Kinesis® K-Cube™ Laser Diode Driver

Overview
Specs
Pin Diagrams
K-Cubes vs. T-Cubes
Kinesis Software
Kinesis Tutorials
Feedback
Selection Guide

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Back and Top View of the KLD101 K-Cube LD Driver

Click to Enlarge
A KCH301 USB Controller Hub with installed K-Cube KLD101 and KPZ101 modules.

Compact Light Source & Driver Modules
K-Cube™ Modules
Laser Diode Driver
Laser Sources
T-Cube™ Module
LED Driver

Features

Current Output up to 230 mA
LD Compliance Voltage up to 10 V at 50 mA
Low Noise: <3.5 μA
Constant Current and Constant Power Operating Modes
Compact Housing: 121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (4.76" x 2.36" x 1.85")
Safety Enable Key Switch and Laser Safety Interlock
LCD Display Screen and Controls for Standalone Operation
USB Connection for Remote PC-Controlled Operation
Kinesis® Software Control Suite Included
Single- and Multi-Channel Power Supply Options Available Separately

The KLD101 K-Cube™ Laser Diode Controller is a compact, versatile module designed to drive a wide range of semiconductor laser diodes and LEDs. It supports operating currents up to 230 mA, a compliance voltage up to 10 V at 50 mA (>7 V at 230 mA), and both constant current and constant power operating modes. The KLD101 also enables the maximum drive current current to be set to prevent damage to the laser diode by accidental overdriving. As a member of the K-Cube family of products, this driver can be controlled locally using the screen and switches on the unit, or it can be controlled using a PC via the USB interface and included software.

The unit has a highly compact 121.0 mm x 60.0 mm footprint, allowing it to be positioned close to the rest of the system when manually adjusting the laser output using the top panel controls and convenient LCD display screen. A power switch on the front of the unit turns the K-Cube on and off, and the LCD screen displays information and settings upon startup, with or without a PC. When the unit is turned off, the K-Cube saves all user-adjusted settings for the next session. The power switch should always be in the "off" position when plugging in or unplugging the unit.

USB connectivity provides easy, plug-and-play, PC-controlled operation. The included Kinesis software package features .NET controls that can be used by third-party developers programming in C or C# and working in the latest LabVIEW™ or .NET compatible frameworks to create custom applications. For more details, please see the Kinesis Software and Kinesis Tutorials tabs. A USB 3.0 Type-A to type Micro-B cable is included with this K-Cube driver.

The K-Cube controller achieves its best performance when used with a suitable temperature controller and a laser diode mount with an integrated TEC element.

Optical Table Mounting Plate
Each unit comes with a mounting plate that attaches to the base of the module. The plate contains two magnets for temporary placement on an optical table and two counterbored slots for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for a more permanent placement on the tabletop.

Power Supply Options
The preferred power supply (single channel, multi-channel, or hub-based) depends on the end user's application and whether you already own compatible power supplies. To that end and in keeping with Thorlabs' green initiative, we do not ship these units bundled with a power supply.

This K-Cube can be powered using our TPS002 power supply. If the TPS002 is used to power the KLD101, we do not recommend powering an additional K-Cube unit due the power supply's current limitations. Mutliple units can be connected to a single PC using the KCH301 or KCH601 USB Controller Hub (available below) for applications involving multiple K-Cubes. The KCH301 features three controller mounting bays while the KCH601 features six controller mounting bays. Note that these K-Cube drivers occupy two mounting bays on the USB controller hubs.

All power supply options compatible with the K-Cube laser diode driver can be found below.

Connection Cables
A CAB400 cable is required to connect the K-Cube laser diode controller to a Thorlabs Laser Diode Mount.

Laser Diode Accessory Selection Guide
Temperature Controlled Mounts	Passive Mounts	Passive Mounts with Collimation Package	Strain Relief Cables	Diode Sockets	Other Controllers

Item #	KLD101
Laser Diode (LD) Output	9-Pin D-Type
Max LD Current	230 mA
Max LD Current Limit Range	15 mA to 200 mA
LD Compliance Voltage	Up to 10 V at 50 mA (>7 V at 230 mA)
LD Current Setting Resolution	<8 µA
LD Power Setting Resolution	1 µW
LD Current/Power Measurement Resolution	<0.4 µA (15 bit)
Output Current Accuracy (Constant Current Mode)	0.2% (at 230 mA)
Temperature Drift	<40 ppm/°C (Typ.)
LD Current Noise^a	<3.5 µA RMS (Typ.) at 46 mA over 20 Ω
LD Voltage Reading Accuracy	3% of Full Scale (15 V)
Supported LD/PD Configurations	All
LD Protection	Relay - Open Circuit, Under/Over Voltage - 2 Interlocks
Operating Modes	Constant Current / Constant Power
Modulation Input	SMA: 0 to 10 V = 0 to Full Power, DC or Sine Wave Input Only
Modulation Bandwidth^b	20 kHz Full Depth (46 ksps)
Power Input	+15 V, -15 V, +5 V
Housing Dimensions (W x D x H)	121.0 x 60.0 x 47.0 mm (4.76" x 2.36" x 1.85")
Weight	400 g (0.88 lbs)

The minimum noise generation is achieved in current mode. In constant power mode the digital loop introduces a quantization error that depends on the power setpoint and its position on the laser diode current curve.
Measured in Constant Current Mode

Click to Enlarge
Mechanical Drawing of KLD101 Laser Diode Controller

Laser Diode Out

D-type Female

Pin	Connection	Pin	Connection
1	Interlock^a	6	Not Connected
2	Photodiode Cathode	7	Laser Diode Cathode (Polarity Anode Grounded)
3	Laser Diode Ground	8	Laser Diode Anode (Polarity Cathode Grounded)
4	Photodiode Anode	8	Laser Diode Anode (Polarity Cathode Grounded)
5	Ground for Pin 1^a	9	Not Connected

The Interlock must be shorted to the ground before the laser can be enabled. See section 3.6 in the manual for details.

Computer Connection

The USB 3.0 port is compatible with a USB 2.0 Micro-B connector if the Micro-B connector is plugged into the shaded region in the photo above. A USB 3.0 Type-A to type Micro-B cable is included with the K-Cube.

I/O 1 & 2

SMA Female

These connectors provide a 5 V logic level input and output that can be configured independently to support triggering into and out of external devices.

Ext In

SMA Female

Used to control the intensity of the laser output from an external source. This input can be driven from a 0 to 10 V voltage source. The input impedence is 16 kΩ.

Interlock

2.5 mm Pin

The interlock jack must be shorted with the included 2.5 mm pin or an external user gate before the laser may be enabled.

K-Cube™ vs. T-Cube™ Feature Comparison
Feature	KLD101 K-Cube	TLD001 T-Cube
Kinesis Software Compatibility
Kinesis USB Module Hubs Compatibility		Requires KAP102 Adapter
Previous Generation TCH002 Controller Hub	No
On/Off Switch		No
Safety Key Switch
Bidirectional SMA Trigger Port^a	2	No
SMA External Analog Input^a
Computer Connection^a	USB 3.0 Micro-B (USB 2.0 Compliant)	USB 2.0 Micro-B (USB 2.0 Compliant)
Included Mounting Plate
Size (W x D x H)	121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (4.76" x 2.36" x 1.85")	121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (4.76" x 2.36" x 1.85")
On-Unit Digital Display
Output Intensity Control via Top Panel
Control Source Selection		No
Display Screen Brightness Adjustment
Information Readout	Power and Current	Power and Current

Please see the Pin Diagrams tab for details.

Introducing Thorlabs' Kinesis^® Laser Diode Controller

A major upgrade to the former-generation T-Cubes, the growing K-Cube line of high-end modules provides increased versatility not only through the new Kinesis software, but through an overhaul and update of their physical design and firmware.

Every K-Cube includes a digital display. In addition to basic input and output readouts, the K-Cube laser diode controller features a scroll wheel for adjusting the output current, power, and other settings. Each unit contains a front-located power switch that, when turned off, saves all user-adjustable settings, as well as two bidirectional SMA trigger ports that accept or output a 5 V TTL logic signal.

Please see the table to the right for a full comparison of the features offered by our new K-Cube and previous-generation T-Cube laser diode controllers.

Click for Details
KLD101 K-Cube Kinesis Laser Diode Driver

Kinesis USB Controller Hubs
Complementing our K-Cubes are our Kinesis USB 2.0 controller hubs. With two versions available for three or six K- or T-Cubes, these USB hubs are designed specifically for communication between multiple modules and the host control PC. These hubs are backward compatible with our T-Cubes.

K-Cubes simply clip into place using the provided on-unit clips, while current- and previous-generation T-Cubes require the KAP101 Adapter Plate, shown in the animation below on the right. The hub vastly reduces the number of USB and power cables required when operating multiple modules. Note that the KLS635 and KLS1550 are twice as long as a standard K-Cube and occupy two ports on the controller hub.

K-Cube Table Mounting Plate

Unlike T-Cubes, every K-Cube includes a mounting plate that clips onto the base of the controller. The plate contains two magnets for temporary placement on an optical table and two counterbores for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for more permanent placement on the tabletop.

Kinesis USB Controller Hubs

3- and 6-Port USB Controller Hubs allow multiple controllers to be connected to one PC for multi-axis applications. K-Cubes can be directly attached to the hubs while T-Cubes require a KAP101 Adapter Plate.

Thorlabs' Kinesis^® software can be used to control devices in the Kinesis or APT™ family, which covers a wide range of devices ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes and T-Cubes) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

The Kinesis Software features new .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™ or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the APT and Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from the low-powered, single-axis to the high-powered, multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The software packages allow two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.25

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

Kinesis GUI Screen for K-Cube Laser Diode Driver

Thorlabs' Kinesis^® software features new .NET controls which can be used by third-party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications.

C#
This programming language is designed to allow multiple programming paradigms, or languages, to be used, thus allowing for complex problems to be solved in an easy or efficient manner. It encompasses typing, imperative, declarative, functional, generic, object-oriented, and component-oriented programming. By providing functionality with this common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from the low-powered, single-axis to the high-powered, multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The Kinesis System Software allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

For a collection of example projects that can be compiled and run to demonstrate the different ways in which developers can build on the Kinesis motion control libraries, click on the links below. Please note that a separate integrated development environment (IDE) (e.g., Microsoft Visual Studio) will be required to execute the Quick Start examples. The C# example projects can be executed using the included .NET controls in the Kinesis software package (see the Kinesis Software tab for details).

Click Here for the Kinesis with C# Quick Start Guide
Click Here for C# Example Projects
Click Here for Quick Start Device Control Examples

LabVIEW
LabVIEW can be used to communicate with any Kinesis- or APT-based controller via .NET controls. In LabVIEW, you build a user interface, known as a front panel, with a set of tools and objects and then add code using graphical representations of functions to control the front panel objects. The LabVIEW tutorial, provided below, provides some information on using the .NET controls to create control GUIs for Kinesis- and APT-driven devices within LabVIEW. It includes an overview with basic information about using controllers in LabVIEW and explains the setup procedure that needs to be completed before using a LabVIEW GUI to operate a device.

Click Here to View the LabVIEW Guide
Click Here to View the Kinesis with LabVIEW Overview Page

Posted Comments:

user (posted 2020-02-20 07:47:20.36)

I am currently looking at a both the KLD101 and LDC220C drivers and had a question regarding the modulation inputs. I understand the modes of operation but could not find any specification regarding the output speed when changing between levels of intensity. Is it solely a limitation of my external source or do these controllers ramp the current between intensity levels? Ideally for my experiments I would like to pulse a laser diode very quickly (ie. 0 to max modulation). Many Thanks in advance!

DJayasuriya (posted 2020-02-26 03:29:37.0)

Response from Dinuka at Thorlabs: Unfortunately we do not have external analogue modulation on the KLD101 and LDC220C. However using a KLD101 it is possible to modulate the laser diode output by connecting a modulating signal to the rear panel MOD IN connector. The modulation bandwidth is 20 kHz full depth.You can find more detailed information in the corresponding manual(chapter 5):https://www.thorlabs.com/drawings/cdb7625d27edd0dc-05CB9220-D0F1-54B2-263CE7E602045518/KLD101-Manual.pdf

DJayasuriya (posted 2020-02-26 03:29:37.0)

user (posted 2019-09-03 17:56:33.74)

I am using SLED diode from EXALOS company. Style H type. Pin 1 is the anode, pin 2 is the cathode. So I looked at KLD101 pin map and connected pin 1 and pin 5. Connect pin 1 of diode to pin 8, pin 2 to pin 7, and press ENABLE button. However, an Open Circuit error message occurs. How do I solve it?

AManickavasagam (posted 2019-09-04 11:23:51.0)

Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. Open circuit means that the KLD does not see the SLED diode or the voltage across the SLED diode is high (like 11-12V, considered abnormal or an open loop) Pin1 and Pin5 are for the interlock and would throw a different error message. I have contacted you directly for further details which would help to investigate further and to hopefully resolve the issue.

young ho yun (posted 2019-08-23 10:51:07.373)

When I press the enable button, the interrok open! I get a message How do I fix it?

rmiron (posted 2019-08-27 10:16:54.0)

Response from Radu at Thorlabs: Hello Young Ho Yun. Before the unit can be enabled, the key switch must be turned on and the provided INTERLOCK pin fitted (the interlock LED should light green when it is fitted). Furthermore, a short circuit must be applied across the interlock terminals of the LD OUT connector (pins 1 and 5 - see Fig. 3.8). If you went through all of these steps and are still unable to enable the unit, please contact your local technical support office.

e.v.loenhout (posted 2014-03-14 11:57:48.027)

What is wrong if the Pdr L (photodiode Range) is set to Pdr L and stays to this. Despite I change the switches?

msoulby (posted 2014-03-18 10:57:59.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: You must ensure that when you set the photodiode range that the laser current is turned up to the current limit. This is to ensure that the photodiode produces a photocurrent; this can vary between devices so the switches should be adjusted from large to small until the correct range is found. If the photodiode is faulty or not present in your laser diode then the value will always remain at Pdr L (low) as there will be not photocurrent to set the device to.

user (posted 2013-04-30 11:10:42.72)

After changing the laser (and laser polarity in the config) I press ‘Laser on’ and this thing immediately sends the MAXIMUM current through the laser (ILim=202 mA) and burns it. Could it be even more silly??? Why can’t it start from safe 0mA, so that I can increase it then manually? So frustrating!! Secondly, I have to set ILim to 202 mA because I need analogue modulation of the laser current. If I set ILim to actual maximum laser current I have to apply -10V to drive laser current to 0mA. Now, why 10V and not 100V or 1kV??? Typical signal generators give a swing of +/-5 V, hence I have to set excessive ILim. In overall the product is poorly designed, which is very disappointing.

jlow (posted 2013-05-03 11:33:00.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. If you press the “Laser On“ button, then the controller will go to the last set current value. In constant current mode, when the laser is not enabled, you should be able to set the output current or turn the pot until you reached the desired value. When you re-enable the TLD001 it will go to the new set current. With regard to the modulation, the contribution of modulation current is added to the current set by the software or the output knob. FOr more information on this, please refer to Section 5.5 of the manual (http://www.thorlabs.com/Thorcat/17800/TLD001-Manual.pdf).

user (posted 2011-12-09 13:51:42.0)

A response from Tyler at Thorlabs: We will contact you to help with the setup of your laser source. The setting information is dependent on the laser diode, which means that you need to fill it out and save it before driving your laser diode. You will not need a power meter to get the system working.

hebinfriendly (posted 2011-12-08 23:05:32.0)

Our laboratory bought your company’s TCLDM9, TTC001, TLD001 and two laser diodes. Here are several questions. First, is the power meter a must? Second, why there is a note ‘laser driver settings not yet implemented’ when clicking the ‘settings’ button in the APT software? Third, when does the laser diode work while I operate the TLD001 according to page 27 of the manual? Thanks for your help.

tor (posted 2010-12-10 11:52:33.0)

Response from Tor at Thorlabs to Mark: We will be contacting you directly to answer your questions.

tor (posted 2010-12-09 13:13:32.0)

Response from Tor at Thorlabs to MHUEBNER: Thank you for your interest in the TLD001. For details regarding the photodiode current settings, please refer to page 23 of the manual: http://www.thorlabs.de/Thorcat/17800/17874-D01.pdf . The LD power setting resolution is 1µW. The potentiometer is an infinite-turn potentiometer. The rate of change of the power output depends on how quickly you turn the pot; therefore, the number of turns would not uniquely determine a specific change in output power. The photodiode current can be monitored in the GUI software while the unit is in constant power mode. Our engineers advise that there is no spec for photodiode current accuracy, as this value may depend on the photodiode used. Please do not hesitate to contact us at techsupport@thorlabs.com if you have additional inquiries.

MHUEBNER (posted 2010-12-07 18:07:11.0)

I would like to use the TLD001 to control the output power of a large number of different individual laser diodes, one at a time. I expect the photodiode current to be between 50 and 500 uA. What setting should I choose? How closely will the power be controlled (1%, 0.01mW)? How many pot turns from 0mW to 5mW? How many pot turns from 4.5mW to 5mW? Can I read the photodiode current while the unit is in constant power mode? What is the accuracy of the photodiode current reading? Thank you.

Laser Diode Controller Selection Guide

The tables below are designed to give a quick overview of the key specifications for our laser diode controllers and dual diode/temperature controllers. For more details and specifications, or to order a specific item, click on the appropriate item number below.

Current Controllers
Item #	Drive Current	Compliance Voltage	Constant Current	Constant Power	Modulation	Package
LDC200CV	20 mA	6 V			External	Benchtop
VLDC002	25 mA	5 V		-	Int/Ext	OEM
LDC201CU	100 mA	5 V			External	Benchtop
LD2000R	100 mA	3.5 V	-		External	OEM
EK2000	100 mA	3.5 V	-		External	OEM
LDC202C	200 mA	10 V			External	Benchtop
KLD101	230 mA	≤10 V			External	K-Cube™
IP250-BV	250 mA	8 V^a			External	OEM
LD1100	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
LD1101	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
EK1101	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
EK1102	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
LD1255R	250 mA	3.3 V		-	External	OEM
LDC205C	500 mA	10 V			External	Benchtop
IP500	500 mA	3 V			External	OEM
LDC210C	1 A	10 V			External	Benchtop
LDC220C	2 A	4 V			External	Benchtop
LD3000R	2.5 A	--		-	External	OEM
LDC240C	4 A	5 V			External	Benchtop
LDC4005	5 A	12 V			Int/Ext	Benchtop
LDC4020	20 A	11 V			Int/Ext	Benchtop

When using a 12 V power supply.

Dual Temperature and Current Controllers
Item #	Drive Current	Compliance Voltage	TEC Power (Max)	Constant Current	Constant Power	Modulation	Package
VITC002	25 mA	5 V	>2 W		-	Int/Ext	OEM
ITC102	200 mA	>4 V	12 W			Ext	OEM
ITC110	1 A	>4 V	12 W			Ext	OEM
ITC4001	1 A	11 V	>96 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
CLD1010LP^a	1.0 A	>8 V	>14.1 W			Ext	Benchtop
CLD1011LP^b	1.0 A	>8 V	>14.1 W			Ext	Benchtop
CLD1015^c	1.5 A	>4 V	>14.1 W			Ext	Benchtop
ITC4002QCL^d	2 A	17 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
ITC133	3 A	>4 V	18 W			Ext	OEM
ITC4005	5 A	12 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
ITC4005QCL^d	5 A	20 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
ITC4020	20 A	11 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop

Combined controller and mount for pigtailed laser diodes in TO can packages with A, D, E, or G pin codes only.
Combined controller and mount for pigtailed laser diodes in TO can packages with B, C, or H pin codes only.
Combined controller and mount for laser diodes in butterfly packages only.
Enhanced compliance voltage for QCL operation.

We also offer a variety of OEM and rack-mounted laser diode current & temperature controllers (OEM Modules, PRO8 Current Control Rack Modules, and PRO8 Current and Temperature Control Rack Modules).

View All »Matching Part Numbers