EPC introduces 150A high-current pulsed laser diode drive demonstration circuit board

     EPC announced the launch of a new drive demonstration board for 100V, 150A high-current pulsed laser diodes (EPC9126HC). Lidar systems for fully autonomous automotive applications require the production of three-dimensional maps, so the speed and accuracy of detecting surrounding objects becomes very important. As can be seen from the EPC9126HC demonstration board, the pulse power provided by the fast conversion gallium nitride field-effect transistor (eGaNFET) can drive the laser diode ten times faster than the equivalent MOSFETs, thereby improving the overall performance of the liDAR system.

     The EPC9126HC development board mainly drives a laser diode and is equipped with a reference ground gallium nitride field-effect transistor (EPC2001C). The transistor is driven by a Texas Instruments UCC27611 gate driver. The EPC2001C has a maximum voltage of 100V and can drive up to 150A pulse current. The EPC9126HC development board delivers a drive current of up to 75A to a high-power triple-junction laser diode with a pulse width as low as 5 ns.

     The development board offers multiple optional connections with ultra-low inductance for mounting laser diodes, as well as the ability to discharge capacitors (shipped) or drive the diodes directly from the power bus. The development board does not contain a laser diode, which needs to be provided by the user for specific evaluation of different applications.

     The PCB is designed to minimize the power loop inductance while maintaining the flexibility of mounting laser diodes. The board is equipped with passive probes to measure voltage and current of discharge capacitors, as well as SMA connectors with inputs and sensors for 502 measurement systems. In addition, users can use an optional high-precision narrow pulse generator.