Dev. Board Suggestion?

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balease
 
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Dev. Board Suggestion?

Post by balease »

Hello,

I'm looking to industrialize a simple "box module" containing a USB-interface controller that turns on/off a laser diode.
The only requirements of the controller are:
-USB port/comm
-regulate 5V, ~100mA
-mounting holes

I know that an Arduino Uno with multiple GPIO (for current load) would be the easiest way of accomplishing what I want, but I was hoping that there might be a smaller profile board that's more tactful for such a simple singular operation.
I attached the information regarding the laser diode. Unless I missed something, it should be "plug-n-play". Ideally I'd like to limit the amount components needed to just the controller. Splicing connector ends/wires isn't an issue.

Thanks
Attachments
Green-Dot-Laser-Module-VLM-520-51-manual.pdf
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dastels
 
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Re: Dev. Board Suggestion?

Post by dastels »

You'll need a driver transistor/FET for the laser diode. 150mA is well beyond what an MCU can handle directly. If you went with something like a Feather M0 Basic (https://www.adafruit.com/product/2772) you could put the driver circuit on the prototyping area on the Feather board. With anything smaller you'll need to build the driver external to the MCU board.

Dave

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michaelmeissner
 
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Re: Dev. Board Suggestion?

Post by michaelmeissner »

After reading Dave's reply, I happened to over to the new products page. There is a new product that will be available shortly as a MOSFET + diode to drive higher power LEDs (i.e. it translates the data signal pin from your microprocessor to a higher level output voltage/amps for driving the LED). You should be able to use this board without having to solder components to a breadboard. I believe you can plug in a 3 pin JST-PH connector, but you will likely need to separate the 3 wires from the JST-PH connector to connect them to the right location on your microprocessor: Note, I originally thought you might be able to use one of the microprocessors with a JST-PH output directly, but I think the pin order is different between the MOSFET and the devices like the new QT PY neopixel BFF driver.

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dastels
 
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Re: Dev. Board Suggestion?

Post by dastels »

That's cool. The power/gnd/input are exposed on header/wire pads as well so you don't need to use the JST. It'll mount on the prototyping end of the Feather I mentioned.

Dave

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balease
 
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Re: Dev. Board Suggestion?

Post by balease »

Thanks for the insight and replies!
This is exactly what I'm looking for.

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