Arroyo Instruments LaserSource 4300 Series User manual

Page 2 · 4300 Series LaserSource User’s Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................................3
Safety Terms and Symbols.......................................................................5
Quick Start ................................................................................................7
Installation .................................................................................................8
Operation ................................................................................................10
Settings and Menus ................................................................................12
Control Modes.........................................................................................17
Using QCW Modes .................................................................................18
Cable Wiring for Modulation and QCW ..................................................20
Using the Cable R Setting.......................................................................21
Using Remote Voltage Sense (4320 Only) .............................................22
Remote Mode Operation.........................................................................23
Installing the USB Drivers .......................................................................24
Rear Panel...............................................................................................25
Connecting to the LaserSource ..............................................................28
Grounding Considerations......................................................................29
Using Limits.............................................................................................30
Thermal Considerations..........................................................................31
Specifications..........................................................................................33
Special Considerations for 12V to 15V Units ..........................................35
Error Messages.......................................................................................35
Maintenance and Service........................................................................37
Warranty..................................................................................................38

4300 Series LaserSource User’s Manual · Page 3
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the LaserSource from Arroyo Instruments. Your
LaserSource is a combination of leading edge technology combined with years
of experience in the field of current control.
With a crystal clear VFD display, both RS232 and USB computer interfaces, and
small footprint, the LaserSource will fit into almost any laser diode control
application.
A key feature of the LaserSource is its optical isolation of both modulation and
photodiode inputs. By isolating these inputs, it prevents unwanted ground loop
problems. No other laser diode driver in the industry has this feature.
Another important feature of the LaserSource is its ability to operate in quasi-
CW (QCW) mode. This mode permits operation of lasers to a higher current and
power, minimizing the thermal load by turning the laser on for only a brief period
of time, taking measurements, then turning off the laser. The LaserSource
supports both internal and external triggering of pulses, and also includes a
trigger out to synchronize the LaserSource with other instruments.
The LaserSource also operates in constant voltage control mode, allowing you
to use it in precision voltage applications, such as EML devices, or for doing V-I
measurement graphs.
The LaserSource includes another feature not found in other products: the
ability to program the photodiode bias level from the front panel or over the
computer interface, to any voltage from 0 to -5V. No more tweaking a
potentiometer with a screwdriver and a DMM. Simply dial in the voltage you
need.
Unlike other laser diode drivers in its class, which use inexpensive 7-segment
displays, the LaserSource takes advantage of its large VFD display to
simultaneously show the set point, laser voltage, and photodiode read back.
The user interface of the LaserSource is engineered to make using the
instrument straightforward. With its text-based menus, there is never any
confusion over which setting is being changed, and parameters are displayed in
clear English (no cryptic numbers or LEDs to decode).
The LaserSource offers all the features you would expect from a modern
precision laser diode driver, including:
 10ppm current stability over one hour
 2A to 20A current ranges

Page 4 · 4300 Series LaserSource User’s Manual
 Comprehensive laser protection circuitry, including hardware voltage
and current limits, and fast transient shutdown.
 External analog modulation
 Power mode control, both in photodiode current (AMC) or computed
photodiode power (APC) modes.
 Simultaneous reading of current set point, voltage measurement, and
photodiode current or power measurement.
What’s in the Box
Along with the LaserSource itself, a CD with electronic copies of this manual,
the Computer Interfacing Manual, and USB drivers are included. For USA
customers, a power cord is included. For non-USA customers, an IEC-60320-
C13 rated AC power cord must be provided.
Accessories
Arroyo Instruments also sells several accessories designed to work with the
LaserSource. These include:
 LaserSource Cable, 2m (p/n 1220B)
This cable has DB-9 male/female connectors for interfacing to the
LaserMount or other connectorized fixtures.
 LaserSource Cable, 2m, Pigtailed (p/n 1221B)
This cable has a female DB-9 connector for plugging into the
LaserSource and tinned leads for wiring into custom solutions.
 LaserSource Cable, 20A, 9W4, 2m (p/n 1228B)
Design for the 4320’s 9W4 connector, this cable is designed for 20A
operation, and has 9W4 male/female connectors.
 LaserSource Cable, 20A, 9W4, Pigtailed, 2m (p/n 1229B)
Design for the 4320’s 9W4 connector, this cable is designed for 20A
operation, and has 9W4 male connector on the instrument end and
bare wire leads connections on the device end for custom wiring.
 LaserSource Cable, Sensor, DB-9, 2m (p/n 1228-S)
Designed for the 4320’s Sensor / Interlock connector, this cable has
DB-9 male and female connectors, and carries the photodiode and
remote voltage sense signals.
 4300/5300 Series 2U Rack Mount Kit, 1 unit (p/n 1401-RM-1)
 4300/5300 Series 2U Rack Mount Kit, 2 units (p/n 1401-RM-2)
For installing your 5300 Series TECSource or 4300 LaserSource into
a standard 19” rack. The 1401-RM-1 is used when installing a single
instrument into a 2U rack space. For mounting two instruments side-by-
side, use the 1401-RM-2 rack mount kit. A 1401-RM-1 cannot be
converted to a 1401-RM-2, or vise versa, to be sure to purchase the
correct rack mount kit.
 RS-232 NULL Cable, 3m (p/n 1200-NULL)

4300 Series LaserSource User’s Manual · Page 5
 USB Cable, 3m (p/n 1201)
Safety Terms and Symbols
The following safety-related terms are used in this manual:
 Warnings (noted by the WARNING heading) explain dangers that
could result in physical injury or death;
 Cautions (noted by the CAUTION heading) explain conditions that
could result in damage to the instrument, other equipment, or your
device.
 Notes (noted by the NOTES heading) are not safety-related, and are
intended simply to point out important information.
If, at any time, any of the following conditions exist, or are suspected of existing,
discontinue use of the unit until it can be inspected by qualified service
personnel:
 Visible damage to the unit, including damage or stress caused during
product shipment;
 Storage of the unit outside the standard storage temperature or
humidity rating, or prolonged storage under harsh conditions;
 Failure to operate properly.
If needed, contact your distributor or Arroyo Instruments for service or repair to
ensure the safety of the product is maintained.
Symbols
Power Off Power On
Caution, refer to manual Earth ground
Caution, risk of electric shock

Page 6 · 4300 Series LaserSource User’s Manual
General Warnings
CAUTION
There are no user-serviceable parts inside. All service
and repair work shall be done by Arroyo Instruments or
personnel authorized by Arroyo Instruments.
Modifications done by non-authorized personnel will
void the warranty. Please see the Service section later
in this manual for instructions on how to obtain service
for this instrument.
WARNING
To avoid electrical shock, ensure a 3-prong power cord
is used, and is plugged into a earth-grounded
receptacle. Failure to do so can result in severe injury or
death.
WARNING
Potentially lethal voltages exist within this instrument.
This instrument is intended for use by qualified
personnel who understand the shock and laser hazards
and are familiar with safety procedures required to avoid
injury. Read this manual completely before attempting
to use this product.

4300 Series LaserSource User’s Manual · Page 7
Quick Start
The LaserSource was designed with ease of use in mind, and you will likely
have little need for this manual for almost all of the features the unit offers. This
section will show how you can quickly get the unit up and running in almost no
time.
After unpacking the unit, ensure that the voltage selection on the Input Power
Connector (IPC) on the back of the unit is set to the correct voltage. This is
critical, as incorrect voltages can damage the unit. The LaserSource is typically
shipped in the 120V configuration from the factory, but always verify the voltage
selection. Change the voltage as needed. For more information, refer to the IPC
section below.
Once the voltage selection has been completed, plug the AC cord into the unit
and into the wall outlet. Turn on the power switch located on the front panel, and
the unit will power up, displaying the model information, serial number, and
firmware version number.
Press the Menu button to enter the menu, and using the knob, turn to the right
until the Io Lim setting is displayed. Press the knob to edit the setting, and
adjust the limit as appropriate to your laser diode. Press the knob again to save
the value. Make the same adjustments to the voltage limit (Vf Lim), as
appropriate for your application. Once you have made all your adjustments,
press the Menu button to exit the menu.
Next, connect the cable between your LaserMount or other fixture and the
Output connector of the LaserSource. We recommend using our cables as they
have been designed to work well with the LaserSource. If using your own
cables, ensure they have been properly wired according to the pin-out of the
LaserSource and your fixture.
Finally, set the set point to an appropriate current and press the Output button.
The output will turn on and you will see the actual voltage and photodiode
current displayed on the second line.
It’s that simple. For more detailed operating and installation instructions, read
on.

Page 8 · 4300 Series LaserSource User’s Manual
Installation
Installation of the LaserSource is very straightforward, as the quick start section
above illustrated. This section will provide additional details and considerations
for installing your LaserSource.
After unpacking the unit, make sure all packing materials have been removed
and nothing obscures the ventilation ports on the side and front of the unit.
Changing the Voltage Selection
Before powering on the unit, ensure that the voltage selection on the IPC is set
correctly. Improper voltage selection can easily damage the unit. Changing the
voltage selection requires that you remove the voltage selection module from
the IPC. You can select from 100V, 120V, and 230V. Choose the voltage that
most closely matches your AC voltage.
Remove the power cord from the unit. Using a small, flat-blade screwdriver,
insert the tip of the screwdriver into the two small openings above and below the
voltage indication to release the voltage selection module from the IPC, as
shown in the picture below.
Input Power Connector (IPC)
Once the module has been removed, remove the small, white voltage selection
tumbler from the module, and then re-insert so that the desired voltage is
shown. Re-insert the module into the IPC.

4300 Series LaserSource User’s Manual · Page 9
Powering Up the Unit
Once the correct voltage selection has been made, connect the AC power cord
to the unit. You must properly ground the unit by plugging the supplied power
cord into a three prong grounded outlet, or using a three-to-two prong adapter
and connecting the ground tab to earth ground.
Turn the power switch, located on the front panel, into the on (|) position. The
unit will display the model, serial number, and firmware version, go through a
quick power-up self-test, and return to the last known operating state.
Ventilation
The LaserSource has vent holes on the side and front of the unit. You must not
block these vent holes, or overheating may occur, causing damage to the unit.
Rack Mounting
Rack mounting kits (p/n 1401-RM-1 or p/n 1401-RM-2) for standard 19” racks
are available for the LaserSource, and supports the rack mount of one (1401-
RM-1) or two (1401-RM-2) units in a 2U (3.5”) high opening. Because the unit
draws air from the side, and therefore inside the rack housing, be sure that the
internal rack ambient temperature (which will typically be several degrees higher
than room ambient) does not exceed the unit’s operating temperature. When
using 1401-RM-2 to rack mount two units, either unit may also be a 5300 Series
TECSource.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 250VAC on the line input.
It is critical to select the proper voltage selection prior to
applying power to the unit. If the actual voltage exceeds
the voltage selection by +/-10%, damage to the unit
may occur.
CAUTION
Do not operate the unit above +40°C ambient, and
ensure the instrument is properly ventilated, or the unit
may overheat and possible damage to the unit may
occur.

Page 10 · 4300 Series LaserSource User’s Manual
Warm-up and Environmental Considerations
In order to achieve the highest level of accuracy, the LaserSource should be
powered on for at least one hour prior to taking measurements. In addition,
ensure that the unit is not operating outside the ambient temperature range or
humidity conditions.
Operation
The Front Panel
Operation of the LaserSource is very straightforward. The sections below will
help familiarize you with the front panel, the display, and the menu structure.
The front panel is designed for simplicity in operation. There are four buttons on
the front panel: Output, Menu, adjustment knob, and the AC power switch.
The output is controlled via the Output button. When turning the output on,
there is a programmable delay (factory default of 3 seconds) where the unit will
indicate that the output is on (the blue output LED will be lit), but the output
stage is, in fact, not on. This is a CDRH safety feature required for some laser
applications. The output will be energized once the delay has expired.
The Menu button is used to enter the LaserSource menu. When in remote
mode, it acts as a Local button, returning the instrument to local mode.
The adjustment knob located on the right hand side of the unit is used to
change the set point or parameters in the menu. It also acts as a push button,
primarily as an enter button, when making changes in the menu.
There are four LEDs: a green power LED that is lit whenever the AC power is
turned on; the blue Output on LED that indicates the LaserSource is actively