Is this circuit on DX usable?

[Aardvarki]

I was browsing DX and found this set of LED Circuits that seemed like it might be a good fit for a reasonably powered laser. I'm nowhere near an expert, so maybe one of you could take a look at it and let me know what you think of it? It might be a bit too strong for a laser, since it's designed for flashlights, but I don't really know what to be looking for as far as voltage/current. Let me know your thoughts!

(I can't post links apparently. :'( Hum. Here's the specs from DX's site):

3.6V~9V 800mA Regulated IC Circuit Board for Cree and SSC LEDs (4-pack)
SKU: 3256 IN STOCK Typically ships in 2 business days Worldwide Free Shipping on Everything Worldwide Free Shipping
- 16mm base board with 6mm max height
- C310 chip
- 800mAh Regulated Output for Cree and SSC 3.7V emitters
- Accepts 3.6V ~ 9V input power
- Lead wires already soldered on the board
- 4 circuits per board

 

[Revolvr]

High powered LED power supplies hold a lot of promise for driving laser diodes. However LD's need constant current supplies much lower than 800mA. A 200mW LD probably needs 250mA or so. 800mA would kill it in a hurry. Look for an adjustable current supply from 50-250 mA or so or build your own.

The other concern I have is that laser diodes are very susceptible to damage with too much current. A slight surge or transient could kill it especially when we try to drive the LD's up near their upper edge of performance. LEDs are not so sensitive. Additional filtering and soft turn on helps keep them alive.

Hopefully in the next 5 years or so 800mA will work great. :

-- Rev

 

[stevetexas]

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3160
Quality AMC7135 350mA Regulated Circuit Board for DIY Flashlights 20-Pack
$14.95

this one may require less work to make it useable. I have some I'll try out later on...

 

[stevetexas]

3W Regulated Circuit Board for Cree and SSC Emitters 5-Pack (3.0~6.5V Input)  
$11.95  
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4255

[highlight]and a test run by a reviewer there...[/highlight]

EpRoM  Monday, June 25, 2007 3:10 AM  Reply  

Hi Friends,

I have test the boards I have.
-It uses a Zetex C300 chip which is friend on sku.3256.

-This board has an efficiency of 72%(at 8.5V) to 99% (at 3.8).

-This board direct drives the led when the voltage under 3.7 Volt.

Detailed Test Results.
(SV=Source Voltage SC=Source Current EC=Emiter Current)


S.V. - S.C. - E.C.

2.8V - 30 ma - 30 ma
2.9V - 60 ma - 60 ma
3.0V - 90 ma - 90 ma
3.1V - 130 ma - 130 ma
3.2V - 180 ma - 180 ma
3.3V - 240 ma - 240 ma
3.4V - 330 ma - 330 ma
3.5V - 400 ma - 400 ma
3.6V - 500 ma - 500 ma
3.7V - 600 ma - 600 ma - Direct Drive Ended, Board worked
3.8V - 580 ma - 600 ma - Efficiency is ~99%
3.9V - 580 ma - 620 ma
4.0V - 580 ma - 630 ma
4.1V - 580 ma - 640 ma
4.2V - 580 ma - 650 ma
4.3V - 580 ma - 660 ma
4.4V - 580 ma - 660 ma
4.5V - 580 ma - 670 ma
4.6V - 580 ma - 680 ma
4.7V - 580 ma - 690 ma
4.8V - 570 ma - 700 ma
4.9V - 570 ma - 710 ma
5.0V - 570 ma - 710 ma
5.1V - 570 ma - 720 ma
5.2V - 570 ma - 730 ma
5.4V - 570 ma - 740 ma
5.5V - 580 ma - 740 ma
5.6V - 600 ma - 750 ma
5.7V - 600 ma - 760 ma
5.8V - 590 ma - 760 ma
5.9V - 580 ma - 780 ma
6.0V - 570 ma - 780 ma
6.1V - 570 ma - 790 ma
6.2V - 560 ma - 790 ma
6.3V - 560 ma - 800 ma
6.4V - 560 ma - 800 ma - Cut the test

- And try the voltages over the specs

7.0V - 540 ma - 830 ma
7.5V - 540 ma - 860 ma
8.0V - 550 ma - 890 ma
8.5V - 600 ma - 930 ma - The Led Blow down. (Kyle you debited me a cree )

- Overall view

1- I like this board, its efficiency is unbelievable at the voltages 3.7 to 4.4 (also perfect over these voltages)

2- I am disappointed because it is not working like specs said (3.0V to 6.5V)

3- I am very sad I paid 11,95$ for 5 boards but it's also the same
with -sku.3256- 4 boards for 6,44$.