Artifex LDD100-F Series User manual

Dortmunder Str. 16-18
26723 Emden, Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
http://www.afx-eng.com
Artifex
Engineering
Artifex
Engineering
LDD100-Fxxx
LDD100-Lxxx
LDD100-XLxxx
Laser Diode
Driver
Read this instruction manual before performing any task!

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Original Operating Instructions
Artifex Engineering GmbH & Co. KG.
Dortmunder Str. 16-18
26723 Emden
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Internet: www.artifex-engineering.com

Artifex Engineering GmbH & Co. KG.
, 2020

LDD100 Operating Instructions
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Table of Contents
1ABOUT THIS MANUAL 9
1.1 Information about this manual 9
1.2 Explanation of symbols 9
1.3 Copyright 11
1.4 Customer service 11
2SAFETY 12
2.1 Intended use 12
2.2 Basic dangers 12
2.3 Responsibility of the owner 13
2.4 Personnel requirements 14
2.5 Symbols on the unit 15
2.6 Scope of delivery 16
2.7 Transport inspection 16
2.8 Packaging 16
2.9 Transporting 17
2.10 Storage 18
3PRODUCT OVERVIEW 19
3.1 System Overview 19
3.2 Modes of Driving 20
3.2.1 Serial Current Sweep 20
3.2.2 Parallel Current Sweep 20
3.2.3 Pulse Mode 21
4ORDERING INFORMATION 22
4.1 Typical Current Pulse Forms, F-Version 22
4.2 Typical Current Pulse Forms, L-Version 22
4.3 Typical Current Pulse Forms, XL-Version 23

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5SPECIFICATIONS 24
5.1 Specifications: LDD100-F040 24
5.1.1 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-F040) 25
5.2 Specifications: LDD100-F120 26
5.2.1 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-F120) 27
5.3 Specifications: LDD100-L040 28
5.3.1 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-L040) 29
5.3.2 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-L120) 31
5.4 Specifications: LDD100-L200 32
5.4.1 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-L200) 33
5.5 Specifications: LDD100-XL040 34
5.5.1 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-XL040) 35
5.6 Specifications: LDD100-XL120 36
5.6.1 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-XL120) 37
5.7 Specifications: LDD100-XL200 38
5.7.1 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-XL200) 39
5.8 Specifications: LDD100-XL400 40
5.8.1 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-XL400) 41
5.9 Specifications: LDD100-XL600 42
5.9.1 Safe Operating Area (LDD100-XL600) 43
5.10 Case Dimensions (mm [inch]) 44
6CONNECTIONS 44
6.1 Front Panel (Control Unit) 44
6.1.1 Power Switch 45
6.1.2 Key Switch (Laser Enable) 45
6.1.3 Interlock (red LED) 45
6.1.4 Excess Temperature (red LED) 45
6.1.5 Up and Down Buttons 45
6.1.6 Numeric Keypad 45
6.1.7 Enter Button 45
6.1.8 Cancel Button 45
6.1.9 OLED Display 45

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6.1.10 Stop Button 45
6.1.11 Start/Pause Button 45
6.2 Back Panel (Control Unit) 46
6.2.1 Power Supply 46
6.2.2 Laser Head Power 46
6.2.3 Laser Head Communication 46
6.2.4 Signal Lamp 46
6.2.5 USB 47
6.2.6 Interlock 47
6.2.7 Trigger Out 47
6.2.8 Trigger In 47
6.3 Front Panel (Current Driver End Stage Unit) 48
6.3.1 Current Output 48
6.4 Back Panel (Current Driver End Stage Unit) 50
6.4.1 Communication 50
6.4.2 Power 50
6.4.3 Monitor Out 50
7OPERATION 51
8CONTROL VIA THE (REAL) FRONT PANEL 51
8.1 Menu Structure 51
9INSTALLATION OF THE SOFTWARE PACKAGE 55
10 USING THE GUI APPLICATION SOFTWARE 55
10.1 Settings 56
10.1.1 Field “Control” 56
10.1.2 Field “Pulse Width” 56
10.1.3 Field “Pulse Repetition” 57
10.1.4 Field “Triggering Mode” 57
10.1.5 Field “Current Pulse Amplitude” 58
10.1.6 Field “Setup Profiles” 59
10.1.7 Field “Cycling” 59
10.1.8 Field “Monitor” 60
10.1.9 Field “Device” 61

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10.1.10 Field “Exit” 61
11 COMMUNICATION 62
11.1 Connection 62
11.2 Parameter Upload 63
11.2.1 Pulse Duration 66
11.2.2 Pulse Repetition Period 66
11.2.3 Current Steps 67
11.2.4 Bias 67
11.2.5 Number of cycles 67
11.2.6 Cycling mode 67
11.2.7 Continuous Mode 67
11.2.8 Starting a sequence 67
11.2.9 Stop a sequence 68
11.2.10 Read status and temperature of the laser driver 68
11.3 The SDK Package 69
11.4 Source Code of the Application Programme 69
11.5 Documentation for LabVIEW LDD100Com.vi 70
12 DISPOSAL 71
13 TYPE PLATE 71
14 NOTICE 72

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List of Figures
Figure 1: System Overview......................................................................................................19
Figure 2: LDD100-F040; 2µs, 40A pulse shape......................................................................22
Figure 3: LDD100-L200; 200A pulse (10µs); 20A pulse (10µs); 1A pulse (100µs) ..............22
Figure 4: LDD100-XL200; 10µs, 200A pulse; 20A pulse; 2A pulse......................................23
Figure 5: Front Panel................................................................................................................44
Figure 6: Back Panel ................................................................................................................46
Figure 7: Mounting a New Contact Card.................................................................................49
Figure 8: Back Panel ................................................................................................................50
Figure 9: The Graphical User Interface (GUI).........................................................................55
Figure 10: Field “Control” .......................................................................................................56
Figure 11: Field “Pulse Width”................................................................................................56
Figure 12: Field “Pulse Repetition”.........................................................................................57
Figure 13: Field “Triggering Mode”........................................................................................57
Figure 14: Field “Current Pulse Amplitude”............................................................................58
Figure 15: Field “Setup Profiles”.............................................................................................59
Figure 16: Field “Cycling”.......................................................................................................59
Figure 17: Field “Monitor” ......................................................................................................60
Figure 18: Field “Device” ........................................................................................................61
Figure 19: Field “Exit”.............................................................................................................61
Figure 20: Schematic Representation of the Parameter Upload ..............................................65
Figure 21: Software Development Kit (SDK) for VB.net .......................................................69
Figure 22: Connection Diagramme for the SetParameter.vi....................................................70

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List of Tables
Table 1: Ordering Information F-Version................................................................................22
Table 2: Ordering Information L-Version................................................................................22
Table 3: Ordering Information XL-Version.............................................................................23
Table 4: Specifications LDD-F040 ..........................................................................................24
Table 5: Specifications LDD-F120 ..........................................................................................26
Table 6: Specifications LDD-L040..........................................................................................28
Table 7: Specifications LDD-L120..........................................................................................30
Table 8: Specifications LDD-L200..........................................................................................32
Table 9: Specifications LDD-XL040.......................................................................................34
Table 10: Specifications LDD-XL120.....................................................................................36
Table 11: Specifications LDD-XL200.....................................................................................38
Table 12: Specifications LDD-XL400.....................................................................................40
Table 13: Specifications LDD-XL600.....................................................................................42
Table 14: Menu Structure (Front Panel Control).....................................................................52
Table 15: Upload Parameters...................................................................................................63
Table 16: Error Codes ..............................................................................................................64

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1About this manual
1.1 Information about this manual
This manual is valid for units with firmware version FW3.0.
This manual enables you to handle the device in a safe and efficient manner. This manual is
part of the device and must be kept in its vicinity in order to ensure that it is available to the
personnel at all times.
The personnel must have carefully read and understood this manual before commencing any
work. The compliance with all safety information and instructions provided in this manual is
essential for safe operation.
Furthermore, all local work protection and general safety regulations applicable at the device's
place of installation must be observed.
The illustrations used throughout this manual are intended to provide a general understanding
and may deviate from the actual model of the machine.
1.2 Explanation of symbols
Safety instructions
Safety instructions are marked with symbols in these instructions. The safety instructions are
always introduced by signal words which express the extent of the danger.
DANGER!
This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an immediately-
dangerous situation which could cause death or severe injuries if not
avoided.
WARNING!
This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possibly-
dangerous situation which could cause death or severe injuries if it is not
avoided.

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CAUTION!
This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possibly-
dangerous situation which could cause slight injuries if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!
This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possibly-dangerous
situation which could cause property and environmental damage if it is not
avoided.
Tips and recommendations
This symbol highlights useful tips and recommendations as well as
information designed to ensure efficient and smooth operation.
Special safety instructions
The following symbols are used in the safety instructions to draw attention to specific
dangers:
DANGER!
This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an immediately-
dangerous situation due to electric shock. If an instruction so marked is not
heeded, severe or even fatal injuries can be the consequence.
DANGER!
This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an immediately-
dangerous situation due to laser emission. If an instruction so marked is not
heeded, severe or even fatal injuries can be the consequence.

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1.3 Copyright
The contents of these instructions are copyrighted. Their use is permitted in the context of
using the device. Any use extending beyond this is not allowed without written permission
from the manufacturer.
1.4 Customer service
Our customer service is available for technical information and service:
Artifex Engineering GmbH & Co. KG.
Dortmunder Str. 16-18
26723 Emden
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Internet: www.artifex-engineering.com
We are also always interested in information and experiences gathered from use which could
be valuable for the improvement of our products.

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2Safety
This section provides an overview of all safety aspects that are essential to the best possible
protection of the personnel and the safe and trouble-free operation of the machine. Additional
safety instructions for specific work tasks are contained in the sections regarding the
individual life stages of the machine.
2.1 Intended use
The laser diode driver LDD100 is designed exclusively as a current driver for laser diodes and
high power LEDs.
The intended use also includes adherence to all specifications in this manual.
Any use exceeding or differing from the intended use applies as misuse.
2.2 Basic dangers
The following section describes remaining risks which can arise from the device even with
proper use.
In order to reduce risks of personal injury and property damage and avoid dangerous
situations, the safety instructions listed here and the safety instructions in the other sections of
these instructions must be followed.
Electrical current
DANGER!
Life-threatening danger from electrical current!
When touching live parts there is an immediate, life-threatening danger
from electric shock. Damage to the housing as well as the cable can be life-
threatening!
•Work on the electrical system in the interior of the unit may only be
performed by the manufacturer.
•In the event of damage to the housing or the cable, immediately
disconnect the voltage supply by pulling out the mains plug and
initiate the repair process.
•When making high current connections, please observe the correct
order of mounting in order to avoid undue heating of the
connection. Mount the cable lug directly onto the contact and then
secure with a washer, a lock washer and a nut in that order.

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2.3 Responsibility of the owner
Owner:
The owner is any such person who operates the laser diode driver for commercial or
economic purpose either by itself or transfers it to a third party for use and bears the legal
responsibility for the safety of the user, the personnel or third parties during the operation.
Owner's duties:
The laser diode driver is used in commercial applications. Therefore, the owner of the
respective laser diode driver is subject to the statutory duties of work safety.
In addition to the safety instructions in this manual, the safety, work safety and environmental
safety regulations applicable for the area in which the electronic ballast is used must be
adhered to. In the process, the following applies in particular:
•The owner must remain updated on the applicable work safety regulations and
determine, in the scope of a risk assessment, additional dangers which can arise due to
the special working conditions at the place in which the electronic ballast is used. This
must be implemented in the form of working instructions for the operation of the laser
diode driver.
•During the entire period of use of the laser diode driver, the owner must check
whether the working instructions meet the current status of the rules and regulations
and to adapt them as necessary.
•The owner must clearly regulate and define responsibilities for the operation, fault
rectification and cleaning.
•The owner must make sure that all persons who work with the laser diode driver have
read and understood this manual. Moreover, the owner must train the personnel in
regular intervals and inform them of the dangers.
•The owner must adhere to all statutory provisions in regard to the regular testing of
electrical equipment and document this testing.
•
In addition, the owner is responsible for ensuring that the unit is always in a technically
faultless condition.

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2.4 Personnel requirements
Qualifications:
The various tasks described in this manual place different requirements on the qualification of
the persons to whom these tasks are entrusted.
NOTICE!
Insufficiently qualified personnel can cause property damage!
Insufficiently qualified personnel cannot assess the risks when working with
the unit.
•All work may only be performed by personnel who are qualified for this
purpose.
•Keep insufficiently qualified personnel away from the work area.
Only persons who can be expected to reliably perform this work are permitted to carry out
any work with this equipment. Persons whose ability to react is impaired by drugs, alcohol,
medications, etc. are not permitted to work with this equipment.
In this manual the following qualifications listed for the personnel for the various tasks are
specified:
User:
The user uses and operates the device for its intended purpose without other prior knowledge.

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2.5 Symbols on the unit
The following symbols and instruction signs are affixed in the work area. These symbols and
instruction signs refer to the immediate vicinity in which they are affixed.
WARNING!
Danger due to illegible signage!
•Over time, stickers and signs can get dirty or in some other manner
become illegible, so that dangers cannot be recognized and necessary
operating instructions cannot be followed. Thus an injury hazard
occurs.
•Keep all safety, warning, and operating instructions that are affixed to
the device in legible condition.
•Replace damaged signs or stickers immediately.
Observe the operating manual
Do not use the indicated appliance until the operating manual has been
read.
Do not dispose of with the household waste
Notice that the laser diode driver may not be disposed of with the
household waste. The worn out unit can be taken to an electronics and
metal recycling service for disposal. The manufacturer also accepts old
units for disposal.

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2.6 Scope of delivery
Depending of the chosen model, the scope of delivery will vary:
•LDD100 laser diode driver controller
•Current end stage unit
•Communication and power cables for the end stage unit
•Mains power supply cable
•USB cable
•USB-Stick with software, drivers and manual
2.7 Transport inspection
On receipt, immediately inspect the delivery for completeness and transport
damage.
Proceed as follows in the event of externally apparent transport damage:
•Do not accept the delivery, or only accept it subject to reservation.
•Note the extent of the damage on the transport documentation or the
shipper's delivery note.
•Initiate complaint procedures.
Issue a complaint in respect of each defect immediately following detection.
Damage compensation claims can only be asserted within the applicable
complaint deadlines.
2.8 Packaging
About the packaging
The individual laser diode driver is packaged according to the expected transport conditions.
Only environmentally friendly materials were used for the packaging.
The packaging should protect the individual laser diode driver from transport damage,
corrosion and other types of damage. Therefore, do not destroy the packaging and save it for
later transport and for storage.

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Handling packaging materials
If the laser diode driver no longer has to be transported, dispose of the packaging materials in
accordance with the respective statutory provisions and local regulations.
NOTICE!
Danger for the environment from improper disposal!
Packaging materials are valuable raw materials and can be reused in
many cases or prepared and recycled. Dangers for the environment
can arise through improper disposal of packaging material.
•Only dispose of packaging materials once it has been determined that the
electronic ballast will no longer be transported.
•Dispose of packaging materials in an environmentally friendly manner.
•Observe the locally applicable disposal regulations. If necessary,
commission a specialist company with the disposal.
2.9 Transporting
NOTICE!
Property damage from improper transport!
Improper transport can damage the laser diode driver.
•Always transport the laser diode driver in the packaging provided for this
purpose.
•Always proceed with caution with the transport of the laser diode driver in
the packaging.
•Do not throw the laser diode driver.
•Protect the laser diode driver from vibrations and moisture.
•Do not let the laser diode driver fall.

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2.10 Storage
Store the electronic ballasts in the packaging under the following conditions:
•Do not store outdoors.
•Store in a dry and dust-free area.
•Do not expose to any aggressive media.
•Protect from sun radiation.
•Avoid mechanical vibrations.
•Storage temperature: 15 to 35 °C.
•Relative air humidity: max. 60 %.
Under certain circumstances there are instructions for the storage on the
packaging, which exceed the requirements specified here. Follow these
accordingly.

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3Product Overview
The LDD100 is a fast, true current source designed for driving laser diodes and high power
LEDs. The LDD100 laser diode driver employs a digitally controlled analogue current source
to provide for simple, flexible and accurate laser pulsing.
These laser drivers are particularly useful for laser diode testing procedures such as burn-in
and LIV measurement. The LDD100 provides up to 120A in pulses ranging from 50ns to 3s
duration. The rise time of the pulses is under 50ns with essentially no overshoot.
The flexibility in setup and control makes the unit very useful for general laboratory
environments, where high power, pulsed diode lasers are used.
The unit may be USB-controlled for automated measurements. Alternatively, the user may set
up all parameters and operate the unit via the front panel keypad and LCD display.
3.1 System Overview
An overview of a typical complete system is depicted in the figure below.
Figure 1: System Overview
The device under test is to be suitably mounted. The low inductance, strip line contact cards
available as accessories provides for high current contacts to drive the laser. Various types of
cards are available: needle cards for single, bare emitters, strip lines for bare bars, socket
cards for packaged lasers such as TO cans and flat packs.
The LDD100 provides sequences of software programmable currents to the laser. Details on
these sequences are given in section 3.2 “Modes of Driving” page 20.
Control unit
Current output
end stage

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3.2 Modes of Driving
The LDD100 supports a variety of modes to allow testing under a wide range of operating
conditions. The essential variables available are the output current, pulse width and the pulse
separation (or period or frequency). The various modes of operation are described in detail in
the subsections below.
3.2.1 Serial Current Sweep
This mode performs a current sweep by stepping the pulse current from the minimum set
value to the maximum set value in a number of equidistant currents as determined by the
parameter “Steps”. More than one cycle may be run automatically via the parameter “Number
of Cycles”. Each sweep is run from the minimum to the maximum current before the next
cycle begins. Schematically this appears as follows:
During a sequence, the programmed currents are sequentially set via the controller interface
of the LDD100.
NOTICE!
Note that the current strength selected is critical!
The maximum current of the sweep may be large enough to damage or destroy
the laser.
3.2.2 Parallel Current Sweep
This mode performs a current sweep by stepping the pulse current from the minimum set
value to the maximum set value in a number of equidistant currents as determined by the
parameter “Steps”. More than one cycle may be run automatically via the parameter “Number
of Cycles”. Each current of the sweep is pulsed “Number of Cycles” times before the next
current is set. Schematically this appears as follows:
During a sequence, the programmed currents are sequentially set via the controller interface
of the LDD100.
NOTICE!
Note that the current strength selected is critical!
The maximum current of the sweep may be large enough to damage or destroy
the laser.