ALPhANOV AeroDIODE Cool & Control Series User manual

AERODIODE - Institut d’optique d’Aquitaine - Rue François Mitterrand
33400 Talence - France - Tél.: [phone]
www.aerodiode.com
Operating manual
Cool & Control Series
CCM Multi-Mode laser diode driver

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Contents
1. General information.............................................................................................................................................3
1.1. Definitions ..................................................................................................................................................3
1.2. General warning .........................................................................................................................................3
2. Safety Instructions ...............................................................................................................................................4
2.1. Wiring .........................................................................................................................................................4
2.2. Operating Environment..............................................................................................................................4
2.3. Contact .......................................................................................................................................................5
3. Product overview .................................................................................................................................................5
3.1. Physical properties* ...................................................................................................................................5
3.2. Ports description.........................................................................................................................................5
4. Installation ...........................................................................................................................................................8
4.1. Laser diode installation for efficient thermal regulation............................................................................8
4.2. Wiring .......................................................................................................................................................11
4.3. Example of multiple laser diodes and TEC connected to one CCM ..........................................................12
4.4. Mechanical holding ..................................................................................................................................13
4.5. Electrical connection ................................................................................................................................13
5. Getting Started...................................................................................................................................................14
5.1. Software installation.................................................................................................................................14
5.2. Software overview....................................................................................................................................16
5.3. Setting the limits.......................................................................................................................................18
5.4. Current and voltage adjustments.............................................................................................................18
5.5. Control mode............................................................................................................................................19
5.6. CW/pulse operation .................................................................................................................................19
5.7. Settings.....................................................................................................................................................20
5.8. Measurements..........................................................................................................................................21
5.9. Alarms.......................................................................................................................................................22
5.10. Menu bar ..................................................................................................................................................23
6. Configuration examples .....................................................................................................................................24
6.1. How to run the laser in CW/pulse mode with the GUI*...........................................................................24
6.2. Use of optional TOMBAK to generate full adjustable pulses ...................................................................25
7. Technical specification .......................................................................................................................................28
7.1. General Data.............................................................................................................................................28
7.2. Detailed data ............................................................................................................................................28

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1. General information
Please read this manual carefully, it describes the hazard the user might be exposed to while
using the product. It also explains in details how to use the product in the safest and more
efficient way possible.
The safety of any system incorporating the product is the responsibility of the assembler of the
system.
Any actions taken by the user that is not clearly described in this user manual might present a
risk and is the sole responsibility of said user.
This product is to be used in laboratory or industrial tasks, and only by personnel who have
followed a training in laser hazard.
1.1. Definitions
Caution : A caution is advised when dealing with hazardous situations, tasks or objects, to prevent
harm or death and avoid material damage or failure.
Warning : A warning is given for potentially dangerous situation for people which cause them
harm or lead to death
Note : A note is a complementary piece of advice that must be acknowledged by the user.
1.2. General warning
WARNING
The compatible laser diodes used with the CCM can deliver up to several Watts of coherent LASER
radiation. Always wear protective goggles and observe the safety instructions provided by the
laser diode supplier when using the CCM driver with your laser diode.
WARNING
Operating the CCM with respect to laser radiation directive (2006/25/CE) is the responsibility of
the owner of the system and the product should not be put in operation before the machine or
system in which it will be integrated has been declared to be compliant with the relevant
requirements (NF EN 60825-1).
WARNING
Do not try to open or remove the cover of the CCM module.

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WARNING
Avoid all chocs and strains when handling the CCM.
WARNING
Handle the fiber-optics with care as it is fragile. Do not bend or pinch it.
WARNING
Any software settings or hardware tinkering that is not described in this user manual or in the
usage recommendation may put the user or its environment at risk.
WARNING
The maintenance and servicing of the CCM should not be executed by the end user : only
AERODIODE is able to maintain the CCM.
Note
Only use the supplied USB cable.
2. Safety Instructions
2.1. Wiring
Caution
-Please use cable of length inferior to 3m to power the CCM in order to avoid EMC
compatibility (according to IEC61326-1)
-Please first connect the power cables to the driver and then plug the 24V DC Power
Supply
-Make sure that the cables are correctly screwed in
-Use caution when connecting the Power Supply
-Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
2.2. Operating Environment
Caution
-Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
equipment (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
-To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the CCM to rain or moisture.

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WARNING
Not following the safety recommendations and the caution mentioned above can lead to eye
damage.
2.3. Contact
If you have any question about the CCM module, please contact AERODIODE.
3. Product overview
3.1. Physical properties*
3.2. Ports description
1. 24 Vdc / 20 A Power IN
Product
Length(mm)
Width(mm)
Height(mm)
Weight(kg)
CCM 60W
232
92
92
2.7
CCM 120W
240
120
123
4.7
CCM 200W
320
120
123
5.8
CCMI 30W
232
123
135
3
CCMI 70W
240
155
162
5.1
CCMI 180W
320
155
188
6.5
CCMI 100W + TOMBAK
240
180
162
6.7
* The values stated are some examples of CCM/CCMI configurations. For any other configuration, please contact AERODIODE for
more information. For the TOMBAK option, you have to add 25mm on the width.

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Power supply location for the CCM device (24 Vdc / 20 A), use cables with 16AWG gauge
2. Power ON indicator
Blue LED indicates that the device is powered
3. Alarm indicator
Red LED indicates that an extreme condition is reached and has triggered the laser extinction
(Interlock open, CPU dysfunction or overheating)
4. USB input
3.5 mm input jack used to connect the CCM driver to the PC. Use the specific USB cable supplied
with your device
5. Daisy output
3.5mm output jack used to chain multiple CCM drivers or any other device from the AERODIODE
line (CCM, Central, CCS)
6. Photodiode 1 input [left: signal / right : GND]
Input connector for a first photodiode entrance signal. This signal is used for the Automated
Power Control mode (APC)
7. Photodiode 2 input [left: signal / right : GND]
Input connector for a second photodiode entrance signal (provision)
8. 5 V output [left: signal / right : GND]
5 Vdc output connector allowing the supply of an external device (300 mA max). Typically this
supply can be used for biasing and amplifying the photodiode signal
9. Interlock [left: signal / right : GND]
Connector interlock that must be shunted or connected to any interlock security system of the
machine/installation in order to allow laser activation and thermal regulation. The signal is a 3.3V
DC pull-up signal that must be grounded in order to allow emission.
10. Alarm output [left: signal / right : GND]
Output connector for alarm status monitoring (power, current, temperature) (low level indicates
alarm)
11. Monitoring electronic component temperature
Allows temperature monitoring when using the device on external monitoring mode (25°C
corresponds to 1.125 V) [left: signal / right : GND]

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12. Monitoring current
Allows current monitoring when using the device without the software (185 mV/A)
[left : signal / right : GND]
13. CTN
CTN connector input for measuring and controlling the laser diode temperature
14. TEC output
Electrical output location for thermoelectric cooler supply
15. Laser Diode power output
Electrical output location for the laser diode supply
16. Analog 0-2.5 V signal input for Ext Mode
Set here the relative laser diode current using a 0-2.5V signal input when CCM has been previously
set in “Ext-Mode” in the “Current Source” panel of the software (the operating mode should be
kept to CW).
This signal could be used to make a current modulation (continuous, modulated or pulsed).
0 V = Minimum current
2.5 V = Maximum current
•Left : Reserved
•Middle Left : Analog voltage input 0-2.5V
•Middle : Reserved
•Middle right : Reserved
•Right : Ground

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4. Installation
The CCM driver is able to drive any type of laser diode until 150W / 36 V / 21 A
4.1. Laser diode installation for efficient thermal regulation
Caution
Care must be taken in order to properly cool the laser diode. In case of bad thermal contacts
of the diode and thermistor, the regulation may be unstable.
Note
Some laser diodes can contained an internal thermistor in their assembly. The CCM product is
optimized to deal with the external supplied thermistor and so the thermal regulation will not
work properly with integrated thermistors.
In the package, you will find :
•At least 1 TEC (1)
•4 screws (2)
•At least 1 diode holder (3)
•1 Thermal Grease syringe (4)
•Your diode (5)
Please find the following advices in order to install the laser diode and TEC (Thermoelectric
cooler) :
There are two spots where you can place your diode, as shown below :
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)

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Choose the one that best suits your setup, take into consideration the size of your diode, the
length of the power cables of your diode and TECs. They should easily reach their respective
connectors, while not being to tensed to avoid any strain on the solders. In this example, the
chosen spot is the (1).
(A) Spread some thermal grease on the heat sink’s surface then lay down the thermoelectric
cooler above. The thickness of thermal grease should be as thin and uniform as possible.
After placing some drops, the grease could be spread with a spatula or a blade before placing
the thermoelectric cooler. Please take care not to introduce any thermal contact between
both sides of the TEC.
(A)
In the example (A.1) above, the TEC is correctly set. In the example (A.2) on the other hand,
Too much thermal grease has been applied making a thermal bridge between the cooling and
heating plate of the TEC :
(A.1)
(A.2)
(Cooling plate)
(Heating plate)
(Thermal grease layer)
(Thermal bridge)
(Heat Sink)

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(B) Spread some thermal grease on the top surface of the thermoelectric cooler and then lay
down the diode on top of it. Again, please take care not to introduce any thermal contact
between both plates of the TEC.
To optimize thermal efficiency, if the diode is small compared to the thermoelectric cooler, you
can paste a piece of thermal conductive sheet (graphite for example) going from the
thermoelectric cooler to the laser diode sides.
The ideal configuration is when laser diode and TEC have similar sizes.
(C) Insert and paste the thermistor to both the laser diode and the TEC. Take care that the
thermistor is properly attached and in contact with the laser diode : use superglue or other
efficient thermal glue to make sure the CTN is always in contact with the diode and the TEC. If
several diodes are connected in serial, glue the thermistor on the diode farthest from the fan.

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4.2. Wiring
1) Plug your TEC(s) power cables here, respect the polarity as show above
2) Plug your Diode power cables here, respect the polarity as show above
(1)
(2)

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4.3. Example of multiple laser diodes and TEC connected to one CCM
On the picture below, two IPG laser diodes are connected in Serial to a CCM device with only one
TEC. On the front page of this manual, three BWT laser diodes are connected in serial to a CCM
with three TEC (one for each laser diode) also connected in serial.
The diagram explain how to electrically connect in serial two laser diodes and TEC.

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4.4. Mechanical holding
Screw the holding plate on top of the laser diode in order to hold the laser diode and guarantee
good thermal efficiency.
WARNING
The Holding plates should be screwed with a torque of 15cN.m. Too much pressure may
damage the TEC and too low pressure will not perform good uniform thermal contact with the
TEC.
4.5. Electrical connection
Connect the laser diodes, TEC and power supply to the CCM by using the dedicated screws
connectors mentioned in section 3.2.
Connect the CTN for laser diode temperature regulation to the dedicated connector mentioned
in section 3.2.
WARNING
Use adapted electrical wires that can handle enough current to connect the laser diode(s) to
the CCM and the power supply.
For a double board CCM version which allow independent control of two laser diodes, both
boards must be powered in parallel (single power supply 24V dc) or with two different power
supply outputs.
WARNING
Take care that the TEC is connected before connecting the power supply to the CCM

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5. Getting Started
5.1. Software installation
Caution
The CCM USB specific cable should be unplugged during the installation.
Note
Please note that the USB cable can also be unplugged after the board has been configured.
Double-click on setup.exe to run the installer. The control software will be installed, as well as
the driver for the USB cable. A computer restart may be required to complete the installation.
- When the setup is completed, plug the USB cable into one of your computer’s USB port.
- Then plug-in the 3.5 mm jack into the USB input of the CCM.
- If you have several CCMs or other AeroDIODE electronic modules, you can connect them
together on a unique USB port by chaining them :
- Finally, plug-in the CCM power supply to switch on the laser diode driver.
CCM3
or
other
product
etc…
USB / Daisy in
Daisy out
USB / Daisy in
USB / Daisy in
Daisy out
CCM1
CCM2
USB port

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Click on the “ALPhANOV Control Software” item located in the Start Menu in order to run the
CCM control software.
A window appears:
Click on Connect to start the CCM hardware detection. The software automatically detects any
USB-connected AeroDIODE devices.
A window will appear for each CCM driver connected to the computer.

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5.2. Software overview
Controls
Max. levels
Parameters
Laser
Enable
Measurements
Alarms

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The window is split in six parts:
1. MAX LEVELS: The maximum current and voltage values are settable in the Max levels part
and must be chosen in accordance to the laser diode specifications and operating data
everytime a new laser diode is mounted on the CCM module (see bellow). The floppy disk
logo indicates that these values can be stored into the CCM memory (upon clicking)
2. LASER ENABLE: The On/Off toggle button enables or disables the laser emission
3. CONTROLS: Toggle buttons in the Control part are used to select the operating mode.
4. SETTINGS: is used to configure diode current/voltage, laser slope, and laser temperature.
5. MEASUREMENTS: The Measurements area displays real time data, such as the
temperature measured by thermistors, or current and voltage values of diodes and
thermoelectric coolers.
6. ALARMS: The Alarms part shows if any element is or not causing a dysfunction.

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5.3. Setting the limits
The CCM laser diode driver includes hardware overcurrent and overvoltage protections requiring
to be set up before to drive any laser diodes.
Please mind to configure these values to their maximums as recommended by the laser diode
supplier.
•As Max Current : Set laser diode nominal current + 10%
•As Max Voltage : Set laser diode nominal voltage + 2V
For example: If the laser diode has the following nominal levels:
•P = 60 W
•I = 12.1 A
•V = 13.4 V
Then you should set:
•Max current = 12.1 × 1.10 =𝟏𝟑.𝟑𝐀
•Max voltage = 13.4 + 2.0 = 𝟏𝟓. 𝟒 𝐕
5.4. Current and voltage adjustments
These two-position switches control the current and voltage sources.
Internal/External current source
In External mode an analog signal could be applied in “Side
connector input”to change externally the laser current (see details
in point 16 of Page 7). It could be used for continuous, modulated
or pulsed operation
Manual/Automatic voltage adjustment (user value or software
algorithm)
Automatic Voltage adjustment mode is recommended when using <100W laser diodes total
power

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5.5. Control mode
This two-position switch controls the operating mode (current or power control)
Direct Current Control / Automatic Power Control
Save the photodiode signal level for the constant power mode (see
Page 6)
5.6. CW/pulse operation
This two-position switch controls the operating mode (CW or pulse).
Select if the laser diode is operated continuously (CW) or pulsed
A new window will pop up on click: pulse settings
•Frequency: defines the pulse repetition rate
•Pulse width: defines the pulse width
•Pulse Mode: if set to Internal, the pulse trigger is provided by the CCM
hardware. External is not available at this time

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•Gate Mode: if set to None, the CCM laser driver will deliver pulses while the
laser is enabled. If set to Soft, the laser emission will stop after reaching the
burst count.
•Burst Count: number of pulses in Soft Gate Mode (1-255 range)
•Trigger: in Soft Gate Mode, the laser emission will begin upon clicking this
button
For the example displayed in the window, a single pulse (width=10ms) is emitted when
the user clicks on Trigger. If the burst count is set to 2, an additional pulse will be
emitted 500ms (2 Hz) after the first pulse (same pulse width).
5.7. Settings
Set the laser diode curent
Set the laser diode voltage
Set the laser diode current slope time (rise time)
Set the laser diode temperature
These values have to be defined carefully depending on various parameters fixed by the laser
diode supplier. Excessive parameters could trigger alarms or even lead to permanent damage
to the laser diode.
In case of Manual Voltage adjustment, set voltage ~1-1.5 V above desired laser diode voltage.