US 6,982,405 B2
System and method for using a photodiode to self-test an optical drive
Dirk A. Erickson, Austin, Tex. (US); and Munif M. Farhan, Round Rock, Tex. (US)
Assigned to Dell Products L.P., Round Rock, Tex. (US)
Filed on Apr. 28, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/425,018.
Prior Publication US 2004/0211880 A1, Oct. 28, 2004
Int. Cl. H01J 40/14 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 250—214R 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An optical drive, comprising:
a light source operable to emit a light for interacting with optical media;
a photodiode placed adjacent the light source, the photodiode operable to detect a portion of the light, wherein the photodiode generates an electrical signal proportional to the light that is detected;
a circuit electrically coupled to the photodiode, the circuit operable to receive the electrical signal; and
based on the electrical signal, the circuit operable to test the operability of the optical drive.