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Feeler: LD Test Safety regulators

amkdeath

amkdeath

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Hey everyone,

It's been a while. Just posting to see if anyone would be interested in some "test regulators" I might be getting printed. They would act as a pre "filter" that you could attach to a power supply or some batteries and then to your driver/diode test setup. At a certain pre-determined current, the regulator would shut off power to the circuit, preventing any damage.

These would be ideal for testing new drivers and setups with real laser diode loads without frying them

Please post below if you are interested, and if there are enough people I can calculate and post the associated costs

Regards,

Amk
 





benmwv

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Also unless you use only linear drivers that isn't going to help!
 
Leodahsan

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More info on how these "safety regulators" work is desirable. Especially for us, electronics guys ;)
 
Wolfman29

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I think this is one of those current limiting devices. They use 'em in USB ports and things. Shuts off the current when it exceeds a certain limit. Basic MOSFET kind of deal.
 
djQUAN

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Nope. Polyfuse is too slow for protecting laser diodes.
 
amkdeath

amkdeath

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The setup is fairly simple: a pair of IC regulators. The pair act separately, one for current, the other for voltage. This way, you can safely test laser diodes and set an initial current limit until you are satisfied with your diode behavior.

I.e. You know your diode will die if it draws 400mA+, so you can set this unit to cap at 325mA, and attach it to your power supply, and then attach drivers/lasers to the regulator instead of straight to the batteries or the bench power supply while testing.

Regards,

amk
 
amkdeath

amkdeath

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I would beg to differ but I can run some tests.

It's a simple principle, if the diode is receiving 300mA, there is at least 300mA coming in from the power source. If, lets say, this current exceeds 350mA, the power is shut off to prevent potentially overdriving the diode.

I'll still run some tests though, what kind of driver/load setups would you all like to see tested?

Regards,

amk
 
Kookapeli

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Doesn't boost drivers use the extra current to convert it to voltage, so limiting the current will stop the extra current from being converted :thinking:
 
Wolfman29

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Yes, this is right Kookapeli, and buck drivers require less current and boost the current by using excess voltage. All said and done, this won't work.
 
amkdeath

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Wolfman29 said:
Yes, this is right Kookapeli, and buck drivers require less current and boost the current by using excess voltage. All said and done, this won't work.
Click to expand...

So, in that case, you would set the limit on the regulator lower than usual. Unless there is some nonlinear relationship to the current gain vs. usage, in which case adjustments can be made.
 
Wolfman29

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My point is, this seems a bit unnecessary, doesn't it? You're sticking a driver in front of a driver. Why not stick another driver in front of that? Drivers do their jobs - they regulate.
 
amkdeath

amkdeath

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Wolfman29 said:
My point is, this seems a bit unnecessary, doesn't it? You're sticking a driver in front of a driver. Why not stick another driver in front of that? Drivers do their jobs - they regulate.
Click to expand...

Except this doesn't regulate current, it just limits it.

Its designed to be used mainly while testing drivers and diodes, like in a benchtop setting, in order to minimize damage. For example, Instead of having your power supply leads coming out onto your desk, have those go through the regulator first, then you have an "LD safe" power line.
 
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