Illumination diagnosis for LIDAR driver

A method, comprising:

• delivering, via a current pulse generator, an operating current pulse to a portion of an array of diodes in response to a current in an inductor being greater than or equal to a target current, the current pulse generator producing a diagnostic current pulse in the inductor based on a residual current from the operating current pulse recirculating in the inductor, the diagnostic current pulse being less than the target current;
• measuring a voltage drop resulting from a delivery of the diagnostic current pulse to the portion of the array of diodes;
• and
• determining whether the portion of the array of diodes is defective based on the voltage drop of the portion of the array of diodes.

A lidar system, comprising:

• an array of diodes configured to produce illumination in response to receiving an amount of current, and
• a diode driver for driving an array of diodes, comprising:
• a current pulse generator configured to deliver an operating current pulse to a portion of the array of diodes, the current pulse generator producing a diagnostic current pulse in an inductor based on a residual current from the operating current pulse recirculating in the inductor, the diagnostic current pulse being less than the operating current pulse;
• a voltage drop measurement device configured to measure a voltage drop resulting from a delivery of the diagnostic current pulse to the portion of the array of diodes;
• and
• a device state analyzer configured to determine whether the portion of the array of diodes is defective based on the voltage drop of the portion of the array of diodes.