Newport LDC-3706 Series User manual

User’s Guide
Laser Diode Controller
LDC-3706 Series
700483 December 2019
Complete listings for all global oce locations are available online at www.newport.com/contact
www.newport.com
Newport Corporation
31950 Frontage Road Bozeman, MT, USA
PHONE: [phone] FAX: [phone] EMAIL: [email protected]om
Newport Corporation, Irvine and Santa Clara, California and Franklin, Massachusetts; Evry and Beaune-La-Rolande, France; Stahnsdorf, Germany and Wuxi, China have all been certified compliant with ISO 9001 by the British Standards Institution.

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Table of Contents
Safety Information and the Manual.............................................................................v
General Safety Considerations...................................................................................v
Safety Symbols.......................................................................................................... vi
Safety Marking Symbols........................................................................................... vii
Warranty................................................................................................................... vii
Limitations ................................................................................................................ vii
Returning an Instrument .......................................................................................... viii
Claims for Shipping Damage..........................................................................................................viii
Comments, Suggestions, and Problems ................................................................... ix

Chapter 1: Introduction and Specifications ................................................. 1
Safety Considerations ................................................................................................1
Initial Inspection..........................................................................................................1
Shipping Kit ................................................................................................................1
Product Overview .......................................................................................................2
Options and Accessories............................................................................................5
LDC-3706 Specifications .................................................................................................6

Chapter 2: General Operation................................................................... 11
Grounding Requirements .........................................................................................11
AC Line Power Requirements ..................................................................................11
The Power Up Sequence .........................................................................................12
Firmware Upgradeability...........................................................................................12
GPIB Communication ...............................................................................................13
USB Communication ................................................................................................13
Tilt Foot Adjustment..................................................................................................13
Rack Mounting..........................................................................................................13
Connections..............................................................................................................14
Connecting to the Laser Controller ...........................................................................17
Front Panel Operation ..............................................................................................19
Power On / Off................................................................................................................................19

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Adjust Knob and Enable Button .....................................................................................................19
Parameters Setup...........................................................................................................................20
PID Temperature Control ...............................................................................................................21
Temperature Control Mode ............................................................................................................23
Laser Current Source Setup...........................................................................................................23
Current Control Mode.....................................................................................................................25
Display............................................................................................................................................25
Error Indicators ...............................................................................................................................26
General Operating Procedures.................................................................................26
Warm-Up and Environmental Considerations................................................................................26
Operating the Laser Current Source from the Front Panel .......................................27
Using the LDC-3706 Controller’s Trigger Output Function ............................................................30
Operating the Temperature Controller from the Front Panel ....................................31
General Guidelines for Sensor Selection and Safety Limits ..........................................................31
Sensor Options...............................................................................................................................31
Safety Limits ...................................................................................................................................35
Constant Temperature Mode Operation ...................................................................36
Constant Sensor Mode Operation ............................................................................37
Constant Current Mode Operation............................................................................38
Resistive Heater Mode Operation.............................................................................39

Chapter 3: Remote Operation................................................................... 41
GPIB Address...........................................................................................................41
Basic GPIB Concepts ...............................................................................................41
Data and Interface Messages ........................................................................................................41
Talkers, Listeners, and Controllers.................................................................................................42
GPIB Cable Connections ...............................................................................................................42
The GPIB Connector ......................................................................................................................43
Reading the GPIB Address ............................................................................................................44
Changing the GPIB Address ..........................................................................................................44
Basic USB Concepts ................................................................................................44
Changing Between Local and Remote Operation.....................................................45
GPIB vs. USB Communication .................................................................................45
Command Syntax .....................................................................................................45
Letters.............................................................................................................................................45
White Space ...................................................................................................................................46
Terminators ....................................................................................................................................46
Command Separators ....................................................................................................................46
Parameters .....................................................................................................................................46

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Syntax Summary ......................................................................................................48
IEEE 488.2 Common Commands.............................................................................49
Command Timing .....................................................................................................50
Sequential / Overlapped Commands........................................................................51
Query Response Timing...........................................................................................51

Chapter 4: Command Reference ............................................................... 53
Remote Command Reference Summary..................................................................53
Command Reference ...............................................................................................63

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting and Calibration ............................................. 90
Troubleshooting Guide .............................................................................................91
Error Messages ........................................................................................................95
Error Code Tables ..........................................................................................................................95
Calibration Overview ................................................................................................97
Recommended Equipment.............................................................................................................97
Environmental Conditions ..............................................................................................................97
Warm-up.........................................................................................................................................98
Calibration Adjustments .................................................................................................................98
Thermistor Calibration ....................................................................................................................98
IC-I (AD590 or equivalent) Sensor Calibration...............................................................................99
IC-V (LM335 or Equivalent) Sensor Calibration .............................................................................99
RTD Sensor Calibration ...............................................................................................................100
ITE Current Calibration.................................................................................................................101
TEC Voltage Measurement Calibration........................................................................................101
Laser Driver Current Calibration...................................................................................................102
Laser Voltage Measurement Calibration......................................................................................103
Photodiode Current Calibration ....................................................................................................104

Appendix A: AD590 and LM335 Sensor Calibration ............................... 107
AD590 Sensor ........................................................................................................107
LM335 Sensor ........................................................................................................108
One Point Calibration Method.................................................................................109
Two Point Calibration Method...............................................................................1100

Appendix B: Auto-Tune Method.............................................................. 111

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List of Figures
Figure 1.1 – LDC-3726 Front Panel................................................................................................. 2
Figure 1.2 – LDC-3726 Rear Panel ................................................................................................. 2
Figure 1.3 – LDC-3736 Front Panel................................................................................................. 3
Figure 1.4 – LDC-3736 Rear Panel ................................................................................................. 3
Figure 1.5 – LDC-37620 Front Panel............................................................................................... 4
Figure 1.6 – LDC-37620 Rear Panel ............................................................................................... 4
Figure 2.1 - Laser Diode Connection Configurations..................................................................... 17
Figure 2.2 – Front Panel Display ................................................................................................... 19
Figure 2.3a – The Setpoint Current ..............................................................................................25
Figure 2.3b – The Measured Current............................................................................................. 25
Figure 2.4 - Example Thermistor Resistance vs. Temperature ..................................................... 32
Figure 3.1 – GPIB Cable Connection............................................................................................. 42
Figure 3.2 – GPIB Connector......................................................................................................... 43
Figure 3.3 – Common Command Diagrams .................................................................................. 49
Figure 3.4 – Status Reporting Scheme.......................................................................................... 50
Figure 5.1 – IPD Calibration Circuit ............................................................................................... 104
Figure A.1 – Non Linearity Graph ................................................................................................ 108
Figure B.1 – Tuning Process........................................................................................................ 111

December 2019 v LDC-3706 Series Laser Controller
Safety and Warranty Information
Details about cautionary symbols
Safety markings used on the instrument
Information about the warranty
Customer service contact information
Safety Information and the Manual
Throughout this manual, the words Caution and Warning will indicate potentially dangerous or
hazardous situations which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious or minor injury, or damage to
the product. Specifically:
Caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation which can result in minor or moderate injury or
damage to the product or equipment.
Warning indicates a potentially dangerous situation which can result in serious injury or death.
General Safety Considerations
If any of the following conditions exist, or are even suspected, do not use the instrument until safe
operation can be verified by trained service personnel:
Visible damage
Severe transport stress
Prolonged storage under adverse conditions
Failure to perform intended measurements or functions
If necessary, return the instrument to ILX Lightwave, or to an authorized local ILX Lightwave
distributor, for service or repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.
All instruments returned to ILX Lightwave are required to have a Return Merchandise Authorization
Number assigned by an official representative of ILX Lightwave Corporation. See Returning an
Instrument for more information.

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Safety Symbols
This section describes the safety symbols and classifications.
Technical specifications including electrical ratings and weight are included within the manual. See
the Table of Contents to locate the specifications and other product information. The following
classifications are standard across all ILX Lightwave products:
Indoor use only
Ordinary Protection: This product is NOT protected against the harmful ingress of
moisture.
IEC Class I Equipment (grounded type)
Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed ±10% of the nominal supply voltage.
Pollution Degree II
Installation (overvoltage) Category II for transient over-voltages
Maximum Relative Humidity: <85% RH, non-condensing
Operating temperature range of 10 °C to 40 °C
Storage and transportation temperature of –40 °C to 70 °C
Maximum altitude: 3000 m (9843 ft.)
This equipment is suitable for continuous operation.

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Safety Marking Symbols
This section provides a description of the safety marking symbols that may appear on the instrument.
These symbols provide information about potentially dangerous situations which can result in death,
injury, or damage to the instrument and other components.
Caution, refer
to manual
Earth ground
Terminal Alternating current
Visible and/or
invisible laser
radiation
Caution, risk of
electric shock
Protective
Conductor
Terminal
Caution,
hot surface
Frame or chassis
terminal
Warranty
ILX Lightwave Corporation warrants this instrument to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. During the warranty period, ILX will
repair or replace the unit, at our option, without charge.
Limitations
This warranty does not apply to fuses, lamps, defects caused by abuse, modifications, or to use of
the product for which it was not intended.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. ILX Lightwave Corporation shall not be liable for
any incidental, special, or consequential damages.
If a problem occurs, please contact ILX Lightwave Corporation with the instrument's serial number,
and thoroughly describe the nature of the problem.

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Returning an Instrument
If an instrument is to be shipped to ILX Lightwave for repair or service, be sure to:
Obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA) from ILX Customer Service.
Attach a tag to the instrument identifying the owner and indicating the required service or
repair. Include the instrument serial number from the rear panel of the instrument.
Attach the anti-static protective caps that were shipped with the instrument.
Place the instrument in the original packing container with at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) of
compressible packaging material. Shipping damage is not covered by this warranty.
Secure the packing box with fiber reinforced strapping tape or metal bands.
Send the instrument, transportation pre-paid, to ILX Lightwave. Clearly write the return
merchandise authorization number on the outside of the box and on the shipping paperwork.
ILX Lightwave recommends the shipment be insured.
If the original shipping container is not available, place the instrument in a container with at
least 3 inches (7.5 cm) of compressible packaging material on all sides.
Repairs are made and the instrument returned transportation pre-paid. Repairs are warranted for the
remainder of the original warranty or for 90 days, whichever is greater.
Claims for Shipping Damage
When the instrument is received, inspect it immediately for any damage or shortages on the packing
list. If the instrument is damaged, file a claim with the carrier. The factory will supply a quotation for
estimated costs of repair. The user must negotiate and settle with the carrier for the amount of
damage.

December 2019 ix LDC-3706 Series Laser Controller
Comments, Suggestions, and Problems
To ensure that the user gets the most out of ILX Lightwave products, ILX Lightwave asks that any
product operation or service related questions or comments be directed to ILX Lightwave Customer
Support.
ILX Lightwave may be contacted in whatever way is most convenient:
Phone [phone] or [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
Or mail to:
MKS / Newport
31950 East Frontage Road
Bozeman, Montana, U.S.A 59715
www.newport.com/b/ilx-lightwave
When contacting ILX Lightwave, please have the following information:
Model Number
Serial Number
End-user Name
Company
Phone
Fax
Description of what is connected to the ILX Lightwave instrument
Description of the problem
If ILX Lightwave determines that a return to the factory is necessary, a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number will be issued. Please mark this number on the outside of the shipping
box.
The user or the user’s shipping service is responsible for any shipping damage when returning the
instrument to ILX Lightwave; ILX recommends the shipment be insured. If the original shipping
container is not available, place the instrument in a container with at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) of
compressible packaging material on all sides.
We look forward to serving you even better in the future!

December 2019 x LDC-3706 Series Laser Controller

December 2019 1 LDC-3706 Series Laser Controller
Chapter 1:
Introduction and Specifications
This chapter is an introduction to the LDC-3706 Laser Controllers and contains unpacking
information, instructions on how to install and apply power, maintenance information,
specifications and listings of the LDC-3706 instrument options and accessories.
Safety Considerations and unpacking information
Product Overview
Options and accessories
Specifications
Safety Considerations
If any of the following symptoms exist, or are even suspected, remove the LDC-3706 from
service. Do not use the LDC-3706 instrument until trained service personnel can verify
safe operation.
Visible damage
Severe transport stress
Prolonged storage under adverse conditions
Failure to perform intended measurements or functions
If necessary, return the LDC-3706 instrument to ILX Lightwave for service and repair to
ensure that safety features are maintained.
Initial Inspection
When the LDC-3706 Laser Controller is received, verify that the following items were shipped with
the instrument:
Power Cord
Shipping Kit
LNF-320 Low Noise Filter (LDC-3736 only)
50-Ohm BNC terminator (LDC-37620 only)
Shipping Kit
The shipping kit for the LDC-3706 instrument includes a USB A/B cable and a USB Flash Drive
containing the ILX Lightwave USB Driver, and product manual.

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Product Overview
The LDC-3706 Laser Controllers are high performance combination current source/temperature
controllers. The current source provides a high stability output with a fully redundant current limit
and multiple laser protection features. The built-in temperature controller can work with a wide
range of temperature sensors and thermoelectric modules to deliver precise laser temperature
control over a wide range of temperatures. The LDC-3706 instrument’s fast, sophisticated GPIB
and USB interfaces ensure trouble-free remote programming and readout.
If cleaning is required, use a clean dry cloth. Do not use solvents.
Figure 1.1 – LDC-3726 Front Panel
Figure 1.2 – LDC-3726 Rear Panel

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Figure 1.3 – LDC-3736 Front Panel
Figure 1.4 – LDC-3736 Rear Panel

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Figure 1.5 – LDC-37620 Front Panel
Figure 1.6 – LDC-37620 Rear Panel

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Options and Accessories
Options and accessories available for LDC-3706 Laser Controllers include the following:
DESCRIPTION
MODEL / PART
NUMBER
COMPATABLE WITH
LDC-3726 LDC-3736 LDC-37620
Single Rack Mount Kit, 37X6 RM-146 
Calibrated 10kThermistor TS-510 
Cables
Current Source to Laser Mount Cable, 6 Amp,
7W2 to DB9 CC-305H 
Current Source to Laser Mount Cable, 5 Amp,
DB9 to DB9 CC-305S 
Current Source Cable, 5 Amp, DB9 to Bare
Wire CC-306S 
Current Source to Laser Mount Cable, 20
Amp, 9W4 to 7W2 CC-308H 
Current Source to Laser Mount Cable, 40
Amp, 9W4 to 7W2 CC-320

Laser Current Source Cable, 40 Amp, 9W4 to
Copper/Crown CC-340 
TEC Controller to Laser Mount Cable, 6 Amp,
DB15 to 7W2 CC-501HT 
TEC Controller to Laser Mount Cable, 5 Amp,
DB15 to DB9 CC-505S 
TEC Controller Cable, Fan Wires, 10 Amp,
DB25 to Unterminated CC-594H

TEC Controller to Laser Mount Cable, 5 Amp,
DB25 to DB9 CC-595S 
TEC Controller to Laser Mount Interconnect,
10 Amp, DB25 to 7W2 CC-596H

Temperature Controller Cable, 300B Series,
DB15 Male to DB15 Female 500-04 
Laser Diode Driver Cable, DB9 Male to DB9
Female 300-04 
Laser Diode Mounting Fixtures
QCL
Mounting Fixture, C-mount1LDM-487201 
Mounting Fixture, Alpes COC1Mount LDM-487202 
Low Power
TO-Can Laser Diode Mount LDM-4405 
TO-Can Laser Diode Mount (Compact) LDM-4990 
DIL Laser Diode Mount LDM-4982 
13-Pin Butterfly Laser Diode Mount LDM-4983 
14-Pin Butterfly Laser Diode Mount LDM-4984 
Connectorized Flanged TO Can Mount LDM-4986 
26-Pin Butterfly Laser Diode Mount LDM-4989 
Laser Diode Mount, TO-9, TO-56, Pigtailed 710 
High Power
C-Mount Laser Diode Mount LDM-4409 
CS Bar Laser Diode Mount LDM-4415
Laser Diode, TO-3 and HHL Mount LDM-4442 
Butterfly Laser Diode Mount LDM-49840 
2-Pin Module Laser Diode Mount LDM-49860 
1. See Chapter 2, TEC Connections.

December 2019 6 LDC-3706 Series Laser Controller
LDC-3706 Specifications

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