Getting Started; Parts List; Operating Principle - THORLABS ITC8000 Operation Manual

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 ITC8000 mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1. ITC8000 Series Module
2. Operating Manual

2.2 Operating Principle

The ITC8000 modules are bidirectional current sources to control laser diodes that are combined
with a TEC element (Peltier). Different types of temperature sensors are supported. Three types of
modules are available with respect to the maximum laser current, resolution and accuracy (see
Technical Data ).
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The ITC8000 modules contain a transimpedance amplifier input for the monitor diode (input
impedance 0 W). Both polarities of the monitor diode are supported. The monitor diode can be
operated either photovoltaic (without bias voltage) or photoconductive, i.e. with bias voltage.
The temperature controller comprises a closed loop amplifier with adjustable settings for P
(proportional), I (integral) and D (differential) share.
Supported temperature sensors
· Standard thermistors (NTC - Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistor) within two ranges
- max. 20 kW and max. 200 kW
· IC temperature sensors (AD590, AD592, LM335)
· Pt-100 (RTD - Resistance Temperature Detectors)
All necessary value settings are made by the mainframe operating elements (keypad and rotational
encoder) or via remote control by a computer. The only parameter that must be set manually, is the
laser current limit ("absolute hardware limit").
The values for the laser diode current (constant current mode), the monitor diode current (constant
power mode) and the set temperature or set resistance of the ITC8000 modules are set with 16 bit
resolution.
The limit values for the laser diode and TEC current (software limit) as well as for the monitor diode
current (limiting the laser output power) are set with a 12 bit resolution.
The monitor current and the actual temperature (resistance) are read back with 16 bit.
The laser diode current, the laser diode voltage, the limit for the laser diode current (hardware
limit), the TEC current and the TEC voltage are read back with 15 bit plus sign.
The P, I and D shares of the analog control loop are set by three independent 12 bit DAC (Digital-
to-Analog Converters)
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.
© 2016 Thorlabs
2 Getting Started
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