ICHAUS IC

iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 1/20
FEATURES
APPLICATIONS
♦ Peak value controlled three level laser switch for operation
from CW up to 155 MHz
♦ Spike-free switching of laser currents of ca. 100 mA per
channel (320 mA total) from 3.5 to 5 V supply voltage
♦ Single-failure-proof
♦ System-enable with self test
♦ Separate setting of laser power for each channel via external
resistors
♦ Strong suppression of transients with very small external
capacitors
♦ Adjustable laser current monitor
♦ Safety shutdown with overcurrent, overtemperature and
undervoltage
♦ Autonomous safety circuit for a second photo diode monitoring
the laser power
♦ All current LD types can be used (M/P/N configurations)
♦ Error signal output at shutdown
♦ Pulsed LD modules for safety
applications
♦ Distance measurement
PACKAGES
QFN28 5 mm x 5 mm
BLOCK DIAGRAM
LENL
SDIS
LENM
LENH
REGEN
+5 V
LDA
VDD
Safety
Monitor
Diode
Current Monitor
RSI
RVDD
RSI
LD MD
NSEN
RSIOV
LDAOK
NTREN
EN
LDKH
MDOK
LDKM
CIOK
ENCAL
LDKGND
FSM
LDKL
NSEN
NERR
CIH
NSF
CIH
CIM
NPDR
TEMPOK
CIL
MDL
Safety
Monitor Diode
SMD
+
SMD(1)
−
VSH
RSMD
+
Laser
Driver
CIM
CIL
RMDM
RMDH
VBG
and
Reference
SMD(0)
RMH
VBG
and
Reference
−
VSL
AGND
GND
RMM
RML
RGND
VREF
suitable laser diode configurations
N
P
M
LD
LD MD
Copyright © 2007 iC-Haus
MD LD
MD
http://www.ichaus.com
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 2/20
DESCRIPTION
Three-channel laser diode pulse regulator iC-NZ enables the continuous wave operation of laser diodes
and spike-free switching with defined current pulses
in a frequency range of up to 155 MHz. The three
channels can be accumulatively pulsed via inputs
LENL, LENM and LENH. The peak optical power of
the laser diodes is regulated separately for high, middle and low levels and adjusted using the three external resistors RMH, RMM and RML.
The iC is activated via pin EN which triggers a selftest of the device. The system is enabled if no errors
are detected. Any errors are signaled at pin NERR.
The (average) current monitor can be set using external resistor RSI. Overcurrent is signalled at NERR,
causing the iC to be shut down.
To ensure that the selected laser class is maintained
a second monitor input SMD (safety monitor diode)
is needed. This optional photo diode monitors the
laser power. Exceeding the monitor window, set-up
by RSMD, triggers a permanent reset. This is re-
ported at output NERR and can be deleted when the
system is restarted at EN.
For high pulse frequencies the device can be
switched into controlled burst mode at input REGEN.
A previously settled operating point is maintained
throughout the burst phase.
When the iC is switched on all safety-relevant signals pertinent to the current monitor, SMD and control unit are checked. These units are in turn monitored for the following: overcurrent, short circuits,
open pins and whether the laser is switched off in
terms of output power. With the exception of the latter these checks are carried out intermittently during operation. So that the device is single-failureproof various safety check routines are also implemented. To this end a second SMD (safety monitor
diode) monitoring the laser power is required. The
laser power must stay within a defined range during
operation (thus maintaining the laser class). If this
range is left, the system is shut down and an error
message is generated.
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 3/20
PACKAGES QFN28 5 mm x 5 mm to JEDEC Standard (MO-220-VHHD-1)
PIN CONFIGURATION QFN28 5 mm x 5 mm
(top view)
PIN FUNCTIONS
No. Name Function
1 RMDH APC Setup, Monitor Input Hi
2 RVDD Reference (P-type laser diodes)
3 RMDM APC Setup, Monitor Input Mid
4 NSF
No-Safety Signal
PIN FUNCTIONS
No. Name Function
5 MDL
APC Setup, Monitor Input Lo
6 ENCAL Enable Calibration
7 RGND Internal Ground
8 SMD
Safety Monitor Diode
9 GND
Ground
10 VREF Reference Voltage
11 CIL
Power Control Capacitor Lo
12 REGEN Regulator Enable
13 CIM
Power Control Capacitor Mid
14 LENL
Enable Laser Channel Lo
15 LENM Enable Laser Channel Mid
16 GND
Ground
17 LDKM Cathode Laser Diode Mid
18 AGND Analog Ground
19 LDKL
Cathode Laser Diode Lo
20 LDKH Cathode Laser Diode Hi
21 LENH Enable Laser Channel Hi
22 NERR Error Output
23 EN
Enable Input
24 CIH
Power Control Capacitor Hi
25 LDA
Anode Laser Diode
26 RSI
Current Monitor Setup
27 SDIS
External Current Limitation
28 VDD
Power Supply
The Thermal Pad is to be connected to a Ground Plane (GND) on the PCB. Pins 9, 16 (GND) and 18
(AGND) must be connected externally, e.g. to a Ground Plane.
Orientation of package label (
NZ CODE ...) may vary.
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 4/20
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Beyond these values damage may occur; device operation is not guaranteed.
Item
No.
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Unit
Min.
Max.
G001 VDD
Supply Voltage VDD Current
G002 I(VDD)
Current in VDD
-0.7
G003 I(CIx)
Current in CIx
G004 I(NSF)
Current in NSF
G005 I(SMD)
Current in SMD
20
mA
G006 I(NERR)
Current in NERR
20
mA
G007 I(MDL)
Current in MDL
20
mA
G008 I(RMDx)
Current in RMDx
20
mA
G009 I()dig
Current in LENL, LENM, LENH,
REGEN, NEN, ENCAL
20
mA
G010 I(LDKx)
Current in LDKx
300
mA
G011 I(LDA)
Current in LDA
400
mA
G012 I(RSI)
Current in RSI
20
mA
G013 I(SDIS)
Current in SDIS
20
mA
G014 I(VREF)
Current in VREF
50
mA
G015 V()c
Voltage at RMDH, RVDD, RMDM, NSF,
MDL, ENCAL, SMD, VREF, REGEN,
CIx, LENx, NERR, LDA, RSI, SDIS
-0.7
6
V
G016 V()h
Voltage at LDKx
-0.7
15
V
G017 Vd()
ESD Susceptibility at all pins
2
kV
G018 Tj
Operating Junction Temperature
-40
150
°C
G019 Ts
Storage Temperature Range
-40
150
°C
V(LDA) = 0
HBM, 100 pF discharged through 1.5 kΩ
6
V
400
mA
5
mA
20
mA
THERMAL DATA
Operating Conditions: VDD = 3.5...5.5 V
Item
No.
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Unit
Min.
T01
Ta
Operating Ambient Temperature Range
(extended range on request)
T02
Rthja
Thermal Resistance Chip/Ambient
Typ.
-20
surface mounted, thermal pad soldered to ca.
2 cm² heat sink
All voltages are referenced to ground unless otherwise stated.
All currents into the device pins are positive; all currents out of the device pins are negative.
30
Max.
90
°C
40
K/W
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 5/20
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Operating Conditions: VDD = 3.5...5.5 V, Tj = -20...85 °C; x: L, M, H, unless otherwise stated
Item
No.
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Unit
Min.
Typ.
Max.
5.5
V
460
600
µA
Total Device
001
VDD
Permissible Supply Voltage
002
Ioff(VDD)
Supply Current in VDD
EN = lo
3.5
003
Idc(VDD)
Supply Current in VDD
EN = hi, RSI > 780 Ω
10
mA
004
Tab
Thermal Shutdown Threshold
110
150
°C
005
VDDen
Power-On Threshold
2.1
2.95
V
006
Vc()hi
Clamp Voltage hi at REGEN,
LENH, LENM, LENL, EN,
ENCAL, LDA, NERR, NSF
I() = 1 mA, other pins open, VDD = 0
0.3
1.5
V
007
Vc()hi
Clamp Voltage hi at CIx, MDL,
RMDH, RMDM SMD
I() = 1 mA, other pins open, VDD = 0
0.3
1.6
V
008
Vc()hi
Clamp Voltage hi at LDKx
I() = 1 mA, other pins open
12
009
Vc()hi
Clamp Voltage hi at RSI, VREF
I() = 1 mA, other pins open, VDD = 0
0.3
010
Vc()hi
Clamp Voltage hi at SDIS
I() = 1 mA, other pins open
6
011
Vc()lo
Clamp Voltage lo
I() = 1 mA, other pins open
6.4
V
0.9
1.5
V
-1.5
-0.65
-0.3
V
440
500
550
mV
V
Reference
101
V(MDL)
Voltage at MDL,
VDD − V(MDL) for P-type LD
closed control loop
102
dV(MDL)
Temperature Drift of Voltage at
MDL
closed control loop
103
I()
Current in MDL, RMDM, RMDH
LENL, LENM, LENH = hi
-500
500
nA
104
V(VREF)
Voltage at VREF,
VDD − VREF for P-type LD
iC active
405
480
550
mV
120
µV/°C
Digital Inputs
201
Ipd()
Pull-Down Current in LENx, EN
V(LDA) = V(VDD)
1
4
10
µA
202
Ipd
(REGEN)
Pull-Down Current in REGEN
V(LDA) = V(VDD), V(ENCAL) < Vt()
1
4
10
µA
203
Vt()
Threshold Voltage at LENx,
REGEN, ENCAL, EN
VDD = 5 V
0.75
1.8
2.2
V
204
Vhys()
Hysteresis
205
Rpd
(REGEN)
Pull-Down Resistor at REGEN
206
Rpd
(ENCAL)
Pull-Down Resistor at ENCAL
800
V(ENCAL) > Vt()
mV
4
20
kΩ
10
30
kΩ
Safety Monitor Diode
301
VSL
Monitor Threshold lo,
Signal SMD(0)
265
300
325
mV
302
VSH
Monitor Threshold hi,
Signal SMD(1)
615
680
750
mV
303
dVS
VSH − VSL
350
390
430
mV
304
VCHK
Test Voltage for SMD
120
%VSH
305
I(RSMD)
Permissible
Safety Monitor Diode Current
5
mA
306
Ipd(SMD)
Pull-Down-Current in SMD
0.6
3
µA
1.2
0.8
2
1.3
V
V
Laser Driver LDKx, CI, RMDx
401 Vs(LDKx) Saturation Voltage at LDKx
0.2
one channel only is activated;
I(LDK) = 100 mA
I(LDK) = 60 mA
402
Idc(LDKL) Permissible Current
DC
120
mA
403
Idc(LDKM) Permissible Current
DC
100
mA
404
Idc(LDKH) Permissible Current
DC
100
mA
405
Vo()
Permissible Voltage at LDKx
406
VCI()
REGOK Monitor Threshold
100
760
12
V
900
mV
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 6/20
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Operating Conditions: VDD = 3.5...5.5 V, Tj = -20...85 °C; x: L, M, H, unless otherwise stated
Item
No.
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Unit
Min.
Typ.
Max.
0.6
1
mA
407
C(CIx)
Capacitance at CIx
408
|I(CIx)|
Charge Current from CIx
iC active, control unit not yet settled
100
409
I(CIx)
Discharge Current in CIx
iC inactive, V(CIx) > 1 V
10
60
mA
410
411
Ipd(CIx)
Pull-Down Current in CIx
iC active, REGEN = lo
25
150
nA
I(RMDx)
Permissible
Laser Monitor Diode Current
active safety function;
VDD = 5 V
VDD = 3.3 V
2.5
1
mA
mA
0.25
nF
Status Outputs
501
I(NERR)
Current at Error Message
V(LDA) = V(VDD) = V(NERR), error state
1.5
10
mA
502
I(NERR)
Current in NERR
V(LDA) = V(VDD) = V(NERR),
no error state, V(MDL) < 0.5 V
0.1
1
mA
503
I(NSF)
Current at NSF Message
V(LDA) = V(VDD) = V(NSF), V(NSF) > 0.8 V
1.5
10
mA
504
I(SDIS)
Current at SDIS Message
V(LDA) = V(VDD) = V(SDIS), V(SDIS) > 0.8 V
1.0
10
mA
505
Vsat()
Saturation Voltage at NERR,
NSF, SDIS
Isat = 1 mA, NERR in error state
600
mV
560
mV
Current Monitor RSI, LDA
601
V(RSI)
Controlled Voltage at RSI
602
RSI
Resistor at RSI
EN = hi
0.78
430
603
VLDA
LDAOK Monitor Threshold
VDD – V(LDA)
440
604
Idc(LDA)
Current from LDA
DC
605
Rpd(LDA)
Pull-Down Resistor at LDA
Reset
606
td(SDIS)
Overcurrent Shutdown Delay
I(LDA) > I(RSI) * 500
607
rILDA
Current Ratio I(LDA)max / I(RSI)
780 Ω < RSI < 9000 Ω
608
Ipd(RSI)
Pull-Down Current in RSI
V(RSI) > 0.5 V
400
1
490
490
500
9
kΩ
550
mV
320
mA
1
kΩ
10
µs
650
10
µA
Timing
701
ten
Propagation Time: EN lo → hi
system enable
no error at self test, CLDA = 1 µF
300
µs
702
tr
Laser Current Rise Time
see Fig. 2
1.5
ns
703
tf
Laser Current Fall Time
see Fig. 2
1.5
ns
704
tplh
Propagation Time:
LENx lo → hi to Current lo → hi
see Fig. 3
10
ns
705
tphl
Propagation Time:
LENx hi → lo to Current hi → lo
see Fig. 3
10
ns
706
ts0
Propagation Time:
see Fig. 4
V(SMD) > VSL to SMD(0) lo → hi Tj = 27 °C
Tj = 85 °C
220
240
ns
ns
707
ts0off
Propagation Time:
V(SMD) < VSL to SMD(0) hi → lo
220
ns
708
ts1
Propagation Time:
see Fig. 4
V(SMD) > VSH to SMD(1) lo → hi
220
ns
709
toff
Propagation Time:
SMD(1) lo → hi until shutdown
see Fig. 4
10
ns
710
td
Propagation Time:
SMD(1) lo → hi until error
message
see Fig. 4
500
ns
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 7/20
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS: DIAGRAMS
V
Input/Output
VDD−0.45V
Vt()hi
LENL
Vt()lo
0.45V
t
1
0
LENM
LENH
Figure 1: Reference levels
I(LDKL)
I(LED)
tr
I(LDKM)
tf
I pk
I(LDKH)
90% I pk
t phl
t plh
t plh
t phl
t phl
t plh
V(MDL)
10% I pk
t
Figure 2: Laser current pulse
Zeit
Figure 3: Turn on/turn off behavior of the laser current
ENCAL
LENL
LENM
LENH
P(Laser)
Ph
Pm
Pl
Zeit
V(MDL)
0.5V
Zeit
V(SMD)
VSH
VSL
Zeit
SMD(0)
SMD(1)
t S0
t S1 t d
NERR
NSEN
t off
NTREN
Figure 4: Safety shutdown times with failure of the control unit, for example
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 8/20
CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION OF FUNCTIONS
9
Warning! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
OPERATION WITH ONE OR TWO CHANNELS
12
SINGLE-FAILURE PROTECTION
15
Monitoring the laser current . . . . . . . . . .
9
Demo board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
Switching up to three laser power levels . . .
9
1. Enabling the system . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Demo board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Possible sources of error . . . . . . . . . . .
10
2. Calibrating the low and middle channels .
10
Setting the low output level . . . . . . . . . .
10
Demo board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Setting the middle channel . . . . . . . . . .
10
Status outputs NERR, NSF and REGEN . . .
17
Demo board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
Controlled burst mode . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
3. Calibrating the high channel . . . . . . . .
11
Extending the laser current . . . . . . . . . .
17
Demo board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
Driving blue laser diodes . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
Possible sources of error . . . . . . . . . . .
11
Demo-Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Calibrating the safety monitor diode . . . . .
15
Demo-Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
Operation without a second monitor diode . .
15
Demo-Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
MISCELLANEOUS
DEMO BOARD
17
19
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 9/20
DESCRIPTION OF FUNCTIONS
iC-NZ is a three-channel laser diode pulse regulator
which is single-failure-proof and able to maintain a selected laser class. The device includes the following
functions:
• Extension of the laser current with few external components
• Operation of blue laser diodes possible
• Monitoring of the laser current
• Switching of three laser light intensity levels which
are regulated separately
• Single-failure-proof via laser light monitoring using a
second monitor diode and shut-down of the laser in
the event of error via three separate, independent
switches
• External error messaging
• Pulses of up to 155 MHz in controlled burst mode,
during which a previously set operating point is maintained
To simplify the initial operation of iC-NZ the following
passage first outlines the basic steps involved and then
goes on to provide details referring to the demo board
available for evaluation. A HL6339G HITACHI laser
diode has been used here by way of example.
Monitoring the laser current
iC-NZ monitors the laser current flowing from pin LDA
(Figure 5). The DC current threshold is set using a
resistor at pin RSI. If this threshold is exceeded, the
device is shut down for safety reasons.
SDIS
SDIS
VDD
VDD
x500
LDA
NSEN
CURRENT MONITOR
ILDA
S3
x1
S2
NEN
+
−
CLDA
0.5V
VREF
LD
MD
RSI
S1
IRS
RSI
LDAOK
NSEN
EN
FINITE STATE MACHINE
Figure 5: Monitoring the laser current
When dimensioning resistor RSI the following applies:
Imax (LDA) = 500 ×
0.5 V
RSI
Short pulses with higher currents are also possible as
the DC current is monitored. Capacitor CLDA supplies
the current for short, higher pulses.
Demo board
According to the manufacturer’s specifications laser
diode HL6339G requires a maximum current of 70 mA
for an optical power of 5 mW. For this maximum 70 mA
current RSI is calculated as:
RSI = 500 ×
0.5 V
= 3.5 k Ω
70 mA
Switching up to three laser power levels
The following steps must be taken to set the required
optical power:
1. Enabling the system
2. Calibrating the low and middle channels
3. Calibrating the high channel
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 10/20
1. Enabling the system
Before iC-NZ is put into operation for the first time the
external circuitry should be checked for the following
(see block diagram):
• Resistor RSMD should be of low impedance. It may
not, however, be lower than 250 Ω, otherwise the internal iC check will generate an error message.
• The resistors at pins RMDL, RMDM and RMDH
should be of high impedance (low output).
• Inputs LENL, LENM and LENH should be switched
to low (the driver stages switched off).
So that iC-NZ can be switched on pin EN must be
set to high and pin ENCAL to low. A current in the
milliampere range (Electrical Characteristics No. 501)
now flows into pin NERR. This indicates that the device is now in its start-up phase. The voltage at pin
RSI is set to 0.5 V and capacitor CLDA charged at pin
LDA. Once voltage V(LDA) has reached its final value
the control unit and safety monitor diode are checked,
if the latter is in use (see also Operation without a
second monitor diode). Following this check the current into pin NERR is lowered (Electrical Characteristics No. 502). The residual current still remaining (ca.
500 µA) indicates that the control unit is not yet in operation (N-type: V(MDL) < 0.5 V, P-type: VDD – V(MDL)
< 0.5 V). The entire process is described in Figure 6.
V(EN)
V(LDA)
VCHK
V(SMD)
VREF
V(MDL)
V(NERR)
Possible sources of error
• V(NERR) remains at low:
– Check the current in NERR. Is the impedance
of the pull-up resistor too high?
• Too high a current is flowing through pin NERR:
An error has occurred during the device self-test.
Check the following:
– Is ENCAL lo?
– Is RSMD of too low an impedance? RSMD
may not be lower than 250 Ω.
– Is pin SMD open or has it directly shortcircuited with VCC?
– Is there a direct connection between pin LDK
and ground?
– Is there a low-impedance connection between
pin LDA and ground?
– Have all CIx capacitors (x: L, M, H) been properly soldered and placed close to the iC?
– Is VCC properly back upped?
2. Calibrating the low and middle channels
So that the optical power can be regulated pin REGEN
must be set to high. The level at pin ENCAL is of no
consequence when setting the low and middle channels.
Setting the low output level
Pin LENL is first switched from low to high. The integration capacitor at CIL is then charged. Until the
control unit has settled a small amount of current flows
in pin NERR. Following this the voltage at pin MDL is
0.5 V for an N-type diode and VDD – 0.5 V for a P-type
diode. The required optical power can now be set at
resistor RML.
Demo board
By way of example, three output levels of 1 mW, 3 mW
and 5 mW are to be set. With an optical power of 1 mW
laser diode HL6339G has a typical monitor current (IM)
of 15 µA. The following value is then obtained for the
resistor at pin MDL (RMLn = PML + RML):
RMLn =
Figure 6: Signal pattern when the system is enabled
Demo board
Before the demo board is put into operation trimmers
PSMDL, PML, PMM and PMH should be set to the left
and trimmer PSMDH to its centre setting.
V (MDL) 0.5 V
=
= 33.34 k Ω
IM
15 µA
Setting the middle channel
Pin LENL must remain at high and LENM be switched
from low to high. Following the settling of the control
unit at CIM (N-type: V(MDL) < 0.5 V; P-type: VDD –
V(MDL) < 0.5 V) the required optical power can be set
at resistor RMM.
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 11/20
Demo board
With an optical power of 3 mW the monitor current (IM) is 43 µA. This current must flow through the parallel
connection of RMLn and RMMn (RMMn = PMM + RMM). The following then applies:
RMLn||RMMn =
RMMn =
RMMn =
V (MDL) 0.5 V
= 11.62 k Ω
=
IM
43 µA
RMLn||RMMn ∗ RMLn
RMLn − RMLn||RMMn
11.62 k Ω ∗ 33.34 k Ω
= 17.84 k Ω
33.34 k Ω − 11.62 k Ω
3. Calibrating the high channel
Here, pins REGEN and ENCAL must be high. This
deactivates the monitoring of the optical power, thus
enabling the calibration of the high output level. Pins
LENL and LENM must remain at high; pin LENH must
also be switched from low to high. Following the settling of the control unit at CIH the required optical
power can be set at resistor RMH.
Demo board
With an optical power of 5 mW laser diode HL6339G has a typical monitor current (IM) of 80 µA. The following
value is then obtained for resistor RMHn = PMH + RMH:
RMLn||RMMn||RMHn =
RMHn =
V (MDL) 0.5 V
=
= 6.25 k Ω
IM
80 µA
RMLn||RMMn||RMHn ∗ RMLn||RMMn
RMLn||RMMn − RMLn||RMMn||RMHn
RMHn =
6.25 k Ω ∗ 11.62 k Ω
= 13.52 k Ω
11.62 k Ω − 6.25 k Ω
Possible sources of error
• V(NERR) remains at low:
– Check the current in NERR. Is the impedance of the pull-up resistor too high?
• Too high a current is flowing at pin NERR (ERROR state):
– Is the laser diode properly connected and the control unit functioning correctly?
– Are RMDL, RMDM or RMDH of too low an impedance? (Possible shut-down due to overcurrent!)
– Are all the capacitors at CIx (x: L, M, H) large enough and have they been properly soldered?
– Is pin AGND connected to ground?
• No laser light:
– Is pin AGND connected to ground?
– Is there a short circuit between CIx and ground?
– Is the laser diode (type N or P) properly connected and the control unit functioning correctly?
– The laser diode lights up for a few seconds and then turns off:
* Is the laser diode too hot? With insufficient cooling the laser diode power consumption increases
which can trigger an overcurrent shut-down.
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 12/20
Demo-Board
When using an N-type laser diode jumper J2 must be
placed between pins 2 and 3 on the demo board. If
a P-type laser diode is used the jumper must be connected between pins 1 and 2.
Warning!
Following calibration pin EN has to be briefly set to low
before actual operation may start with EN set to high
again. The following explains why.
were then again to be switched on, far too much current would flow; this could destroy the laser diode. The
same happens if the low and middle channels are regulated and the high channel switched on for a lengthy
period of time. In this instance CIL and CIM are slowly
discharged and the voltage at CIH rises in order to
maintain a constant optical power. The entire process
is illustrated in Figure 7.
EN
When the low channel (LENL → hi) is switched on capacitor CIL is charged. When the middle channel is
switched in the internal control unit switches to CIM
and starts to charge it. The voltage at CIL is then no
longer regulated. As residual current could boost the
voltage at CIL, which in turn would increase the current in the low channel, thus the capacitor at CIL is
actively discharged with a maximum of 100 nA. The
current in the low channel slowly decreases. As the
control unit endeavours to keep the optical power constant, the capacitor at CIM is charged at the same rate
as CIL is gradually discharged. If the middle channel is now switched off, the control unit switches back
to the low channel. Capacitor CIL is regulated again;
CIM, however, remains charged. If the middle channel
CIL
CIM
LENL
LENM
Overcurent
I(Laser)
Figure 7: Behavior with very long power-on times
OPERATION WITH ONE OR TWO CHANNELS
It is of course also possible to operate iC-NZ with one
or two levels of light intensity. To make use of the safety
functions of the system in one- or two-channel mode,
pins LDKx (x: L, M) on the unused channels must be
kept unconnected. Nodes CIx should be directly short-
circuited with AGND. To use the safety functions of the
safety monitor diode the high channel must always be
in use in one- or two-channel mode. Figures 8 to 11
give the configuration of iC-NZ for one- or two-channel
operation for both N- and P-type laser diodes.
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 13/20
VDD
LENL
REGEN
SDIS
VDD
LENM
LENH
RVDD
VDD
LDA
C1
Safety
Current Monitor
RSI
S1
Monitor
Diode
RSI
LDAOK
NSEN
LD
EN
Finite State Machine
NSEN
MD
NTREN
LDKH
VREF
Safety Monitor Diode
RMDH
CIH
+
MDL
−
CIH
Laser Driver
RMDM
APC
LDKM
SMD
+
VREF
SMD(1)
−
MDL
+
−
Monitor
+
RSMD
CIM
MDOK
VSAH
SMD(0)
−
LDKL
VSAL
VREF
RGND
+
CIL
−
MDL
AGND
VREF
GND
RML
CREF
Figure 8: One-channel operation with safety function (N-type laser diode)
VDD
LENL
REGEN
SDIS
LENM
LENH
VDD
RVDD
VDD
LDA
C1
Current Monitor
RSI
S1
RMDH
CLDA
RSI
LDAOK
NSEN
MDL
EN
Finite State Machine
RMDM
NSEN
NTREN
RMDH
LDKH
SMD
VREF
Safety Monitor Diode
+
MDL
CIH
LD
−
CIH
Laser Driver
APC
LDKM
SMD
+
VREF
SMD(1)
−
VSAH
RSMD
MDL
+
−
Monitor
+
CIM
MDOK
SMD(0)
−
LDKL
VSAL
VREF
RGND
+
CIL
−
AGND
GND
CREF
Figure 9: One-channel operation with safety function (P-type laser diode)
MD
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 14/20
VDD
REGEN
SDIS
LENM
LENL
LENH
VDD
RVDD
VDD
LDA
C1
Safety
Current Monitor
S1
RSI
CLDA
Monitor
Diode
RSI
LDAOK
NSEN
LD
EN
Finite State Machine
RMDH
NSEN
MD
NTREN
RMH
LDKH
VREF
Safety Monitor Diode
CIH
+
MDL
−
CIH
Laser Driver
APC
LDKM
SMD
+
VREF
SMD(1)
−
MDL
+
−
Monitor
+
RSMD
CIM
MDOK
VSAH
SMD(0)
−
LDKL
VSAL
VREF
RGND
+
CIL
−
CIL
MDL
AGND
RML
GND
CREF
Figure 10: Two-channel operation with safety function (N-type laser diode)
VDD
REGEN
SDIS
LENL
LENM
LENH
VDD
RVDD
VDD
LDA
C1
RSI
Current Monitor
S1
RML
CLDA
RSI
LDAOK
NSEN
MDL
EN
Finite State Machine
RMDM
RMH
NSEN
NTREN
RMDH
LDKH
SMD
VREF
Safety Monitor Diode
CIH
+
MDL
LD
−
CIH
Laser Driver
APC
LDKL
SMD
+
−
MDL
+
−
Monitor
+
CIM
MDOK
VSAH
RSMD
VREF
SMD(1)
SMD(0)
−
VSAL
LDKL
VREF
RGND
+
CIL
−
CIL
AGND
GND
CREF
Figure 11: Two-channel operation with safety function (P-type laser diode)
MD
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 15/20
SINGLE-FAILURE PROTECTION
Maintaining the laser class and the single-failure protection feature are achieved by means of a second
monitor diode and by monitoring the laser current. Further safety is provided by the layout of the laser driver
stages. The output stages consist of several identical
driver cells where each cell can discharge the integration capacitor CIx (x: L, M, H) and shut down the laser
current. So that the laser can be switched off in the
event of error iC-NZ has three completely separate circuits. The second diode monitors whether the laser
light is within a predetermined power range or not.
RSMD at pin SMD is now set so that voltage V(SMD)
is inside the monitor window between 0.3 V and 0.7 V.
ENCAL can now be switched back to low.
In applications with a low duty cycle both the peak and
average laser power must be monitored to maintain
the laser class. To this end the resistor at RSMD is
split into RSMD1 and RSMD2 and a capacitor (CSMD)
connected in parallel to RSMD1 (see Figure 12). With
short laser light pulses capacitor CSMD behaves as if
it is a short circuit and bypasses RSMD1. In this instance only RSMD2 is active (higher shutdown threshold). With longer pulses resistors RSMD1 and RSMD2
are in series (lower shutdown threshold). This setup
dynamically alters the monitor window. An excess of
the maximum permissible laser power through both
too high a pulse power or too long a pulse duration
is equally detected.
Calibrating the safety monitor diode
To calibrate the safety monitor diode iC-NZ is first activated via EN (low → high) with ENCAL at low. Once
the device self-test has been successfully carried out
(NERR is high) pin ENCAL must be set to high and
the system switched to maximum optical power (pins
LENL, LENM and LENH switched to high). Resistor
LENL
REGEN
SDIS
VDD
LENM
LENH
RVDD
VDD
LDA
C1
RSI
Current Monitor
S1
CLDA
RSI
RMDH
LDAOK
NSEN
EN
RMDM
RMDL
MDL
Finite State Machine
NSEN
NTREN
RMDM
RMDH
SMD
VREF
Safety Monitor Diode
LDKH
+
MDL
−
LD
CIH
MD
CIH
Laser Driver
APC
SMD
+
−
MDL
LDKL
+
MDOK
VSAH
RSMD2
VREF
SMD(1)
−
CIM
Monitor
+
CIM
SMD(0)
−
CSMD
VSAL
RSMD1
VREF
LDKL
+
RGND
−
CIL
CIL
iC−NZ
AGND
GND
Figure 12: Dynamic adaptation of the monitor window
Demo-Board
So that the second monitor diode can be used jumper
J1 must be placed between pins 1 and 2 on the demo
board. The voltage at SMD is set using the two potentiometers PSMDH (peak) and PSMDL (average).
The overcurrent monitor at LDA is, however, still active in this mode. This ensures safe operation with so
called low-power applications – even without a second
monitor diode. Figures 13 and 14 give the circuitry for
N- and P-type laser diodes.
Operation without a second monitor diode
The monitoring function can be disabled for applications which do not require a second monitor diode. To
this end pins SMD and ENCAL must be set to high.
This no safety function (NSF) is signalled at pin NSF.
Demo-Board
So that the demo board can be operated without a second monitor diode, jumper J1 must be placed between
pins 2 and 3.
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 16/20
REGEN
SDIS
VDD
LENL
LENM
LENH
VDD
C1
LDA
Current Monitor
RSI
Laser Driver
RSI
RSIOV
LDAOK
NSEN
CLDA
EN
LD MD
NTREN
LDKH
MDOK
ENCAL
LDKM
CIOK
LDKGND
Finite State Machine
NERR
LDKL
NSEN
CIH
NSF
CIH
CIM
NPDR
TEMPOK
CIM
CIL
CIL
MDL
Safety Monitor Diode
VBG
and
Reference
SMD
+
RMDH
VBG
and
Reference
RMDM
SMD(1)
−
VSH
+
RMH
SMD(0)
RMM
RML
RGND
−
VSL
VREF
Figure 13: Operation without a second monitor diode (N-type laser diode)
REGEN
SDIS
VDD
LENL
LENM
LENH
VDD
LDA
RVDD
C1
Current Monitor
RSI
Laser Driver
RSI
RSIOV
LDAOK
NSEN
RMH
CLDA
RML
RMM
NTREN
EN
MDOK
ENCAL
CIOK
Finite State Machine
RMDH
LDKGND
NERR
RMDM
NSEN
MDL
NSF
NPDR
TEMPOK
LD
Safety Monitor Diode
VBG
and
Reference
SMD
+
MD
LDKH
VBG
and
Reference
LDKM
LDKL
SMD(1)
−
CIH
VSH
+
CIH
CIM
SMD(0)
−
CIL
CIM
VSL
CIL
VREF
Figure 14: Operation without a second monitor diode (P-type laser diode)
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 17/20
MISCELLANEOUS
Status outputs NERR, NSF and REGEN
Pin NERR is an open-collector output with three states:
I(NERR) = 0 mA
I(NERR) > 1.5 mA
0 < I(NERR) < 1.5 mA
Pin EN is low or the control unit is operational (no error)
N-type laser diode: V(MDL) = 0.5 V
P-type laser diode: V(MDL) = VDD – 0.5 V
Error or iC-NZ is still undergoing its self-test
No error, the control unit is not yet settled or not enough laser light
N-type laser diode: V(MDL) < 0.5 V
P-type laser diode: V(MDL) < VDD – 0.5 V
Pin NSF is also an open-collector output and signals the no safety mode:
I(NSF) > 1.5 mA
I(NSF) = 0 mA
iC-NZ is in safety mode
iC-NZ is in no safety mode
operation with a second monitor diode
operation without a second monitor diode
Pin REGEN, in addition to its mode select input function (regulated output power ↔ burst mode), also signals
the condition of Pin ENCAL by its pull-down current:
Ipd(REGEN) < 10 µA
Ipd(REGEN) > 100 µA
ENCAL = low
ENCAL = high
cf. Item No. 202
cf. Item No. 205
Controlled burst mode
In controlled burst mode iC-NZ can pulse with up to
155 MHz, thus making it suitable for use in laser projection or data transmission. Controlled here means
that a preset operating point is maintained during fast
pulsing or the burst phase.
again be regulated after 500 µs, with this rising to 1 ms
with 200 nF.
EN
REGEN
LENL
A low power level is first regulated, for which REGEN
and LENL must be high. Following this the middle or
high power level can be set (LENx → high). The control
unit then switches over to the middle or high channel.
As only one channel can be regulated at any one time
and as the voltage at CIL must not increase by residual
current (this could destroy the laser diode) the capacitor at CIL is discharged with a maximum of 100 nA.
Once CIx has been regulated LENx can return to low.
REGEN at low switches into burst mode and thus turns
the control unit off. The preset operating point is maintained. To prevent the laser current rising due to residual current the capacitors for the three channels are
discharged with a maximum of 100 nA. This process
is illustrated in Figure 15. As the capacitors are discharged gradually the output levels must be regulated
again after a certain period. With an integration capacitance (CIx) of 100 nF, for example, the level must
LENx
CIL
CIx
I(Laser)
Figure 15: Controlled burst mode
Extending the laser current
iC-NZ also has a high-current mode. Here, the laser
current no longer flows through the iC but passes instead through the external circuitry (RLDA, Q1, iC-HK);
pin RSI is switched to VDD. The current monitor is
still active and the shutdown threshold can be set us-
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 18/20
ing RLDA. iC-HK is a fast, spike-free laser switch with
which up to 1.4 A can be driven in pulsed operation.
An iC-HK can be connected to each channel on iC-NZ
so that a maximum laser pulse current of 4.2 A can
be achieved (depending on pulse frequency, duty cycle and thermal dissipation). To this end pins CIx (x:
L, M, H) on iC-NZ must be connected to the CI inputs
of the relevant iC-HK and iC-NZ inputs LENx to iC-HK
inputs EN1 and EN2 (Figure 16). Individual levels are
set as described above in Switching up to three laser
power levels.
VDD
Q1
RLDA
LENL
R1
LENM
REGEN LENL
SDIS
LENH
LENM
CLDA
LENH
RVDD
MD
LD
LDA
LDKH
LDKM
LDKL
LDK
CIH
VDD
VDD
CI
CIH
Safety
Monitor
Diode
LDK
RSI
CIM
CIM
LDK
CIL
VDD
EN1
iC−HK
GND
CI
AGND1
EN1
LENL
iC−HK
GND
AGND1
EN2
LENM
LENL
AGND2
MDL
RMDM
RSMD
RMM
RMDH
RGND
RMH
GND
CREF
AGND
Figure 16: Extending the laser current
AGND1
EN2
AGND2
LENH
EN2
AGND2
CIL
iC−NZ
iC−HK
GND
CI
EN
SMD
EN1
VDD
RML
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 19/20
Driving blue laser diodes
It is also possible to drive blue laser diodes with iCNZ. The laser diode is then directly powered by a
second, higher voltage. The laser power is set as described above in Switching up to three laser power lev-
els. Figure 17 shows iC-NZ connected up to a blue
laser diode. It is important to note that here the laser
diode supply voltage should be as low as possible to
keep iC power dissipation to a minimum.
5..12 V
CLDA
VDD
REGEN
SDIS
LENL
LENM
LD
LENH
RVDD
VDD
MD
VDD
LDA
Safety
Monitor
Diode
RSI
Current Monitor
S1
RMDM
LDAOK
NSEN
EN
Finite State Machine
RMM
RMDH
NSEN
NTREN
RMH
LDKH
VREF
Safety Monitor Diode
MDL
+
−
CIH
+
−
CIM
CIH
Laser Driver
APC
LDKM
SMD
+
VREF
SMD(1)
MDL
−
MDOK
VSAH
Monitor
+
RSMD
CIM
SMD(0)
−
LDKL
VSAL
VREF
RGND
+
−
CIL
CIL
iC−NZ
MDL
AGND
RML
GND
CREF
Figure 17: Driving blue laser diodes
DEMO BOARD
The iC-NZ device is equipped with a Demo Board for
test purposes. A description of the demo board is
available as a separate document.
This specification is for a newly developed product. iC-Haus therefore reserves the right to change or update, without notice, any information contained herein,
design and specification; and to discontinue or limit production or distribution of any product versions. Please contact iC-Haus to ascertain the current data.
Copying – even as an excerpt – is only permitted with iC-Haus approval in writing and precise reference to source.
iC-Haus does not warrant the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the specification on this site and does not assume liability for any errors or omissions
in the materials. The data specified is intended solely for the purpose of product description. No representations or warranties, either express or implied, of
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or of any other nature are made hereunder with respect to information/specification or the products to which
information refers and no guarantee with respect to compliance to the intended use is given. In particular, this also applies to the stated possible applications or
areas of applications of the product.
iC-Haus conveys no patent, copyright, mask work right or other trade mark right to this product. iC-Haus assumes no liability for any patent and/or other trade
mark rights of a third party resulting from processing or handling of the product and/or any other use of the product.
iC-NZ
FAIL-SAFE LASER DIODE DRIVER
Rev B2, Page 20/20
ORDERING INFORMATION
Type
Package
Order Designation
iC-NZ
QFN28 5 mm x 5 mm
iC-NZ QFN28
Evaluation Board
iC-NZ EVAL NZ1D
For technical support, information about prices and terms of delivery please contact:
iC-Haus GmbH
Am Kuemmerling 18
D-55294 Bodenheim
GERMANY
Tel.: +49 (61 35) 92 92-0
Fax: +49 (61 35) 92 92-192
Web: http://www.ichaus.com
E-Mail: [email protected]
Appointed local distributors: http://www.ichaus.de/support_distributors.php