THORLABS Blueline Series User manual

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Operating Manual
Thorlabs Blueline™ Series
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
Current module LDC8xxx
2003
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Version: 2.11
Date: 13.10.2003
Copyright©2003, Thorlabs GmbH
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Contents Page
1General description of the current module LDC8xxx 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 Common data LDC8xxx 7
1.4.2 Individual technical data 8
1.5 Operating elements at the front panel of the module 14
1.6 Pre-settings 15
1.6.1 Setting limit values 15
1.7 Connecting components 18
1.7.1 Pin assignment LDC8001 to LDC8040 18
1.7.2 Pin assignment LDC8xxx with true bipolar option 19
1.7.3 Pin assignment LDC8080 21
1.7.4 Connecting laser- and monitor diodes 23
1.7.5 Connecting interlock and status display 26
1.7.6 Using the modulation input 28
2Operating the LDC8xxx 29
2.1 Functions in the main menu 29
2.1.1 Display 29
2.1.2 Selecting a module 30
2.1.3 Setting the main parameter 30
2.2 Functions in the channel menu 31
2.2.1 Display 31
2.2.2 Changing parameters 32
2.2.3 Selecting the polarity of the laser and the monitor diode 33
2.2.4 Calibrating the monitor diode 33
2.2.5 Selecting constant current or constant power mode 34
2.2.6 Selecting a TEC module for temperature protection 35
2.2.7 Activating the temperature protection 35
2.2.8 Bias voltage for the monitor diode 36
2.3 Switching on and off 37
2.4 Error messages 38
3Communication with a control computer 40
3.1 General notes on remote control 40
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3.1.1 Nomenclature 41
3.1.2 Data format 41
3.2 Commands 43
3.2.1 Select the module slot 43
3.2.2 Calibrating a photo diode (CALPD) 43
3.2.3 Programming the laser diode current (ILD) 44
3.2.4 Programming the monitor diode current (IMD) 46
3.2.5 Switching the output on and off (OUTP) 48
3.2.6 Selecting the laser diode polarity (LDPOL) 48
3.2.7 Programming the laser diode software-limit (LIMC) 49
3.2.8 Reading the laser diode hardware-limit (LIMCP) 49
3.2.9 Programming the monitor diode current limit (LIMM) 50
3.2.10 Programming the optical power limit (LIMP) 51
3.2.11 Selecting the mode of operation (MODE) 51
3.2.12 Switching the bias voltage on and off (PDBIA) 52
3.2.13 Selecting the photo diode polarity (PDPOL) 52
3.2.14 Programming the optical power (POPT) 53
3.2.15 Switching the temperature protection on and off (TP) 53
3.2.16 Selecting a TEC module for temperature protection (TPSLOT) 54
3.2.17 Querying the module type 54
3.2.18 Reading the laser diode voltage (VLD) 55
3.3 1000 ... 1099 error messages of an LDC8xxx 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 acronyms and abbreviations 69
5.2 List of figures 70
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5.3 Certifications and compliances 71
5.4 Addresses 72
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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 live 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 part of the instruction manual contains all the specific information on how to
operate a current module LDC8xxx. A general description is followed by explanations
of how to operate the unit manually. You will also find complete information about
remote control via the IEEE 488 computer interface.
!Attention!
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” labels in this
form, to indicate personal danger or possible damage to equipment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.
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1.1 Safety
Current module LDC8xxx / page 1
1 General description of the current module LDC8xxx
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
Current module LDC8xxx / 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 / 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
Current module LDC8xxx / page 3
1.2 Warranty
Thorlabs GmbH warrants material and production of the LDC8xxx 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 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 afore mentioned warranty 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
Current module LDC8xxx / page 4
1.3 Features
1.3.1 Safety measures for the laser diode
To protect the connected laser diodes the laser diode control system PRO8000 (-4) /
800 and the LDC8xxx laser diode controller 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 (hardware- and software limit) 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 connecting 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 inoperative laser.
• Separate on and off function for each module
Protection against operating errors.
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1.3 Features
Current module LDC8xxx / page 5
• 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.
• Line failure protection
In case of line 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
Current module LDC8xxx / page 6
1.3.2 General functions
The current modules LDC8xxx are bipolar current sources for laser diodes. The
different module types operate in 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 LDC8xxx 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 carried out 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.
With the modules LDC8xxx the values for the laser diode current (constant current
mode) or the monitor diode current (constant power mode) are set with a 16 bit
resolution.
Limit values for the laser diode current (software limit) and the monitor diode current
(limiting the optical output power) are set with a resolution of 12 bit. The monitor
diode current is read back with 16 bit, the laser diode current, laser diode voltage and
the limit for the laser diode current (hardware limit) with 15 bit plus sign.
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.
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1.4 Technical data
Current module LDC8xxx / page 7
1.4 Technical data
(All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ±15% humidity)
1.4.1 Common data LDC8xxx
Resolution 16 Bit
Power control
Range of monitor current IPDS 10 µA ... 5 mA1)
Resolution 0.1 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±0.05 %
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature.) ≤1 µA
Photodiode bias voltage 0 V / 5 V
Power control limit
Setting range 0 ... 5 mA1)
Resolution 1.25 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±50 µA
Laser voltage
Measurement principle 4-wire
Measurement range 0 ... 5 V
Resolution 0.2 mV
Accuracy (f.s.) ±5 mV
Analog modulation
Input impedance 10 kΩ
Connector BNC
Input voltage -10V
..+10V
Warm-up time for rated accuracy ≤15 min
1) Other ranges on request
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1.4 Technical data
Current module LDC8xxx / page 8
1.4.2 Individual technical data
1.4.2.1 LDC8001 ULN
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±100 mA1)
Compliance voltage >2.5 V
Setting resolution 1.5 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±0.05%
Measurement resolution 1 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms) < 1 µA
Ripple (50/60 Hz, rms) < 0.8 µA
Transients (processor) ≤10 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 100 µA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤1 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤0.5 µA
Drift (24 h. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤1.5 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥100 mA
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥100 mA
Setting resolution 3 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±100 µA
Analog modulation
3 dB - bandwidth (constant current mode) DC ... 2.5 kHz
3 dB - bandwidth (constant power mode) DC ... 1 kHz
Modulation coefficient (CP) 0.5 mA/V± 5%
Modulation coefficient (CC) 10 mA/V± 5%
Other data
Width of module 1 slot
Connector 9-pin D-sub
1Polarity of the laser diode free selectable
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off
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1.4 Technical data
Current module LDC8xxx / page 9
1.4.2.2 LDC8002
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±200 mA
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 3 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±0.05%
Measurement resolution 1 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms) < 3 µA
Ripple (50/60 Hz, rms) < 1 µA
Transients (processor) ≤15 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 200 µA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤1.5 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤1 µA
Drift (24 h. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤2 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥200 mA
Setting range Software IMAX 0 ... ≥200 mA
Setting resolution 6 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±200 µA
Analog modulation
3 dB - bandwidth (constant current mode) DC ... 200 kHz
3 dB - bandwidth (constant power mode) DC ... 50 kHz
Modulation coefficient (CP) 0.5 mA/V± 5%
Modulation coefficient (CC) 20 mA/V± 5%
Other data
Width of module 1 slot
Connector 9-pin D-sub
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off
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1.4 Technical data
Current module LDC8xxx / page 10
1.4.2.3 LDC8005
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±500 mA
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 7.5 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±0.05%
Measurement resolution 15 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms) < 5 µA
Ripple (50/60 Hz, rms) < 1 µA
Transients (processor) ≤30 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 500 µA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤4 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤2 µA
Drift (24 h. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤5 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥500 mA
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥500 mA
Setting resolution 15 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±500 µA
Analog modulation
3 dB - bandwidth (constant current mode) DC ... 100 kHz
3 dB - bandwidth (Constant power mode) DC ... 20 kHz
Modulation coefficient (CP) 0.5 mA/V± 5%
Modulation coefficient (CC) 50 mA/V± 5%
Other data
Width of module 1 Slot
Connector 9-pin D-sub
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off
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1.4 Technical data
Current module LDC8xxx / page 11
1.4.2.4 LDC8010
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±1 A
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 15 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±0.1%
Measurement resolution 15 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms) < 10 µA
Ripple (50/60 Hz, rms) < 1.5 µA
Transients (processor) ≤50 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 1 mA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤10 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤5 µA
Drift (24 h. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤25 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥1 A
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥1 A
Setting resolution 30 µA
Setting accuracy ±2 mA
Analog modulation
3 dB - bandwidth (constant current mode) DC ... 50 kHz
3 dB - bandwidth (constant power mode) DC ... 10 kHz
Modulation coefficient (CP) 0.5 mA/V± 5%
Modulation coefficient (CC) 100 mA/V± 5%
Other data
Width of module 1 slot
Connector 9-pin D-sub
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off
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1.4 Technical data
Current module LDC8xxx / page 12
1.4.2.5 LDC8040
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±4 A
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 70 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±0.1%
Measurement resolution 130 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms) < 50 µA
Ripple (50/60 Hz, rms) < 4 µA
Transients (processor) ≤120 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 4 mA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤50 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤25 µA
Drift (24 h. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤200 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥4 A
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥4 A
Setting resolution 130 µA
Setting accuracy ±8 mA
Analog modulation
3 dB - bandwidth (constant current mode) DC ... 20 kHz
3 dB - bandwidth (constant power mode) DC ... 5 kHz
Modulation coefficient (CP) 0.5 mA/V± 5%
Modulation coefficient (CC) 0.4 A/V± 5%
Other data
Width of module 1 slot
Connector 9-pin D-sub
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off
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1.4 Technical data
Current module LDC8xxx / page 13
1.4.2.6 LDC8080
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±8 A
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 130 µA
Setting accuracy (f.s.) ±0.3%
Measurement resolution 250 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms) < 100 µA
Ripple (50 Hz, rms) < 8 µA
Transients (processor) ≤200 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 8 mA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤125 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤100 µA
Drift (24 h. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤400 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥8 A
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥8 A
Setting resolution 250 µA
Setting accuracy ±50 mA
Analog modulation
3 dB - bandwidth (constant current mode) DC ... 10 kHz
3 dB - bandwidth (constant power mode) DC ... 2 kHz
Modulation coefficient (CP) 0.5 mA/V± 5%
Modulation coefficient (CC) 0.8 A/V± 5%
Other data
Width of module 2 slots
Connector 15-pin HD-sub
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off
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