The new LDP-3840B Precision Pulsed current source is a microprocessor-based instrument specifically designed for pulse testing and characterizing laser diodes. The LDP-3840B provides up to 3A of peak pulse current with adjustable pulse widths from 100ns to 10ms.
Careful attention to design for clean pulses at laser diode load levels provides a low noise pulsed current with fast rise times while maintaining overshoot of less than 5%.
Testing and characterization can be automated with the LDP-3840B through the GPIB/IEEE interface. For basic system integration, a trigger can be used to control pulses and initiate corresponding measurements without a command program.
Like all ILX Lightwave laser diode control instruments, the LDP-3840B incorporates laser diode protection and safety features such as current limits, output shorting circuits, AC line filters, and double-shielded transformers to help suppress laser damaging transients.
Precision Pulse Control for Laser Diodes
At the heart of the LDP-3840B is a precision pulsed current source that delivers clean pulses with low overshoot and fast rise and fall times. The 3840B’s low noise, transient-suppressed output is
designed specifically for laser diode load levels.
Digital control of pulse width, duty cycle and frequency provide quick and easy control of pulse parameters for maximum flexibility in varying test applications.
For accurate monitoring of laser drive parameters in LIV applications, laser diode mounting boards are available with 50 ohm terminated connections for voltage and current monitoring.
Laser Diode Protection
One of the most important features of the LDP-3840B is ILX Lightwave’s proven laser diode protection features including current limits and redundant output shorting circuits. During power up, the laser diode is protected from current transients by a careful turn-on sequence. AC line filters and double shielded transformers provide further transient protection during laser operation.
Pulse Tuning for Optimum Performance
The LDP-3840B offers a method to optimize the pulse response of the instrument to the laser diode load. By matching the source to load impedance at the laser diode through the addition of a small series resistance, unwanted parasitic effects can be compensated for to reduce ringing and overshoot on the pulse. In conjunction with the 3840B, ILX Lightwave has developed a laser mounting board to easily fixture the laser diode and to aid in tuning for optimal pulses.
Convenient Features Make Your Work Easier and More Reliable
The intuitive front panel of the LDP-3840B is designed for quick and easy instrument operation permitting precise pulse control. Pulse modes and parameters are logically grouped together without
confusing multifunction keys allowing easy adjustment of pulse width, duty cycle and frequency. A selection of instrument operating modes includes pulse polarity, constant duty cycle and constant pulse repetition interval (PRI). In constant duty cycle mode, the set duty cycle is maintained while adjusting pulse widths. In constant PRI mode, the set pulse interval is maintained while adjusting
pulse width.
The bright 4-digit LED display is easy to view in laboratory environments. Precision digital tuning is easy with the front panel adjustment knob.
Complete System Integration
Speed up data gathering with more repeatable, accurate control for automated testing and characterization of laser diodes with the GPIB/IEEE-488 interface. All instrument functions accessible from the front panel are also accessible through the GPIB interface.
TTL level triggers are incorporated into the LDP-3840B to control output pulses and to initiate corresponding measurements from other instruments without a command program.
Selectable Pulse Polarity
Depending on the confi guration of the laser diode under test, the LDP-3840B allows the output polarity to be quickly confi gured for either anode or cathode grounded devices from the front panel or through the GPIB/IEEE interface. ILX’s laser diode mounting board can be confi gured for either polarity with the laser correctly installed.
Full product specifications can be found in the LDP-3840B Brochure .
| Pulse Amplitude |
| Output Current Range |
0-3000 (mA) |
| Output Current Resolution |
1000 µA |
| Output Current Accuracy |
±2.5% of FS (full scale) |
| Laser Output Compliance Voltage |
0-10 (V) |
| Pulse Width Parameters |
| Pulse Width |
100 ns to 10 (ms) |
| Range |
1 µs to 100 (ms) |
| Duty Cycle |
0 to 10 (%) |
| Rise/Fall Time |
<50 (ns) |
| Overshoot |
<5% |
| General |
| Power Requirements |
100-120 VAC / 220-240 VAC |
| Dimensions, l x w x h |
12.0 x 7.3 x 3.5 in. () |
| Mainframe Weight [lb (kg)] |
8 (3.6) |
| Computer Interface |
GPIB |
For additional questions contact ILX Lightwave directly at 800-459-9459 or sales@ilxlightwave.com.
LDP-3840B Models
Accessories
