OEM VCSEL Diode Drivers


  • For VCSEL Diodes
  • Designed to Supply Low Drive Current
  • Enhanced Safe Operation of VCSEL Diodes

VLDC002

VITC002

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Features

  • Constant Current Operation
  • Modulation Input
  • Internal Triangular Modulation for Sweep Application
  • Low Noise Output Stage
  • Analog Control Outputs for Laser Current, Laser Current Limit, Monitor Photodiode Current
  • Laser Temperature Control with Standard Thermistor (VITC002 only)
  • Analog Control Outputs for Set and Actual Thermistor Resistance (VITC002 only)
  • Two Available Versions:
    • VLDC002: OEM VCSEL Driver without Temperature Controller, TO-46 Socket on Board
    • VITC002: OEM VCSEL Driver with Temperature Controller, TO-46 and TO-5 Socket on Board

The VLDC002 and VITC002 are compact and easy to use laser current controllers for VCSEL Diodes (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser). These controllers are designed to supply the low drive current typical for a VCSEL. They are well suited for OEM application as well as for flexible setups in the lab. A universal 5V DC power supply is included.

Functionality
These drivers have an onboard TO-Type Socket into which the VCSEL diodes can be directly plugged. An integrated triangular current modulation feature allows high speed sweeping of the wavelength of the VCSEL for spectroscopy applications. Alternatively, an analog input enables external wavelength modulation. An adjustable modulation current upper limit protects the laser diode from accidental damage when using either of these features.

Safe VCSEL Operation
A variety of safety measures allows easy and safe operation of VCSEL up to 25mA. Special attention has been paid to ensuring an extremely clean low noise drive current to prevent damage to the highly sensitive VCSEL Diodes. A temperature window indicator LED shows when the diode leaves a desired operation temperature range, thus providing an indication that an unwanted wavelength shift may have occurred (VITC002 only). An open circuit output detection, and an interlock which prevents damage from bad contacts enhance the safe operation of the sensitive VCSEL diodes.

Special Note: Please determine the polarity of the VCSEL being driven. The polarity of the VCSEL Laser Current Source is fixed in the AG (anode grounded) arrangement and cannot be changed. These drivers can operate only pin compatible VCSEL lasers. The VLDC002 is designed for the VCL Laser Series, while VITC002 is suited for both the VCL and VCT laser series. For more information, please see the VLDC002 or VITC002 operating manuals or contact tech support.
Specification for VLDC002 and VITC002
Current Control
Laser Diode Polarity Anode Grounded (AG), Fixed
Current Range 0 - 25 mA
Compliance Voltage >5 V
Noise <0.8 µA Typical
Drift (24 hours at Constant Ambient Temperature) <5 µA
Temperature Coefficient ≤± 50 ppm/°C
Current Limit 0 - 25 mA
Internal Triangular Modulation
Frequency Range 1 Hz - 10 kHz
Amplitude 0 - 25 mA
Modulation Depth 90% Typical
Balance Rise / Fall 50% Typical
Analog Modulation Input
Frequency Range (-3 dB) DC - 100 kHz
Input Voltage Range 0 - 2.5 V
Input impedance 10 kΩ
Modulation Coefficient 10 mA/V ± 5%
Photodiode Input
Input Current Range 0 to ± 2.5 mA
Input Impedance Virtual Ground
Control Outputs
Set Laser Current 0 - 2.5 V
Actual Laser Current 0 - 2.5 V
Photodiode Current 0 to ±2.5 V
Minimum Load Resistance for Rated Accuracy 1 MΩ
Accuracy (f.s.) ±1%
Connectors
Laser Socket 3-pin on 2.54 mm Diameter Circle
10-pin on 5.84 mm Diameter Circle (VITC002 only)
Laser / Photodiode / Interlock D-Sub 9 Pin, Female
Modulation Input SMB
PD Input SMB
TEC Element / Thermistor (VITC200 Only) D-Sub 9 Pin, Male
General Data
Power Supply Requirement 5 VDC ± 5%, Regulated,
350 mA (VLDC002), 1.3 A (VITC002)
Included Wall Power Supply 90 ... 264 VAC / 5 VDC
Current Requirement 350 mA (VLDC002), 1.3 A (VITC002)
Operating Temperature 0 - 40 °C
Storage Temperature -40 - 70 °C
Dimensions PCB (W x D) VLDC002: 80 mm x 100 mm
VITC002: 80 mm x 140 mm
Dimensions Overall (W x D x H) VLDC002: 87 mm x 105 mm x 17 mm
VITC002: 87 mm x 145 mm x 17 mm
Additional Specifications only for VITC002
Temperature Control
TEC Current 0 to ±0.2 A / ±0.8 A (Selectable)
TEC Voltage >2.5 V
Max. TEC Power >2 W
Noise and Ripple <1 mA Typical
TEC Current Limit 0.2 A / 0.8 A Typical (Selectable)
Temperature Sensor
Thermistor Control Range 5 to 20 kΩ
Accuracy (f.s.) 2% Typical
Stability 2 Ω
Reproducibility ±0.1%
Temperature Window ±0.5 kΩ Typical
Control Outputs
Set Thermistor Resistance +0.5 to +2.5 V
Actual Thermistor Resistance +0.5 to +2.5 V

(All accuracy data is valid at 22 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity.)
Noise data is only valid if the unit is used in a closed, metallic, grounded housing.

Included Parts
VLDC002 VITC002 Part
x   OEM VCSEL Driver with Temp. Controller, TO-46 Socket on Board (VLDC002)
  x OEM VCSEL Driver with Temp. Controller, TO-46 and TO-5 Sockets on Board (VITC002)
x x Universal Input Power Supply
x x Operating Manual

VLDC002 Top View

VLDC002

CON5 - Analog and TTL Control Outputs

CON5

Pin Signal Range
1 GND -
2 LD ON TTL, High when the Output is Switched On
3 ERROR TTL, High when an Error Occurs
4 ILD SET Set Laser Current, 100 mV/mA
5 ILD ACT Actual Laser Current, 100 mV/mA
6 IPD Photodiode Current, 1V/mA
7...10 Not Connected -

CON6 - Connector for External Laser Diode

D-type Female

D-type Female

Pin Function Range
1 Interlock / LED "ON" Needs Low Ohmic Return to Pin 5
2 Monitor Diode GND -
3 Laser Anode, GND -
4 Monitor Diode In 0 ... 2.5 mA
5 Interlock / LED GND -
7 Laser Cathode 0 ... 25 mA
6,8,9 Not Connected -
Shield GND -

SO1 - Laser Diode Socket

2 or 3 Pin Laser Diodes

Laser Socket

Pin Function
1 Laser Cathode
2 Laser Anode, GND
3 Laser Anode, GND

JP1

Interlock

Interlock

A short-circuit or at least a low resistance (R<300 Ω) must be maintained between pin 1 and pin 5 for laser power to remain "on." It is also possible to use a LED with a 1 kΩ resistor in parallel between the two pins. The LED will light up if the laser current output is switched on.

CON2 - SMB Male

External Set Input for the Laser
Current

SMB Male

CON3 - SMB Male

Modulation Input for the Laser
Current

SMB Male

CON4 - SMB Male

Input for External Photo Diode

SMB Male

VITC002 Top View

VITC002

CON7 - Connector for External Temperature Control

D-type Female

D-type Female

Pin Function Range
2 Thermistor 20 µA
3 Thermistor Ground -
4 TEC + -0.2 ... +0.2 A / -0.8 ... +0.8 A (Selectable)
5 TEC - +0.2 ... -0.2 A / +0.8 ... -0.8 A (Selectable)
Shield GND -

CON5 - Analog and TTL Control Outputs 

CON5

Pin Signal Range
1 GND -
2 LD ON TTL, High when the Output is Switched On
3 ERROR TTL, High when an Error Occurs
4 ILD SET Set Laser Current, 100 mV/mA
5 ILD ACT Actual Laser Current, 100 mV/mA
6 IPD Photodiode Current, 1 V/mA
7 R ACT Actual Thermistor Resistance, 100 mV/kΩ
8 R SET Set Thermistor Resistance, 100 mV/kΩ
9 OUT OF WIN TTL, High when the Thermistor Resistance is out of the Window
10 TEC
ON
TTL, High when the Temperature Control is Switched On

CON6 - Connector for External Laser Diode

D-type Female

D-type Female

Pin Function Range
1 Interlock / LED "ON" Needs Low Ohmic Return to Pin 5
2 Monitor Diode GND -
3 Laser Anode, GND -
4 Monitor Diode In 0 ... 2.5 mA
5 Interlock / LED GND -
7 Laser Cathode 0 ... 25 mA
6,8,9 Not Connected -
Shield GND -

JP1

Interlock

Interlock

A short-circuit or at least a low resistance (R<300 Ω) must be maintained between pin 1 and pin 5 for laser power to remain "on." It is also possible to use a LED with a 1 kΩ resistor in parallel between the two pins. The LED will light up if the laser current output is switched on.

JP2

Laser Temperature Window Protection

Jumper

Pull jumper JP2 to enable the temperature window protection. With the temperature window protection enabled, the laser is switched off (or cannot be switched on) while the actual thermistor resistance is out of the ±0.5 kΩ window. As soon as the actual resistance re-enters the window, the laser is switched on again (or can be switched on again).

SO1 - Laser Diode Socket

2 or 3 Pin Laser Diodes

Laser Socket

Pin Function
1 Laser Cathode
2 Laser Anode, GND
3 Laser Anode, GND

CON2 - SMB Male

External Set Input for the Laser Current

SMB Male

S02 - Laser Diode Socket

10 Pin Laser Diodes

10 Pin Laser Diode Socket

Pin Function
1 TEC +
3 Laser Cathode
4 Laser Anode, GND
8 Thermistor GND
9 Thermistor
10 TEC -
2,5,6,7 Not Used

CON3 - SMB Male

Modulation Input for the Laser Current

SMB Male

CON4 - SMB Male

Input for External Photo Diode

SMB Male


Posted Comments:
Haoran Zhu  (posted 2022-10-21 14:46:40.457)
hi We have an external Laser to connect with the laserdriver(VITC002) in our Lab, and need some technik supports. 1. The Laser should working at the specific temperatur and we can calculate the resistance. the question is we should set the resistance from Laserdriver as temperatur control system. Is that p4 on the board we could direct chance to the calculated resistance? (Manual page 24/ 3.3.5 Adjusting the Thermistor set resistance) 2. as Manual page 21/ 3.3.1 Adjusting the limit. we could adjust ILimit. Is that current as same as ILD? (to ensure that the Laser LD Cathode&Anode is at a safe current.) if not what is the different between this two? 3.same, the current given to the TEC+ and TEC- ports of the Laser, also needs to be given a safe value by the driver (the maximum current of our laser TEC is 0.9A), so what components can the driver control through? i dont know if you can solve my problem, if positiv answer thanks a lot Haoran
hkarpenko  (posted 2022-10-28 08:03:28.0)
Dear Haoran, thank you very much for your feedback. I contacted you directly to discuss this with you.
Tyler  (posted 2008-10-03 09:14:29.0)
A response from Tyler at Thorlabs to s.obyrne: After talking to our engineers in Germany I have some additional information. They recommend using Thorlabs benchtop controller (LDC200CV) since it was designed to allow for the operation of diodes with that pin configuration. However, if an OEM type driver is necessary, the only solution is to desolder the socket and rewire it for your pin configuration. This will potentially introduce noise into the system. The more elegant solution of altering the circuit directly is not possible because the circuit board is multilayered.
Tyler  (posted 2008-09-25 09:50:11.0)
A response from Tyler at Thorlabs to s.obyrne: Unfortunately, it is not reasonable to make changes to the VITC002 circuit to make it compatible with a cathode grounded VCSEL. Thank you for considering Thorlabs for you photonics needs.
s.obyrne  (posted 2008-09-25 06:26:06.0)
I would like to use this driver with a VCSEL from a company other than vertilas. They produce their diodes with the cathode at ground, and I understand that this circuit uses anode ground. Is there anything I can do with this circuit to allow it to work with a diode whose cathode is connected to the case and the negative TEC input? 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 Yes! Yes! External Benchtop
VLDC002 25 mA 5 V Yes! - Int/Ext OEM
LDC201CU 100 mA 5 V Yes! Yes! External Benchtop
LD2000R 100 mA 3.5 V - Yes! External OEM
EK2000 100 mA 3.5 V - Yes! External OEM
LDC202C 200 mA 10 V Yes! Yes! External Benchtop
KLD101 230 mA ≤10 V Yes! Yes! External K-Cube™
IP250-BV 250 mA 8 Va Yes! Yes! External OEM
LD1100 250 mA 6.5 Va - Yes! -- OEM
LD1101 250 mA 6.5 Va - Yes! -- OEM
EK1101 250 mA 6.5 Va - Yes! -- OEM
EK1102 250 mA 6.5 Va - Yes! -- OEM
LD1255R 250 mA 3.3 V Yes! - External OEM
LDC205C 500 mA 10 V Yes! Yes! External Benchtop
IP500 500 mA 3 V Yes! Yes! External OEM
LDC210C 1 A 10 V Yes! Yes! External Benchtop
LDC220C 2 A 4 V Yes! Yes! External Benchtop
LD3000R 2.5 A -- Yes! - External OEM
LDC240C 4 A 5 V Yes! Yes! External Benchtop
LDC4005 5 A 12 V Yes! Yes! Int/Ext Benchtop
LDC4020 20 A 11 V Yes! Yes! 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 Yes! - Int/Ext OEM
ITC102 200 mA >4 V 12 W Yes! Yes! Ext OEM
ITC110 1 A >4 V 12 W Yes! Yes! Ext OEM
ITC4001 1 A 11 V >96 W Yes! Yes! Int/Ext Benchtop
CLD1010LPa 1.0 A >8 V >14.1 W Yes! Yes! Ext Benchtop
CLD1011LPb 1.0 A >8 V >14.1 W Yes! Yes! Ext Benchtop
CLD1015c 1.5 A >4 V >14.1 W Yes! Yes! Ext Benchtop
ITC4002QCLd 2 A 17 V >225 W Yes! Yes! Int/Ext Benchtop
ITC133 3 A >4 V 18 W Yes! Yes! Ext OEM
ITC4005 5 A 12 V >225 W Yes! Yes! Int/Ext Benchtop
ITC4005QCLd 5 A 20 V >225 W Yes! Yes! Int/Ext Benchtop
ITC4020 20 A 11 V >225 W Yes! Yes! 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).

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OEM VCSEL Diode Drivers

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VLDC002 Support Documentation
VLDC002VCSEL Driver without Temperature Controller, TO-46 Socket on Board
$458.54
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VITC002 Support Documentation
VITC002VCSEL Driver with Temperature Controller, TO-46 and TO-5 Sockets on Board
$738.89
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