The datasheet for the EPC21603 recommends minimum 5V for V_Laser, where does this come from? Is this just an application specific recommendation for VCSELs? If my application is different and I’m using this for something unrelated and just need fast high current switching can I ignore this and use it as a regular transistor?
Hi, yes the data sheet recommends 5V, as an application recommendation to have more voltage than the forward voltage of a laser with current in it. It takes a few cycles for the IC to start up unless V-laser is 10V or above. Above 10V, a small amount of current is used to power the gate driver, to allow it to operate immediately (vs. requiring a few cycles to get started if the V-laser is below 10 V).
Yes, you can likely not use this 5V minimum, however, be aware that it may take 5 cycles or so before the transistor switching follows the input. See page 5 of the EPC21603 data sheet.
hope this helps,
- Brian Miller, EPC Field Application Engineer, East Americas, brian.miller@epc-co.com