The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for pushing 462s (478nm hit so far)

I've got an extra copy of a driver that I put together for my Nichia 462 diode, and I'm wondering if anyone would like to test and review it? (and keep it when you're done)



The idea of this driver is to provide a really clean output with very minimal ripple or initial overshoot. In theory, this should allow for more reliable driving of diodes like 462s up to just shy of their "true death" current, thus pushing wavelength up for a more exotic color. It's a tough task, that really calls for a precise and ultra-clean driver.

I think that's what I've created, but I don't have a scope, so the output modelling is all in my head. I've got an extra driver, and I'd be happy to give it to someone who can review it, and most importantly, has a scope (and some experience using it) so that they can kick the tires.

It's designed to run from 2x lithium ion input (~7 or 8V) and the output current is fixed at 2.85A. It's also meant to be high efficiency, create little significant heat, and require no heatsinking. It's not tiny. The latest version is 16x16, and the prototype version I'd send for review is a few mm larger because it had a few extra test points on it.

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

I can certainly scope it and test it on a dummy load, but I don't have any suitable diodes to do a "live" test. Note though that I only have a 40MHz CRO scope, and modern testing of these types of things usually prefer a much, much faster digital scope, something like 2Gsample/s (200MHz).

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

Sigurthr said:

I can certainly scope it and test it on a dummy load, but I don't have any suitable diodes to do a "live" test. Note though that I only have a 40MHz CRO scope, and modern testing of these types of things usually prefer a much, much faster digital scope, something like 2Gsample/s (200MHz).

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Would you have a use for the driver afterwards?

I appreciate the offer, but I don't want you to go to the hassle if the driver isn't something you'd actually want afterwards.

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

I dont have a scope, but I have the diode...if it means anything

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

rhd said:

Would you have a use for the driver afterwards?

I appreciate the offer, but I don't want you to go to the hassle if the driver isn't something you'd actually want afterwards.

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Unfortunately no, since I moved on pretty much fully to gas lasers last year, but I wanted to speak up in case no one steps up. It's a shame to develop a product and then be able to finally test it after all the hard work.

Edit: oh and I do have the electronics capability to brutally test these types of things too, by using it as a current source for a switched load, with thermal, voltage, and current monitoring while on resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads.

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

Sigurthr said:

Unfortunately no, since I moved on pretty much fully to gas lasers last year, but I wanted to speak up in case no one steps up. It's a shame to develop a product and then be able to finally test it after all the hard work.

Edit: oh and I do have the electronics capability to brutally test these types of things too, by using it as a current source for a switched load, with thermal, voltage, and current monitoring while on resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads.

Click to expand...

I think I should send it to you

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

Well I recommend you wait until others have had a chance to see. We've got to have someone else with a scope (and knowledge on how to use one!) that actually has laser diodes!

But my offer stands =).

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

whats the topology of that driver?
i do have 2.5, 5 and 10GSa DSOs + specan, but you'd have to ship overseas.

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

phenol said:

whats the topology of that driver?
i do have 2.5, 5 and 10GSa DSOs + specan, but you'd have to ship overseas.

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Not having a scope myself, I have no idea what that means other than that ib owned a DSO nano, and am pretty sure it wouldn't have worked.

I do actually have a Hantek usb scope, but I can't figure out the software.

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

phenol said:

whats the topology of that driver?
i do have 2.5, 5 and 10GSa DSOs + specan, but you'd have to ship overseas.

Click to expand...

That means if his scope was a 1000W flood lamp my scope would be a dry noodle that someone set on fire with a match.

P.s. Why the he did they have to name it sp agh et ti. -_-

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

floodlights and burning pasta aside, it means that the scope can digitize and store large amounts of data and visualize transient events such as power-up transients as well as HF switching noise superimposed on the output.

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

phenol said:

floodlights and burning pasta aside, it means that the scope can digitize and store large amounts of data and visualize transient events such as power-up transients as well as HF switching noise superimposed on the output.

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That's helpful. And thanks Sig, now I'm hungry for pasta

Phenol, where's overseas for you?

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

I have a Rigol digital scope, DIY electronic adjustable load (up to 0-50V 0-10A), Bunch of power supplies and some batteries, FLIR and a bit of electronics experience but no spare high power diodes (just an M140) and you'd also have to ship it overseas.

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

Bulgaria. But I don't have a Flir.

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

A test load should be A-OK.

FLIR would be very cool!

dj, would you be interested in testing it out? I wouldn't mind shipping to the Philippines.

Re: The "Clean Edge" Driver - 2.85A driver for 462s - want to review/test?

Sure, I'd be glad to do the tests. I will also be in the US around Feb-March so I can also get it from there to save on shipping (but won't be able to do tests until I get back home mid-march).