General Information; Safety - THORLABS MLDEVAL User Manual

1 General Information

The MLDEVAL is designed for evaluation of a module of the MLD203 Miniature Laser Driver
Series to adapt the MLD203 Series external circuitry a selected by the user laser diode. In the
section Documentation Reference
patibility to common laser diode pin configurations can be found.
The MLDEVAL board has a socket to accommodate an adapter PCB with mounted MLD203
laser diode controller. There are available four adapters (see section
cessories ) that need to be ordered separately.
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The laser diode can be connected in different ways:
There is a screw terminal to connect the laser diode directly, using any individual wiring or a
Thorlabs SR9x Series ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable.
A 9-pin DSUB connector allows the connection of the laser diode using a Thorlabs SR9x-DB9
Series cable with the appropriate DSUB plug.
The MLDEVAL is powered either via USB2.0 (USB charger) or from an external power supply.
A reverse voltage protection circuit observes both power inputs and enables the external power
supply if both are connected.
ESD Notice
The MLDEVAL is power input has an isolated ground potential. For this reason, the used power
supply must have a galvanic isolation between its GND output and the neutral / protective con-
ductor of the power line. Four rubber feet on the PCB's bottom provide an electrical isolation to
the work bench.

1.1 Safety

Attention
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this user guide will
only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
Prior to apply power to the MLDEVAL, make sure that the switch SW1 (LASER ON/OFF)
(see section Operating Elements on
The MLDEVAL must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be made or
components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Follow the common recommendations for handling of ESD sensitive devices when in-
stalling a MLD203x Miniature Laser Driver and the appropriate laser diode to the
MLDEVAL.
Warning
Laser emission is dangerous to human eye. Do not stare into the emitting aperture, wear
protective glasses and observe the safety instructions supplied with the laser diode.
© 2021 Thorlabs
the links to the MLD203 Series Data Sheets and the com-
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page ) is switched off.
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1 General Information
Ordering Codes and Ac-
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