driving multiple modules

[azzz]

Hi everybody!

I'm building an automated welding cell and would like to use lasers for indication of parts placement for the operator. I have never had any experience with lasers and finding the info on multiple modules connection seems to be harder than I thought.

I am looking at these modules. There is no information on current consumption, but it seems that typical current for 5mW lasers is 20-30mA, so I figured that to have 50 modules on simultaneously I'll need a 5VDC 5W power supply. I plan to turn all of them on with a single transistor (1A Ic), with base connected to my control signal line, collector to the power supply and emitter to the modules' positive lead.

Is there anything wrong with my vision? Will this function for any (combined current draw not exceeding the power output of the supply, of course) number of lasers - i.e. if I control 20 modules with another transistor, will it work?

Thank you for the advise!

Az

 

[Cyparagon]

You'd need to test the current or at least ask them instead of assuming, and then chose a transistor that can do 1.5 times that safely. The same goes for the power supply. There's no need to run things at absolute max rating; transistors and PSUs are cheap.

 

[Cyparagon]

I'm having some colossal deja vu.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f42/m...tter-18650-cell-holder-75978.html#post1095441
http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/new-need-some-help-75970.html#post1095438
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/why-my-50-mw-laser-blob-75975.html#post1095402
http://laserpointerforums.com/f37/hello-kansas-city-75967.html#post1095367
http://laserpointerforums.com/f37/hi-hey-75969.html#post1095362
http://laserpointerforums.com/f37/hey-im-new-75971.html#post1095360
http://laserpointerforums.com/f45/newbie-wanting-new-green-laser-75933.html#post1094933
http://laserpointerforums.com/f37/hey-75921.html#post1094878

And that's just in the last two days. I'm all for welcoming people, but you're gonna wear out your copy pasta button pretty soon