Atec ldc-3900 User Manual

Product Features

LDC

4 Independent Channels with 8 isolated outputs

Laser current source modules from 200mA to 8A

LD controller modules from 200mA to 2A with integrated 12W TEC

32W TEC only modules with voltage measurement

TEC modules accept thermistor, IC and RTD temperature sensors

Standard GPIB IEEE interface

The LDC-3900 Modular Laser Diode Controller features

four channels with eight isolated outputs for controlling

multiple laser diodes. Modules include current sources with

maximum outputs from 200mA to 8A, TE (thermoelectric)

controller modules with up to 32W of power and voltage

measurement, and controller modules with laser control

from 200mA to 2A and integrated 12W TE control.

An independent power supply powers each channel,

providing protection and stability for your laser diode. Every

module incorporates low noise, high stability performance,

and ILX Lightwave’s unmatched laser diode protection

topologies including independent current limits and laser

diode shorting relays.

Remote communication through an IEEE/GPIB interface

simpliﬁ es testing and control of multiple devices. LabVIEW

drivers are also available for any combination of mainframe

and module.

3900

Modular Laser

Diode Controller

Flexible, Comprehensive Control

of Laser Diodes

LDC

3900

Modular Laser

Diode Controller

Wide Range of Modules

Five current source modules and ﬁ ve combi-

nation modules along with two TE controller only

modules make the LDC-3900 conﬁ gurable for many

laser diode testing and control

applications. Each module is

electrically ﬂ oating or fully iso-

lated from all other modules.

This allows you to conﬁ gure your

laser diode test system without

the worry of potential laser diode

damaging ground loops.

Current Source Modules

The LDC-3900 current source

design offers superior laser

protection and low noise, high

stability performance. These

modules also feature a photo-

diode measurement circuit for

devices with backfacet monitor

photodiode and analog modulation up to 500kHz

for dithering the laser current for wavelength tuning.

Five different current source modules up to 8A can

be driven in any one of the following modes:

1) Constant current, low bandwidth

2) Constant current, high bandwidth

3) Constant optical power

Up to four modules can be easily adjusted and controlled from the LDC-3900 front panel.

Highly Stable Temperature Control

The LDC-3900 TEC modules control tempera-

ture of your devices with 32W of power. These TEC

modules offer maximum ﬂ exibility with a choice

of operating modes and temperature sensors

covering thermistors, IC, and RTDs. A low noise,

biopolar output with TE voltage measurement and

an ultra-stable topology achieves stabilities better

than 0.005°C. A smart integrator control loop, pro-

grammable from the front panel or through GPIB,

delivers fast settling times.

and temperature control of laser diodes. All of the

features found in the current only and temperature

control modules are incorporated into these ﬂ exible

modules and include multiple modes of operation,

external modulation, a choice

of temperature sensors, and all

protection features.

Intuitive Front Panel

Divided into two sections, TEC

and LASER, the front panel offers

quick, easy operation and infor-

mation display without confusing

multi-layer menus. Each channel is

directly addressable from the front

panel “adjust” section and indi-

cated through discrete LEDs next

to the respective display. Laser

and TEC parameters and modes

are easily selected or adjusted

through discrete pushbuttons.

Powerful GPIB Interface For automated control, the

IEEE/GPIB interface allows programming and

readout from most computers. All instrument

and module functions are accessible through the

interface allowing you to simultaneously control

multiple laser diodes from the same address.

For virtual instrument programming, LabVIEW

drivers are available upon request or through the

ILX website.

* Semiconductor lasers are sensitive devices. Always take appropriate antistatic precautions and use extreme care when handling laser diodes. For more information, request ILX Application Note #3, “Protecting Your Laser Diode.”

Controller Modules

Controller modules combine a current source

with a temperature controller in one module. Laser

current from 200mA to 2A is available with an

integrated 12W temperature controller for current

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