THORLABS PDA200C User manual

Photodiode Amplifier
PDA200C
Operation Manual
2020

Copyright © 2020 Thorlabs
Version:
Date: 3.5 12-May-2020

Foreword
Contents 2
1 General Information 3
31.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories
2 Getting Started 4
42.1 Parts List 42.2 Preparation
3 Operating Instruction 5
53.1 Operating Elements 73.2 Operation 73.2.1 Connecting a Photodiode 73.2.2 Offset Adjustment 83.2.3 Calibration of the Power Display 83.2.4 Setting a BIAS Voltage 93.2.5 Analog Control Output 93.2.6 Disabling the Beeper
4 Maintenance and Service 10
104.1 Line Voltage Setting 114.2 Replacing Mains Fuses 124.3 Troubleshooting
5 Appendix 13
135.1 Technical Data 155.2 Safety 165.3 Environmental Conditions 175.4 Manufacturer Address 185.5 Declaration of Conformity 195.6 Warranty 195.7 Exclusion of Liability and Copyright 205.8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts and WEEE Policy

© 2020 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to
your expectations and improve our products permanently we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read this advice carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note
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© 2020 Thorlabs
1 General Information
3
1 General Information
The Thorlabs PDA200C is a precise photodiode current amplifier compatible with all kinds of
photodiodes. After a calibration the PDA200C can be used as precise optical power meter.
Typical applications of the PDA200C are:
·simple operation of photodiodes (transimpedance amplifier)
·sensitive pico-Ampère meter
·low noise amplification of photodiode current
·simple optical power meter
The PDA200C is easy to operate via the operating elements on the front panel. The operating
parameters are shown on an illuminated 5-digit LED display. Either PD-current, optical power or
bias voltage can be displayed. The displayed parameter is chosen by up / down toggle switches
and indicated by LEDs. The units of the measurement for current and power ranges are indic-
ated by LEDs. The unit for bias voltage is V.
The offset of the input amplifier and of the photodiode can easily be adjusted using a 12-turn
potentiometer.
The bias voltage ranging from 0 V to+10 V (for polarity anode grounded) or from 0 V to -10 V
(for polarity cathode grounded) can be applied to the photodiode using the sliding switch on the
rear panel of the PDA200C. The voltage is set using a 12-turn potentiometer.
The displayed power values can be calibrated for a known power level by a potentiometer.
The Analog Out provides a DC voltage proportional to the photodiode current.
The installed mains filter and the transformer shielding provide a low ripple at the analog control
output.
If requested Thorlabs offers calibrated photodiodes as accessories.
Attention
Please find all safety information and warnings concerning this product in the chapter Safety
in the Appendix.
1.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories
Ordering code Short description
PDA200C Photodiode amplifier / optical power meter
Thorlabs offers a variety of photodiodes for different wavelengths and power ranges, which can
be used with the PDA200C.
Please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com for further information.
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PDA200C
2 Getting Started
2.1 Parts List
Please inspect the shipping container for damage. Please do not cut through the cardboard.
You might need the box for storage or for returns. If the shipping container seems to be dam-
aged, keep it until you have inspected the contents and you have inspected the PDA200C
mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1. 1 PDA200C
2. 1 grounding cable
3. 1 flat-bladed screwdriver 1.8 x0.5 mm
4. 1 power cord, connector according to ordering country
5. 1 Quick Reference
2.2 Preparation
Prior to operating a PDA200C controller, check if the set line voltage matches with your local
power supply and if the appropriate fuses are inserted. See sections Line Voltage Setting
and Replacing the Mains Fuses .
Connect the unit to the power line using the supplied cable. Turn the unit on by pressing the
line switch (F9) .
Via the connector jack of the chassis ground (R2) the external optical setup can be connected
to ground potential, if required. The required grounding cable is attached.
Note
Grounding is strongly recommended in order to avoid hum and noise interference to the photo-
diode input, particularly when measuring low photodiode current.
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3 Operating Instruction
5
3 Operating Instruction
3.1 Operating Elements
Operating elements at front panel
F1 - 5-digit LED display
F2 LED "nA" Current display in nA
F3 LED "µA" Current display in µA
F4 LED "mA" Current display in mA
F5 LED "nW" Power display in nW
F6 LED "µW" Power display in µW
F7 LED "mW" Power display in mW
F8 LED "BIAS ON” Bias voltage switched on
F9 - Line switch (ON / OFF)
F10 SET Potentiometer for setting the bias voltage
F11 CAL Potentiometer for calibrating the power display "POPT"
F12 LED “BIAS” Display shows the bias voltage in volts
F13 LED "POPT" Display shows the optical power
F14 LED "IPD" Display shows the photodiode current
F15 Key "DOWN" Select the parameter to be displayed
F16 Key "UP" Select the parameter to be displayed
F17 Key Range ”Down” Select the measurement range (increasing the sensitivity)
F18 Key Range “Up” Select the measurement range (decreasing the sensitivity)
F19 OFFSET Potentiometer for PD input offset adjustment
F20 PD INPUT Photodiode input

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PDA200C
Operating elements at rear panel
R1 Monitor control output "ANALOG OUT", 0 … ±10V
R2 4 mm banana jack for grounding
R3 Selector switch for the photodiode bias voltage: CG (-) / OFF / AG (+)
R4 Serial number of the unit
R5 Indicator / switch for line voltage (included in fuse holder)
R6 Mains connector and fuse holder

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3 Operating Instruction
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3.2 Operation
Attention
Prior to switch on the PDA200C please check if the line voltage setting (see the indicated
voltage in the fuse holder's window R5 ) corresponds to your mains voltage! If the selected
voltage does not match, please set it correctly as described in section “Line Voltage Setting ”.
Push the line switch (F9) to turn the unit on.
After switching on the unit, the LED display (F1) and one of the LEDs, indicating the selected
measurement value (F12 ... F14), lights up. If no display is shown, please check the line voltage
setting and the mains fuses.
Using up and down keys (F15) and (F16) the desired parameter can be selected.
The PDA200C is immediately ready to use after turning on. The rated accuracy is reached,
however, after a warming-up time of approx. 10 minutes.
3.2.1 Connecting a Photodiode
Photodiodes with both polarities, i.e. cathode or anode grounded, can be used with the
PDA200C. If a photodiode with anode connected to ground is used, the display (F1) shows a
negative sign.
Attention
If the polarity of the photodiode is not known, first set the bias switch (R3) to zero to avoid dam-
age to the diode!
·Select photo current display "IPD" using up / down keys F15) and F16).
·Select the 10 mA current (range keys F17 and F18).
·Connect the photodiode to the input jack "PD INPUT" (F20).
·Select an appropriate current range to show the actual photodiode current with the best
resolution on the LED display.
3.2.2 Offset Adjustment
The Offset Adjustment allows to compensate the input offset of the current amplifier or - if re-
quired - to zero the dark current of the connected photodiode. Offset and/or dark current adjust-
ment is recommended to proceed after the PDA200C has warmed up.
Offset compensation:
·Do not connect a photodiode to the input jack "PD INPUT" (F20).
·Select display IPD (F15/ F16).
·Select the 10 mA current range (F17/ F18).
·Using the screwdriver coming with the PDA200C, turn the potentiometer "OFFSET" (F19)
in order to achieve a zero IPD current in the display.
It is not necessary to repeat the offset correction after the current measurement range was
changed.
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PDA200C
Zeroing the PD's dark current
Connect the photodiode to the input jack "PD INPUT" (F20) and make sure the PD is darkened
completely. It might be useful to ground the photodiode's housing using the supplied grounding
cable, connected to the GND jack R2 on the rear panel
·Select display IPD (F15/ F16).
·Select the required PD current range (F17/ F18).
·Using the screwdriver, turn the potentiometer "OFFSET" (F19) in order to achieve a zero
IPD current in the display.Aftewr th
Note
After changing the IPD current range, the dark current compensation must be carried out again!
3.2.3 Calibration of the Power Display
The PDA200C can be calibrated in order to display the optical power incident to the connected
photodiode. The responsivity of the of the photodiode must not exceed the range 0.05 to 2
A/W. If the connected PD has a responsivity exceeding this eange, please contact Thorlabs for
a solution.
·Connect the photodiode and turn the PDA200C on.
·Expose the photodiode to a well known optical power. Make sure that no additional optical
power enters the photodiode.
·Select display IPD (F15 / F16).
·Select an appropriate current range (F17 / F18) to show the actual photodiode current
with the best possible resolution.
·Select display POPT (F15 / F16).
·Use the screwdriver to adjust the potentiometer "CAL" (F11) in order to get the value of
the optical power POPT displayed equal to the known power level.
This calibration is valid for all current ranges of the PDA200C.
3.2.4 Setting a BIAS Voltage
The PDA200C provides the possibility to apply a reverse voltage of up to ±10 V (bias) to the
photodiode (photo-conductive mode).
·Set the bias switch (R3 ) to “OFF”
·Connect the photodiode and turn on the PDA200C
·Expose the photodiode to light.
·Select the current range (F17 / F18).
If the displayed value is positive (polarity cathode grounded), set the bias switch (R3) to " - CG".
The applied bias voltage is negative.
If the displayed value is negative (polarity anode grounded), set the bias switch (R3) to " + AG".
The applied bias voltage is positive.
·Select Display “Bias” (F15 / F16).
·The bias voltage is displayed in volts.
·Use the screwdriver to set the potentiometer "SET" (F10) to the desired value for the bias
voltage.
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3 Operating Instruction
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Attention
If the polarity of the bias does not match to the photodiode polarity, the bias voltage may dam-
age the photodiode.
If the bias voltage exceeds the reverse voltage rating of the photodiode, the bias voltage may
damage the photodiode
3.2.5 Analog Control Output
The analog output "ANALOG OUT" (R1 ) at the rear panel delivers a DC voltage proportional
to the display reading of photodiode current IPD.
The output voltage is
0 …+10 V for a display reading of 0 … 10000 (photodiode cathode grounded) or
0 … -10 V for a display reading of 0 … -10000 (photodiode anode grounded).
The maximum bandwidth of the monitor output "ANALOG OUT" (R1) depends on the current
range (see Technical Data ).
The shield of the BNC "ANALOG OUT" (R1) is grounded, thus an oscilloscope or PC based
AD-Converter or other recording device can be connected directly.
Take care to avoid ground loops.
Devices connected to these outputs should have an input resistance 10 kW.
3.2.6 Disabling the Beeper
If audible signals are unwanted, the beeper can be disabled in this way:
·Press and hold the key “UP” (F16).
·Press the key “Down” (F15). Now the beeper state is displayed:
·“Sd.On” - Sound ON
·“Sd.OFF” - Sound OFF
To change the beeper state, hold the key “UP” pressed and toggle the beeper state by pressing
"DOWN" key.
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PDA200C
4 Maintenance and Service
Protect the PDA200C from adverse weather conditions. The PDA200C is not water resistant.
Attention
To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids or solvents!
The unit does not need a regular maintenance by the user. It does not contain any modules
and/or components that could be repaired by the user himself. If a malfunction occurs, please
contact Thorlabs for return instructions.
Do not remove covers!
If necessary the unit and the display can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with water. You
can use a mild 75% Isopropyl Alcohol solution for more efficient cleaning.
It is recommended to have the unit calibrated by Thorlabs every two years.
4.1 Line Voltage Setting
The Photodiode Amplifier PDA200C operates at fixed line voltages of
100 V +15% / -10% ( 90 V … 115 V)
115 V +15% / -10% (104 V … 132 V)
230 V +15% / -10% (207 V … 264 V)
line frequency 50 … 60 Hz.
The line voltage setting can be changed from the rear without opening the unit.
1. Turn off the controller and disconnect the mains cable.
2. The fuse holder (R7) is located below the 3-pole power
connector of the mains jack (R6). Release the fuse holder
by pressing its plastic retainers with the aid of a small screw-
driver. The retainers are located on the right and left side of
the holder and must be pressed towards the center.
3. Unplug the white line voltage switch/indicator (R5, con-
taining the left fuse) from the fuse holder (R7), rotate it until
the appropriate voltage marking (100V, 115V, or 230V) is on
target for the cutout (R9) of the fuse holder, and plug it back
into the fuse holder. Press in the fuse holder until locked on
both sides. The appropriate line voltage marking must be
visible in the cutout (R9) of the fuse holder (R7).
Attention
If you have changed to or from 230 V, also change the mains fuses to the correct value given in
section Replacing Mains Fuses .
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4 Maintenance and Service
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4.2 Replacing Mains Fuses
The two power input fuses are externally accessible. If they have opened due to line distortions,
incorrect line voltage or other causes, they can be replaced from the rear without opening the
unit.
Attention
To avoid risk of fire only the appropriate fuses for the corresponding line voltage must
be used. 1. Turn off the PDA200C and disconnect the mains cable.
2. The fuse holder (R7) is located below the 3-pole power
connector of the mains jack (R6). Release the fuse holder by
pressing its plastic retainers using a small screwdriver. The re-
tainers are located on the right and left side of the holder and
must be pressed towards the center.
3. Replace the defective fuses (R8) and press in the fuse
holder until locked on both sides. Take care to maintain the
correct rotation of the white line voltage indicator / switch (R5)
which contains the left fuse and is plugged into the fuse
holder. The appropriate line voltage marking must be visible in
the cutout (R9) of the fuse holder.
Fuse types
100 V
500 mA, time-lag, 250V
T0.5A 250V
115 V
500 mA, time-lag, 250V
T0.5A 250V
230 V
250 mA, time-lag, 250V
T0.25A 250V
All fuses must meet IEC specification 60127-2/III, time characteristic: time-lag (T), 250V AC,
size 5 x 20 mm.

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PDA200C
4.3 Troubleshooting
·Unit does not work at all (no display at the front):
·PDA200C connected properly to the mains?
èCheck the mains cable and the line voltage setting (please refer to section Line
Voltage Setting ).
·PDA200C turned on?
èTurn on your PDA200C with the key mains-switch.
·Check the fuses at the rear panel (see Replacing Mains Fuses ).
èIf blown replace the fuses by the correct type (select the appropriate fuse type)
·The measured photo current or optical power seem to be not correct
·Are all offset errors eliminated?
èSee "Offset Adjustment " for compensation
·Is the photodiode calibrated?
èSee "Calibration of the Power Display ".
·Was the dark current of the photodiode compensated and subsequently the measure-
ment range changed?
èRepeat the dark current calibration for the actual measurement range you are
using.
·Measurement results are unstable
·Check system setup for possible ground loops which may introduce line interferences
(50/60 Hz) into your setup.
·Check if grounding of the PD housing (using the supplied grounding cable) improves
noise and / or hum.
·The unit switches on, but display shows error message (e.g., “Err06”)
·This indicates a malfunction of the PDA200C.
èIn such case, the controller needs to be returned to Thorlabs for maintenance.
Please contact Thorlabs with the information of the error code number and the serial
number of your PDA200C in order to receive the RMA (Return Material Authorization)
instructions accordingly.
If you don’t find the error source by means of the trouble shooting list please contact Thorlabs
for advise and/or return instructions.
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5 Appendix
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5 Appendix
5.1 Technical Data
Specifications
Full Scale Current Measurement Ranges
100 nA to 10 mA (in Decade Steps)
Maximum Resolution
10 pA
Display Range
0 to 10000 (CG), 0 to -10000 (AG)
Polarity of the Photodiode
Cathode Grounded (CG) or Anode Grounded (AG)
Bias Voltage
0 to -10 V (CG), 0 to +10 V (AG)
Photodiode Sensitivity
(for Calibrated Power Display)
0.05 to 2 A/W
Max. Photodiode Capacitance for Frequency
Compensated Operation
10 nF
Temperature Coefficient
<50 ppm/°C
Input Impedance
~0 W(Virtual Ground)
Photo Current Monitor Output
Output Voltage Range (Analog Output)
0 to +10 V (CG), 0 to -10 V (AG)
Conversion coefficient
103to 108V/A (depends on PD range, see table below)
Accuracy of Conversion coefficient
±5%
Noise
(rms f.s.of current measurement range)
Load Resistance
>10 kW
Common
Display
LED, 5 Digits
Connectors (PD Input, Analog Output)
BNC
Chassis Ground Connector
4 mm Banana Jack
Line Voltage
100 V
115 V ( +15% -10%)
230 V
Line Frequency
50 to 60 Hz
Mains Supply Overvoltage
Category II (Cat II)
Maximum Power Consumption
10 VA
Warm-up Time for Rated Accuracy
10 min
General
Operating Temperature Range 1)
0 - 40 °C
Storage Temperature Range
-40 to 70 °C
Relative Humidity
Max. 80% up to 31 °C, decreasing to 50% at 40 °C
Pollution Degree (Indoor Use only)
2
Operation Altitude
<2000 m
Dimensions (WxHxD), w/o operating elem.
146 x 66 x 290 mm³
Dimensions (WxHxD), with operating elem.
146 x 77 x 320 mm³
Weight
<3 kg
1) non-condensing
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ± 15% rel. humidity (non condensing)

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PDA200C
Current range
Resolution
Accuracy
Analog Output
Bandwidth 2)
Conversion Coeff.
10 mA
1 µA
± 0.05 % f.s.
500 kHz
1 x 103V/A ±5%
1 mA
100 nA
± 0.05 % f.s.
250 kHz
1 x 104V/A ±5%
100 µA
10 nA
± 0.05 % f.s.
70 kHz
1 x 105V/A ±5%
10 µA
1 nA
± 0.05 % f.s.
20 kHz
1 x 106V/A ±5%
1 µA
100 pA
± 0.05 % f.s.
5 kHz
1 x 107V/A ±5%
100 nA
10 pA
± 0.1 % f.s.
1 kHz
1 x 108V/A ±5%
2) Small signal 3dB bandwidth of the control output

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5 Appendix
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5.2 Safety
Attention
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of
the system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will
only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
The PDA200C must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing! Do not remove covers! Do not open the
cabinet. There are no parts serviceable by the operator inside!
This precision device is only serviceable if returned and properly packed into the complete ori-
ginal packaging including the cardboard insert that holds the enclosed devices. If necessary,
ask for replacement packaging. Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be made or com-
ponents not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Attention
Prior to applying power to the PDA200C, make sure that the protective conductor of the 3 con-
ductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth ground contact of the
socket outlet! Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in damage to your health
or even death!
Ensure that the line voltage setting of the fuse holder at the rear panel agrees with your local
supply and that the corresponding fuses are inserted. If not, please change the line voltage set-
ting (see section Line voltage setting ) and the mains fuses (see section Replacing the mains
fuses ).
To avoid risk of fire, only the appropriate fuses for the corresponding line voltage must be used.
All modules must only be operated with duly shielded connection cables.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise spe-
cified herein. The statement for other products will appear in the respective accompanying doc-
umentation.
Note This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian Inter-
ference-Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These limits are de-
signed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio commu-
nications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installa-
tion. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
·Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
·Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
·Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
·Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/T.V. technician for help.
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PDA200C
Users that change or modify the product described in this manual in a way not expressly ap-
proved by Thorlabs (party responsible for compliance) could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
Thorlabs GmbH is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications
of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other
than those specified by Thorlabs GmbH. The correction of interference caused by such unau-
thorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all op-
tional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
Attention
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters must not be used within the
range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the
maximum allowed disturbance values according to IEC61326-1.
This product has been tested and found complying with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for
using connection cables shorter than or equal to 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Attention
Vous pouvez trouver les traductions françaises des paragraphes ayant trait à la sécurité d'util-
isation de ce produit sur le lien suivant:
https://www.thorlabs.com/_sd.cfm?fileName=15987-D03.pdf&partNumber=PDA200C
En outre, vous pouvez soit scanner le QR code, soit vous référer à la section "Documents" sur
la page web du produit.
5.3 Environmental Conditions
Mains Supply Overvoltage
Category II (Cat II)
Relative Humidity
Max. 80% up to 31 °C;
decreasing to 50% at 40 °C
Pollution Degree (Indoor use only)
2
Operation Altitude
<2000 m
Operating Temperature Range (non condensing)
0°C to 40°C

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5 Appendix
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5.4 Manufacturer Address
Manufacturer Address Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
Münchner Weg 1
D-85232 Bergkirchen
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.de
Email: [email protected]
EU-Importer Address
Thorlabs GmbH
Münchner Weg 1
D-85232 Bergkirchen
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.de
Email: [email protected]

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PDA200C
5.5 Declaration of Conformity
This product was tested for and complies with the following standards:
·CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04
·ANSI/UL 61010-1-2004