US5425040A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switching regulator control for a laser diode
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1994-04-26
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Granted: 1995-06-13
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Expires: 2014-04-26
Abstract
Abstract The present invention utilizes the advantages of a switching regulator, such as, for example, the one shown in the National Semiconductor September 1992 publication, without the addition of additional complex control circuitry to provide a highly efficient controller for controlling the average optical output from a laser diode.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Krawczak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:31
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S5/00; H01S5/04; H01S5/042; H01S5/06; H01S5/068; H01S5/0683
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A circuit for regulating the optical output of a laser diode comprising, (a) first and second reference voltages, (b) a load terminal, (c) a DC-to-DC switching voltage regulator means comprising a voltage-in terminal for receiving a DC input voltage means which is operated by a single DC input voltage, a voltage-out terminal and a feedback terminal and circuitry for providing a DC output voltage on the voltage-out terminal, (d) regulating means coupled between said voltage-out terminal and said load terminal for supplying regulated electrical output signals to said laser diode wherein said laser diode is coupled between said load terminal and said first reference voltage, (e) a photodetector diode coupled between said second reference voltage and said feedback terminal, and positioned to sample the optical output of said laser diode, and (f) a resistor coupled across said voltage-in terminal and said feedback terminal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A circuit for regulating the optical output of a laser diode comprising, (a) first and second reference voltages, (b) a load terminal, (c) a DC-to-DC switching voltage regulator means comprising a voltage-in terminal for receiving a DC input voltage means which is operated by a single DC input voltage, a voltage-out terminal and a feedback terminal and circuitry for providing a DC output voltage on the voltage-out terminal, (d) regulating means coupled between said voltage-out terminal and said load terminal for supplying regulated electrical output signals to said laser diode wherein said laser diode is coupled between said load terminal and said first reference voltage, (e) a photodetector diode coupled between said second reference voltage and said feedback terminal, and positioned to sample the optical output of said laser diode, and (f) a resistor coupled across said voltage-in terminal and said feedback terminal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second reference voltage to which said photodetector diode is coupled is at the same voltage as said first reference voltage to which said laser diode is coupled.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
130 words
The circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said DC-to-DC switching voltage regulator means includes an error comparator means and an internal reference voltage which compares said internal reference voltage with the voltage at the feedback terminal and provides an error output signal in response to the difference between said first reference voltage and said voltage at said feedback terminal voltage which controls said DC output voltage of said DC-to-DC switching voltage regulator means in correspondence with said difference between said voltages, wherein the value of said resistor is calculated using Ohm's law and the values of said voltage at said voltage-in terminal, said internal reference voltage and the current that flows through the photo detector diode when said laser diode is providing a light output of a predetermined amount.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said light output of said laser diode of said predetermined amount which occurs at a selected voltage and temperature provides current through the photodiode such that the error comparator supplies a zero error output signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said second reference voltage to which said photodetector diode is coupled is at the same voltage level as said first reference voltage to which said laser diode is coupled.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 5 wherein said light output of said laser diode of said predetermined amount occurs at a selected voltage and temperature provides current through the photodiode such that the error comparator supplies a zero error output signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-06-12 | 1998-12-12 | 1999-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-06-12 | 2002-12-12 | 2003-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-06-12 | 2006-12-12 | 2007-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |