A Current-Mode VCSEL Driver for Short-Range LiDAR Sensors in 180-nm CMOS

  • Xinyue Zhang Ewha Womans University
  • Yeojin Chon Ewha Womans University
  • Shinhae Choi Ewha Womans University
  • Sung Min Park Ewha Womans University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23075/jicas.2024.10.2.004
Keywords: current-mirror, current-mode, current-steering logic, LiDAR, VCSEL

Abstract

This paper presents a current-mode VCSEL driver (CMVD) implemented in a 0.18-m CMOS technology for the applications of short-range LiDAR sensors, where a current-steering logic is exploited to deliver simultaneously the modulation currents (from 0.1 to 10 mApp) and the bias current of 0.1 mA directly to the VCSEL diode. For simulations, the VCSEL diode is modeled as a 1.6-V forward bias voltage and a 50-W series resistor. The post-layout simulations of the proposed CMVD demonstrate vividly large output pulses and eye-diagrams. The chip consumes 44 mW in maximum from a 3.3-V supply and the core occupies the area of 0.1 mm2.

Author Biographies

Xinyue Zhang, Ewha Womans University

Xinyue Zhang received the B.S. degree in electronic information science and technology from Linyi University, Shandong, China, in 2021, and the M.S. degree from Ewha Womans University in 2024. Her current research interests include silicon photonics, and CMOS optoelectronic integrated circuits and architectures for short distance optical systems and sensor interface IC designs.

Yeojin Chon, Ewha Womans University

Yeojin Chon received the B.S. degree in electronic and electrical engineering from Ewha Womans University, Korea, in 2022. She is currently working toward the MSc degree in the analog circuits and systems lab. at the same university. Her current research interests include silicon photonics, and CMOS optoelectronic integrated circuits and architectures for short distance optical systems and sensor interface IC designs.

Shinhae Choi, Ewha Womans University

Shinhae Choi received the B.S. degree in electronic and electrical engineering from Ewha Womans University, Korea, in 2023. She is currently working toward the MSc degree in the analog circuits and systems lab. at the same university. Her current research interests include silicon photonics, and CMOS optoelectronic integrated circuits and architectures for short distance optical systems and sensor interface IC designs

Sung Min Park, Ewha Womans University

Sung Min Park received the B.S. degree in electrical and electronic engineering from KAIST, Korea, in 1993. He received the M.S. degree in electrical engineering from University College London, U.K., in 1994, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Imperial College London, U.K., in May 2000. In 2004, he joined the faculty of the Department of Electronics Engineering at Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea, where he is currently a professor.

Profile & Research 

Published
2024-04-01
How to Cite
Zhang, X., Chon, Y., Choi, S., & Park, S. M. (2024). A Current-Mode VCSEL Driver for Short-Range LiDAR Sensors in 180-nm CMOS. Journal of Integrated Circuits and Systems, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.23075/jicas.2024.10.2.004
Issue
Vol 10 No 2 (2024): JICAS
Section
Articles