Building a Laser Diode Driver Circuit
A laser diode requires a driver circuit to control the current flowing through it. The driver protects the laser diode from excess current which can damage it. This article shows how to build a simple laser diode driver circuit using common components.
The driver circuit must supply enough current and voltage to operate the laser diode correctly. Typically a supply current of 20mA is sufficient. The exact current depends on the particular laser diode used.
A simple driver circuit uses a resistor to limit current. More complex drivers use transistors or integrated circuits. These can give more accurate control over the laser diode current.
Components Required:
- Laser diode
- Resistor
- Power supply
The resistor must have an appropriate resistance to provide the required current to the laser diode. Too much current will damage the laser diode. Too little current means the laser diode will not light up properly.
Connect the resistor in series with the laser diode. Apply a suitable supply voltage across them. The resistor will limit the current to a safe value for correct operation of the laser diode.
Improving the Circuit
To improve the circuit, add extra components to regulate the voltage and current precisely. This helps protect the laser diode and gives maximum light output.
Manufacturing a Laser Diode Circuit
A laser diode requires a driver circuit to control the current flowing through it. The driver protects the laser diode from excess current which can damage it. Typically a supply current of 20mA is sufficient. The exact current depends on the particular laser diode used.
The components needed are:
- Laser diode
- Resistor
- Power supply
Connect the resistor in series with the laser diode and apply a suitable supply voltage across them. The resistor will limit the current to a safe value for correct operation of the laser diode. To improve the circuit, add components to regulate the voltage and current precisely. This helps protect the laser diode and gives maximum light output.