Best way to control 3v laser module using 5v stamp?
Morrolan
Posts: 98
Hi,
I have a laser module rated at 3.1v (+-10%) that I want to be able to turn on from a Stamp. I know that there are several methods I can use like having a 3.3v rail and using a transistor, or even just using a voltage divider on the output pin, but what I would like to ask, is which method is the safest, simplest and best-practice?
Many Thanks in advance,
Morrolan
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Flying is simple. You just throw yourself at the ground and miss.
"I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We've created life in our own image."
Stephen Hawking
I have a laser module rated at 3.1v (+-10%) that I want to be able to turn on from a Stamp. I know that there are several methods I can use like having a 3.3v rail and using a transistor, or even just using a voltage divider on the output pin, but what I would like to ask, is which method is the safest, simplest and best-practice?
Many Thanks in advance,
Morrolan
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Flying is simple. You just throw yourself at the ground and miss.
"I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We've created life in our own image."
Stephen Hawking
Comments
The safest method would be using a logic level mosfet tied to a 3.1 volt rail (3.3 is within specs). Also have a pull down resistor on the gate for the mosfet. You could also use an optoisolator, but I do think that is a little overkill.
Any other way would be counting on the components to be within tolerance, or programming to be correct,which could toast the laser module.
James L
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James L
Partner/Designer
Lil Brother SMT Assembly Services
Are you addicted to technology or Micro-controllers..... then checkout the forums at Savage Circuits. Learn to build your own Gizmos!
That is a great idea, mainly because the part count has gone down at least one part.
Good catch Mike.
James L
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James L
Partner/Designer
Lil Brother SMT Assembly Services
Are you addicted to technology or Micro-controllers..... then checkout the forums at Savage Circuits. Learn to build your own Gizmos!
Just to sum up - the Stamp pin would provide a 5v output to the 3.3v regulator which then obviously drops this to 3.3v (within module tolerance) which would then power the laser. The laser would be connected to GND via a 10k pulldown resistor.
As the 5v output from the Stamp is 'clean' compared to say that from a battery, i assume that there will be no need to use caps to also provide a 'clean' 3.3v?
Many thanks in advance,
Morrolan
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Flying is simple. You just throw yourself at the ground and miss.
"I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We've created life in our own image."
Stephen Hawking
-Phil
Thanks for the ideas, now to find somewhere that will sell them in the UK!
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Flying is simple. You just throw yourself at the ground and miss.
"I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We've created life in our own image."
Stephen Hawking