LD2000R and EK2000 Evaluation Kit Features
- Constant Power Mode from 20 μA to 125 μA
- Laser Drive Currents from 0 to 100 mA
- EK2000 Suitable for Driving LEDs
- Ultra-Stable Laser Control
- On Board Trimpots are Provided for Controlling the Laser Power and Current Limit
- Slow Start for Diode Protection
The LD2000R is a stable laser diode current source that can be operated with laser diodes having a common laser diode anode and monitor photodiode cathode. The driver operates in an automatic power control (APC) mode using the built-in monitor photodiode integrated in the laser diode for feedback. On board trimpots are provided for controlling the laser power and current limit. Both functions can also be controlled via an external voltage source. The driver supports a wide range of laser diodes with drive currents up to 100 mA and photodiode currents from 20 μA to 2 mA. It also has an external input for support of applications having a style A PIN configuration (common laser diode anode and photodiode cathode) requiring modulation of the laser output.
The EK2000 Laser Diode Driver Evaluation Kit allows users to quickly set up the LD2000R with a laser diode and a DC power supply without having to develop extensive hand-wiring or a custom PCB. All of the LD2000R features are supported with convenient, easy to use connector interfaces.
Compatible Pin Styles (when wired in a Style A configuration):
PIN Style A |
PIN Style D |
PIN Style F* |
 |
 |
 *Supported by LD2000R Only |
Item # |
LD2000R |
EK2000 |
Current Output |
Limit Current Control |
Trimpot or External Analog Voltage |
Limit Current Range |
0 to 100 mA |
Limit Accuracy |
±1% |
Compliance Voltage |
(V+/2) - ILIMIT * 5 |
Power Output |
Photodiode Current Control |
Trimpot or External Analog Voltage |
Photodiode Current Range |
20 to 125 μA |
Long Term Drift (24 hours) |
<0.1% |
Temperature Coefficient |
<100 ppm/ °C |
Analog Bandwidth |
3dB Bandwidth (Nominal) |
10 kHz (Actual Bandwidth is Laser Dependent) |
Power Supply |
Supply Voltage (V+) |
8 to 12 VDC |
Supply Current |
30 mA Plus Laser Current |
General |
Operating Temperature |
0 to 40 °C |
-20 to 60 °C |
Storage Temperature |
0 to 70 °C |
-65 to 150 °C |
LD2000 Pin Configurations

Pin |
Signal |
Description |
1 |
CX1 |
These pins are provided for connecting an external capacitor to the control loop integrator to extend the integrator time constant. This may necessary to get maximum bandwidth when using TTL modulation. Connect the positive terminal of the cap to CX2. |
2 |
CX2 |
3 |
Analog Modulation |
This pin is used with an external voltage signal source to provide analog modulation. The transfer function (referenced to the photodiode current) is -50 μA/V (see note 1) with 0 V being the laser completely on. The laser output decreases as this voltage increases with the laser being completely off at 2.5 V. Connect this pin to ground when not using the analog modulation. |
4 |
Slow Start |
This output pin is high during the start up period and goes low when the laser is enabled. It can be used as a LASER EMISSION indicator. An external capacitor can be connected from this pin to ground to extend the slow start delay time. Note: this output will not drive an LED directly and must be buffered (contact the factory for more details). |
5 |
PD Current Trimpot |
This pin is connected to the wiper of the on-board PD Current Trimpot. Connect this pin to the PD Current Setpoint to control the photodiode current with the on-board trimpot. |
6 |
PD Current Setpoint |
This pin controls the PD Current according to a transfer function of 50 μA/V with 0V being the laser is completely off (0 photodiode current). The laser output increases as this voltage increases. |
7 |
REF Out |
This is a buffered 2.5 V voltage reference. |
8 |
PD AMP Out |
This is an analog voltage proportional to the photodiode current and referenced to one half the supply voltage. |
9 |
+V |
Positive supply voltage (+8 to +12 VDC). |
10 |
Ground |
Power supply common. |
11 |
LD A/PD K |
Common laser diode anode, photodiode cathode. |
12 |
PD A |
Photodiode anode. |
13 |
LD K |
Laser diode cathode. |
14 |
Limit Setpoint |
This voltage determines the maximum laser drive current according to the transfer function 46 mA/V. |
15 |
Limit Trimpot |
This is connected to the wiper of the Limit Current trimpot. Connect this to the Limit Setpoint pin to use the on-board trimpot to set the current limit. |
16 |
Not Used |
This must be tied to ground to operate the laser. |
17 |
On/Off |
This pin is used to externally turn the laser on and off through the slow start circuit and to set the low voltage dropout point. It has an internal 20 kΩ resistor to ground. Connect a 15 kΩ resistor to the power supply voltage to set the dropout voltage to 4.5 V. |
18 |
Limit Out |
This is an output voltage proportional to the limit current with a transfer function of 40 mA/V. Use this pin to assist in setting the laser current limit. |
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 EK2000 packaging primarily consists of recycled paper and cardboard and weighs 21.84% less than the original packaging. This weight change results in a 1.35 kg reduction 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.