THORLABS MLC8 Series User manual

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Operation Manual
Thorlabs Blueline™ Series
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
Multi laser controller module MLC8xxx
2004
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Version: 2.10
Date: 22.01.2004
Copyright©2004, Thorlabs GmbH
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Contents Page
1General description of the multi LD-controller MLC8xxx 1
1.1 Safety 1
1.2 Warranty 3
1.3 Features 4
1.3.1 Safety measures for the laser diode 4
1.3.2 General functions 6
1.4 Technical data 7
1.4.1 MLC8025-8 7
1.4.2 MLC8050-8 7
1.4.3 MLC8100-8 8
1.4.4 MLC8200-8 8
1.5 Operating elements at the front of the module 9
1.6 Pre-settings 10
1.6.1 Setting hardware limit ILIM 10
1.7 Connecting components (Anode Ground Version) 11
1.7.1 Pinning of the output connector 11
1.7.2 Pin assignment MLC8xxx 12
1.7.3 Connecting laser- and monitor diode 17
1.7.4 Standard configurations, no bias voltage 18
1.7.5 Standard configurations with bias voltage 5V 19
1.7.6 Connecting interlock and status display 21
1.8 Connecting components (Cathode Ground Version) 22
1.8.1 Pinning of the output connector 22
1.8.2 Pin assignment MLC8xxx 23
1.8.3 Connecting laser- and monitor diode 28
1.8.4 Standard configurations without bias voltage 29
1.8.5 Standard configurations with bias voltage 5V 31
1.8.6 Connecting interlock and status display 32
2Operating the MLC8xxx 33
2.1 Functions in the main menu 33
2.1.1 Display 33
2.1.2 Selecting a module 34
2.2 Functions in the channel menu 35
2.2.1 Display 35
2.2.2 Changing parameters 37
2.2.3 Selecting the laser diode current range 38
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2.2.4 Selecting constant current or constant power mode 38
2.2.5 Selecting a TEC module for temperature protection 40
2.2.6 Activating the temperature protection 40
2.3 Switching on and off 41
2.4 Error messages 42
3Communicating with a control computer 44
3.1 General notes on remote control 44
3.1.1 Nomenclature 45
3.1.2 Data format 45
3.2 Commands 47
3.2.1 Select the module slot 47
3.2.2 Selecting the channel (PORT) 47
3.2.3 Setting the laser diode current (ILD) 48
3.2.4 Changing the monitor diode current (IMD) 50
3.2.5 Switching the output on and off (LASER) 52
3.2.6 Reading the laser diode hardware limit (LIMCP) 52
3.2.7 Selecting the operation mode (MODE) 53
3.2.8 Setting the current range (RANGE) 53
3.2.9 Activating the temperature protection (TP) 54
3.2.10 Assigning a TEC for temperature protection (TPSLOT) 54
3.2.11 Reading type of module (TYPE) 55
3.3 Error messages of an MLC8xxx 56
3.4 Status reporting. 58
3.4.1 Standard event status register (ESR) 60
3.4.2 Standard event status enable register (ESE) 60
3.4.3 Status byte register (STB) 61
3.4.4 Service request enable register (SRE) 61
3.4.5 Reading the STB by detecting SRQ 62
3.4.6 Reading the STB by "*STB?" command 62
3.4.7 Reading the STB by serial poll 62
3.4.8 Device error condition register (DEC) 63
3.4.9 Device error event register (DEE) 63
3.4.10 Device error event enable register (EDE) 64
4Service and Maintenance 65
4.1 General remarks 65
4.2 Troubleshooting 66
5Listings 69
5.1 List of abbreviations 69
5.2 List of figures 71
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5.3 Certifications and compliances 72
5.4 Addresses 73
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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 GmbH.
Thorlabs GmbH
This operation manual contains every specific information on how to operate a multi
laser diode controller module MLC8xxx. 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.
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1.1 Safety
MLC8xxx / page 1
1 General description of the multi LD-controller MLC8xxx
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.
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1.1 Safety
MLC8xxx / page 2
Attention 
Semiconductor 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, handy 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.
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1.2 Warranty
MLC8xxx / page 3
1.2 Warranty
Thorlabs GmbH warrants material and production of the MLC8xxx modules for a
period of 24 months starting with the date of shipment. During this warranty period
Thorlabs GmbH will see to defaults by repair or by exchange if these are entitled to
warranty.
For warranty repairs or service the unit must be sent back to Thorlabs GmbH
(Germany)or to a place determined by Thorlabs GmbH. The customer will carry the
shipping costs to Thorlabs GmbH, in case of warranty repairs Thorlabs GmbH will
carry the shipping costs back to the customer.
If no warranty repair is applicable the customer also has to carry the costs for back
shipment.
In case of shipment from outside EU duties, taxes etc. which should arise have to be
carried by the customer.
Thorlabs GmbH warrants the hard- and software determined by Thorlabs GmbH for
this unit to operate fault-free provided that they are handled according to our
requirements. However, Thorlabs GmbH does not warrant a faulty free and
uninterrupted operation of the unit, of the soft- or firmware for special applications nor
this instruction manual to be error free. Thorlabs GmbH is not liable for consequential
damages.
Restriction of warranty
The warranty mentioned before does not cover errors and defects being the result of
improper treatment, software or interface not supplied by us, modification, misuse or
operation outside the defined ambient conditions (refer to the PRO8000(-4) /
PRO800 mainframe operation manual) stated by us or unauthorized maintenance.
Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs
GmbH does explicitly not warrant the usability or the economical use for certain
cases of application.
Thorlabs GmbH reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the technical
data of the described unit at any time.
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1.3 Features
MLC8xxx / page 4
1.3 Features
1.3.1 Safety measures for the laser diode
To protect the connected laser diodes the MLC8xxx modules contain the following
protection circuits:
•Softstart when switching on the laser diode current
Protection against capacitive and inductive parasitic elements (switching peaks).
•Limit for the injection current in all operating modes
Protection against thermal destruction of the laser chip.
•Limit for the optical power in constant current (!) mode
Protection against thermal destruction of the mirrors caused by too high optical
power.
•Interruption control of the connection cable to the laser diode (interlock)
Protection against accidental operation.
•Electronic short-circuit switch for the laser diode
Protection against static discharge when touching the switched off laser.
•Separate on and off function for each module
Protection against operating errors.
•Control LED for activated laser current
Laser protection when laser radiation is switched on.
•Separate over-temperature protection for each module
Protection against thermal failure of the module.
•Mains filter
Protection against line transients.
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1.3 Features
MLC8xxx / page 5
•Line failure protection
In case of power failure or line damage the current module must explicitly be
switched on anew since it cannot be taken for granted that all components of the
measurement set-up are still working reliably.
•Key-operated power switch
Protection against unauthorized or accidental use.
•LabVIEW®- and LabWindows/CVI®-driver
For the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 Thorlabs supplies LabVIEW®- and LabWin-
dows/CVI®-drivers for MS Windows 32.
Please refer to our homepage for latest driver updates.
http://www.thorlabs.com
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1.3 Features
MLC8xxx / page 6
1.3.2 General functions
The current modules MLC8xxx are unipolar current sources for laser diodes.
They can be ordered for laser diodes with anode grounded or cathode grounded. The
MLC offers two current ranges.
The different module types operate the same way, they only differ in maximum
current, resolution and accuracy.
(Refer to chapter 1.4, "Technical data" starting on page 7)
The current modules MLC8xxx contain a monitor diode input realized as trans-
impedance amplifier (input impedance 0 Ω). Both polarities of the monitor diode are
allowed. The monitor diode may be driven either photovoltaic (without bias voltage)
or photoconductive, i.e. with bias voltage (UBIA = 5V).
All necessary value settings are done by the mainframe operating elements (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.
All outputs can operate either in constant current or constant power mode
simultaneously. All outputs are switched on and off together.
With the modules MLC8xxx the laser diode current (constant current mode) or the
monitor diode current (constant power mode) are set with 12 bit resolution.
The monitor diode current is read back with 12 bit, the laser diode current, laser
diode voltage and the limit for the laser diode current (hardware limit) with 11 bit plus
sign.
The built-in mains filter in the mainframe and the careful shielding of the transformer,
the micro processor as well as the module itself will provide an excellent suppression
of noise and ripple.
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1.4 Technical data
MLC8xxx / page 7
1.4 Technical data
1.4.1 MLC8025-8AG/CG
Selectablerange LOW HIGH
Current ranges 5 mA 25 mA
Setting accuracy ± 15 µA ± 75 µA
Setting- / measurement resolution 1.2 µA 6 µA
Noise without ripple (10Hz...10MHz) < 0.5 µA < 0.5 µA
Ripple (50Hz, rms) < 0.5 µA < 0.5 µA
Short term fluctuations (15s) < 0.15 µA < 0.3 µA
Drift (30min, 0...10Hz) < 0.3 µA < 1 µA
Setting range HW-Limit 0 ... ≥5 mA 0 ... ≥25 mA
Setting accuracy HW-Limit ± 50 µA ± 125 µA
Resolution HW-Limit 1.2 µA 6 µA
1.4.2 MLC8050-8AG/CG
Selectablerange LOW HIGH
Current ranges 10 mA 50 mA
Setting accuracy ± 30 µA ± 150 µA
Setting- / measurement resolution 2.5 µA 12 µA
Noise without ripple (10Hz...10MHz) < 0.5 µA < 0.5 µA
Ripple (50Hz, rms) < 0.5 µA < 0.5 µA
Short term fluctuations (15s) < 0.25 µA < 0.5 µA
Drift (30min, 0...10Hz) < 0.5 µA < 1.5 µA
Setting range HW-Limit 0 ... ≥10 mA 0 ... ≥50 mA
Setting accuracy HW-Limit ± 100 µA ± 250 µA
Resolution HW-Limit 2.5 µA 12 µA
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1.4 Technical data
MLC8xxx / page 8
1.4.3 MLC8100-8AG/CG
Selectablerange LOW HIGH
Current ranges 25 mA 100 mA
Setting accuracy ± 75 µA ± 300 µA
Setting- / measurement resolution 6 µA 25 µA
Noise without ripple (10Hz...10MHz) < 0.5 µA < 1 µA
Ripple (50Hz, rms) < 0.5 µA < 1 µA
Short term fluctuations (15s) < 0.25 µA < 1 µA
Drift (30min, 0...10Hz) < 1 µA < 3 µA
Setting range HW-Limit 0 ... ≥25 mA 0 ... ≥100 mA
Setting accuracy HW-Limit ± 0.25 mA ± 0.5 mA
Resolution HW-Limit 6 µA 25 µA
1.4.4 MLC8200-8AG/CG
Selectablerange LOW HIGH
Current ranges 50 mA 200 mA
Setting accuracy ± 150 µA ± 600 µA
Setting- / measurement resolution 12 µA 50 µA
Noise without ripple (10Hz...10MHz) < 0.5 µA < 1.5 µA
Ripple (50Hz, rms) < 0.5 µA < 1 µA
Short term fluctuations (15s) < 0.5 µA < 2 µA
Drift (30min, 0...10Hz) < 1.5 µA < 5 µA
Setting range HW-Limit 0 ... ≥50 mA 0 ... ≥200 mA
Setting accuracy HW-Limit ± 0.5 mA ± 1 mA
Resolution HW-Limit 12 µA 50 µA
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1.5 Operating elements at the front of the module
MLC8xxx / page 9
1.5 Operating elements at the front of the module
Figure 1 Operating elements on front panel.
Connector for the
laser diodes
Potentiometer for ILIM
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1.6 Pre-settings
MLC8xxx / page 10
1.6 Pre-settings
1.6.1 Setting hardware limit ILIM
To protect the laser diode the maximum possible current can be limited by hardware
setting.
The setting affects all outputs simultaneously.
The hardware limit ILIM is set with the potentiometer marked ILIM at the front panel of
the module.
(Refer to chapter 1.5, "Operating elements at the front of the module" on page 9)
The value is displayed continually in the channel menu of the module so you can
watch it during adjustment:
CH1 ILS 1= 1.234mA
CC low IPA 1=0.1234mA
ON ILIM1=54.321mA
CHANGE
HardwarelimitI
LIM
NOTE
ILIM1 ... ILIM8show the same value not regarding which one is
used for setting the hardware limit.
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1.7 Connecting components (AG, Anode Ground Version)
MLC8xxx / page 11
1.7 Connecting components (AG, Anode Ground Version)
1.7.1 Pinning of the output connector
Figure 2 Pinning of the MLC8xxx output connector
(44-pole female HD-SUB)
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1.7 Connecting components (AG, Anode Ground Version)
MLC8xxx / page 12
1.7.2 Pin assignment MLC8xxx
Each laser is connected to an output channel as shown:
output circuit of the MLC Laser and photo diode
(n = 1 ... 8)
Figure 3 Principle connections for every laser
We recommend to use separate lines drilled in pairs (twisted pair) in a common
shield for laser diode current and monitor diode current respectively.
The shield must be connected to ground!.
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1.7 Connecting components (AG, Anode Ground Version)
MLC8xxx / page 13
1.7.2.1 Pin assignment sorted by Function
Pin Connector
14 LD1C cathode of laser # 1
12 LD2C cathode of laser # 2
11 LD3C cathode of laser # 3
9LD4C cathode of laser # 4
8LD5C cathode of laser # 5
6LD6C cathode of laser # 6
5LD7C cathode of laser # 7
3LD8C cathode of laser # 8
29 LD1A anode of laser # 1
27 LD2A anode of laser # 2
26 LD3A anode of laser # 3
24 LD4A anode of laser # 4
23 LD5A anode of laser # 5
21 LD6A anode of laser # 6
20 LD7A anode of laser # 7
18 LD8A anode of laser # 8
13 PD1A anode photo diode # 1
42 PD2A anode photo diode # 2
10 PD3A anode photo diode # 3
39 PD4A anode photo diode # 4
7PD5A anode photo diode # 5
36 PD6A anode photo diode # 6
4PD7A anode photo diode # 7
33 PD8A anode photo diode # 8
43 PD1C cathode photo diode # 1
41 PD2C cathode photo diode # 2
40 PD3C cathode photo diode # 3
38 PD4C cathode photo diode # 4
37 PD5C cathode photo diode # 5
35 PD6C cathode photo diode # 6
34 PD7C cathode photo diode # 7
32 PD8C cathode photo diode # 8
31 GND ground
16 GND ground
17 GND ground
19 GND ground
22 GND ground
25 GND ground
28 GND ground
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