FEATURES
 iC-WK MSOP8 AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 3)
 CW operation up to 90 mA from 2.4 to 6 V supply voltage
 Rapid soft start after power-on typical within 70 µs
 Simple power adjustment via the external resistor
 Control loop accuracy better than 1% with changes in
temperature, supply voltage and load current
 Integrated reverse polarity protection for the iC and laser diode
 Strong suppression of transients with very small external
capacitors; integrated flyback path
 Permanent shutdown with excessive temperature and
overcurrent (i.e. if the laser diode is damaged or the feedback
current path fails)
 Two feedback inputs permit all current LD types to be used
(N/P/M configurations)
 Modulation via the feedback inputs is possible
 Wide monitor current range from 10 µA to 2.5 mA
 iC-WK with additional spike detection at monitor input MDA

APPLICATIONS
 Battery-powered LD modules
 LD Pointers
 Laser levels
 Bar-code readers

DESCRIPTION
The iC-WK/L device is a driver for laser diodes in
continuous wave operation which requires only four
external components. The wide power supply range
of 2.4 to 6 V and the integrated reverse battery protection allow for battery operation with a minimum of two
cells. A reversed battery connection destroys neither
the iC nor the laser diode.
The iC includes integrated circuitry protecting against
destruction by ESD, excessive temperature and overcurrent and a soft start which regulates the power and
protects the laser diode when the power supply is
switched on. The iC also filters the laser diode power
supply for transients.
The power supply is regulated and adapted to the
laser diode used by an external resistor at MDA. The
monitor current acts as a reference and is regulated
independent of the influence of temperature and supply voltage (range: 10 µA to 2.5 mA). The capacitor at
CI determines the control time constants and start-up
time.
A second monitor input, pin MDK, allows the driver to
be used for other types of laser diode configuration; alternatively, it can be used as an analogue modulation
input (DC to a few kHz).
In the event of failure, such as overcurrent in the
laser path with a lack of feedback, for example, a
quick power lockout is activated. The shutdown continues until power is reapplied, permitting a restart.
The strain on power packs and batteries is relieved
and the laser class is retained even in the event of a
disturbance.
iC-WK offers additional protection by means of spike
detection at pin MDA. Should spikes or oscillation
occur at pin MDA the power lockout is activated.