Thorlabs - PRO8 Laser Diode Current Control Modules

Seven Models to Choose from:

±100 mA Laser Diode Current Controller Module: LDC8001
±200 mA Laser Diode Current Controller Module: LDC8002
±500 mA Laser Diode Current Controller Module: LDC8005
±1 A Laser Diode Current Controller Module: LDC8010
±2 A Laser Diode Current Controller Module: LDC8020
±4 A Laser Diode Current Controller Module: LDC8040
±8 A Laser Diode Current Controller Module: LDC8080

Features:

Current Ranges: 0 to ±100 mA, ±200 mA, ±500 mA, ±1 A, ±2 A, ±4 A, ±8 A
Supports Anode Ground (AG) and Cathode Ground (CG) Polarities
Supports Constant Current (CC) and Constant Power (CP) Operation
3 dB Analog Modulation Bandwidth DC up to 200 kHz
16-Bit Setting Resolution
Full Laser Protection

Introduction

The LDC8000 Series Laser Diode Controller Modules for the PRO8 platform provide “best in class” performance. All of these current control modules have extremely low noise and drift, resulting in exceptional laser stability.

Seven Current Ranges

Seven different current controller modules are available, with maximum output currents ranging from 100 mA up to 8 A. The drive current can be set precisely with 16-bit resolution - one part in 65,000. All LDC8000 Modules can be operated in either constant current (CC), or constant power (CP) mode.

User-Friendly Controls

The PRO8 display menu allows easy configuration of any module in the chassis. Mneumonic symbols provide user-friendly access to all operational parameters. All settings are retained in memory and automatically recalled upon powering on the mainframe, as long as modules have not been moved to a different slot.

Built-in Laser Diode Protection Features

The LDC8000 Series Current Control Modules incorporate proven laser protection features to safeguard sensitive laser diodes. Besides common protection functions, such as current limits, soft start and interrupt protection, an advanced circuit design ensures that AC power-line transients or power outages, as well as RF pickup can not affect the laser diode.

For each current module, three independent limits can be set to safeguard the laser. Two of the limits are programmable and prevent the laser current and the laser power from exceeding the user defined maximum values. The third limit is set via a recessed front panel trim-pot that defines a “hardware” current limit and protects against programming errors and accidential adjustment of the front panel knob. Even while externally modulating the laser current, it is not possible to exceed either the hard or soft limits, whichever is lower. After activating the laser diode a soft-start function smoothly increases the laser current without overshoots and spikes.

Even in the case of an AC power interruption, the laser current remains transient-free. Voltage peaks on the AC line are effectively suppressed by electronic filters, shielding of the transformer, and careful grounding of the modules and chassis. The LDC8000 Series meets the international requirements regarding laser protection (e.g. CDRH US21 CFR 1040.10 and IEC 60825-1). All PRO8 systems include a key-operated power switch and an interlock.

To connect an LDC8001, LDC8002, LDC8005, LDC8010, LDC8020, or LDC8040 current controller to our TEC Mounts, a CAB400 cable (length 1.5 m) is required and can be ordered below. Note: Thorlabs does not offer a compatible cable for the LDC8080.

For further information, please contact our Tech Support Team.

Model	LDC8001	LDC8002	LDC8005	LDC8010	LDC8020	LDC8040	LDC8080
Current Control
Control Range (Continuous) (A):	0 to ±0.100	0 to ±0.200	0 to ±0.500	0 to ±1	0 to ±2	0 to ±4	0 to ±8^c
Compliance Voltage:	>2.5 V	>5 V	>5 V	>5 V	>5 V	>5 V	>5 V
Setting Resolution:	1.5 µA	3 µA	7.5 µA	15 µA	30 µA	70 µA	130 µA
Setting Accuracy (Full Scale):	±0.05%	±0.05%	±0.05%	±0.1%	±0.1%	±0.1%	±0.3%
Noise Without Ripple (10 Hz To 10 MHz, RMS, Typical):	<1 µA	<3 µA	<5 µA	<10 µA	<20 µA	<50 µA	<100 µA
Ripple (50/60 hz, RMS, Typical):	<0.8 µA	<1 µA	<1 µA	<1.5 µA	<3 µA	<4 µA	<8 µA
Transients (Processor, Typical):	<10 µA	<15 µA	<30 µA	<50 µA	<80 µA	<120 µA	<200 µA
Transients (Other, Typical):	<0.100 mA	<0.200 mA	<0.500 mA	<1 mA	<2 mA	<4 mA	<8 mA
Drift 60 min/24 h (µA) (typ., 0-10 Hz, at Constant Ambient Temp.):	<0.5 / <1.5	<0.5 / <1.5	<2 / <4	<5 / <20	<15 / <100	<25 / <150	<100 / <200
Temperature Coefficient:	<50 ppm/°C
Power Control
Control Range of Photo Current:	10 µA to 5 mA (Other Ranges Available upon Request)
Reverse Bias Voltage:	0 / 5 V (Switchable)
Resolution:	100 nA
Accuracy (Full Scale):	± 0.05%
Current Limit
Setting Range (20-Turn Trim-Pot) (A):	0 to ≥0.100	0 to ≥0.200	0 to ≥0.500	0 to ≥1	0 to ≥2	0 to ≥4	0 to ≥8
Resolution:	3 µA	6 µA	15 µA	30 µA	60 µA	130 µA	250 µA
Accuracy:	±0.100 mA	±0.200 mA	±0.500 mA	±2 mA	±4 mA	±8 mA	±50 mA
Power Limit
Photo Current Range:	0 to 5 mA
Resolution:	1.25 µA
Accuracy:	±50 µA
Laser Voltage Measurement
Measurement Principle:	4-Wire (Improves Accuracy by Compensating for Cable Resistance)
Measurement Range:	0 to 5 V
Resolution:	0.2 mV
Accuracy:	±5 mV
Analog Modulation Input
Input Resistance:	10 kΩ
3dB-Bandwidth, CC^a(kHz):	DC to 2.5	DC to 200	DC to 100	DC to 50	DC to 30	DC to 20	DC to 10
Modulation Coefficient, CC (mA/V):	10 ± 5%	20 ± 5%	50 ± 5%	100 ± 5%	200 ± 5%	400 ± 5%	800 ± 5%
Modulation Coefficient, CP (mA/V):	0.5 ± 5%
Rise & Fall Time, (Typical)^b:	<100 µs	<2 µs	<4 µs	<5 µs	<6 µs	<9 µs	<15 µs
Connector Type:	BNC
General Data
Card Width:	1 PRO8 Slot						2 Slots
Laser Diode Connector:	9-pin D-Sub (f )						15-pin HDD-Sub (f )
Weight:	<300 g		<500 g				<750 g
Operating Temperature:	0 to 40 °C
Storage Temperature:	- 40 to +70 °C

^aSmall Signal Bandwidth
^bExternal TTL Modulation Synchronous for all Current Cards
^c10 A Available Upon Request

LDC8001-40 Pin Configuration

Connector

Pin	Connection
1	Output for Interlock and Status LASER ON/OFF
2	Monitor Diode Ground
3	Laser Diode Ground
4	Monitor Diode Input
5	Pin 1 Ground
6	Laser Diode Cathode (Measurement Input for Laser Diode Voltage)
7	Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity AG)
8	Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity CG)
9	Laser Diode Anode (Measurement Input for Laser Diode Voltage)

LDC8080 Pin Configuration

Connector

Pin	Connection
1	Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity AG)*
2	Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity AG)*
3	Laser Diode Ground*
4	Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity CG)*
5	Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity CG)*
6	Output for Interlock and Status LASER ON/OFF
7	Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity AG)*
8	Laser Diode Ground*
9	Laser Diode Ground*
10	Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity CG)*
11	Laser Diode Cathode (Measurement Input for LD Voltage)
12	Monitor Diode Ground
13	Monitor Diode Input
14	Laser Diode Anode (Measurement Input for LD Voltage)
15	Ground for Pin 6

*To connect the laser ALL THREE PINS (1, 2, 7 and 3, 8, 9 or 4, 5, 10 and 3, 8, 9) must always be used.

LDC8001-40 Pin Configuration

DB9 Female

Pin	Connection
1	Output for Interlock and Status LASER ON/OFF
2	Monitor Diode Ground
3	Laser Diode Ground
4	Monitor Diode Input
5	Pin 1 Ground
6	Laser Diode Cathode (Measurement Input for Laser Diode Voltage)
7	Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity AG)
8	Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity CG)
9	Laser Diode Anode (Measurement Input for Laser Diode Voltage)

External Modulation

bnc

LDC8080 Pin Configuration

DB15 Female

Pin	Connection
1	Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity AG)*
2	Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity AG)*
3	Laser Diode Ground*
4	Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity CG)*
5	Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity CG)*
6	Output for Interlock and Status LASER ON/OFF
7	Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity AG)*
8	Laser Diode Ground*
9	Laser Diode Ground*
10	Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity CG)*
11	Laser Diode Cathode (Measurement Input for LD Voltage)
12	Monitor Diode Ground
13	Monitor Diode Input
14	Laser Diode Anode (Measurement Input for LD Voltage)
15	Ground for Pin 6

*To connect the laser ALL THREE PINS (1, 2, 7 and 3, 8, 9 or 4, 5, 10 and 3, 8, 9) must always be used.

The following parts are included together with each of our LDC8000 Series Current Controllers:

1 LDC8000 Series Current Controller Module
Operating Manual

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