THORLABS T-Cube LEDD1B User manual

T-Cube LED Driver
LEDD1B
Operation Manual
2023

Copyright © 2023 Thorlabs
Version:
Date: 2.6 23-Mar-2023

Foreword
Contents 2
1 General Information 3
41.1 Safety 51.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
2 Getting Started 6
62.1 Parts List 62.2 Mounting Options 62.3 Setup 72.4 Switch Off 72.5 Removing the Base Plate
3 Operating Instruction 9
93.1 Top Panel Controls 103.2 Current Limit Control 103.3 CW Mode 103.4 Trigger Mode 113.5 Modulation Mode
4 Maintenance and Service 12
124.1 Troubleshooting
5 Appendix 14
145.1 Technical Data 155.2 LED Connector 165.3 Application Note 165.3.1 LED Driver 175.3.2 Pulse Width Modulation 185.4 Certifications and Compliances 195.5 Manufacturere Address 195.6 Warranty and RMA Information 195.7 Return of Devices 195.8 Copyright and Exclusion of Liability 205.9 List of Acronyms 215.10Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts and WEEE Policy

© 2023 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 constantly improve our products 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
2

© 2023 Thorlabs
1 General Information
3
1 General Information
The T-Cube Series LED Driver is a compact, single channel controller for easy control of the
LED intensity. The LEDD1B delivers a max output current of 1200 mA. It is designed for use
with Thorlabs collimated and mounted LED packages. The connected LED is controlled by one
of three selectable modes: continuous, modulated, or trigger mode.
The continuous mode is ideal for imaging with CCD cameras or photodiodes. In this mode the
LED current is controlled by means of a single rotary control knob.
When operating in modulation mode, an external control signal modulates the LED current and
the brightness of the LED.
The trigger mode can be used to strobe the LED, or to control average power by using pulse
width modulation (up to 1 kHz rep rate).
For convenience, the LEDD1B driver features a small footprint (60 mm x 60 mm (2.4" x 2.4")).
The included adapter plate allows to mount the LEDD1B directly to an optical table or bread-
board. The controls for LED current and operating mode are located on top.
The LED current limit control is situated on the front side of the driver and can be adjusted in
the range between 200 mA and 1200 mA, using the included screwdriver.
LEDD1B T-Cube LED Driver with MxxxLy-C1 type LED with Collimator Assembly
The LEDD1B is powered by an external power supply (not included). For this, please use either
of the following power supplies:
·KPS201 or the predecessor KPS101 power supply powers a single T-Cube LEDD1B, plugs
into a standard wall outlet and provides +15 VDC.
·KCH301 or KCH601 T-Cube Hub and Power Supply. The KCH301 or KCH601 hub and
power supplies consist of two parts: the hub, which can support up to three (KCH301) or six
(KCH601) standard-footprint T-cubes, and a power supply that plugs into a standard wall out-
let and powers the hub. The hub, in turn, powers all the connected T-cube LEDD1B LED
drivers.

© 2023 Thorlabs4
LEDD1B
1.1 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 LEDD1B must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
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 properly packed into the complete original packaging
including the plastic foam sleeves. 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.
All modules must only be operated with proper shielded connection cables. Improper grounding
can cause electric shock with damages to your health or even death!
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 A 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 when the equipment is op-
erated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residen-
tial area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
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 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 IEC 61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

© 2023 Thorlabs
1 General Information
5
Warning
Inappropriate use of any Thorlabs High Power LED product could result in permanent eye dam-
age.
To prevent injury, these products must be used in accordance with the International Standard
"Photobiological Safety of Lamps & Lamp Systems" CEI IEC 62471.
Warnings
The LEDD1B driver was designed for operation of high brightness LEDs, which can handle for-
ward currents of several hundreds of mA. Use of LEDs with a lower forward current could result
in damage to the LED.
When Thorlabs LED's are used in microscope applications as a replacement for Mercury Vapor
lamps, the same precautions should be taken as those applying to Mercury Vapor lamps.
When Thorlabs LEDs are used in other applications, they should be used in accordance with
CEI IEC 62471.
During normal operation, the housing temperature of Thorlabs High Power LED products may
rise by up to 25°C (45°F) above ambient temperature.
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
Ordering code
Short description
LEDD1B
T-Cube LED Driver
Required Accessories
One of the following power supplies is required.
KCH301 or KCH601
USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Three (KCH301) or Six
(KCH601) K-Cube series devices or T-Cube series devices
KPS201
Single Way Power Supply
Optional Accessories
KAP101 or KAP102
Adapter Plate for KCH Series Power Supply Hubs and 60 mm Wide
T-Cubes
CAB-LEDD1
LED Cable (One End without Connector)
Supported LED Types
MxxxLx
Mounted LED @ xxx nm
MxxxF1
Fiber Coupled Mounted LED @ xxx nm
MxxxL2-C1
Collimator Assembly for Olympus BX & IX Microscopes
MxxxL2-C2
Collimator Assembly for Leica DMI Microscopes
MxxxL2-C3
Collimator Assembly for Nikon Eclipse Microscopes
MxxxL2-C4
Collimator Assembly for Zeiss Axioskop Microscopes
Please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com for further information.

© 2023 Thorlabs6
LEDD1B
2 Getting Started
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 LEDD1B mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1. 1x LEDD1B Mounted on Base Plate
2. 1x CAB-LEDD1 (LED Cable, one End without Connector)
3. 4x Rubber Foot
4. 1x QuickReference
5. 1x Screwdriver to Adjust the Current Limit
2.2 Mounting Options
The T-Cube LEDD1B LED Driver is shipped with a base plate attached, ready to be mounted to
a breadboard, optical table or similar surface.
The base plate can be removed and the unit can be put on rubber feet - see Section Removing
the Base Plate .
2.3 Setup
1. Perform the mechanical installation as detailed in the section Mounting Options .
2. Connect the LED head cable to the socket via the M8 4-pin connector labeled "LED" at the
back of the LEDD1B, see figure below. The M8 connector is compatible with all Thorlabs
light generating LED assemblies. Please see section LED Connector for pin out details.
3. Attention Switch the rotary control knob to the position | prior to connecting the
power supply. In position |, the LEDD1B is turned off and prevents immediate power-
ing of the LED when the power supply is connected to the network outlet.
Warning
Immediate powering up the LED with the LEDD1B rotary knob not in the | position may
cause bodily harm if strong LED light hits an eye or may destroy the LED due to ex-
cess current.
4. Make sure that the line voltage set below the DC connector corresponds to the input voltage
range of the power supply.
5. Connect the LEDD1B to one of the recommenced power supplies , using the DC con-
nector on the bottom left in the rear panel of the housing (see image below). The power sup-
ply can be connected via the connector on the bottom using the T-Cube Controller USB Hub
and Power Supply (KCH301 or KCH601). To access the connector on the bottom, please re-
move the base plate .
7
6
15
5
7

© 2023 Thorlabs
2 Getting Started
7
Rear Panel Connections
6. Set the Current Limit to a level appropriate for the attached LED.
7. Warning Please follow the Warning and Safety instructions for the attached LED.
8. Switch on the LEDD1B LED Driver by turning the rotary control knob on top of the LEDD1B
in the clockwise direction until the LED reaches the desired intensity.
9. See chapter Top Panel Controls of this manual, for operation instruction.
Signal Modulation
To modulate the signal, the standard BNC connector allows to apply an externally generated
signal (0 to 5V) to the unit (center pin: V+, housing: Ground). This provides an external control
of the LED device. For example, a pulse modulation signal to strobe the LED could be connec-
ted. Please see the chapter Trigger Mode and Modulation Mode for more information.
2.4 Switch Off
To switch off the LEDD1B, turn the rotary control knob to position |.
Switching Off the LEDD1B while Maintaining the Current Setting
It is often desired to switch off an LED without changes to the current directed towards the LED.
In this case, the user may utilize the MODE switch on top of the device as long as no signal is
applied to the BNC connector. Switching the Mode to TRIG will turn off the LED. Return to CW
turns the LED on again without change to the current.
Warning
When using the Mode switch to turn the LED off or on, make sure the LED points away from
any person and meets the Warning and Safety requirements as stated in the respective docu-
mentation.
2.5 Removing the Base Plate
In order to fit the rubber feet (supplied) or in case the unit is to be connected to the USB con-
troller hub, the base plate must be removed. Remove the bolts securing the unit to the base
plate using a hexagon key. Retain the bolts for future use if the base plate is refitted.
1. Turn the unit upside down.
10
9
10 11

© 2023 Thorlabs8
LEDD1B
Fitting rubber feet
2. Remove the backing paper from the rubber feet taking care not to touch the exposed adhes-
ive surface.
3. Position the feet as desired, then press and hold for a few seconds until the adhesive has
bonded.
4. The unit may now be used freestanding, sitting on its rubber feet.

© 2023 Thorlabs
3 Operating Instruction
9
3 Operating Instruction
3.1 Top Panel Controls
Operating Elements on the Top Panel
MODE Switch
This switch is used to select between CW, Trigger, and Modulation modes.
CW Mode:
The CW (continuous wave) mode provides a constant unmodulated LED current. The LED
brightness can be adjusted using the rotary control knob. This mode is ideal for imaging with
CCD cameras or photodiodes.
Trigger Mode "TRIG":
In Trigger Mode the brightness of the LED can be adjusted using the control knob. An extern-
ally applied TTL signal has to be used to switch the LED current on and off. A high level will en-
able the LED current and a low level will switch the LED current off.
This mode can be used to capture images with a CCD camera on a microscope automatically.
First the brightness can be set manually. Then switch to the Trigger mode and a computer con-
trolled TTL signal switches the LED on for a predefined period of time, while the camera is
triggered to take pictures.
Furthermore this Trigger mode can be used to drive the LED in Pulse Width Modulation
(PWM).
Modulation Mode "MOD":
In Modulation Mode the LED is controlled completely by an external voltage. 0V corresponds to
off and 5V represents maximum LED current. All values in between correspond to the accord-
ing LED current.
The LED current can be arbitrary modulated, i.e. sine wave modulation.
Rotary Control Knob
The rotary control know is used to switch on the unit (from | to 0), and to adjust the intensity of
the associated LED when operating in CW mode.

© 2023 Thorlabs10
LEDD1B
3.2 Current Limit Control
Current Limit Control
The LEDD1B features an LED current limit control. A potentiometer accessible on the front is
used to adjust the current limit. The limit can be set in the range from 200mA up to 1200mA. In
CW and Trigger mode the adjustment range of the rotary control knob on the top side is auto-
matically adapted. The maximum value always corresponds to the adjusted limit. Therefore, the
complete tuning range of the rotary control knob can be used for any limit set value. In
Modulation mode, the current limit equals the LED current for maximum input voltage of 5V.
This way the entire tuning range from 0 to 5 V can be used.
3.3 CW Mode
1. Move the Mode switch to select the CW mode.
2. Turn the rotary control knob clockwise to increase the LED brightness.
3. Turn the rotary control knob counterclockwise to decrease the LED brightness.
4. Turn the rotary control knob fully counterclockwise beyond 0 to | to turn the unit OFF.
3.4 Trigger Mode
1. Select the CW Mode with the Mode Switch.
2. Turn the control knob clockwise to 0 turn ON the unit.
3. Adjust the brightness of the LED by turning the rotary control knob.
4. Connect an external voltage source to the MOD IN connector (center pin: +V, housing:
Ground).
5. Set the output voltage to 0V and switch on the voltage source.
6. Move the Mode switch to select the TRIG Mode.
7. The LED is now off.
8. Set the output voltage to a TTL High signal.
9. The LED is set to the manually adjusted brightness. If the control knob is moved the
brightness will change.
10. If a pulsed signal is applied, the LED is switched on and off like a strobe effect.
11. Turn off the external voltage source.
12. Turn the control knob fully counterclockwise to turn off the unit OFF.

© 2023 Thorlabs
3 Operating Instruction
11
3.5 Modulation Mode
1. Move the Mode switch to select the MOD Mode.
2. Turn the rotary control knob clockwise to switch ON the unit.
3. With no external voltage source connected, the LED is off.
4. Connect an external voltage source to the MOD IN connector (center pin: +V, casing:
Ground).
5. Set the output voltage to 0V and switch on the voltage source.
6. The LED is switched off.
7. Increase the voltage from 0 to 5V and notice how the LED brightness increases accord-
ingly.
8. If a modulated signal is applied, the LED is modulated accordingly.
9. Turn off the external voltage source.
10. Turn the control knob fully counterclockwise to turn the unit OFF.

© 2023 Thorlabs12
LEDD1B
4 Maintenance and Service
Protect the LEDD1B from adverse weather conditions. The LEDD1B 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
first refer to Troubleshooting . If you cannot resolve the issue by yourself, please contact
Thorlabs for return instructions.
4.1 Troubleshooting
Warning
Do not apply a negative voltage or a voltage greater than 5V to the MOD IN connector!
Attention
Set the limit current appropriate for the supplied LED specifications. The LEDD1B driver was
designed for operation of LEDs which can handle forward currents of up to 1200mA. Use of
LEDs with a forward current lower than 200mA could result in damage to the LED. Use of LEDs
with a current rating in between 200mA and 1200mA could result in damage to the LED if the
limit current of the LEDD1B is not set properly.
If you split the output current among several LEDs, damage can result if individual LEDs can
not handle the set limit current of the LEDD1B. In such an application use of proper current bal-
ancing is necessary.
Take care not to reverse connect LEDs. LEDs with a reverse voltage rating than 15V may be
destroyed.
LED does not illuminate
·Turning the control knob does not drive a current through the LED.
®Move the Mode switch to 'CW' mode.
·InTrigger or Modulation mode an applied external voltage does not drive a current through
the LED.
®Move the control knob from Off position to an On position.
·General
®Check if a power supply is connected to the LEDD1B.
LED brightness does not increase while turning the control knob clockwise or while in-
creasing analog input voltage
·The LEDD1B has a compliance voltage of 11V min / 12V (typ) if loaded. If this voltage is
reached the internal circuit will limit both the LED voltage and LED current to prevent dam-
age. Unloaded the LEDD1B may output voltages up to 14V.
®A LED with a forward voltage higher than 11V cannot be operated with the LEDD1B. If
using a LED string, take care that the overall forward voltage does not exceed 11V.
You may also connect LEDs or LED strings in parallel. In this case proper current
balancing of the LED´s / LED-Strings is recommended
12
21

© 2023 Thorlabs
4 Maintenance and Service
13
The brightness of the LED is too small.
·The LEDD1B features a current limit. If for example the limit is set to 350mA no more than
this limit can be driven through the LED.
®Check the current limit and adjust it if necessary.
·The maximum current of the LEDD1B is 1200mA.
®The LEDD1B cannot drive a higher current than 1200mA through a LED. If using sev-
eral LEDs parallel, connect them in series.

© 2023 Thorlabs14
LEDD1B
5 Appendix
5.1 Technical Data
Specification
LED Current Range
0 ... 1200 mA
LED Current Limit Range
200 ... 1200 mA
LED Forward Voltage
min. 11 V; typ. 12 V
Current Ripple
8 mA
Current Ripple Frequency
570 kHz
Modulation Input Impedance
10 kW
Modulation Mode 2) 3)
Modulation Frequency Range
typ. 0 ... 5 kHz (Sine Wave)
Modulation Form
Arbitrary
Input Voltage Range
0 ... 5 V
Zero Set Point Offset
10 ... 40 mV; typ. 24 mV
Slew Rate
13.6 mA/µs
Decay Rate
13.1 mA/µs
Trigger Mode 2)
Modulation Frequency Range
0 ... 1 kHz
Duty Cycle Range
20 ... 80 % @ 1 kHz
2 ... 98 % @ 100 Hz
0.2 ... 99.8 % @ 10 Hz
Modulation Form
Square Wave / PWM
Logic Input levels
TTL (Min H-Level: 2 V; Max L-Level: 0.55 V)
Slew Rate
18 mA/µs
Rise Time (10% -> 90%)
51 µs
Turn-on Dead Time
57 µs
Decay Rate
12 mA/µs
Fall Time (90% -> 10%)
79 µs
Turn-off Dead Time
14 µs
Power Supply
Line Voltage (Ext. Power Supply)
100 ... 240 VAC (-10 %, +10 %)
Line Frequency (Ext. Power Supply)
50 ... 60 Hz
Supply mains over Voltage
Category II (Cat II)
Input Voltage (LEDD1B chassis)
15 V DC
Power Consumption (max)
15 VA

© 2023 Thorlabs
5 Appendix
15
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
< 3000 m
Dimensions (W x H x D)
- without operating elements
- with operating elements and baseplate
60 x 47 x 60 mm³
60 x 73 x 104 mm³
Weight
240 g
1) non-condensing
2) Specifications for the modulation and trigger modes depend on the forward voltage and capacitance of the con-
nected LED.
3) Specifications are valid for a current limit of 1.2 A.
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ± 15% rel. humidity (non condensing)
5.2 LED Connector
A custom LED connection cable (one end open) is supplied with each T-Cube LED driver. The
figure below shows the pin-out of the male connector of this CAB-LEDD1. It is a standard M8x1
sensor connector. Pin 1 and 2 are the connections to the LED. Pin 3 and 4 must not be connec-
ted.
Male Connector of the CAB-LEDD1

© 2023 Thorlabs16
LEDD1B
5.3 Application Note
This chapter contains background knowledge about the LED driver and pulse width modulation.
5.3.1 LED Driver
An LED driver is a circuit that can produce a current which is sufficient for light emission
through a LED.
There are many ways to design such a circuit. In principle, voltage provided by a source is,
following a series resistor, provided to the LED. This leads of course to a waste of energy and
does not meet most requirements, particularly for high power LEDs. Thus, the designs are
rather as described in the following:
There are three main categories of LED drivers;
1. Linear LED drivers
2. Switching LED drivers
3. Combination of linear and switching LED drivers
Linear LED Driver
A linear voltage driver can be used to generate a constant current. A shunt is in series with the
load (LED). The voltage drop across the shunt is proportional to the current and used as a
feedback signal to adjust the output voltage and therefore the current.
The main advantages are the low output current ripple and its EMC compatibility. There are no
switching elements in the circuit. For this reason it is advantageous for fluorescence micro-
scopy illumination. Thorlabs DC4100 LED drivers use this principle of operation.
The disadvantage is the low efficiency of the linear current control: linear regulators waste en-
ergy as they operate by dissipating excess power as heat. This loss depends on LED type and
current.
Switching LED Drivers
A switching LED driver with a constant current output is an efficient way to drive especially high
power LEDs.
The operating principle is based on an inductor in series with an LED load or a capacitor
parallel to an LED load. These reactants accumulate energy during the switch-on state, which
is used to supply a current through the LED.
Further, two types of switching converters exist: The Buck driver is a step-down DC-to-DC
converter, which converts a relatively high supply voltage into the lower LED forward voltage,
while the Boost driver is a step-up power converter with an DC output voltage greater than its
input DC voltage. It is also possible to combine both methods to a Buck-Boost solution.
The main advantage of switching power supplies is their high efficiency of up to 95%: the
dissipated heat power loss is much smaller. The disadvantage results from the switching mode
operation - a switching driver shows a ripple on the output current of up to 20%. This ripple
amplitude in conjunction with the switching operation requires careful considerations under
point of electromagnetic emissions and interferences (EMC).
Particularly the ripple on the output current might be a disadvantage for a number of
microscopy LED illumination applications.
The Thorlabs LEDD1B is a switching driver.

© 2023 Thorlabs
5 Appendix
17
Combination of Linear and Switching LED Drivers
This method combines the advantages of both principles. A switching driver is used to adjust
the supply voltage to a value close to the LED forward bias. It is followed by a linear driver, gen-
erating constant current with low ripple. In such a design the heat dissipation is reduced to a mi-
nimum. Thorlabs DC2200 LED Driver is based on this approach.
The disadvantage of this method is the use of more, often expensive components and the re-
quirement for more space than conventional constant current linear or switching drivers.
5.3.2 Pulse Width Modulation
The change of the duty cycle of a pulse train, having a constant amplitude and pulse frequency,
is called Pulse Width Modulation. The magnitude of the parameter (e.g. electrical current) is
switched between two values. The duty cycle is varied (modulated) while maintaining a con-
stant frequency. The demodulation is usually done by a low pass filter.
Pulse Width Modulation
When an LED is pulse-width modulated, the amplitude Imax of the current is constant, while
the ratio of "On"-time (ton) to "Cycle"-time (period Tof the pulse train) is varying. The ratio
ton /Tis known as "duty cycle". By varying the duty cycle, the brightness of the LED can be
changed. It corresponds to the arithmetic mean current value.

© 2023 Thorlabs18
LEDD1B
5.4 Certifications and Compliances