OptiSwitch Technology Corporation (OTC) has introduced a new short-pulsed diode driver for rangefinding, remote sensing and defence and security applications. The PLDD-50-SP driver is a compact (only 2.7 x 1.3 inches), lightweight (<14g), and all solid-state pulsed current source designed to drive single or multichip laser diodes.
At 50A of peak current, the PLDD-50-SP delivers <5ns pulse widths with pulse repetition frequency variable from single shot to 15kHz. Laser diodes can be either mounted on the edge of the driver or vertically through mounting holes. The diameter and placement of these holes accommodate the most common laser diode packages. This economical driver delivers clean current pulses and a precise current monitor output gives the user real time monitoring of the laser diode current.