Laser Diode Driver Module, 3000 mA, 4.5 V, LDC-3908/3916

Laser diodes are extremely sensitive to electro-static discharge, excessive current levels, current spikes, or transients from power surges or other laboratory equipment. One of the most important features we have implemented into each instrument is the ILX Lightwave proven laser diode protection standards. These standards have led to advanced protection features such as intermittent contact protection, adjustable compliance voltage limit, slow-start, shorting circuits, and 4-wire voltage measurement for precise laser diode forward voltage measurement. In addition, the current limit setting is independent of the voltage drop of the device connected to the laser output. Because the current limit circuitry is fully independent of the main current control, the current limit can be adjusted safely, even while the laser output is active. For more information about these protection features, please see our "Protecting Your Laser Diode" application note.

These Modular Laser Diode Cards have a 4-wire voltage sense feature. The laser voltage is sensed through a pair of connections that is separate from the laser current drive connections. This allows a more accurate laser voltage reading for the voltage limit feature. All four of these pins must be connected for the module to operate.

Many laser diode modules contain an internal photodiode that monitors the back-facet emission of the laser. Usually, this photodiode is internally connected to either the laser anode or cathode. The photodiode and laser connections to these cards are electrically isolated from ground and each other. So, if a 4-pin connection is made (no common connections), no additional jumpers are required.

The laser outputs of these laser diode cards are isolated from chassis ground allowing either output terminal to be grounded at the user's option.