250/500 mA Laser Diode Drivers

IP500, 500 mA Laser Diode Driver
IP250-BV, 250 mA Blue Laser Diode Driver
IP500P, Mounting Plate

IP250-BV

Application Idea

IP500 with IP500P

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Overview
IP250-BV Specs
IP500 Specs
Pin Diagrams
Smart Pack
Feedback
Selection Guide

IP250-BV

250 mA Blue Laser Diode Driver
Also Recommended for Driving LEDs
Input Power Requirements: ±12 VDC @ 275 mA
Control Range: 0 to ±250 mA (CC), 5 μA to 2 mA (CW)
0 to 10 V Analog Modulation Bandwidth: DC to 50 kHz
Optimized for Lasers with V_op Greater than 5 V

The IP250-BV is a 250 mA (medium power), board level laser diode controller optimized for the higher operating voltages of the blue and the blue-violet laser diodes. The driver is in the form of a PCB assembly with provisions for mounting into other higher level assemblies. It can accommodate only common cathode (cathode grounded) laser diode pin-out configurations, and it allows control of the laser by means of either constant current or constant power modes. The driver contains circuitry for complying with the various laser safety requirements, as well as protection circuitry for the laser diode.

The primary application for this product is to provide a method of precisely controlling a blue or blue-violet laser diode at the PCB board level or within the confines of a higher level assembly. In all cases, the end-user must provide DC power and the proper connections between the unit and the laser diode. In addition to this, the end-user is responsible for the proper limit settings needed for their particular laser diode and application.

IP500

Supports Pin Configurations A, B, C, and D (See IP500 Specs Tab for Details)
Also Recommended for Driving LEDs
Constant Current and Constant Power Operation
User Configurable Current and Power Limits
Laser Diode Inputs Shorted During Idle Operation to Protect the Device
Auto-alarm Shutdown When Laser Connection is Open or Reversed
Includes Input and Output Wires
Test Points for Laser Diode Current, Monitor Photo Diode Current, Current Limit and Power Limit Setpoints

The IP500 is a 500 mA, universal, board-level driver. This versatile device can easily and safely control laser diodes in 5.6 mm or 9 mm TO-Can packages. The driver is compatible with pin configuration styles A, B, C, and D that have a monitor photodiode (see the manual for details). Operating in either constant current or constant power mode, this driver can be enabled on the board itself or over a remote switch connection. Connections are provided for remote interlocks and remote monitoring. Wire harnesses for all required connections are provided with the unit.

IP500P

Both the IP250-BV and the IP500 can be secured to an optical table or breadboard with the IP500P Mounting Plate. This aluminum plate has a centered, slotted screw clearance on each end, with four 4-40 holes for mounting spacers, which allow 1/4 inch standoffs from the plate. In addition, the plate features two mounting holes (one 8-32 and one M4), thereby allowing the plate to be mounted to a standard post. The IP250-BV or IP500 can be secured on the standoffs while the plate is secured to the breadboard or table.

IP250-BV Specifications
Input Power Requirements	±12 VDC @ 275 mA
Constant Current Mode
Control Range	0 to ±250 mA
Setting Accuracy	±0.5 mA
Compliance Voltage	8.0 VDC (Max)
Ripple & Noise (10 Hz - 10 MHz)	<10 μA RMS
Short-Time Fluctuations	<50 μA
Temperature Coefficient	<100 ppm/°C
Drift (<10 Hz Over 30 minutes)	<100 μA
Limit Adjust Range	0 to 250 mA
Limit Accuracy	±1% of Limit Setpoint
Constant Power Mode
Control Range Photo Diode Current	5 μA to 2 mA
Setting Accuracy	±2 μA
Drift (<10 Hz Over 30 minutes)	<1 μA
Limit Adjust Range	0 to 2.5 mA
Limit Accuracy	±2 μA
Analog Modulation^a / Control Voltage
Input Resistance	10 kΩ
Bandwidth	DC to 50 kHz
Transfer Function (ACC Mode)	25 mA/V
Input Range	0 to 10 V
Analog Monitor Outputs^b
I_lim	0 to 250 mV = 0 to ±250 mA
I_LD	0 to 250 mV = 0 to ±250 mA
I_PD	0 to 2.0 V = 0 to 2.0 mA
P_lim	0 to 2.5 V = 0 to 2.5 mA
Physical Specifications
Dimensions (L x W x H)	5.0" x 2.5" x 0.8" (127 mm x 63.5 mm x 20.3 mm)
Weight	1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)

The driver for the IP250-BV can only be modulated with a sinusoidal waveform.
All outputs are single-ended with respect to ground.

IP250-BV Pin Codes

IP250-BV Pin Codes

IP500 Specifications
Input Power Requirements	±5 VDC @ 600 mA (+4.75 to +5.25 V and -4.75 to -5.25 V)
Constant Current Mode
Control Range	0 to ±500 mA
Setting Accuracy	±0.5 mA
Compliance Voltage	>3.0 VDC
Ripple & Noise (10 Hz - 10 MHz)	<10 μA RMS
Short-Time Fluctuations	<50 μA
Temperature Coefficient	<100 ppm/°C
Drift (<10 Hz Over 30 minutes)	<100 μA
Limit Adjust Range	0 to 500 mA
Limit Accuracy	±1% of Limit Setpoint
Constant Power Mode
Control Range Photo Diode Current	5 μA to 2 mA
Setting Accuracy	±2 μA
Drift (<10 Hz Over 30 minutes)	<1 μA
Limit Adjust Range	0 to >2.5 mA
Limit Accuracy	±2 μA
Analog Modulation^a / Control Voltage
Input Resistance	10 kΩ
Bandwidth	DC to 50 kHz
Transfer Function (ACC Mode)	50 mA/V
Input Range	0 to 10 V

The driver for the IP500 can only be modulated with a sinusoidal waveform.

IP500 Pin Codes

IP250-BV/IP500 Connector Assignments

IP250-BV Connector Assignments

J5 Connector Type: Standard 0.1" Spaced Header
Pin	Designation
J5-1	TP Ground
J5-2	ILIM Test Point
J5-3	ILIM Adjust
J5-4	IALARM
J5-5	PLIM Test Point
J5-6	PLIM Adjust
J5-7	Alarm
J5-8	PMON Test Point
J5-9	P/I Adjust
J5-10	Enable
J5-11	IMON Test Point
J5-12	2.5 V_ref

J4 Connector Type: Molex 70543-0005
Pin	Designation
J4-1	Remote Enable Input
J4-2	Remote Enable Return (Common to Ground)
J4-3	Keylock Input
J4-4	Keylock Return (Common to Ground)
J4-5	Remote Interlock Input
J4-6	Remote Interlock Return (Common to Ground)

J1 Connector Type: Molex 70543-0002
Pin	Wire Color	Designation
J1-1	Red	IP250-BV: +12 VDC In IP500: +5 VDC In
J1-2	Black	Common
J1-3	Yellow	IP250-BV: -12 VDC In IP500: -5 VDC In

J2 Connector Type: Molex 70543-0003
Pin	Designation
J2-1	LDA (+) or LDC (-)
J2-2	Ground LDC (+) or LDA (-)
J2-3	Photodiode Cathode
J2-4	Photodiode Anode

J3 Connector Type: BNC
Pin	Designation
J3	0 - 10 VDC Modulate In

JMP3 Connector Type: Standard 0.1" Spaced Shorting Jumper (Supplied with Unit)
Pin	Designation
JMP3-1	Ground
JMP3-2	Photodiode Cathode

Click to Enlarge
IP250-BV Packaging

Smart Pack

Reduce Weight of Packaging
Increase Usage of Recyclable Materials
Improve Packing Integrity
Decrease Shipping Costs

Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at minimizing waste while providing adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly materials, this initiative seeks to reduce the environmental impact of our product packaging.

The updated IP250-BV and IP500 packaging primarily consists of recycled paper and cardboard and weighs 22.78% and 21.58% less than the original packaging, respectively. This weight change results in 1.50 kg and 2.14 kg respective reductions in travel-based CO₂ emissions per year, based on typical product sales.

As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered, eco-friendly packaging with our Smart Pack logo, which can be seen above.

Posted Comments:

EUIGEUN KIM (posted 2023-05-15 16:12:22.323)

Hi. I want to use IP500 : 500mA Universal Laser Diode Driver. But, i have one question. I want to use my laser diode in my Lab. But my laser diode does not have monitor Photodiode. Thus, My Question is : Can i use IP500 Automatic Constant Current Mode(ACC) without monitor Photodiode? Is it okay that Jumper J2-3/2-4 opened? When I look Manual, on the chapter : Alarms and TroubleShooting, it is written that I LIMIT indicator will turn ON when the laser injection current exceeds 95% of the ILIM setting... (Case) The Photodiode is not connected(in PMODE Operation : I think it may be Automatic Constant Power mode right?). I think there is no problem when i use ACC Mode. In conclusion, I wonder if it is possible to use the IP500 when J2-3/J2-4 left unconnected(OPEN).

ksosnowski (posted 2023-05-16 05:14:43.0)

Thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. Unfortunately, IP500 cannot be used fully with Laser Diodes without a monitor PD. This driver can only be ON in one current, i.e. at its max current limit point, when used with a laser diode without the monitor photodiode. This means you can't regulate the laser current/power except by the limit potentiometer in this scenario. For this reason, we would generally consider IP500 not useful for lasers without a monitor PD, unless the setup can accept using the potentiometer to manually adjust the current each time.

Jiri Kucera (posted 2022-02-15 07:30:13.55)

Hi! Is there a way of electronically switching between positive and negative current output? Thank you! Jiri

cdolbashian (posted 2022-03-08 10:48:46.0)

Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry Jiri. Unfortunately, there isn't an inbuilt function which would allow you to remotely change the polarity of your current. The spec sheet does list both a positive and negative current available on output. This simply indicates the support of anode and cathode grounded diode packages.

Jens Kießling (posted 2021-03-21 03:40:15.347)

Dear Thorlabs team, we want to remotely operate the IP500 from a microcontroller and ideally need a pin which turns on the driver if e. g. shorted to GND and turns it off otherwise. We need an input that does not just behave like the switch on the device, but like a true enable input. The J4-1 Remote Enable input is not very helpful for this, since one has no chance to know if the device is currently on, off or in alarm state, unless one reads out the LED, too. Is any pin on J5 reserved for a true remote enable function or is there any other modification we can do to make the enable input behave like a true enable input and not use use the switch-logic? Thanks in advance Jens

YLohia (posted 2021-04-14 04:25:21.0)

Hello Jens, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, we are not able to recommend modifications to the part. That being said, Section 2.2.4 of the manual explains the different ways the IP500 can be used to make remote connections. The enable lines J4-1 and J4-2 mirror the onboard enable button. The keylock is included because of laser class 3B and higher requirements. To operate this a keylock must be installed for safety reasons. Basically, a key needs to be installed and on in order for the laser to turn on. The benchtop units implement this with the power switch. Either is okay as long as the key can be removed enforcing the unit cannot be enabled by anyone walking by.

honglhk123 (posted 2013-08-07 15:50:39.983)

Can I use DC pulse(square wave) for DC input? Thanks.

jlow (posted 2013-08-08 15:56:00.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: You can use a switched-mode power supply but they are in general noisier than a linear power supply. The noise specification cannot be guaranteed in that case.

jjurado (posted 2011-02-01 17:57:00.0)

Response from Javier at Thorlabs to jahr: Thank you very much for submitting your inquiry. We would recommend using the IP250-BV for driving the LP405-SF10, since the maximum compliance voltage of this driver is 8 VDC, and the operating voltage of the laser diode (5 VDC)exceeds that of the IP500 (3 VDC). The driver includes the necessary wire harnesses and sockets in order to connect to the laser diode, so they do not need to be ordered separately. Furthermore, it is recommended to use temperature control in order to preserve the lifetime of the laser pigtail, so a driver like the ITC4001 along with the LM9LP temperature controlled mount would be recommendable. I will contact you directly in case you have additional questions.

jahr (posted 2011-01-28 16:52:26.0)

it looks as though either the IP250-BV or the IP500 is compatible with driving the LP405-SF10 LD. Is that correct? Do either of them come with a B connector? Do you sell those separately. Thanks.

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).