentionally added inductors and capacitors, using Silicon-based switches and adaptive switch timing to generate high-current pulses, allowing easy tuning of parameters like pulse width and peak current without relying on parasitic reactances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional pulsed laser driver circuits use parasitic capacitances and inductances, then the circuit can be simpler, but adjusting parameters like pulse width requires redesign or re-layout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tuning function from the physical circuit layout and parasitic elements, concentrating it in a digital control unit that can adjust parameters like pulse width and peak current through software control rather than hardware redesign. This separates the tuning functionality from the circuit structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit is designed with a universal control architecture that can adjust multiple parameters (pulse width, peak current, frequency) through a single digital control unit, making the circuit adaptable to different laser diodes and applications without requiring structural changes.
2Reliability
If GaN-based switches are used in pulsed laser driver circuits, then switching performance is improved, but integration into a single semiconductor die becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control unit, timing circuits, and switch control logic into a single integrated semiconductor die alongside the laser diode driver circuitry. This integration consolidates multiple functions into one compact device, improving reliability while maintaining manufacturability through standard semiconductor fabrication processes.
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 approach enables efficient generation of ultra-short high-current pulses with reproducible architecture, reducing the need for redesign and integrating the driver into a single semiconductor die, while mitigating high voltage spikes and simplifying the design.
Implementation Method 1
a source capacitor having i) a first terminal configured to receive a refresh current and to develop a source voltage therefrom
Implementation Method 2
a timing of the one or more gate driver signals being based on a voltage level of the source voltage... corresponding to a peak current of a resonant waveform developed at the anode of the laser diode
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsed laser diode driver includes a source capacitor that receives a refresh current at a first terminal and develops a source voltage therefrom. A first terminal of an inductor is connected to the first terminal of the source capacitor. A second terminal of the inductor is connected to an anode of a laser diode. One or more switches are configured to control a current flow through the inductor. A timing and control circuit is configured to receive the source voltage and to generate one or more gate driver signals to control the switches to produce a high-current pulse through the laser diode. The high-current pulse corresponds to a peak current of a resonant waveform developed at the anode of the laser diode. A timing of the one or more gate driver signals is based on a voltage level of the source voltage.