Abstract: A switching power supply includes push-pull power switches driven by first and second conjunction gates. The conjunction gates are coupled to receive the output of a flip-flop, together with the antiphase outputs of a binary divider which divides down the output of the flip-flop. The flip-flop is driven recurrently by sync to enable one of the conjunction gates, and the binary divider steers the enablement alternately. When the output voltage or current crosses the design threshold, a comparator is triggered to produce a shut-down signal which is applied to the reset input terminal of the flip-flop to reset it. Delay in the flip-flop is avoided by also applying the shut-down signal to the conjunction gates. The maximum possible duty cycle is extended by initiating switch conduction at a predetermined short time after initiation of the sync pulse.

Abstract: A driver for driving the anode of a laser diode includes a constant-current differential switch comprising NPN transistors. Two sources supply constant current into the node where the differential switch drives the laser diode: one source supplies bias current through the laser diode; the second provides a current substantially equal to the constant current through the differential switch. When the transistor, which drives the laser diode, is turned on by a modulating signal applied to its base electrode, the current from the second source flows through it into the current source at the common emitter junction. When this transistor is turned off, the current from the second source flows through the laser diode, adding to the bias current therethrough. Under these circumstances, the total current through the laser diode exceeds the threshold for lasing action and the laser diode is turned on.