A laser scanning device includes a semiconductor laser that emits a laser
beam, a laser power detector that detects laser beam power of the
semiconductor laser, a reference voltage generator that generates
reference voltage for controlling the laser beam power of the
semiconductor laser in accordance with a laser power control signal
provided from an external device, and a laser driver that compares the
reference voltage generated by the reference voltage generator and the
laser beam power detected by the laser power detector to control a
driving current supplied to the semiconductor laser for emitting the
laser beam. The laser scanning device further includes an abnormal
condition detector that detects the laser power control signal received
by the reference voltage generator. When the detected laser power control
signal differs from a predetermined signal, which indicates that the
connection between the reference voltage generator and the external
device is poor, the abnormal condition detector stops the laser driver
from operating.