Laser Driver IC Interfaces
Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
Laser Driver IC Interfaces are specialized integrated circuits designed to control and manage the operation of laser diodes. These interfaces provide adjustable laser bias and modulation currents, accept differential clock and data input signals, and may include an adjustable pulse-width control circuit to minimize pulse-width distortion. They are equipped with features such as high or low-side safety switches, laser failure monitoring, and temperature compensation .
Working Principle
Laser Driver IC Interfaces work by providing precise control over the electrical signals that drive laser diodes. They ensure that the laser diodes receive the correct bias and modulation currents, which are crucial for maintaining the desired optical output. These interfaces often include series-damping resistors for impedance matching, which helps minimize optical output aberrations caused by signal reflections at the electrical interface. The inclusion of features like temperature monitoring and programmable over-temperature shutdown points helps protect both the driver and the laser diode from overheating, thereby extending their operational lifespan .
Applications
Laser Driver IC Interfaces are used in a variety of applications, including automotive head-up displays (HUDs), where they pulse multiple lasers to project full HD video onto windshields. For example, the ISL8365 from Intersil can pulse up to four lasers with a current of up to 750 mA, providing flexibility in color laser diode setups for enhanced contrast, color richness, and brightness . They are also integral to optical networks, such as transmission systems, optical transmitters, and section regenerators .
Advantages over other IC Interfaces
One of the key advantages of Laser Driver IC Interfaces is their ability to handle high-speed data rates and provide precise control over laser diode operations. They offer programmable modulation and bias currents, which allow for fine-tuning of the laser output. Additionally, features like temperature compensation and safety switches enhance their reliability and efficiency compared to other IC interfaces that may not offer such comprehensive control and protection mechanisms .
Limitations
Despite their advantages, Laser Driver IC Interfaces have limitations, such as the need for careful impedance matching to prevent signal reflections and optical output aberrations. They also require precise temperature management to avoid overheating, which can complicate their integration into systems where thermal management is challenging .
Considerations
When selecting Laser Driver IC Interfaces, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the complexity and features of the interface. Operating expenses may include the need for additional components like series-damping resistors and thermal management systems. Durability and accuracy are generally high, but they depend on proper installation and maintenance. Replacement and maintenance costs can be minimized by choosing interfaces with robust safety and monitoring features, which help prevent damage to the laser diodes and the driver itself .
from Richardson RFPD
The ADPD103 is a highly efficient photometric front end with an integrated 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a 20-bit burst accumulator that works in concert with flexible light emitting diode (LED) drivers. It is designed to stimulate an LED and measure the corresponding optical return... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: WLCSP; WLCSP
- Supply Voltage: 1.8V; Other; 1.8
from Texas Instruments
11.3 Gbps Laser Diode Driver 24-VQFN -25 to 100 [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 1.13E7
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 100
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 32Gbps 1 Channel 3.3V 16-LCC (2.9x2.9) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 3.20E7
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 130
from Texas Instruments
11.3Gbps Low Power Laser Diode Driver 24-VQFN -40 to 100 [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 1.13E7
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 100
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 2Gbps 1 Channel 3V ~ 3.5V 24-QFN (4x4) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 2.00E6
- Supply Voltage: Other; 3V ~ 3.5V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 95
from Texas Instruments
155 Mbps to 4.25 Gbps Laser Driver w/ Active Back Termination 24-VQFN -40 to 85 [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 4.25E6
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 3 Channel 3.3V 32-QFN (5x5) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V
- Package Type: 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
from Texas Instruments
155 Mbps to 4.25 Gbps Laser Driver 24-VQFN -40 to 85 [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 4.25E6
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 3 Channel 3.3V 28-QFN (4.5x4.5) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V
- Package Type: 28-VFQFN Exposed Pad
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 11.3125Gbps 1 Channel 3V ~ 3.6V 16-QFN (3x3) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 1.13E7
- Supply Voltage: 3V; 3.3V; 3.6V; Other; 3V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
QUAD-CHANNEL, LASER DIODE CURREN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 125
- Supply Voltage: Other; 1.2V ~ 5.5V, 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Package Type: 36-WFBGA, WLCSP
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 622Mbps 1 Channel 2.97V ~ 3.63V 24-TQFN (4x4) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 622000
- Supply Voltage: Other; 2.97V ~ 3.63V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
IC LASER DRVR 3.2GB 3.63V 16TQFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 3.20E6
- Supply Voltage: Other; 2.97V ~ 3.63V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
IC LASER DRVR 300MHZ 3.3V 40TQFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V
- Pins: 40
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 1 Channel 4.5V ~ 5.7V 28-QFN (4x5) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -10 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other; 4.5V ~ 5.7V
- Package Type: 28-VFQFN Exposed Pad
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 4 Channel 3.3V 40-QFN (6x6) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 125
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V
- Package Type: 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 4.25Gbps 1 Channel 2.9V ~ 3.6V 20-QFN (4x4) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 4.25E6
- Supply Voltage: Other; 2.9V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 4.25Gbps 1 Channel 3V ~ 3.6V 24-VQFN (4x4) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 4.25E6
- Supply Voltage: 3V; 3.3V; 3.6V; Other; 3V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 11.35Gbps 1 Channel 2.97V ~ 3.63V 16-VQFN (3x3) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 1.14E7
- Supply Voltage: Other; 2.97V ~ 3.63V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 100
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 4 Channel 4.5V ~ 5.5V 28-UQFN (5x5) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 5V; Other; 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Package Type: 28-UFQFN Exposed Pad
from DigiKey
3DI [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other; 2.52V ~ 3.7V
- Package Type: 10-XFQFN
from DigiKey
IRS9103AXTSA1 [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 105
- Supply Voltage: Other; 3.1V ~ 3.6V
- Package Type: 9-WFBGA, WLBGA
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 10.7Gbps 1 Channel 3.07V ~ 3.53V 16-LFCSP (3x3) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 1.07E7
- Supply Voltage: Other; 3.07V ~ 3.53V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 3.3Gbps 1 Channel 3V ~ 3.6V 48-LFCSP (7x7) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 3.30E6
- Supply Voltage: 3V; 3.3V; 3.6V; Other; 3V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
IC LASR CTRLR 1CHAN 5.5V 16TSSOP [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 95
- Supply Voltage: Other; 2.85V ~ 5.5V
- Package Type: TSSOP; "16-TSSOP (0.173"", 4.40mm Width)"
from DigiKey
IC LASER CTRLR 1CHAN 5.5V 28TQFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 95
- Supply Voltage: Other; 2.97V ~ 5.5V
- Package Type: 28-WFQFN Exposed Pad
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 3.2Gbps 1 Channel 3.135V ~ 3.465V 16-QFN (4x4) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 3.20E6
- Supply Voltage: Other; 3.135V ~ 3.465V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
IC LSR DRVR 622MBPS 3.63V 32TQFP [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 622000
- Supply Voltage: Other; 3.14V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 1.25Gbps 1 Channel 3.14V ~ 3.47V 32-HBCC (5x5) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 1.25E6
- Supply Voltage: Other; 3.14V ~ 3.47V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from DigiKey
Laser Driver IC 4.25Gbps 1 Channel 3V ~ 3.6V 16-MLF ® (3x3) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 4.25E6
- Supply Voltage: 3V; 3.3V; 3.6V; Other; 3V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The eDrive Laser diode driver, designed to interface with and external power supply, manages all critical DPSS Laser parameters including diode drive current and Q-Switching. This air-cooled Laser Diode Driver is available in 100A and 300A Pulsed versions, and can be operated in CW mode. The power... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Supply Voltage: Other; 100 - 240 VAC
- Technology: RS232; RS485
- # of Devices: 1
from VAST STOCK CO., LIMITED
Laser Driver ISL78365ARZ (High Speed Quadruple Laser Diode Driver), 6X6 W [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 125
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V
- Package Type: WQFN-40
from Renesas Electronics Corporation
The ISL58303 is a high-speed triple output laser diode driver designed to support color field sequential laser light source Pico projection modules. Outputs can be ganged together to achieve peak total current greater than 3.6A. Output channels are designed with independent programmable bias and... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: QFNL
from Quarktwin Technology Ltd.
Laser Driver IC 3.2Gbps 1 Channel 3.14V ~ 3.45V 16-MLF ® (3x3) [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 3.20E6
- Supply Voltage: Other; 3.14V ~ 3.45V
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from MACOM
MACOM has a large portfolio of optical drivers for applications covering distances of hundreds of meters up to thousands of kilometers at data rates from 1 Gbps up to 100 Gbps and beyond. This includes drivers for high performance Mach-Zehnder modulators, externally modulated lasers (EML) and... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 500000 to 2.81E7
- Supply Voltage: 1.8V (optional feature); 3.3V (optional feature); 5V (optional feature)
- Pd: 0.0950 to 240000
from Utmel Electronic Limited
IC LASER DRIVER 11.3GBPS 24VQFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 100
- Supply Voltage: -3.3V; 3V; Other; 3.3V
- Package Type: 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 5.5V 24QFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 70
- Supply Voltage: Other
from Semtech Corp.
Semtech offers a portfolio of fully integrated Silicon Germanium (SiGe) BiCMOS and pure CMOS laser drivers for edge emitting laser, VCSEL and LED drive applications. The drivers range from 125 Mbps to 14.3 Gbps and beyond. Applications include Ethernet, Fiber Channel, SONET/SDH and burst mode... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 300000 to 1.13E7
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V; 5V; Other (optional feature)
- Package Type: QFNL; QSOP
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
DIE SALE (PRICE IN GOOD DIE)-WAF [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: Die
- Supply Voltage: Other
from Northrop Grumman - Cutting Edge Optronics
The eDrive Nitro air-cooled laser driver integrates a standard eDrive with optional power supplies, RF drivers, and other accessories into a single compact rack-mounted housing. This laser controller manages all aspects of your laser system in one unit, and can be configured for driving diodes in... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Supply Voltage: Other; 100 - 240 VAC
- Technology: RS232; RS485
- # of Devices: 1
from VAST STOCK CO., LIMITED
Laser Driver 4CH Laser Diode Dvr [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 5V
- Package Type: UQFN-28
from Renesas Electronics Corporation
The ISL78365 high-speed, quadruple output Laser Diode Driver (LDD) is designed to support high speed RGB/RGGB laser scanning projection systems. Each output driver channel consists of independent threshold and color DACs for greater laser control and flexibility. Separate scale DACs allow... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: QFNL
from MACOM
MACOM offers a leading-edge portfolio of LED and laser driver solutions for innovative OEM display products. Our programmable, low power, high-performance products are ideally suited for head-up and head mounted displays, multicolor LED/laser displays, backlight illumination applications, high... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
from Utmel Electronic Limited
IC LASER DRV 11.3GBPS 3.3V 32QFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: QFN
- Supply Voltage: -3.3V; 3V; Other; 3.3V
- Pins: 32
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 5.5V SOT23-6 [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 70
- Supply Voltage: Other
- Package Type: SOT23
from VAST STOCK CO., LIMITED
Laser Driver Four-channel laser diode driver with dual output 28-UQFN -40 to 85 [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: UQFN-28
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Features: RoHS
from Renesas Electronics Corporation
The ISL58831 is a combination read + 3 write level laser driver and IV amplifier, with an extra read + oscillator ROM channel for use in dual-laser ‘Combo ’ drivers. A separate (amplitude and frequency) oscillator modulates the selected output for laser noise reduction during read or... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: QFNL
from Utmel Electronic Limited
IC LASER DRVR 11.3GB 3.3V 28QFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: QFN
- Supply Voltage: -3.3V; 3V; Other; 3.3V
- Features: RoHS
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 11.9GB 3.3V 24QFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V; Other
from VAST STOCK CO., LIMITED
Laser Driver 11.3Gbps Laser Diode Driver [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 1.13E7
- Supply Voltage: 3V; 3.3V; 3.6V; Other; 2.97 V to 3.63 V
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 100
from Renesas Electronics Corporation
The ISL58315 is a high-speed, triple-output laser diode driver (LDD) for laser scanning projector systems, which require three channels modulated at high speed with independent current control.brbr Each output channel provides laser-independent current control for threshold and color DACs. Separate... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: QFNL
from Utmel Electronic Limited
IC LASER DRVR 2.5GB 5.5V 10MSOP [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other; 3V~3.6V 4.5V~5.5V
- Package Type: 10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP (0.118, 3.00mm Width)
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 3CHAN 24TQFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
from VAST STOCK CO., LIMITED
Laser Driver 11.3 Gb/s EML Driver Rise/Fall 28psec [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Data Rate: 1.13E7
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V
- Pd: 440
from Renesas Electronics Corporation
The ISL58781 is a highly integrated laser diode driver designed to support multi-standard writable optical drives in CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray at various speeds. It is a ‘hybrid ’ part having an interface compatible with a conventional LDD, but an internal architecture similar to a write... [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Package Type: QFNL
from Utmel Electronic Limited
IC LASER DRVR 4.25GB 3.6V 16MLF [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other; 3V~3.6V
- Package Type: 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad, 16-MLF®
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 300MHZ 3.3V 40TQFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Supply Voltage: Other
from VAST STOCK CO., LIMITED
Laser Drivers CD-RRW LASER DRVR 3CH [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Features: RoHS
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Laser Driver 3-CH 24-Pin QFN EP T/R [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 70
- Supply Voltage: Other; 4.5V~5.5V
- Package Type: 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 3.3V 40WQFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 125
- Supply Voltage: Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC AMP OPTICAL POST MMIC PECL [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other
- Package Type: QFP; TQFP
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER CTRL 11.3GB 3.55V 32QFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 95
- Supply Voltage: Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 3.3V 28QFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
FOM MANAGEMENT IC WITH INTERNAL [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 105
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V; Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER CTRLR 10GBPS 3.6V 24MLF [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 105
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V; Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER 3.6V 24MLF [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V; Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 1.25GBPS 16SOIC [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other
- Package Type: SOIC
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRV 1.25GB 2.625V 16QFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DR 11.3125GB 3.6V 16QFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V; Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 11.3GB 3.6V 16MLF [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V; Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 2.5GBPS 3.6V 24MLF [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V; Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 2.5GBPS 3.6V 32MLF [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V; Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRV 622MBPS 5.5V 10MSOP [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: 3.6V; Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
LASER DIODE CONTROLLER WITH APC [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 5.5V 16QFN [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 70
- Supply Voltage: Other
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER DRVR 5.5V 16SSO [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 70
- Supply Voltage: Other
- Package Type: SSOP
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER CTRLR 5.5V 20TSSOP [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other
- Package Type: SSOP; TSSOP
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER CTRLR 5.5V 20TSSOP [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Supply Voltage: Other
- Package Type: SSOP; TSSOP
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
IC LASER CTRLR 5.5V 14TSSOP [See More]
- Device Type: Laser Driver
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 100
- Supply Voltage: Other
- Package Type: SSOP; TSSOP