초록 ▼

A system uses a parallel switch/thermoelectric cooler circuit between a voltage source and a subsystem having a laser diode in thermal contact with the thermoelectric cooler. The switch opens when the temperature is above a switch temperature such that current is supplied to the thermoelectric coole

A system uses a parallel switch/thermoelectric cooler circuit between a voltage source and a subsystem having a laser diode in thermal contact with the thermoelectric cooler. The switch opens when the temperature is above a switch temperature such that current is supplied to the thermoelectric cooler in order to cool the laser. The thermoelectric cooler uses energy which would otherwise be wasted in a voltage regulator. The subsystem includes an optical transmitter using the laser to send signals. An alternate arrangement uses a pulse width modulator to provide proportional control for more precise regulation of the laser temperature.

대표청구항 ▼

A system comprising: a source of electricity operable to provide current and associated power and associated energy; a thermoelectric cooler connected by electrical lines to receive power from said source; a switch in parallel with said thermoelectric cooler to form a parallel switch/thermoelectric

A system comprising: a source of electricity operable to provide current and associated power and associated energy; a thermoelectric cooler connected by electrical lines to receive power from said source; a switch in parallel with said thermoelectric cooler to form a parallel switch/thermoelectric cooler subcircuit, said switch operable when closed to shunt current supplied from said source away from said thermoelectric cooler and operable when open to allow current supplied from said source to flow through said thermoelectric cooler, said switch opening and closing dependent on temperature; and a subsystem receiving power from said source by electrical connections thereto, and wherein said subsystem includes a laser receiving power from said source and being in thermal contact with said thermoelectric cooler such that said thermoelectric cooler such said laser when said thermoelectric cooler is turned on.