GaN FETs proposed as laser drivers in LiDAR systems
EPC has announced the EPC9126, a 100V high current pulsed laser diode driver evaluation board. The rapid transition capability of eGaN FETs can provide power pulses to drive the laser up to ten times faster than an equivalent MOSFET. The board can also be used for other applications requiring a ground-referenced eGaN FET, for example in Class E or similar circuits.
The EPC9126 development board is primarily intended to drive laser diodes and features an EPC2016C ground-referenced eGaN FET driven by a Texas Instruments UCC27611 gate driver. The EPC2016C is a 100V maximum voltage device capable of current pulses up to 75A with total pulse widths as low as 5 nsec. The board can accommodate an EPC2001C 100 V eGaN FET with a pulse current rating of up to 150 A for users needing higher current capability.
The board includes multiple ultra-low inductance connection options for mounting laser diodes and can drive these via a discharging a capacitor (as supplied) or directly from a power bus. The board does not include a laser diode, which must be supplied by the user to evaluate specific applications.The printed circuit board is designed to minimize the power loop inductance while maintaining mounting flexibility for the laser diode. It includes multiple on-board passive probes for voltages and discharge capacitor current measurement, and comes equipped with SMA connections for input and sensing designed for 50O measurement systems. The user can enable an optional precision narrow pulse generator.
The EPC9126 100 V high current pulsed laser diode driver evaluation board is priced at $181.25 and is available from distributor Digi-Key.
EPC: www.epc-co.com
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