PCO-6141 Pulsed/CW Laser Diode Driver Module Datasheet
This architecture provides a high-performance
driver in a small form factor, with high operating
efficiency and low stored energy. At 60 A output
current, the stored energy in the driver is
approximately 7 Joules, dramatically lower than
the stored energy in comparable linear current
sources.
System Operation
The PCO-6141 requires user-supplied +24 VDC
support power, a CMOS (+5 V) gate signal, and
a TTL-level enable/disable signal. The high
current output is derived from the +24 VDC input.
The output pulse width and frequency are
controlled by the gate signal. The output current
Precision Pulse Control
The PCO-6141 is a compact, OEM-style high
power pulsed current source designed to drive
diode lasers, bars and arrays in pulsed, QCW or
CW modes. It delivers output current variable
from 1 A to 60 A, pulse widths variable from <100
ns to DC, and pulse repetition frequencies
variable from single-shot to 500 KHz at duty
cycles up to 100%.
amplitude is controlled by
potentiometer.
a
PCB-mount
To protect the laser diode and the driver, circuitry
is incorporated into the driver that disables the
output if the +24 VDC support power drops below
18 V. Clamp diodes are incorporated into the
output network to protect the laser diode against
reverse voltage conditions.
The PCO-6141 features
a
user-adjustable
The rugged, compact design and high-power
capability of the PCO-6141 make it an excellent
OEM choice for driving high power laser diodes.
variable rise time control. This innovative feature
allows the user to adjust the rise time within a
range of <12 ns to >1.5 µs by means of a PCB-
mounted potentiometer, to optimize the driver’s
rise time for the user’s application.
The PCA-9150 optional current monitor is a 0.01
Ohms resistor with a 50 Ohm series termination.
When terminated into 50 Ohms, the output is the
equivalent of a 0.005 Ohm resistor with scaling of
200 A/V and can be viewed with an oscilloscope
providing a straight-forward means to observe the
The PCO-6141 is based on a hysteretic, average
current, switch-mode regulator. This type of
regulator is a variable frequency, variable pulse
width design which maintains current in an
energy storage inductor between a minimum and
maximum level. The ripple is limited to the
minimum and maximum current determined by
the hysteretic controller. The regulator is started
when the TTL "enable" line is taken high and runs
as long as the enable is high. The use of the
hysteretic regulator provides a large input range
and high efficiency.
diode current waveform in real-time.
The
resistor is in the negative lead and the BNC shield
is connected to the negative out.
Ordering Information
PCO-6141
PCA-9160
PCA-9150
Diode Driver Module
1-Meter Output Stripline Cable
Optional Current Monitor Board
The PCO-6141 is provided with a mating I/O
connector and sockets, and a 1-meter output
stripline cable assembly.
A shunting switch shorts the output of the
regulator until output current is needed. The
pulse is generated by opening the shunt switch
for the length of the input pulse. The pulse rise
and fall times are then limited only by the
stray/parasitic capacitance and inductance of the
shunting switch and output leads.
No power is dissipated in the driver until it is
enabled. When enabled, at 60 A maximum output
approximately 80 W is continuously dissipated in
the driver to maintain the current in the energy
storage inductor.
For more information: 970.493.1901 or sales@directedenergy.com
Document #9200-0259 Rev B1. © Copyright 2019 Directed Energy, Inc. All rights reserved.