Modular Laser Diode Driver Cards

The LDC-3916330 Series Modular Laser Diode Driver consist of two dual output current source modules and one single output current source module. Each current source provides a high stability, low noise output with fully redundant hardware current limits and multiple laser protection features. These modular laser diode driver cards are used with our 8 and 16 card multi-channel modular laser diode controllers.

Laser diode driver modules with up to 3 amp drive current
High stability, low noise output
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	Laser Current	Laser Compliance Voltage	Price
LDC-3916332 Laser Diode Driver Cards Laser Diode Driver Module, 500 mA, 6 V, Dual Channel, LDC-3908/3916	UNIVERSAL	0.5 A	6 V	$2,435
LDC-3916334 Laser Diode Driver Cards Laser Diode Driver Module, 1000 mA, 6 V, Dual Channel, LDC-3908/3916	UNIVERSAL	1 A	6 V	$2,435
LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Driver Cards Laser Diode Driver Module, 3000 mA, 4.5 V, LDC-3908/3916	UNIVERSAL	3 A	4.5 V	$1,990

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 protection, adjustable compliance voltage limit, slow-start, shorting circuits, 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.