THORLABS ITC8 Series User manual

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Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
Combined module ITC8xxx
2010

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© 2010 Thorlabs
Version: 3.1
Date: 14.09.2010
Copyright©2010 Thorlabs

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© 2010 Thorlabs
Contents Page
1General description of the combined module ITC8xxx 2
1.1 Safety 2
1.2 Features 4
1.2.1 Safety measures for the laser diode and the TEC element 4
1.2.2 Ordering Codes: 5
1.2.3 General functions 6
1.3 Technical data 7
1.3.1 Common data ITC8xxx 7
1.3.2 ITC8022 9
1.3.3 ITC8052 10
1.3.4 ITC8102 11
1.4 Operating elements at the front of the module 12
1.5 Presettings 13
1.5.1 Hardware limit ILIM 13
1.5.2 Software limits IMAX and ITE LIM 14
1.6 Connecting components 15
1.6.1 Pin assignment LD connector 16
1.6.2 Connecting laser- and monitor diode 17
1.6.3 Connecting interlock and status LED 18
1.6.4 Pin assignment TEC connector 19
1.6.5 Connecting a thermistor 20
1.6.6 Connecting an AD590 20
1.6.7 Connecting an LM335 21
1.6.8 Connecting the TEC element 21
1.6.9 Polarity check of the TEC element 22
1.6.10 Connecting the status LED (not ITC8xxxDS15!) 22
1.6.11 Pin assignment ITC8xxxDS15 23
1.7 Optimization of temperature control 24
1.7.1 Setup and function of temperature controllers 24
1.7.2 PID adjustment 25
2Operating the ITC8xxx 27
2.1 Functions in the main menu 27
2.1.1 Display 27
2.1.2 Selecting a module 28
2.1.3 Setting the main parameter 28
2.2 Functions in the channel menu 29

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2.2.1 Display 29
2.2.2 Changing parameters 31
2.2.3 Selecting the polarity of the laser and the monitor diode 32
2.2.4 Calibrating the monitor diode 32
2.2.5 Adjusting the bias voltage for the monitor diode 33
2.2.6 Selecting constant current or constant power mode 33
2.2.7 Selecting the type of the sensor 34
2.2.8 Calibrating a thermistor 34
2.2.9 Setting a temperature window 36
2.2.10 Activating the temperature protection 36
2.2.11 Setting the P-, I- and D-share of the control loop 36
2.3 Switching on and off 37
2.4 Error messages 39
3Communication with a control computer 41
3.1 General notes on remote control 41
3.1.1 Nomenclature 41
3.1.2 Data format 42
3.2 Commands 43
3.2.1 Select a module slot 43
3.2.2 Calibrating a photo diode (CALPD) 43
3.2.3 Thermistor calibration (exponential method) 44
3.2.4 Thermistor calibration (Steinhart-Hart method) 45
3.2.5 Programming the laser diode current (ILD) 46
3.2.6 Programming the monitor diode current (IMD) 47
3.2.7 Switching the I-share on and off (INTEG) 48
3.2.8 Reading the TEC current (ITE) 48
3.2.9 Switching the laser output on and off (LASER) 49
3.2.10 Selecting the laser diode polarity (LDPOL) 49
3.2.11 Programming the laser diode software-limit (LIMC) 49
3.2.12 Reading the laser diode hardware-limit (LIMCP) 50
3.2.13 Programming the TEC current software-limit (LIMT) 50
3.2.14 Selecting the mode of operation (MODE) 50
3.2.15 Selecting the photo diode polarity (PDPOL) 51
3.2.16 Programming the optical power (POPT) 51
3.2.17 Programming the resistance of the thermistor (RESI) 52
3.2.18 Programming the resistance window (RWIN) 53
3.2.19 Selecting the sensor (SENS) 53
3.2.20 Programming the PID shares (SHAREP, -I, -D) 54
3.2.21 Switching the TEC on and off (TEC) 54

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3.2.22 Programming the temperature (TEMP) 55
3.2.23 Switching the temperature protection on and off (TP) 55
3.2.24 Programming the temperature window (TWIN) 56
3.2.25 Read Type of module (TYPE) 56
3.2.26 Programming the bias voltage (VBIAS) 57
3.2.27 Reading the laser diode voltage (VLD) 58
3.2.28 Reading the TEC voltage (VTE) 58
3.3 IEEE error messages of the ITC8xxx 59
3.4 Status reporting 61
3.4.1 Standard event status register (ESR) 63
3.4.2 Standard event status enable register (ESE) 63
3.4.3 Status byte register (STB) 64
3.4.4 Service request enable register (SRE) 64
3.4.5 Reading the STB by detecting SRQ 64
3.4.6 Reading the STB by "*STB?" command 64
3.4.7 Reading the STB by serial poll 65
3.4.8 Device error condition register (DEC) 65
3.4.9 Device error event register (DEE) 65
3.4.10 Device error event enable register (EDE) 65
4Service and Maintenance 66
4.1 General remarks 66
4.2 Troubleshooting 66
5Appendix 69
5.1 Warranty 69
5.2 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE) 70
5.2.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 70
5.2.2 Ecological background 71
5.3 List of acronyms 72
5.4 List of figures 74
5.5 Certifications and compliances 75
5.6 Copyright 76
5.7 Addresses 77

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© 2010 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the
field of optical measurement technique. To help us to come up to your
expectations and develop 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.
In the displays shown by the PRO8 you may find the name PROFILE.
PROFILE was the name of the manufacturer before it was acquired by Thorlabs
and renamed to Thorlabs.
Thorlabs
This part of the instruction manual contains every specific information on how to
operate a current module ITC8xxx. A general description is followed by explanations
of how to operate the unit manually. You will also find every information about remote
control via the IEEE 488 computer interface.
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” label in this
form to indicate dangers for persons or possible damage of equip-
ment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

2 Safety
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1 General description of the combined module ITC8xxx
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.
Before applying power to your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 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!
Modules may only be installed or removed with the mainframe
switched off.
All modules must be fixed with all screws provided for this purpose.
Modules of the 8000 series must only be operated in the mainframe
PRO8000, PRO8000-4 or PRO800.
All modules must only be operated with duly shielded connection
cables.
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 dispatchable if duly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If
necessary, ask for a replacement package.

Safety 3
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Attention 
Laser modules can deliver up to several 100mW of (maybe) invisible
laser radiation!
When operated incorrectly, this can cause severe damage to your
eyes and health!
Be sure to pay strict attention to the safety recommendations of the
appropriate laser safety class!
This laser safety class is marked on your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
plug-in module or on your external laser source used.
Attention 
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are
not to 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 EN 50 082-1.

4 Features
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1.2 Features
1.2.1 Safety measures for the laser diode and the TEC element
To protect the connected laser diodes and the TEC elements the combined controller
ITC8xxx contains the following protection circuits:
•Soft start when switching on the laser diode current
Protection against capacitive and inductive parasitic elements (switching peaks).
•Software limit for the injection current and the TEC element in all operating
modes and additional hardware limit for the injection current
Protection against thermal destruction of the devices.
•Interruption control of the connection cable to the laser diode (interlock)
Protection against accidental operation.
•Contact protection of the laser diode (open circuit)
Protection against cable damage or bad contact.
•Electronic short-circuit switch for the laser diode
Protection against static discharge when touching the switched off laser.
•Protection of the sensor
Protection against the use of an wrong temperature sensor / protection against line
interruption to the temperature sensor.
•Separate on and off function for each module
Protection against operating errors.
•Separate over-temperature protection for each module
Protection against thermal failure of the module.
•Control LED for the laser and/or TEC current active
•Mains filter
Protection against line transients and interferences.
•Line failure protection
In case of line failure/line damage the combined module must explicitly be
switched on anew since it cannot be taken for granted that all components of the
measurement setup are still working faultlessly.
•Key-operated power switch
Protection against unauthorized or accidental use.
•Action check
After power up the combined modules are in LASER OFF mode.

Features 5
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•LabVIEW®- and LabWindows/CVI®-driver
For the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 Thorlabs supplies LabVIEW®- and
LabWindows/CVI®-drivers for MS Windows 32.
Please refer to our homepage for the latest driver updates.
http://www.thorlabs.com
1.2.2 Ordering Codes:
ITC8022 ± 200 mA module with 9-pin and 15-pin D-Sub connector
ITC8022DS15 Only one common 15-pin connector for laser diode and TEC
ITC8052 ± 500 mA module with 9-pin and 15-pin D-Sub connector
ITC8052DS15 Only one common 15-pin connector for laser diode and TEC
ITC8102 ± 1 A module with 9-pin and 15-pin D-Sub connector
ITC8102DS15 Only one common 15-pin connector for laser diode and TEC

6 Features
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1.2.3 General functions
The combined modules ITC8xxx are bipolar current sources for laser diodes
combined with a thermoelectric controller. The different module types operate the
same way, they only differ in maximum current, resolution and accuracy.
(Refer to chapter 1.3, "Technical data" starting on page 7)
The combined modules ITC8xxx contain a transimpedance amplifier input for the
monitor diode (input impedance 0 Ω). Both polarities of the monitor diode are
allowed. The monitor diode may be operated either photovoltaic (without bias
voltage) or photoconductive, i.e. with bias voltage.
All modules are equipped with an input for either IC temperature sensors of the
AD590/592 , LM335 series or thermistors, PT modules have only an input for
thermistors and PT100 elements..
All necessary value settings are done by keypad and rotational encoder or via remote
control by a computer. Only the laser diode current limit (hardware limit) has to be set
manually as "absolute limit".
In an automated test set-up for different laser diodes no manual settings are
required.
With the modules ITC8xxx, the laser diode current in constant current mode, the
monitor diode current in constant power mode, and temperature or thermistor
resistance are set with a resolution of 16 bit.
The limit values for the laser diode current (software limit), the monitor diode current
(limiting the optical output power) and the limit value for the TEC current (software
limit) are set with a resolution of 12 bit. The monitor diode current, the actual
temperature and actual resistance are read back with 16 bit, the laser diode current,
laser diode voltage, the limit for the laser diode current (hardware limit), the TEC
current and TEC voltage with 15 bit plus sign.
The P-, I- and D-share of the analog control loop are set via three independent 12 bit
D/A converters.
The built-in mains filter in the mainframe and the careful shielding of the transformer,
the micro processor and the module itself provide an excellent suppression of noise,
ripple and other interferences.

Technical data 7
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1.3 Technical data
(All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 35 ±15% humidity)
1.3.1 Common data ITC8xxx
Resolution 16 Bit
Power control
Range of monitor current IPD 10 µA ... 2 mA1)
Resolution 30 nA
Setting accuracy (typ.) ±0.1 % fs
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature.) ≤1 µA
Photodiode bias voltage 0 ... 10 V
Laser voltage
Measurement principle 4-wire
Measurement range 0 ... 10 V
Resolution 0.3 mV
Accuracy ±5 mV
AD590/LM335
Control range -12.375 °C ... +90.000 °C
Measurement accuracy ± 0.1 °C
Measurement resolution 0.0015 °C
Setting accuracy ±0.01 °C
Setting resolution 0.0015 °C
Temperature stability (typ.) < 0.001 °C
Thermistor (calibrated and not calibrated, display in Ω)
Measurement current 50 µA
Control range 200 Ω... 40 kΩ
Resolution 0.7 Ω
Setting accuracy ± 10 Ω
Resistance stability typ. ≤1 Ω
1other ranges on request

8 Technical data
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Thermistor (calibrated, display in °C)
Measurement current 50 µA1)
Control range temperature at 40 kΩ... 150 °C2)
Resolution 2)
Setting accuracy 2)
Temperature stability 2)
PID-control
P-, I-, and D-share to be set separately
Setting range 2.5 ... 100 %
Warm-up time for rated accuracy ≤15 min
Width of module 1 Slot
LD-Connector 9-pin D-sub
TEC-Connector 15-pin D-sub
1other ranges on request
2depending on thermistor data

Technical data 9
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1.3.2 ITC8022
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±200 mA
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 3 µA
Setting accuracy (typ.) ±0.05% fs
Measurement resolution 6 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms, typ.) < 2 µA
Ripple (50 Hz, rms, typ.) < 1 µA
Transients (processor) < 15 µA
Transients (other, typ.1) , typ.) < 200 µA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤2 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature, typ.) ≤3 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
LD Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥200 mA
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥200 mA
Setting resolution 6 µA
Setting accuracy ±200 µA
Current output TEC element
Control range - 2 A ... + 2 A
Maximum output power 16 W
Compliance voltage > 8 V
Measurement resolution ITE 0.07 mA
Measurement resolution UTE 0.3 mV
Noise and ripple (typ.) <1 mA
TEC Current limit
Setting range 0 ... ≥2 A
Setting accuracy ±20 mA
Resolution0.5 mA
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off

10 Technical data
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1.3.3 ITC8052
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±500 mA
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 7.5 µA
Setting accuracy ±0.05% fs
Measurement resolution 15 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms, typ.) < 5 µA
Ripple (50 Hz, rms, typ.) < 1 µA
Transients (processor, typ.) < 30 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 500 µA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤6 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature, typ.) ≤10 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
LD Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥500 mA
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥500 mA
Setting resolution 15 µA
Setting accuracy ±0.5 mA
Current output TEC element
Control range - 2 A ... + 2 A
Maximum output power 16 W
Compliance voltage > 8 V
Measurement resolution ITE 0.07 mA
Measurement resolution UTE 0.3 mV
Noise and ripple, typ. <1 mA
TEC Current limit
Setting range 0 ... ≥2 A
Setting accuracy ±20 mA
Resolution0.5 mA
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off

Technical data 11
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1.3.4 ITC8102
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±1 A
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 15 µA
Setting accuracy ±0.1% fs
Measurement resolution 30 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms, typ.) < 10 µA
Ripple (50 Hz, rms, typ.) < 1.5 µA
Transients (processor, typ.) < 50 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 1 mA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤12 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature, typ.) ≤25 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
LD Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥1 A
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥1 A
Setting resolution 30 µA
Setting accuracy ±2 mA
Current output TEC element
Control range - 2 A ... + 2 A
Maximum output power 16 W
Compliance voltage > 8 V
Measurement resolution ITE 0.07 mA
Measurement resolution UTE 0.3 mV
Noise and ripple, typ. <1 mA
TEC Current limit
Setting range 0 ... ≥2 A
Setting accuracy ±20 mA
Resolution0.5 mA
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off

12 Operating elements at the front of the module
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1.4 Operating elements at the front of the module
Connector for the
TEC element
Connector for the
laser diode
Potentiometer for ILIM
Connector for both
laser diode and TEC
Figure 1 The ITC8xxx and ITC8xxxDS15 front panel

Presettings 13
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1.5 Presettings
To protect the laser diode and the TEC element the maximum possible output
currents of the module can be limited. Three limit values are used: hardware limit ILIM,
software limit IMAX and software limit ITE LIM.
1.5.1 Hardware limit ILIM
The hardware limit ILIM, for the laser diode current is set with the potentiometer
marked ILIM at the front panel of the ITC8.
(Refer to chapter 1.4, "Operating elements at the front of the module" on page 12)
The value is displayed continually in the channel menu of the module so you can
watch it during adjustment:
(Refer to chapter 2.2, "Functions in the channel menu" starting on page29)
CH2 ULD = 0.0000 V
CC off Imax= 200.0mA
TH off ILIM= 188.22mA
CHANGE
HardwarelimitI
LIM

14 Presettings
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1.5.2 Software limits IMAX and ITE LIM
The software limits IMAX and ITE LIM are set and changed in the channel menu of the
module or via the IEEE 488 interface.
SoftwarelimitI
MAX
CH2 ULD = 0.0000 V
CC off Imax= 200.0mA
TH off ILIM= 188.22mA
CHANGE
CH2 ITE =+0.0000 A
CC off UTE =+0.0000 V
TH off ITE LIM =0.800 A
CHANGE
SoftwarelimitI
TE LIM
The software limits IMAX and ITE LIM have exactly the same protective function as the
hardware limit.
(Refer to chapter 2.2, "Functions in the channel menu" starting on page 29)
NOTE
The lower of the two limits IMAX or ILIM will limit the laser diode current.