An integrated 10A, 2.2ns rise-time laser-diode driver for LIDAR applications

An integrated laser-diode driver for LIDAR applications in a 0.35 mum 80 V CMOS technology is realized. The integration of the power switch as a n-DMOS allows a peak current of 10 A, with a corresponding rise-time of 2.2 ns and a fall-time of 2.4 ns. Up to the authors knowledge this is a first-time achievement on a monolithic die. The laser can be operated at a maximum duty-cycle of 0.1 %, with a pulse duration of 10 - 50 ns. To overcome the parasitic inductances and their associated voltage drop, a high voltage of 70 V is applied to the LIDAR circuit. In order to drive the power switch within its safe operating area and to make sure the rise- and fall-time is minimized, a pre-driver is integrated on the same die.