Efficient Power Conversions (EPC) has released a new high-performing gate driver and low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) logic level input in a single chip for time-of-flight lidar systems used in robotics, drones, augmented reality, and gaming applications. The 40 V, 10 A FET EPC21603 laser driver is capable of very high frequencies exceeding 100 MHz and super short pulses (< 2 ns) to modulate laser driving currents up to 10 A.
The EPC21603 single-chip driver cum eGaN FET uses EPC’s proprietary GaN IC technology in a chip-scale BGA form factor. This small-sized device measures only 1.5 mm x 1.0 mm. The LVDS logic control allows the eToF laser driver IC to be controlled from an FPGA for applications where noise immunity is important.
The EPC21603 has joined the recently announced EPC21601 as the initial product in the company’s new family of GaN ICs that dramatically improve the performance while reducing size and cost for time-of-flight lidar systems. The integrated devices in a single chip make it easier for the users to design, layout, assemble, save space on the PCB thereby increasing efficiency, and reducing cost. This family of products will enable faster adoption and increased ubiquity of ToF solutions across a more comprehensive array of end-user applications.
The EPC9156 development board features the EPC21603 eToF laser driver IC and is primarily intended to drive laser diodes with short, high current pulses. Capabilities include minimum pulse widths of < 2 ns, 10 A peak currents, and bus voltage rating of 30 V. The EPC21603 eToF laser drive IC are priced at less than $1.00 at 500 ku, and the EPC9156 development board is priced at $465.23 each. Both these products are available for immediate delivery from Digi-Key.
