MAIMAN ELECTRONICS MBL1500B User manual

v0.0.1 ‒ 2020
MBL1500B
Laser diode power supply
Datasheet &
User Manual
Before powering on your driver, read this manual thoroughly.
If you have any doubt or suggestion, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Maiman Electronics, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
e-mail: [e-mail]
web site: www.maimanelectronics.com

v0.0.1 ‒ 2020

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Table of content
Laser diode driver features .................................................................................................................. 31.
TEC controller features ........................................................................................................................ 32.
Applications.......................................................................................................................................... 33.
Description...........................................................................................................................................34.
Package set .......................................................................................................................................... 35.
Overall dimensions and weight ........................................................................................................... 36.
Electrical characteristics ...................................................................................................................... 37.
Electrical characteristics LD power supply channel............................................................................. 38.
Electrical characteristics TEC................................................................................................................ 49.
Typical Performance Characteristics ................................................................................................... 410.
Protections........................................................................................................................................... 411.
Controls................................................................................................................................................ 612.
LD connection ...................................................................................................................................... 713.
How to get started ............................................................................................................................... 714.
Screen description ...............................................................................................................................815.
Digital control description .................................................................................................................1716.
SCPI control description..................................................................................................................... 2117.
Mechanical dimensions ..................................................................................................................... 2318.

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Laser diode driver features
1.
Low current ripple ≤ 10μA
Current stability 0.1%
No need to adjust voltage
Soft-start
Reverse current protection
Crowbar circuit protection
TEC controller features
2.
Low current ripple ≤ 2μA
Integrated PID controller, doesn't require
setup
Adjustable TEC output voltage limit
Working with sensor NTC 10kOhm
Applications3.
Supplying laser diodes
Description4.
Laboratory power supply MBL1500B –high stability laser diode (LD) controller. Contains the LD
power supply channel and temperature controller (TEC).
MBL1500 can be controlled from the front panel using buttons and/or touchscreen or remotely
via USB.
The LD power supply channel provides current up to 1.5A with noises no more than 10-15μA.
The TEC channel provides a temperature change from +12 to +40°C with stability 0,01°C. TEC
contains integrated self-adjusted PID controller, providing optimal temperature regulation.
Package set5.
Laser diode power supply –1 pcs;
Power cord –1 pcs;
USB cable –1 pcs;
9-pin d-sub plug - 1 pcs;
15-pin d-sub plug –1 pcs;
Interlock connector –1 pcs;
Datasheet & User Manual –1 pcs.
Overall dimensions and weight6.
MBL1500 has overall dimensions of 257 x 271 x 117 mm and a weight of 3.3 kg.
Electrical characteristics7.
PARAMETER
TEST CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNIT
Vin
100
240
V
Consumption power
Operative
45
50
W
Interlock threshold
1
V
Electrical characteristics LD power supply channel8.
PARAMETER
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNIT
Output voltage
0.5
3
V
Output current
0
1500
mA
Current ripple
10
15
μA
Current set step
0.5
mА
Current set accuracy
±2
%

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Electrical characteristics TEC9.
PARAMETER
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNIT
Output voltage
0
±4
V
Output current
0
±4
A
Current ripple
2
4
mA
Temperature set range
+12
+40
°C
Internal measurements accuracy
±2
%
Typical Performance Characteristics10.
Fig. 1 –Typical start up sequence
Fig. 2 –Typical stop sequence
Protections11.
The power supply includes various protections that prevent damage to the LD.
External interlock
External interlock function provides multiply protections at the same time:
Prevents inadvertent use;
Allows to connect an external emergency switch;
Allows to connect an external auto protect device (e.g. over-temperature switches).
The laser can only be turned on with shorted Interlock.
Soft-start
The soft-start function protects against unwanted overshoot of the LD in the power up process.
LD max current limiting
LD max current limit (LD max current) is described in paragraph 15.7. You cannot set the
operating current above LD max current.
Laser diode temperature protection window
This function protects the LD from unwanted temperature in combination with a thermal
controller. If you set the temperature window limits close to the set temperature, the laser can be
turned off permanently (the measured temperature will be outside the LD temperature window).

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LD temperature protection window can be set in Settings submenu (paragraph 13.7) using parameters
TEC max temperature and TEC min temperature.
Over-temperature protection
The MBL1500 has automatic overheating protection. If the set TEC max temperature is
exceeded, the LD power supply will be automatically turned off. After the temperature returns to
normal, the LD power supply can be switched on again.
State after switching on
After turning on the MBL1500 with the Standby button the LD power supply and TEC will always
be turned off.
Memorization of parameters
In case of an interruption/unplanned shutdown, the MBL1500 remembers the settings that were
set at the time of the last On/Off Laser or TEC command.

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Controls12.
Front panel
Fig. 3 –Front panel description
Back panel
Fig. 4 –Back panel description

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LD connection13.
All works on the connection of the laser diode are performed with the MBL1500 power off!
Fig. 5 –Pin functions of LD connector
Table 1. Pin functions of LD connector
№
Description
№
Description
1
n/c
6
n/c
2
n/c
7
n/c
3
LD cathode (-)
8
LD anode (+)
4
n/c
9
5
n/c
shield
chassis ground
Fig. 6 –Pin functions of TEC connector
Table 2. Pin functions of TEC connector
№
Description
№
Description
1
n/c
9
n/c
2
n/c
10
n/c
3
Thermistor
11
n/c
4
Thermistor
12
n/c
5
TEC anode (+)
13
TEC cathode (-)
6
TEC anode (+)
14
TEC cathode (-)
7
n/c
15
TEC cathode (-)
8
n/c
shield
chassis ground
How to get started14.
When you turn on the MBL1500 without the connected LD, the operation and information on
the screen will be incorrect!
1. Unpack the MBL1500;
2. Connect the LD (paragraph 13. LD connection);
3. Connect the power cord. Plug the power cord into the outlet;
4. Check the Interlock connection. The Interlock status bar should not be highlighted in red
(paragraph 15.1 The Main screen);
5. Press the power button on the back panel;
6. Press the Standby button. A splash screen will appear. The Main screen loads. The function
buttons should be white. Buttons Laser and TEC should be red;
7. Set the required parameters and settings (paragraph 15. Screen description);

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8. To turn on, press the Laser and TEC buttons. The buttons will light up in green. Status bars
Current LD and TEC will light up in green. If you turn on LD without TEC, the TEC button will flash. If you
failed to turn on the Laser and TEC, check the status bars Error and Interlock. They should not be
highlighted in red (paragraph 15.1 The Main screen);
9. To turn off, press the Laser and TEC buttons again. The buttons will light up in red. Press the
Standby button. Turn off the power by button on the back panel.
Screen description15.
Before switching on the TEC and Laser, set the parameters and settings for the MBL1500 in
accordance with the specification of the laser diode. The next section describes setting parameters
and settings in detail.
15.1. The Main screen
Fig. 7 –The Main screen
MBL1500 has a duplicate control using buttons and encoder and/or touchscreen. Button control
will be described at first. Touchscreen control will be described later, as an option.
Table 3. The Main screen submenus description
Submenu
Description
LD Setpoint
Allows to change LD current, frequency and duration (Function button 1)
TEC Setpoint
Allows to change temperature (Function button 2)
Settings
Allows to set limits, calibrate LD and TEC current, adjust screen brightness, get general
information, disable/enable touchscreen, etc. (Function button 3)
Memory
Allows to save the set parameters (Function button 4)
Control with buttons and encoder
To go to the submenu, press the Function button that corresponds to the required submenu.
Control with touchscreen
To go to the submenu, tap the button icon on the screen that corresponds to the required
submenu.

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15.2. The LD Setpoint screen
Fig. 8 –The LD Setpoint screen
Fig. 9 –Parameter change cursor
Table 4. The LD Setpoint screen submenus description
Submenu
Description
LD Setpoint
Allows to return to the Main menu (Function button 1)
QCW Setpoint
Allows to go to the QCW submenu (Function button 2)
Left cursor
Moves the change cursor to the left (Function button 3)
Right cursor
Moves the change cursor to the right (Function button 4)
Control with buttons and encoder
Use the Left cursor and Right cursor buttons to select the integer or fractional part of the LD
current that you plan to change. Turn the encoder to change the current (clockwise to increase,
counterclockwise to decrease). To return to the Main menu, press the LD Setpoint button. To go to the
QCW Setpoint submenu, press the Function button that corresponds to the required submenu.
Control with touchscreen
To set the current, tap on the field next to the Keypad Select icon. To return to the Main menu or
go to the QCW Setpoint submenu, tap the button icon on the screen that corresponds to the required
menu or submenu.

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15.3. The I Current Keypad screen
Fig. 10 –The I Current Keypad screen
Table 5. The I Current Keypad screen submenus description
Button
Description
Back
Allows to return to the I Current submenu (Function button 1)
Back space
Delete symbol (Function button 2)
Clear
Clear input window (Function button 3)
Set
Set value (Function button 4)
Control with touchscreen
If you need to set a new value, clear the input window using the Clear button. If you only want to
edit the value, use the Back space button to remove unwanted symbols. Set the required value using
the numeric keypad. Use the Set button to set the value. To return to the I Current submenu, tap the
Back button or tap the field next to the Keypad select icon.
Control with buttons and encoder
To go to a submenu or perform an action, press the Function button that corresponds to the
required submenu or action. Changing the current in the I Current Keypad submenu is possible only
with a touchscreen.

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15.4. The QCW Setpoint screen
Fig. 11 –The QCW Setpoint screen
Table 6. The QCW Setpoint screen submenus description
Button
Description
LD Setpoint
Allows to return to the Main menu (Function button 1)
Back
Allows to return to the LD Setpoint submenu (Function button 2)
F Frequency
Allows to change the frequency (Function button 3)
Ton Duration
Allows to change the duration (Function button 4)
Control with buttons and encoder
To go to the F Frequency or Ton Duration submenu, press the Function button that corresponds to
the required submenu. To return to the QCW Setpoint submenu, press the Back button.
To return to the Main menu, press the LD Setpoint button.
Control with touchscreen
To go to the submenu, tap the button icon on the screen that corresponds to the required submenu.
15.5. The F Frequency иTon Duration screen
The F Frequency and Ton Duration screens have the same ergonomics and control principle as
the LD Setpoint screen (paragraphs 15.2 and 15.3). While setting the frequency and duration, it is
necessary to take into account that the MBL1500 has a rise time of about 4.5ms and a fall time of
about 7ms. If the pulse duration is short, the current will not have time to increase and you will not
receive a pulse of the required shape.

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15.6. The TEC Setpoint screen
Fig. 12 –The TEC Setpoint screen
Table 7. TEC Setpoint screen submenus description
Button
Description
LD Setpoint
Allows to return to the LD Setpoint submenu (Function button 1)
TEC Setpoint
Allows to return to the Main menu (Function button 2)
Left cursor
Moves the change cursor to the left (Function button 3)
Right cursor
Moves the change cursor to the right (Function button 4)
Control with buttons and encoder or touchscreen
The TEC Setpoint submenu has the same control principle as the LD Setpoint screen (paragraphs
15.2 and 15.3).
15.7. The Settings screen
Fig. 13 –The Settings screen
Table 8. The Settings screen submenus description
Button
Description
Back
Allows to return to the Main menu (Function button 1)
Select
Button to select the parameter to change (Function button 2)
Up
Scroll up (Function button 3)
Down
Scroll down (Function button 4)

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Control with buttons and encoder
Use the Up and Down buttons to move the selection cursor to the parameter you want to
change. Press the Select button to select a parameter. To return to the Main menu, press the Back
button.
Control with touchscreen
Tap on the setting you plan to change to set the selection cursor. Tap again to select the setting
option. Tap a third time to bring up the keypad. Set the required parameter value using the keypad
(the principle of keyboard control is the same as in 13.3 The I Current Keypad screen). Tap the Back
button to return to the Main menu.
15.8. The Settings LD max current screen
Fig. 14 –The Setting LD max current screen
Table 9. The Setting LD max current screen submenus description
Button
Description
Cancel
Cancel setting parameter (Function button 1)
Set
Set value (Function button 2)
Left Cursor
Moves the change cursor to the left (Function button 3)
Right Cursor
Moves the change cursor to the right (Function button 4)
Control with buttons and encoder
Use the Left Cursor and Right Cursor buttons to select the integer or fractional part of the LD
current you want to change. Turn the encoder to change the current (clockwise to increase,
counterclockwise to decrease). Press the Set button to set the parameter value or the Cancel button to
discard the changes.

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15.9. The Memory screen
Fig. 15 –The Memory screen
Table 10. The Memory screen submenus description
Button
Description
Back
Allows to return to the Main menu (Function button 1)
Set
Set value (Function button 2)
Up
Scroll up (Function button 3)
Down
Scroll down (Function button 4)
Control with buttons and encoder
To save the present values, move the selection cursor using the Up and Down buttons to the
Present values line. Click the Save button to save the values. Using the Up and Down buttons, select
the memory cell from Memory1 to Memory9 to save the current values, and click the Save button. To
load values, move the selection cursor using the Up and Down buttons to the line with the required
memory cell (Memory1 - Memory9). Press the Set button to load values from the memory cell. To go
to the Main menu, press the Back button.
Control with touchscreen
To save the present values, tap on the Present values line. Tap the Save button to save the
values. Select the memory cell from Memory1 to Memory9 to save the values and tap the Save button.
To load the values, tap on the line with the required memory cell (Memory1 - Memory9). Tap the Set
button to load values from the memory cell. To go to the Main menu, press the Back button.

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15.10. The Memory Keypad screen
Fig. 16 -The Memory Keypad screen
Table 11. The Memory Keypad screen submenus description
Button
Description
Back
Allows to return to the Memory menu (Function button 1)
Back space
Delete symbol (Function button 2)
Clear
Clear input window (Function button 3)
Set
Set cell name (Function button 4)
Control with buttons and encoder
The Memory Keypad screen is available only with a touchscreen.
Control with touchscreen
To go to the Memory Keypad screen in the Memory screen, double-tap on the cell from
Memory1 to Memory9. If you need to set a new name, clear the input window using the Clear button.
If you only want to edit cell name, use the Back space button to remove unwanted symbols. Set the
required name of the memory cell using the keypad. Use the Set button to set the name. To return to
the Memory submenu, press the Back button.

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15.11. The Info screen
Fig. 17 –The Info screen
The Info submenu provides general information. Tap on the touchscreen or any button to exit.

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Digital control description16.
When the input voltage applied the driver is always in “analogue current set, external
enable and allowing interlock” state. Any other state should be set any time after
powering the driver if needed.
Default serial port settings:
Baud rate
Data bits
Stop bits
Parity
Flow control
115200
8
1
none
none
Data exchange between the driver and the PC is only initiated by the PC. All commands are sent in
plain text format. All commands are sent with prefix. Number of command follows the prefix without any
symbols. If there is the value after the command they separates with “space” symbol. The command ends
with “carriage return” symbol.
Table 12. The format of the command to set the value (P-type)
Number of
byte
Value
Comment
1
P (50h)
Set prefix
2-5
Number of parameter
Hex-number of the parameter. For example,
0100h
6
‘space’ symbol (20h)
7-10
New value of the parameter
Hex-value of the parameter, 0000h
11
‘return carriage’ symbol <CR> (0Dh)
End of the command
The device does not respond to P-type commands by default. (see section “the protocol extension”).
You can request the value of parameter by the J-type command. The device will return a value of
requested parameter.
Table 13. The format of the command to get the value (J-type)
Number of
byte
Value
Comment
1
J (4Ah)
Request prefix
2-5
Number of parameter
Hex-number of the parameter. For example,
0100h
6
‘return carriage’ symbol <CR> (0Dh)
End of the command
Table 14. The format of the response
Number of
byte
Value
Comment
1
K (4Bh)
Response prefix
2-5
Number of parameter
Hex-number of the requested parameter
6
‘space’ symbol (20h)
7-10
Returned value of the parameter
Hex-value of the parameter
11
‘return carriage’ symbol <CR> (0Dh)
End of the command
If the device could not recognize a command, it returns an error message with error code.

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Table 15. The format and codes of errors
Error (returned
command)
Reasons
E0000
1) Internal buffer of device is overflowed
2) Cannot find <CR> (0x0D) or\and <LF> (0x0A)
3) Format of command is invalid
E0001
1) Unknown command (it does not P- or J-type command)
2) The device failed to correctly interpret a command
Table 16. Available parameters and its description
Action
R/W
HEX-
number of
parameters
Frequency
(0,1 Hz)
Value
R/W
0100
Minimum
R
0101
Maximum
R
0102
Duration
(0,1 ms)
Value
R/W
0200
Minimum
R
0201
Maximum
R
0202
Current
(0,01 А)
Value
R/W
0300
Minimum
R
0301
Maximum
R
0302
Measured value (0,1 А)
R
0307
Current set
calibration (0,01%)1
Value
R/W
030E
Voltage (0,1 V)
Measured value
R
0407
State of the device
(bit mask)
Start (Enable)
0008h
W
0700
Stop (Disable)
0010h
Internal current set
0020h
External current set
0040h
External Enable
0200h
Internal Enable
0400h
Allow Interlock
1000h
Deny Interlock
2000h
Deny NTC Interlock
4000h
Allow NTC Interlock
8000h
1
Default –100.00% (2710h), calibration range is from 95.00% (251Ch) to 105.00% (2904h).

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State of the device
(bit mask)
0 bit
1 - Device is powered on
(always = 1)
R
0700
1st bit
0 –Stopped; 1 –Started
2nd bit
Current set:
0 –External;
1 –Internal
4th bit
Enable:
0 –External;
1 –Internal
6th bit
External NTC Interlock:
0 –Allowed;
1 –Denied
7th bit
Interlock:
0 –Allowed;
1 –Denied
Serial number
Return the hex-value of the serial number
R
0701
Device model and
version ID
Return identification number
R
0702
Information about
parameters that you
can change (bit
mask)
0 bit
1 –the device supports this
option
R
0703
1st bit
Frequency
2nd bit
Duration
3rd bit
Current
Lock status (bit mask)
0 bit
Reserve
R
0800
1st bit
Interlock
3rd bit
Over current
4th bit
Overheat (warning)
5th bit
External NTC Interlock
TEC temperature
(0,01°)
Set value
R/W
0A10
Upper limit
R/W
0A11
Lower limit
R/W
0A12
Absolute maximum
R
0A13
Absolute minimum
R
0A14
Measured value
R
0A15
TEC current (0,1 A)
Measured value
R
0A16
Upper limit
R/W
0A17
Absolute maximum
R
0A1C
TEC voltage (0,1 В)
Measured value
R
0A18
Upper limit
R/W
0A19
Absolute maximum
R
0A1D
State of the TEC (bit
Start
0008h
W
0A1A