Exceed Diode Laser input voltage

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user85
 
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Exceed Diode Laser input voltage

Post by user85 »

Hello, I am looking to replace an old HeNe laser in an existing assembly that has a 12VDC power supply, ideally without without swapping the power supply.

When I plug the laser into the 12VDC power supply it indeed works, but given that it's only rated for input voltages in the 2.8-5.2 V range, I'm curious what the eventual consequence to running off of 12V would be. Inconsistent output? Premature burn out? Fire???

Thanks!

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Exceed Diode Laser input voltage

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Hard to predict the failure mode without knowing more about the internal circuitry. But at more than double the recommended supply voltage, something is likely to fail prematurely.

You could add a 5v buck regulator between the power supply and the laser module. Check the current requirements first and make sure that the regulator can handle it: https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=buck+converter

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