Small and efficient laser driver platform released

Silanna Semiconductor has launched the FirePower series of laser driver ICs, which greatly reduces the size and increases the peak power of LiDAR applications.

These ICs are the first to combine charging and firing on a single chip. This allows for a considerable reduction in size and losses, as well as the removal of several components from the PCB, thereby reducing the component count and BOM cost.

The integration also enables the development of high-performance laser-based applications that deliver unmatched pulse power and precision. For example, using the IC allows a 400W quad EEL (Edge-Emitting Laser) module to shrink from 400mm2 to 80mm2 (an 80% improvement) while enabling a 73% improvement in VIN-to-laser efficiency.

The first product to be launched in the FirePower family is the SL2001, a 14-pin 3.5mm2 IC with a sub-2ns FWHM laser pulse and dual drive for peak-power outputs up to 1000W.

The device has high charging efficiency and operates from a supply range of 3V to 24V to fire either EEL diodes or VCSELs (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) with a pulse repetition frequency of over 10MHz.

The device also has a differential Laser Fire output indication with a sub-0.1ns Peak-to-Peak jitter. Built-in laser output power sensing and control allows it to meet eye-safety requirements. The device also uniquely implements programmability via an I2C interface and multi-time-programmable ROM, removing the necessity for an on-PCB MCU. The device can track and respond to input voltage and resonant capacitor voltage.

The IC is targeted at LiDAR and other ToF sensing systems used in industrial manufacturing and automotive systems.

Product marketing director Ken Boyden said: "LiDAR and similar laser-based applications have traditionally relied on third-party power supply regulators to meet the high voltage requirements of resonant pulsed laser systems. The FirePower family is the first to consolidate both highly efficient high-voltage charging and high-power firing on a single chip. As the first product in the FirePower family, the SL2001 sets new benchmarks for performance and efficiency while reducing component count and BOM cost."

Stingray is available in a 1 x 3.5mm WLCSP Package and is obtainable immediately as an evaluation kit or in sample quantities.