Driving arrays of diodes. At least some of the example embodiments are methods of driving an array of diodes including: charging an inductor to increase an inductor current, the charging ceases when the inductor current reaches a predetermined threshold; driving the inductor current through a first portion of the array of diodes, the driving ceases prior to the inductor current reaching zero; and recirculating the inductor current through the inductor until a next charging event.

Diode drivers, LIDAR systems, and methods for driving arrays of diodes. The diode driver includes a plurality of driver terminals, a plurality of row switches, a high-side switch, a low-side switch, a shorting switch, and a controller. Each of the plurality of row switches is coupled to an inductor and one of the plurality of driver terminals. The controller is configured to close the high-side switch, close the shorting switch, and open the low-side switch to increase an inductor current through the inductor. The controller is also configured to close a first row switch of the plurality of row switches. The controller is further configured to open the high-side switch, close the low-side switch, and open the shorting switch to drive the inductor current to a first driver terminal of the plurality of driver terminals. The controller is also configured to close the shorting switch to recirculate the inductor current.

Driving arrays of diodes. At least some of the example embodiments are methods of driving an array of diodes including: charging an inductor to increase an inductor current, the charging ceases when the inductor current reaches a predetermined threshold; driving the inductor current through a first portion of the array of diodes, the driving ceases prior to the inductor current reaching zero; and recirculating the inductor current through the inductor until a next charging event.