LDTC LAB Laser Diode Drivers and TEC Temperature Controllers

Output Current LD 2, 5 A; Output Current TEC 5, 10 A; Benchtop or Rack Mount; Compatible with Type A, B & C Lasers 

Wavelength Electronics’ LDTC LAB series of instrument type laser diode and TEC temperature controllers combine best-in-class low noise, high-end digital control laser diode driver technology with an IntelliTune® smart TEC temperature controller. If you need stable wavelength, stable temperature (better than 0.0009 °C with thermistors), stable laser diode current or power, or low noise (RMS laser driver noise as low as 7 µA), these offer the best performance and value.

Two models are available, the LD2TC5 LAB and the LD5TC10 LAB. The LD2TC5 LAB outputs up to 2 and 5 A for the laser and thermoelectric, respectively. The LD5TC10 LAB outputs up to 5 and 10 A. Both models offer 10 V of laser compliance voltage and 15 V of thermoelectric compliance voltage.

The touch-screen interface makes operation intuitive and simple. A LabVIEW® virtual instrument, remote command set, and USB interface allow integration into an instrument library. Operation in Constant Current (CC) or Constant Power (CP) mode changes with the touch of a button. A wide variety of sensors work in the temperature control feedback loop.

Safety features protect the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and the laser. Over- and under-temperature limits on the load, positive and negative (where applicable) current limits, and voltage limits can be set for both TEC and laser. If the sensor signal is lost or a short is detected at the TEC, output current is disabled. Passive and active interlocks are available for safety of equipment and user. Automatic laser shutdown upon TEC error is also available. You can link laser diode current to safe and stable thermoelectric operation.

With Wavelength Electronics’ plug and play instrument, you have the ability to quickly set the controls using either the instrument touch screen or a remote computer, and results are easy to monitor.

Wavelength Electronics’ proprietary IntelliTune® algorithm characterizes the TEC/sensor system’s response to the controller and determines the optimal PID control coefficients. It then automatically adjusts the PID control values as setpoint, tuning mode, or bias current change.

Run IntelliTune® easily just off ambient and watch it change PID settings for a much higher or lower setpoint. After a single scan, explore either optimized Setpoint Response or Disturbance Rejection performance with your load to see which works best. Add or remove the D term to see if noise is an issue.IntelliTune® lets you skip the manual characterization and it’s smart enough to really work—very little adjustment is needed after you have stored a successful characterization scan. See Application Note IntelliTune® vs. Conventional Autotune for an in-depth exploration.

An Interlock Kit containing a BNC terminator for the laser interlock and a pre-soldered DSUB to satisfy the laser interlocks is included with the instrument. Loose connectors for custom cable configuration are shipped with the unit. Full cables for both the laser connection and the thermoelectric connection are available.

The LDMOUNT-5A, a 14-pin butterfly laser diode mount with integrated heat sinking, is available for simple connections between the LDTC LAB driver and the laser.

Free, effective and responsive technical support is available to simplify integration of Wavelength products into your OEM design. Standard products can be easily modified to meet your application requirements. Get in touch with the AMS Technologies laser diode driver experts to discuss your customized solution!

Key Features:

• Instrument Type, Benchtop
• Size: 98 x 224 x 450 mm
• Laser Cumulative Current Noise of 16 µA RMS
• Up to 5 A LD Current- Up to ±10 A TEC Current
• Supply Range: 100 to 240 VAC (±10%), 3 A, 50-60 Hz
• Compliance Voltage 10 V Laser & 15 V TEC
• Modulation Bandwidth: 450 kHz (CC Mode)
• Compatible With Most Sensor Types and all LD/PD Combinations
• Sensors Supported: Thermistors, 2-wire RTDs, Linear Current, Linear Voltage
• Temperature Coefficient: 25 ppm/°C- Temperature Stability Better Than 0.0009°C
• Modulation Input Bandwidth of 450 kHz (CC Mode)
• Intuitive User Interface Touchscreen
• Adjustable Current Limits, Over- and Under-temperature Protection
• IntelliTune® PID Temperature Control
• Remote Interface: USB
• Rise/Fall Time: 800 ns (to Full Scale, CC Mode)

Applications: Medical Systems & Medical Diagnostic Equipment; Defence; Communications; Manufacturing Test; Particle and Droplet Measurement; Electro-optical Systems; Airborne Instrumentation; Spectroscopic Monitors