THORLABS PDA200C User manual

Photo Diode Amplifier
PDA200C
Operation Manual
2012

Version:
Date:
3.0.7
13.08.2012
Copyright © 2012 Thorlabs

Foreword
Contents
2
1 General Information 3
31.1 Safety
41.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
2 Installation 5
52.1 Parts List
52.2 Getting Started
3 Operating Instruction 6
63.1 Operating elements
83.2 Operation
83.2.1 Connecting a Photo Diode
83.2.2 Offset Adjustment
93.2.3 Calibration of the Power Display
93.2.4 Setting a BIAS Voltage
103.2.5 Analog Control Output
103.2.6 Disabling the Beeper
4 Maintenance and Service 11
114.1 Line Voltage Setting
124.2 Replacing Mains Fuses
134.3 Troubleshooting
5 Appendix 14
145.1 Technical Data
165.2 Certifications and Compliances
175.3 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2012 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 these advices carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceeded 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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© 2012 Thorlabs
1 General Information
3
1 General Information
The Thorlabs PDA200C is a precise, small photodiode amplifier to operate with all kinds of
photodiodes. After calibration the PDA200C can be used as precise optical power meter.
The photodiode amplifier PDA200C is excellently suited for:
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 use due to the clearly arranged 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 indicated
by LEDs. The unit for bias voltage is V.
With a 12-turn potentiometer the offset of the input amplifier and of the photodiode can be
adjusted.
With a sliding switch on the rear side of the PDA200C a bias voltage range of +0..+10 V (for
polarity anode grounded) or -0..-10 V (for polarity cathode grounded) can be applied to the
photodiode. The voltage is set with a 12-turn Potentiometer.
With a 12-turn potentiometer the displayed power values can be calibrated for a known power
level.
A voltage proportional to the photodiode current is provided at an analog control output.
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.
1.1 Safety
Attention
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.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be carried
out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original
packaging including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary, ask for a replacement
package.
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in housing!
Do not remove covers!
Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Before applying power to your PDA200C system make sure that the protective conductor of the
3 conductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the
socket outlet!
Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damages to your health or even death!
Also make sure 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

© 2012 Thorlabs4
PDA200C
voltage setting and the mains fuses .
The photodiode amplifier PDA200C must not be operated in explosion endangered
environments!
Photodiode input and analog output must only be connected with duly shielded connection
cables.
1.2 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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2 Installation
5
2 Installation
Geben Sie hier den Text ein.
2.1 Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, 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 operation manual
2.2 Getting Started
Prior to starting operation with the Photodiode Amplifier PDA200C, check if the line voltage set
with the voltage selector at the rear panel agrees with your local supply and if the appropriate
fuses are inserted (see sections Line Voltage Setting and Replacing Mains Fuses )
Connect the unit to the line with the provided mains cable. Turn the unit on by means of 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 photo diode current.
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PDA200C
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

© 2012 Thorlabs
3 Operating Instruction
7
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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PDA200C
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 (F10) 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 Photo Diode
Photodiodes with both polarities 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
damage 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
required - to zero the dark current of the connected photo diode. Offset and/or dark current
adjustment 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 A 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 if you change the current range.
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© 2012 Thorlabs
3 Operating Instruction
9
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 photo diode'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 offset and dark current compensation must be
repeated!
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.
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PDA200C
Use the screwdriver to set the potentiometer "SET" (F10) to the desired value for the bias
voltage.
Attention
If the polarity of the bias does not match to the photodiode polarity, the bias voltage may
damage 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 devices can be connected directly.
Take care to avoid ground loops.
Devices connected to these outputs should have an input resistance 10 k.
3.2.6 Disabling the Beeper
If audible signals are unwanted, the beeper can be disabled:
Press and hold key “Up” (F16), then toggle beeper status using the key “Down” (F15).
Now the beeper state is displayed:
“Sd.On” Sound ON
“Sd.OFF” Sound OFF
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© 2012 Thorlabs
4 Maintenance and Service
11
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) or
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 PDA200C and disconnect the mains cable.
2. The fuse holder R7 (see Operating Elements ) 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 screwdriver. The retainers are located on the right and left side of the
holder and must be pressed towards the center.
3. Detach white line voltage switch / indicator (R5, containing the left fuse) from the fuse holder
(R7), rotate it until the appropriate voltage marking (100V, 115V, or 230V) is visible in the
aperture (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.
Attention
If the line voltage was changed, make sure the mains fuse is of the correct value (See
next section of this manual).
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PDA200C
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, see figure below) 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 retainers 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.

© 2012 Thorlabs
4 Maintenance and Service
13
4.3 Troubleshooting
Unit does not work at all (no display at the front):
PDA200C connected properly to the mains?
Check the mains cable and the line voltage setting (please refer to section Line
Voltage Setting ).
PDA200C turned on?
Turn on your PDA200C with the key mains-switch.
Check the fuses at the rear panel (see Replacing Mains Fuses ).
If 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?
See "Offset Adjustment " for compensation
Is the photodiode calibrated?
See "Calibration of the Power Display ".
Was the dark current of the photodiode compensated and subsequently the
measurement range changed?
Repeat 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.
In 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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PDA200C
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 Ω (Virtual Ground)
Output Voltage Range (Analog Output)
0 to +10 V (CG), 0 to -10 V (AG)
Noise
(rms f.s.of current measurement range)
≥0.02%
Load Resistance
>10 kΩ
Spec Typ 4
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
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
Dimensions (W x H x D), w/o operating elem.
146 x 66 x 290 mm³
Dimensions (W x H x D), 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)

© 2012 Thorlabs
5 Appendix
15
Current range
Resolution
Amplification
Accuracy
Bandwidth )
10 mA
1 mA
1 x 103 V/A
± 0.05 % f.s.
500 kHz
1 mA
100 nA
1 x 104 V/A
± 0.05 % f.s.
250 kHz
100 mA
10 nA
1 x 105 V/A
± 0.05 % f.s.
70 kHz
10 mA
1 nA
1 x 106 V/A
± 0.05 % f.s.
20 kHz
1 mA
100 pA
1 x 107 V/A
± 0.05 % f.s.
5 kHz
100 nA
10 pA
1 x 108 V/A
± 0.1 % f.s.
1 kHz

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PDA200C
5.2 Certifications and Compliances
Category
Standards or description
EC Declaration of
Conformity - EMC
Meets intent of Directive 2004/108/EC 1 for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Compliance was
demonstrated to the following specifications as listed in the Official Journal of the European
Communities:
EN 61326:1997
+A1:1998 +A2:2001
+A3:2003
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use –
EMC requirements:
Immunity: complies with immunity test requirements for equipment
intended for use in industrial locations 2.
Emission: complies with EN 55011 Class B Limits 2,3
IEC 61000-3-2 and IEC 61000-3-3.
IEC 61000-4-2
Electrostatic Discharge Immunity (Performance Criterion A)
IEC 61000-4-3
Radiated RF Electromagnetic Field Immunity (Performance Criterion
A)
IEC 61000-4-4
Electrical Fast Transient / Burst Immunity (Performance Criterion A)
IEC 61000-4-5
Power Line Surge Immunity (Performance Criterion A)
IEC 61000-4-6
Conducted RF Immunity (Performance Criterion A)
IEC 61000-4-11
Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Voltage Variations Immunity
(Performance Criterion A/C4)
IEC 61000-3-2
AC Power Line Harmonic Emissions
IEC 61000-3-3
Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker
FCC EMC
Compliance
Emissions comply with the Class B Limits of FCC Code of Federal Regulations 47, Part 15,
Subpart B 3,4.
EC Declaration of
Conformity - Low
Voltage
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed in the Official Journal of
the European Communities:
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC 5
EN 61010-1:2001
Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use - Part 1: General Requirements
U.S. Nationally
Recognized Testing
Laboratory Listing
UL 61010-1 2nd ed.
ISA-82:02.01
Canadian
Certification
CAN/CSA C22.2 No.
61010-1-04
Additional
Compliance
IEC 61010-1:2001
Equipment Type
Test and Measuring
Safety Class
Class I equipment (as defined in IEC 60950-1:2001)
1 Replaces 89/336/EEC.
2 Compliance demonstrated using high-quality shielded interface cables shorter than or equal to 3 meters.
3 Emissions, which exceed the levels required by these standards, may occur when this equipment is connected to a test object.
4 Performance Criterion C was reached at additional test levels according to EN 61326-1:2006 table 2.
5 Replaces 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC

© 2012 Thorlabs
5 Appendix
17
5.3 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
56 Sparta Avenue
Newton, NJ 07860
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
www.thorlabs.us (West Coast)
Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
Hans-Böckler-Str. 6
85221 Dachau
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.de
Email: [e-mail]
UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
1 Saint Thomas Place, Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4EX
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]
France
Thorlabs SAS
109, rue des Côtes
78600 Maisons-Laffitte
France
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
Mölndalsvägen 3
412 63 Göteborg
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
Japan
Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
Higashi Ikebukuro
Q Building 2nd Floor 2-23-2
Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.jp
Email: [e-mail]
China
Thorlabs China
Room A101, No. 100
Lane 2891, South Qilianshan Road
Putuo District
Shanghai 200331
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.hk
Email: [e-mail]

© 2012 Thorlabs18
PDA200C
Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) of the
European Community and the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers all end users
in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units without incurring disposal charges.
This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment
• sold after August 13th 2005
• marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo
(see figure below)
• sold to a company or institute within the EC
• currently owned by a company or institute within the EC
• still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated.
As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and electronic
products, this “end of life” take back service does not refer to other Thorlabs products,
such as:
• pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user
(e. g. OEM laser driver cards)
• components
• mechanics and optics
• left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
Waste treatment on your own responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company
specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste
disposal site.
WEEE Number (Germany) : DE97581288
Ecological background
It is well known that waste treatment pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products
during decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS Directive is to reduce the content
of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE Directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled
recycling of end-of-life products will thereby avoid negative impacts on the environment.
Crossed out "Wheelie Bin" symbol