Modular Laser Diode Controller Cards

These modular laser diode controller driver cards feature laser diode driver and TEC temperature controllers and are used with our 8 and 16 card multi-channel modular laser diode controllers. The current source provides high stability output of up to 1.5 Amp with fully redundant current limits and multiple laser protection features. The built-in bi-polar temperature controller can work with thermistor type temperature sensors for precise laser temperature control over a wide range of temperatures. Other features of the TEC controller include TEC voltage measurement, digital selection of thermistor current range, and control loop gain adjustment from 1 to 127.

Combination driver/TEC modules with up to 1500mA / 9W TEC
Bi-polar current driver for precise temperature control
Control loop gain adjustment from 1 to 127
Multiple hardware current limits and laser protection features
Designed for our LDC-3908 or LDC-3916 modular laser diode controllers

See All Features

Description	Compatibility	Avail.	Price
LDC-3916371 Laser Diode Controller CardsCombination Driver & TEC Module, 500mA, 6V, 10.5W TEC, High Resolution, LDC-3908/3916 [Discontinued]	UNIVERSAL	Discontinued
LDC-3916372 Laser Diode Controller CardsCombination Driver & TEC Module, 500mA, 6V, 9W TEC, LDC-3908/3916	UNIVERSAL		$2,495
LDC-3916374 Laser Diode Controller CardsCombination Driver & TEC Module, 1000mA, 6V, 9W TEC, LDC-3908/3916	UNIVERSAL		$2,380
LDC-3916376 Laser Diode Controller CardsCombination Driver & TEC Module, 1500mA, 4.75V, 9W TEC, LDC-3908/3916	UNIVERSAL		$2,630
LDC-3926339 Laser Diode Controller CardsLaser Diode Driver Module, 6000mA, 7V, High Power, LDC-3926	UNIVERSAL	Discontinued
LDC-3926559 Laser Diode Controller CardsThermoelectric Temperature Controller Module, 48W TEC, High Power, LDC-3926	UNIVERSAL	Discontinued

Features

Setting the Standard in Laser Diode Protection

Laser diodes are extremely sensitive to electro-static discharge, excessive current levels, current spikes, or transients from power surges or other laboratory equipment. One of the most important features we have implemented into each instrument is the ILX Lightwave proven laser diode protection standards. These standards have led to advanced protection features such as intermittent contact detection, adjustable compliance voltage limit, and 4-wire voltage measurement for precise laser diode forward voltage measurement. In addition, the current limit setting is independent of the voltage drop of the device connected to the laser output. Because the current limit circuitry is fully independent of the main current control, the current limit can be adjusted safely, even while the laser output is active. For more information about these protection features, please see our “Protecting Your Laser Diode" application note.

Four-Wire Voltage Sense

These Modular Laser Diode Cards have a 4-wire voltage sense feature. The laser voltage is sensed through a pair of connections that is separate from the laser current drive connections. This allows a more accurate laser voltage reading for the voltage limit feature. All four of these pins must be connected for the module to operate.

Electrically Isolated Photodiode Connections

Many laser diode modules contain an internal photodiode that monitors the back-facet emission of the laser. Usually, this photodiode is internally connected to either the laser anode or cathode. The photodiode and laser connections to these cards are electrically isolated from ground and each other. So, if a 4-pin connection is made (no common connections), no additional jumpers are required.

Grounding Considerations

The laser outputs of these laser diode cards are isolated from chassis ground allowing either output terminal to be grounded at the user's option.

Powerful GPIB Interface

Newport's Modular Laser Diode Cards' response to sensing the various limits can be controlled via the GPIB interface. Most high limit responses can be set to either turn off the source or just give a limit warning through the GPIB interface.