- Joined
- Jan 14, 2011
- Messages
- 3,816
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Hey everyone.
In the last few months, I have been working on a new project - a cheaper, adjustable, lower-powered driver for just about everything that isn't a 445nm.
So what did I do? I made a linear driver!
So what's special about this driver? It's absolutely tiny, fully adjustable, has a very low drop-out, is easily heatsinked, etc. There is one thing everyone should know off the bat though - it's continuous positive, meaning that you have to make sure to either A) isolate the diode or B) isolate the battery (unless you are using an already isolated diode or a diode that is case positive, of course!).
So, the current ranges are:
High (default): 500mA-1A
Low (set w/ solder bridge): 70mA-500mA
Size: 8mm by 11mm.
Dropout: <.45V to .7V (at 1A)
Output voltage: <1.8V to 10V
Input voltage: (Output voltage + Vdo) to 10V
Heatsinking pad: The entire underbelly of the driver is componentless, with gold-plated padding for heatsinking. Note that this MUST be isolated from the driver and from the case!
I bet you're wondering what the ripple and start-up specs are like. Never fear, they're AMAZING.
Current plot at 1A upon start-up. Note the lack of inrush spike - just smooth sloping. In fact, if you'll notice, the ramp up may even be noticeable by eye if you're quick - it's about 150ms before it reaches near maximum power!
Ripple voltage of the driver at 1A. Notice that, even at a current as high as 1A, the ripple voltage is less than 5mA.
Current plot at ~70mA. Note the lack of inrush spike here, too! Unlike before, however, the start-up is quicker (basic consequence of capacitor current flow), so you won't see it with your eyes, but in electronics terms, a start-up time of 5ms is still very long, so long that you will never see an inrush spike!
For those of you who use sensitive diodes, fear no more! With less than 2mA current ripple at lower currents, you'll never damage your laser diode! Notice the tiny scale - 2mV per division. Yet, it doesn't even take up a full division.
Anyway, so that's all I have for you guys. I hope you like the driver, I put a lot of hard work into it and I hope to see it improve the laser hobby!
Expect to see these at CajunLasers soon, but buy them up, they are expected to fly off the shelves. Pricing is probably going to be $15 (not sure - ask Clif!).
Thanks,
Sam
In the last few months, I have been working on a new project - a cheaper, adjustable, lower-powered driver for just about everything that isn't a 445nm.
So what did I do? I made a linear driver!
So what's special about this driver? It's absolutely tiny, fully adjustable, has a very low drop-out, is easily heatsinked, etc. There is one thing everyone should know off the bat though - it's continuous positive, meaning that you have to make sure to either A) isolate the diode or B) isolate the battery (unless you are using an already isolated diode or a diode that is case positive, of course!).
So, the current ranges are:
High (default): 500mA-1A
Low (set w/ solder bridge): 70mA-500mA
Size: 8mm by 11mm.
Dropout: <.45V to .7V (at 1A)
Output voltage: <1.8V to 10V
Input voltage: (Output voltage + Vdo) to 10V
Heatsinking pad: The entire underbelly of the driver is componentless, with gold-plated padding for heatsinking. Note that this MUST be isolated from the driver and from the case!
I bet you're wondering what the ripple and start-up specs are like. Never fear, they're AMAZING.
Current plot at 1A upon start-up. Note the lack of inrush spike - just smooth sloping. In fact, if you'll notice, the ramp up may even be noticeable by eye if you're quick - it's about 150ms before it reaches near maximum power!
Ripple voltage of the driver at 1A. Notice that, even at a current as high as 1A, the ripple voltage is less than 5mA.
Current plot at ~70mA. Note the lack of inrush spike here, too! Unlike before, however, the start-up is quicker (basic consequence of capacitor current flow), so you won't see it with your eyes, but in electronics terms, a start-up time of 5ms is still very long, so long that you will never see an inrush spike!
For those of you who use sensitive diodes, fear no more! With less than 2mA current ripple at lower currents, you'll never damage your laser diode! Notice the tiny scale - 2mV per division. Yet, it doesn't even take up a full division.
Anyway, so that's all I have for you guys. I hope you like the driver, I put a lot of hard work into it and I hope to see it improve the laser hobby!
Expect to see these at CajunLasers soon, but buy them up, they are expected to fly off the shelves. Pricing is probably going to be $15 (not sure - ask Clif!).
Thanks,
Sam
Last edited:
Of it running, anyway.
