IXYS Introduces a 50 A OEM Laser Diode Driver Module for LIDAR, Range Finder and Pulsed Laser Applications

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Nov. 07, 2017 -- IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ:IXYS), a leader in power semiconductors, mixed-signal and digital ICs for power conversion and motion control applications, announced today the introduction of the PCO-7121 high-power pulsed laser diode driver by its IXYS Colorado division.

The PCO-7121 is a compact and economical pulsed-current OEM laser diode driver module that provides up to 50 Ampere current with variable pulse widths from 22 nanoseconds to 1 microsecond at frequencies up to 1 megahertz. It is designed to provide extremely fast high-current pulses for driving laser diodes in range finder, LIDAR and other applications requiring high-current nanosecond pulses.

Mounting pads are provided to mount the laser diode directly to the driver. The four-hole mounting pattern accepts TO-18, TO-5, TO-52, 5.6 mm, and 9 mm packages. To accommodate other diode packages and mounting configurations, two solder pads at the end of the board accept various laser diode packages mounted on-axis to the driver. Alternately, low-inductance stripline cable can be used for connection to a remotely located diode.

Output current is controlled by adjusting the voltage at the high-voltage input.  Externally generated pulses are fed to the gate input. The width and repetition rate of the gate pulses directly set the timing and width of the output pulses. 

A current monitor output is provided to observe the laser diode current in real time with an oscilloscope. 

“The PCO-7121 builds on our previous laser diode driver designs to optimize pulse performance while focusing on increased reliability and reduced cost,” said Stephen Krausse, General Manager of IXYS Colorado. “Using the device technology of our parent company, IXYS Corporation, it offers critical pulse performance for the ADAS in automotive, robots, drones, and other LIDAR and range finder applications.”

The PCO-7121 is available directly from IXYS Colorado (also known as Directed Energy, Inc. or DEI) Tel. (970) 493-1901, Fax (970) 232-3025, Email [email protected], http://www.ixyscolorado.com or through your local authorized IXYS/IXYSRF sales representative.

Safe Harbor Statement

Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including the performance, rating, availability, and suitability of products for various applications, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of IXYS to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.

Contact:

IXYS Corporation
Stephen Krausse, 970-493-1901
[email protected]