Laser diode timing feedback using trace loop
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a current path, wherein the current path comprises a light emitting element configured to emit light responsive to a change in current flow through the current path;
a conductive loop inductively coupled to the current path such that the change in current flow through the current path induces a voltage in the conductive loop; and
a circuit configured to determine an emission time of the emitted light, wherein determining the emission time comprises detecting a time associated with the voltage induced in the conductive loop.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A laser diode firing circuit for a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device that includes an inductively coupled feedback system is disclosed. The firing circuit includes a laser diode coupled in series with a transistor, such that current through the laser diode is controlled by the transistor. The laser diode is configured to emit a pulse of light in response to current flowing through the laser diode. A feedback loop is positioned to be inductively coupled to a current path of the firing circuit that includes the laser diode. As such, a change in current flowing through the laser diode induces a voltage in the feedback loop. A change in voltage across the leads of the feedback loop can be detected and the timing of the voltage change can be used to determine the time that current begins flowing through the laser diode.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A system comprising:
-
a current path, wherein the current path comprises a light emitting element configured to emit light responsive to a change in current flow through the current path; a conductive loop inductively coupled to the current path such that the change in current flow through the current path induces a voltage in the conductive loop; and a circuit configured to determine an emission time of the emitted light, wherein determining the emission time comprises detecting a time associated with the voltage induced in the conductive loop. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A method, comprising:
-
changing a current flow through a current path, wherein the current path comprises a light emitting element, wherein the light emitting element is configured to emit light responsive to the change in the current flow through the current path; detecting, in a conductive loop inductively coupled to the current path, a voltage induced by the change in the current flow through the current path; and determining an emission time of the emitted light based on the detected voltage. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device comprising:
-
a current path, wherein the current path comprises a light emitting element configured to emit light responsive to a change in current flow through the current path; a conductive loop inductively coupled to the current path such that the change in current flow through the current path induces a voltage in the conductive loop; and a circuit configured to determine an emission time of the emitted light, wherein determining the emission time comprises detecting a time associated with the voltage induced in the conductive loop. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification