Multi-Channel Modular Laser Diode Controllers
Multi-Channel Modular Laser Diode Controllers
Our multi-channel-modular laser diode controller mainframes offers 8 or 16 slots for modular laser diode driver or TEC temperature control cards in a space saving rack mountable instrument. Developed for multiple pump control in optical amplifier testing, these high stability, low noise current and temperature controllers also make them suitable for low-channel count burn-in systems or, coupled with ILX’s 16-channel laser diode mount, a 16 channel DFB source bank.
- 8 or 16 independent, isolated driver card slots
- Wide variety of current and temperature control modules
- Dual channel laser current or TE control modules for control of up to 32 laser diodes
- GPIB/IEEE488 or RS-232 remote control interface
- Low noise/high stability modules for constant current or constant power modes
- Direct modulation up to 1 MHz See All Features
Features
State-of-the-Art Laser Diode Current Source
The current source topology uses an innovative, proprietary control loop and incorporates the latest techniques for signal filtering and circuit board shielding. Adjustable voltage limit and faster shutoff help prevent dangerous reconnect transients that can occur from intermittent connections between controller and laser diode. Investment in this instrument provides assurance for safe, worry-free testing and control of higher power laser diodes. Operational modes including constant current in low or high bandwidth or constant optical power are selectable from the front panel or via the remote interface. Measurement of the laser diode forward voltage is provided with 4-wire accuracy for production environments where longer cable runs are common. A single, rear panel modulation port* provides direct modulation of each channel’s laser current and supports external modulation bandwidths of up to 1MHz (lower current modules).
*If interested in individual modulation, contact an ILX Sales Engineer for details.
Wide Variety of Controller Modules
A wide variety of laser control modules are available including laser controller modules, dual channel laser current source, and dual channel temperature control modules. Controller modules source up to 1.5A of laser current with an integrated 9W temperature controller. Dual laser current source modules, with two isolated outputs, source up to 1A per channel, while dual temperature control modules provide two independent 9W outputs for control of up to 32 laser diodes per mainframe. Remote operation for independent control of all 16 channels is provided through an IEEE488 GPIB interface or RS-232 serial interface.
Powerful GPIB Interface
A powerful master processor platform drives the LDC-3916 controller, communicating with all sixteen microprocessor-controlled modules. When coupled with the HS488TNT chipset GPIB technology from National Instruments®, the LDC-3916 provides all of the necessary processing capabilities for automated production testing. With microprocessors on each module, the mainframe master manages 16 independent control channels quickly and reliably. Free LabVIEW™ instrument drivers are available.
Front Panel Interface Provides Simple Operation
The bright vacuum fluorescent display is readable from almost any angle. Status screens show four channels at once and scroll both directions to easily view any channel. You can monitor operations, change setpoints, and turn any output on or off from the status menu. Plus, you can define any two parameters displayed on the status screen for each channel. For initial or detailed setup, simple and intuitive menus supported by screen specific soft keys quickly configure and operate each channel. Menu depths have been limited to keep the front panel operation concise, while more sophisticated operations are reserved for the GPIB interface. An "All Channel" menu facilitates initial setup, and 10 storage bins allow you to save and recall all instrument settings. Setpoints and other values can be entered through a numeric keypad, up/down arrow keys, or the rotary adjustment knob.
Support Future System Expansion
Designed to provide the most efficient and safest control available for multiple laser diodes, each module's control functions are managed locally and communicated to the master processor. On-board intelligence simplifies future addition of modules since all operational and calibration data is stored in the module. Simply plug in the new module and power up the system. The mainframe never needs to leave the rack.
High Stability TEC Control
Achieve up to ±0.007°C temperature stability with the low noise temperature controller modules. The temperature control circuits optimize temperature settling times with a smart integrator control loop with expanded gain setting ranges. All TEC control modules for the LDC-3916 include voltage measurement capabilities and internal thermistor current selection via front panel or remotely for control over a wide temperature range.
Flexible Control Over a Wide Range of Applications
By combining true modularity and high channel density, the LDC-3916 easily adapts to a wide variety of applications. This system can be used for controlling multiple pump lasers in amplifier test or low channel count burn-in applications. When coupled with ILX’s LDM-4616 16-channel laser diode mount, the LDC-3916 can provide a cost effective DWDM optical source test set. For picometer tuning of wavelengths, select the LDC-3916371 module with 0.01 °C temperature setpoint resolution.
Accessories
Rack Mount Kits
Control Modules
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | LDC-3916332 Laser Diode Driver Module, 500 mA, 6 V, Dual Channel, LDC-3908/3916 | |||||
| LDC-3916334 Laser Diode Driver Module, 1000 mA, 6 V, Dual Channel, LDC-3908/3916 | |||||
| LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Driver Module, 3000 mA, 4.5 V, LDC-3908/3916 | |||||
 | LDC-3916372 Combination Driver & TEC Module, 500mA, 6V, 9W TEC, LDC-3908/3916 | |||||
 | LDC-3916374 Combination Driver & TEC Module, 1000mA, 6V, 9W TEC, LDC-3908/3916 | |||||
 | LDC-3916376 Combination Driver & TEC Module, 1500mA, 4.75V, 9W TEC, LDC-3908/3916 | |||||
 | LDC-3916550 Temperature Controller Module, 9W TEC, Dual Channel, LDC-3908/3916 | |||||
| LDC-3916558 Temperature Controller Module, 24W TEC, LDC-3908/3916 |
Cables
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | CC305S Cable, Laser Driver to Mount, 5 Amp, DB9 Male to DB9 Male | |||||
 | CC306S Cable, Laser Diode Driver, 5 Amp, DB9 Male to Bare Wire | |||||
| CC316M Cable, Laser Driver to Mount, 5 Amp, DB9 Male to DB9 Male, 8-Pack | |||||
| CC355S Cable, Laser Driver to Mount, 5 Amp, DB9 Male to DB9 Male, Extra Long | |||||
 | CC501S Cable, TEC Controller to Bare Wire, 5 Amp, DB15 Male | |||||
 | CC505S Control Cable, TEC Controller to Mount, 5 Amp, DB15 Male to DB9 Female | |||||
| CC516M Control Cable, TEC Controller to Mount, 5 Amp, DB15 Male to DB9 Female, 8-Pack | |||||
| CC550S Control Cable, TEC Controller to Mount, 5 Amp, DB15 Male to DB9 Female, Extra Long |
Resources
Application Notes
Protecting Your Laser Diode(2.3 MB, PDF) Laser Diode Characteristics Overview(392.5 kB, PDF) Optimizing TE Drive Current(315.9 kB, PDF) Controlling Temperatures of Laser Diodes Thermoelectrically(487.7 kB, PDF)
Software
LDC-39XX LabVIEW Driver Version 0.9(139.3 kB, ZIP)
Literature
LDC-3916 16-Channel Laser Diode Controller Brochure(655.6 kB, PDF) LDC-3908 8-Channel Laser Diode Controller Brochure(653 kB, PDF)
Manuals
LDC-3916 Controller User's Manual(2 MB, PDF) LDC-3908 Controller User's Manual(2.1 MB, PDF)
