Blog Archives

Capacitor Charging Questions

Answers to common Capacitor Charging Questions The most common method of pumping solid-state pulsed lasers is still through the use of flashlamps which receive energy from the discharge of a high energy storage capacitor. In such systems the job of

Posted in Laser Electronics, Technical Note

Laser Diode Driver Design Conclusions

When considering options for laser diode driver design the determining factors include size, weight, cost, efficiency, and reliability over specified environmental operating conditions.  Unfortunately, these factors are often in conflict with one another. The least expensive approach often will not be

Posted in Laser Electronics, Technical Note

Switch Mode Laser Diode Driver Design

Switch Mode Laser Diode Driver Approximately 20 years ago, as industry was starting to replace linear designs with switch mode power supplies to achieve smaller size and higher efficiency, Hughes Aircraft Company in 1994 disclosed a resonant buck converter to provide

Posted in Laser Electronics, Technical Note

Linear Laser Diode Driver Design

Linear Laser Diode Driver Solution The AMI Model 778 Laser Diode Driver was an early example of the simple linear design approach. This driver and the current version, AMI Model 779A, has been available for 25 years.  In such a design,

Posted in Laser Electronics, Technical Note

Design of Laser Diode Drivers

Design and Optimization of High Current Laser Diode Drivers  INTRODUCTION These posts will explain the development and technical challenges encountered in the design of laser diode drivers, especially high current devices used in military applications. The pros and cons of simple

Posted in Uncategorized

OSCILLATION IN AMPLIFIERS

OSCILLATION IN AMPLIFIERS Most amplifiers work without problems, but in some cases oscillations may occur with high frequencies/high gains and/or poor layout. The first step is to measure the frequency and amplitude of the oscillation. Use the internal triggering of

Posted in Sensors and Amplifiers, Technical Note

HOW TO MEASURE NOISE

Specifically How to Measure Noise when using AMI’s transimpedance and voltage amplifiers VERIFICATION When determining how to measure noise one question that is frequently asked is how to verify the noise performance of voltage and current amplifiers.  This note suggests

Posted in Sensors and Amplifiers, Technical Note

Design of Capacitor Charging Power Supplies

Introduction Design of Capacitor Charging Power Supplies:  In order to power laser flashlamps, pulse forming networks, and other energy storage capacitor applications, the capacitor is charged up in voltage, then regulated. This creates an unusual and different situation from conventional

Posted in Laser Electronics, Technical Note

Transimpedance Amplifier Selection

Transimpedance Amplifier Selection Guide AMI designs and manufactures a range of Transimpedance Amplifiers for OEM, medical and research applications primarily for use with photodetectors. AMI’s amplifiers combine low noise, high gain, large dynamic range, and small package size. The key

Posted in Sensors and Amplifiers, Technical Note Tagged with: , ,

Final day of SPIE.DCS, AMI at SPIE Defense and Commercial Sensing Conference

Today is the final day of SPIE Defense & Commercial Sensing Conference. Tim Ayres and Gary Sweezey will be in AMI’s booth on the show floor from 10AM to 2PM EDT for the final day of the SPIE Defense & Commercial

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Featured Products

Model 755A-04.1

Hybrid eyesafe laser rangefinder receiver is designed for laser rangefinding & surveying equipment. Compact construction is ideal for miniature applications. Fast recovery from To overload allows ranging to close objects without compromising long range performance. The incorporation of an InGaAs APD gives very high sensitivity with time programmed gain to minimize false targets. Operation at both 1.06 µm and 1.54 µm is possible over a wide range of pulse widths.