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ILX Lightwave LDC-391633 Series User Manual

3.0 amp laser diode current source module
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BUY – SELL – REPAIR – CALIBRATE
sales@simbol.ca
1-866-396-6248
Simbol Test Systems
is the one-stop shop for all your fiber optic test equipment and measurement needs. As we are
exclusively focused on e-commerce and international distribution of photonic products since 2000, our customers rely on
the
AssetRelay
catalog to find our stock listings of thousands of used and refurbished popular test equipment. They know
they can get repair, customization and calibration services from our laboratory for their own fiber optic instruments from all
renowned brand manufacturers.
If you wish to buy an ILX Laser Controller or current source module or would consider another brand, visit our catalog
to see our current stock with actual photos.
ILX LDC-391633x series current source modules. Trust the Simbol Test
With more than 20 years of expertise in repair of OSA, Tunable Lasers, Wavemeters, Laser drivers and controllers, and
many more, the quality of our services is renowned amongst the service centers community and highly appreciated by our
partners and customers. We developed custom software allowing fast testing of Laser controllers racks and modules.
Each module is tested with a butterfly laser attached to it to ensure all its control functions are per specifications. Each
shelf is tested with a full load of modules. That is the only way to know if a shelf can be used at 100%. Don't settle for a
two-page summary assessment to trust that your Laser Diode Controller shelf or any Laser Control module is operating
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confident that we actually test everything we sell so you know it will work when it gets to your workplace.
Simbol Test Systems ILX Laser current sources LDC-3991633x modules testing
The ILX LDC-391633x series current source modules sold by AssetRelay or Serviced by Simbol Test Systems will go
through a series of tests to ensure they meet or exceed manufacturer's published specifications. The equipment is shipped
with a comprehensive calibration/test report showing all performed and passed test. A dated calibration sticker is affixed on
the machine. Module numbers are LDC-3916332, LDC-3916334 and LDC-3916338.
ILX LDC-391633x tests performed:
- Current Driver Operational Test
- Full Scale Current Source at max Range
- Current Limit
Traceability: Instrumentation used during this calibration is traceable to N.I.S.T (National Institute of Standards and
Technology) or C.N.R.C. (Canadian National Research Council).
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  • Page 1 BUY – SELL – REPAIR – CALIBRATE sales@simbol.ca 1-866-396-6248 Simbol Test Systems is the one-stop shop for all your fiber optic test equipment and measurement needs. As we are exclusively focused on e-commerce and international distribution of photonic products since 2000, our customers rely on AssetRelay catalog to find our stock listings of thousands of used and refurbished popular test equipment.
  • Page 2 User’s Guide 3.0 Amp Laser Diode Current Source Module -3916338 ILX Lightwave Corporation P. O. Box 6310 Bozeman, MT, U.S.A. 59771 · · · U.S. & Canada 1-800-459-9459 · International Inquiries: 406-586-1244 Fax 406-586-9405 · E-mail: support@ilxlightwave.com www.ilxlightwave.com 70031502_7/01...

  • Page 4: Safety And Warranty Information

    • Prolonged storage under adverse conditions • Failure to perform intended measurements or functions If necessary, return the instrument to ILX Lightwave, or authorized local ILX Lightwave distributor, for service or repair to ensure that safety features are maintained (see the contact information on page vi).

  • Page 5: Safety Marking Symbols

    Technical specifications including electrical ratings and weight are included within the manual. See the Table of Contents to locate the specifications and other product information. The following classifications are standard across all ILX Lightwave products: • Indoor use only • Ordinary Protection: This product is NOT protected against the harmful ingress of moisture.

  • Page 6: Warranty

    Returning an Instrument If an instrument is to be shipped to ILX Lightwave for repair or service, be sure to: Obtain a Return Authorization number (RA) from ILX Customer Service. Attach a tag to the instrument identifying the owner and indicating the required service or repair.

  • Page 7: Comments, Suggestions, And Problems

    Comments, Suggestions, and Problems To ensure that you get the most out of your ILX Lightwave product, we ask that you direct any product operation or service related questions or comments to ILX Lightwave Customer Support. You may contact us in whatever way is most convenient: Phone .

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Module Instruction Manual Chapter 1 Introduction to the LDC-3916338 3.0 Amp Laser Diode Current Source Module Introduction ................................1 Safety Symbols and Terms ..............................1 Product Overview ................................2 Installing your LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source Module................2 How to Contact Customer Service ..........................3 LDC-3916338 3.0 Amp Current Source Module Specifications..................5 Chapter 2 How to Operate Your LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source Module Introduction...
  • Page 10 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE LDC-3916338 3.0 AMP LASER DIODE CURRENT SOURCE MODULE INTRODUCTION SAFETY SYMBOLS AND TERMS PRODUCT OVERVIEW INSTALLING YOUR LDC-3916338 LASER DIODE CURRENT SOURCE MODULE Installation into LDC-3916 or LDC-3908 Laser Diode Controller Mainframe HOW TO CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICE Calibration and Repair Services General Shipping Instructions LDC-3916338 3.0 AMP CURRENT SOURCE MODULE SPECIFICATIONSERROR! BOOKMARK NOT...

  • Page 12: Introduction

    2. Severe transport stress 3. Prolonged storage under adverse conditions Failure to perform intended measurements or functions If necessary, return the LDC-3916338 modules to ILX Lightwave for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained. SAFETY SYMBOLS AND TERMS The following safety terms are used in this manual: •...

  • Page 13: Product Overview

    The following symbols are used in this manual and on the instrument: Earth Ground and/or Protective Conductor Terminal Caution: Refer to accompanying documents Caution: Risk of Electrical Shock Instrument Power Off Instrument Power On PRODUCT OVERVIEW The LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source Module contains one fully independent current source. The current sources provide high stability output up to a maximum drive current of 3.0 Amps, with fully redundant current limits and multiple laser protection features such as contact bounce detection, compliance voltage limit adjust, and 4-wire voltage measurement for precise laser diode forward voltage measurement.

  • Page 14: How To Contact Customer Service

    Calibration and Repair Services You may have to return your current source module to an ILX Lightwave facility at some time for repair, calibration or service whether it is under warranty or not. There is a charge for repairs after the warranty period has expired.

  • Page 15: Laser Current Source Specifications

    Laser Current Source Specifications MODEL NUMBER 3916338 Single 3.0A DRIVE CURRENT OUTPUT Output Current Range: 0 to 3000 mA 80 µA Setpoint Resolution: ± 0.1% of full scale Setpoint Accuracy: Compliance Voltage: 4.5 V (adjustable voltage limit) ≤ 100 ppm/°C Temperature Coefficient: ≤...
  • Page 16 CHAPTER 2 HOW TO OPERATE YOUR LDC-3916338 LASER DIODE CURRENT SOURCE MODULE INTRODUCTION CONNECTING TO THE LASER CURRENT SOURCE Interlock Connections Four-Wire Voltage Sense Photodiode Connections Grounding considerations OPERATING THE LASER CURRENT SOURCE FROM THE FRONT PANEL OPERATING A LASER IN CONSTANT CURRENT MODE Entering the Laser Channel Setup Menu Selecting the Mode of Control Setting the Current Limit...

  • Page 18: Introduction

    CHAPTER 2 HOW TO OPERATE YOUR LDC-3916338 LASER DIODE CURRENT SOURCE MODULE INTRODUCTION This chapter introduces you to the operation of the LDC-3916338 LD Current Source's control functions. It offers instructions for connecting your lasers to the current sources. This chapter also contains step by step procedures that teach you how to operate your module in Constant Current Mode or Constant Power Mode.

  • Page 19: Connecting To The Laser Current Source

    CONNECTING TO THE LASER CURRENT SOURCE When connecting your laser diode or any other sensitive devices to the LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source Modules, we recommend that the instrument be powered up and the LASER output be off. In this condition, a low impedance shunt is active across the output terminals.
  • Page 20 Module OUTPUT Bias P. D. L. D. Earth Ground Figure 2.1 B Common Laser Cathode - Photodiode Anode Module OUTPUT Bias P. D. L. D. Earth Ground Figure 2.1 C Common Laser Anode - Photodiode Cathode Module OUTPUT Bias P. D. L.

  • Page 21: Interlock Connections

    Interlock Chassis Ground Cathode Voltage Sense Laser Cathode PD Cathode (+) PD Anode (-) Anode Voltage Sense Laser Anode Figure 2.2 Back Panel LD Connectors Interlock Connections In order for the laser output to be enabled, a short must exist between the Interlock pins (pins 1 and 2) of the connector.

  • Page 22: Operating The Laser Current Source From The Front Panel

    OPERATING THE LASER CURRENT SOURCE FROM THE FRONT PANEL The various laser current source control parameters can be set the same for all of the channels via the All Chnl menu which is accessed through the MAIN menu. Alternatively, the laser source control parameters for each individual channel can be set independently via the LAS channel setup menu, which is accessed through the CHAN menu.

  • Page 23: Selecting The Mode Of Control

    Selecting the Mode of Control Select the Mode parameter by pushing the (DISPLAY) UP/DOWN ARROW keys until the Mode parameter is highlighted. Repeatedly pushing (ADJUST) UP/DOWN ARROW keys or turning the ADJUST knob will cycle through the Constant Current low bandwidth (Ilbw), Constant Optical Power (P), Constant Current high bandwidth (Ihbw), and Photodiode Current (Ipd) control modes.

  • Page 24: Enabling The Modulation Input

    NOTE There is also a laser optical power limit (Plim) safety feature explained in this manual under the section titled “OPERATING A LASER IN CONSTANT POWER MODE, P”. The laser optical power limit can be disabled by setting the CalPD value to zero on page 2 of the laser setup menu. Enabling the Modulation Input Change the display to LAS p.3 of the laser setup menu to set the next parameter.

  • Page 25: Operating A Laser In Constant Power Mode

    OPERATING A LASER IN CONSTANT POWER (P) MODE Suppose you want to operate a 3 mW laser in constant optical power at 1 mW. The LDC-3916338 Modules allow you to operate the instrument current source drivers in Constant Optical Power (P) mode. In the “P” mode, the controller drives current to the laser to reach a set power value in mW.

  • Page 26: Setting The Current Limit

    Setting the Current Limit Select the laser current limit (Ilim) parameter by pushing the (DISPLAY) UP/DOWN ARROW keys until the Ilim value is highlighted with the cursor. Adjust the current limit value with the numeric keypad, the ADJUST knob, or the (ADJUST) UP/DOWN ARROW keys.

  • Page 27: Setting The Power Limit

    Setting the Power Limit Now push the DOWN soft key (F4) to advance to LAS p.2 of the laser setup menu. Before the laser is enabled, the power limit for the laser under test should be set. To do this, push the (DISPLAY) UP/DOWN ARROW keys to select the power limit (Plim) parameter.

  • Page 28: Setting The Photodiode Bias Voltage

    Setting the Photodiode Bias Voltage Now push the DOWN soft key (F4) to display LAS p.3 of the laser setup menu. The Bias parameter setting controls whether or not a bias voltage is applied to the monitor photodiode. Select the Bias parameter and adjust it ON or OFF depending on whether you want a 5 volt reverse bias on your photodiode or not.

  • Page 29: Conditions Which Will Automatically Shut Off The Laser Output

    CONDITIONS WHICH WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF THE LASER OUTPUT When the LASER output is off, an internal short is placed across the LASER output. The default condition for the current source output is OFF when the instrument is first powered up. With the laser output enabled, the channel or status displays should be indicating measured laser current.

  • Page 30: Laser Error Indicators

    Laser Error Indicators The LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source Controllers indicate general LASER operational error conditions. When an error occurs, the Error Indicator Code will appear on the Status page, the Chan page, or the LAS Setup pages for the respective channel. The Error Indicator Code will clear if you exit any page that it appears on. The output drive will shut off when any Error occurs.
  • Page 32 CHAPTER 3 OPERATING IN REMOTE CONTROL INTRODUCTION REMOTE CONFIGURATION LDC-3916338 LASER DIODE CURRENT SOURCE COMMAND SET LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source Often Used Commands Command Timing and Completion STATUS REPORTING Status Registers Output Off Registers Error Messages OPERATING IN REMOTE CONTROL CHPT 3...

  • Page 34: Chapter 3 Operating In Remote Control

    CHAPTER 3 OPERATING IN REMOTE CONTROL INTRODUCTION Everything you can do from the front panel can also be done remotely. In fact, more features and information are available through the remote interface than are available from the front panel. For example, using the Enable:Outoff command, you can set up the module so that it will turn off if it goes into current limit, and you cannot do that from the front panel.
  • Page 35 (root) :LAS :ENAB :LIM :MODE :SET :CAL :BIAS MODERR? ALLCOND? *CAL? :BIAS? MODIDN? ALLEVE? *CLS :COND :IHBW :LDI? :ABORT :CALPD MODPUD BEEP *ESE :COND? :ILBW :MDI? :DEFAULT :CALPD? MODPUD? BEEP? *ESE? :EVE :MDP :MDP :MDP? :LDI :COND? CHAN *ESR> :EVE? :MDP? :MDI :LDV...

  • Page 36: Ldc-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source Often Used Commands

    LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source Often Used Commands The complete command set of the LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source module contains over 100 commands that allow you to operate the module for a variety of applications. Within the command set, however, is a smaller subset of commands that will meet most of your needs;...

  • Page 37: Status Reporting

    Command Timing and Completion All commands for the LDC-3916338 modules are sequential, except for the “LAS:OUT ON”, “LAS:INC”, and “LAS:DEC” commands. The “LAS:OUT ON” command is overlapped to allow the user to abort it via the “LAS:OUT OFF” command during a two-second interval after the output is told to be on. The “LAS:INC” and “LAS:DEC” commands are overlapped to allow the user to monitor other functions while in an automatic ramping mode.
  • Page 38 LASER Condition Status Register LASER:COND? 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 bit-wise LOGICAL OR To ALLCOND LOGICAL AND Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 LASER Condition Status Enable Register LASER:ENABle:COND <nrf>...
  • Page 39 LASER Event Status Register LASER:EVEnt? 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 bit-wise To ALLEVE LOGICAL OR LOGICAL AND Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 LASER Event Status Enable Register LASER:ENABle:EVEnt <nrf>...

  • Page 40: Output Off Registers

    Output Off Registers The Output Off Enable Register allows you to determine which conditions and events in the LASER controller can cause the output to be turned off. This register is configured in a manner which is similar to the status reporting registers.
  • Page 41 1 5 1 4 1 3 1 2 1 1 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 LASER Output Off Register & & & & & & & Logical Bitwise Logical & & & & & &...

  • Page 42: Error Messages

    Error Messages This section contains descriptions of the errors which are specific to the LDC-3916338 Series modules. These are the error codes that are returned from the “MODERR?” query. Refer to the LDC-3916 or LDC-3908 Laser Diode Controller Instruction Manual, Chapter 3, for a list of LDC-3916 or LDC-3908 mainframe error codes and descriptions (the codes returned from the “ERR?”...
  • Page 43 Error Code Explanation E-501 Interlock Open forces LAS output off. E-503 LAS forward voltage exceeds Voltage Limit setting; LAS output forced off. (Open Circuit error) E-504 LAS Current Limit forces LAS output off. E-505 LAS forward voltage approaching Voltage Limit setting; LAS output forced off. E-507 LAS Power Limit forces LAS output off.
  • Page 44 CHAPTER 4 COMMAND REFERENCE INTRODUCTION LDC-3916338 DEVICE-DEPENDENT COMMANDS LDC-3916338 DEVICE-COMMAND REFERENCE COMMAND REFERENCE CHPT 4...

  • Page 46: Introduction

    CHAPTER 4 COMMAND REFERENCE INTRODUCTION This chapter is a guide to all of the device-dependent commands for the LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source module. This chapter is divided into two parts. The first part contains an overview of the remote commands used by the LDC-3916338.
  • Page 47 LDC-3916338 Device-Dependent Commands NAME PARAMETERS FUNCTION LAS:LDV? NONE Returns the measured laser voltage value. LAS:LIM:I Sets the LASER current source limit. LAS:LIM:I? NONE Returns the LASER current source limit. LAS:LIM:MDP Sets the constant optical power (from monitor PD) limit value. LAS:LIM:MDP? NONE Returns the optical power (from monitor PD) limit value.

  • Page 48: Ldc-3916338 Device-Command Reference

    LDC-3916338 Device-Dependent Commands This section contains all of the device-dependent commands for the LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source, listed in alphabetical order. Sub-sections for each path are presented, listing the commands which are legal for that path. See Chapter 3 Figure 3.1 for command path tree structure. Command Required letters are shown in upper case;...
  • Page 49 LASer: n Front Panel n Remote The LASer: command path is used to get to the LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source commands. The following command paths may be reached from the LASer: command path. LASer:CAL: LASer:ENABle: LASer:LIMit: LASer:MODE: LASer:SET: The following commands may be reached directly from the LASer: command path. LASer:BIAS LASer:LDI LASer:MODulation...
  • Page 50 LASer:BIAS? n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:BIAS? query returns the status of the selected laser channel's photodiode bias selection. SYNTAX DIAGRAM BIAS PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value>. POINTS OF INTEREST Photodiode bias is turned off when a *RST command is issued. EXAMPLES "Las:BIAS?"...
  • Page 51 LASer:CALPD? n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:CALPD? query returns the value of the laser's photodiode feedback responsivity (CAL PD parameter) setting for the selected channel. SYNTAX DIAGRAM CALPD PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value>. POINTS OF INTEREST If this value is 0, the selected channel’s monitor current/power conversion will not be done.
  • Page 52 LASer:CAL:ABORT n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:CAL:ABORT command is used to exit a Laser calibration without changing the calibration values. SYNTAX DIAGRAM ABORT PARAMETERS None. POINTS OF INTEREST After this command is issued it is safe to run the LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source with the same calibration values used as before the LAS calibration mode was started.
  • Page 53 LASer:CAL:LDI n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:CAL:LDI command is used to enter the Laser current set point, measurement, and limit calibration mode for the selected channel. SYNTAX DIAGRAM PARAMETERS None. POINTS OF INTEREST Since the limit circuit is the same for both high and low bandwidth modes, it is only calibrated once.
  • Page 54 POINTS OF INTEREST After this command is issued, the LDC-3916338 Laser Diode Current Source will allow calibration of the laser voltage measurement. This procedure is outlined in the Calibration section of the Laser module instruction manual. The “LAS:CAL:STAT?” query may be used to determine when the unit is ready for a calibration value to be entered.
  • Page 55 LASer:CAL:MEAS n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:CAL:MEAS command is used to enter the Laser calibration values for the selected channel. SYNTAX DIAGRAM <white <nrf MEAS value> space> PARAMETERS An <nrf value> which represents the calibration value expected for the present LAS calibration state.
  • Page 56 LASer:CAL:VALUE? ¨Front Panel n Remote The LASer:CAL:VALUE? query is used at the factory only. LASer:COND? ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:COND? query returns the value of the selected channel’s Laser Condition Status register. SYNTAX DIAGRAM COND PARAMETERS None. The response is the sum of the following: 1 - Laser current limit 256 - Output is off 2 - Laser voltage limit...
  • Page 57 EXAMPLES "LAS:COND?" -response: 1027, means that the output is on, and the current limit and voltage limit conditions currently exist. LASer:DEC ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:DEC command decrements the selected channel’s laser constant-current set point by one or more steps.
  • Page 58 LASer:ENABle: ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:ENABle: command path is used to get to the selected channel's laser status enable commands and queries. The following commands may be reached directly from the LASer:ENABle: command path. LASer:ENABle:COND LASer:ENABle:EVEnt? LASer:ENABle:COND? LASer:ENABle:OUTOFF LASer:ENABle:EVEnt LASer:ENABle:OUTOFF? LASer:ENABle:COND...
  • Page 59 LASer:ENABle:COND? ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:ENABle:COND? query returns the value of the selected channel's Laser Condition Status Enable register. SYNTAX DIAGRAM COND ENAB PARAMETERS None. The response is the sum of the following: 1 - Laser Current Limit 256 - Output is Off 2 - Laser Voltage Limit 512 - Output In Tolerance...
  • Page 60 LASer:ENABle:EVEnt ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:ENABle:EVEnt command sets the selected channel’s Laser Event Status Enable register. The bits in this register determine which bits in the Event Status register are summarized in the 3916 or 3908 Status Byte. SYNTAX DIAGRAM <white <nrf...
  • Page 61 LASer:ENABle:EVEnt? ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:ENABle:EVEnt? query returns the value of the selected channel's Laser Event Status Enable register. SYNTAX DIAGRAM ENAB PARAMETERS None. The response is the sum of the following: 1 - Laser Current Limit Changed State 256 - Output is Off Changed State 2 - Laser Voltage Limit Changed State 512 - Output Changed Tolerance State...
  • Page 62 LASer:ENABle:OUTOFF ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:ENABle:OUTOFF command sets the selected channel’s Laser Output Off Enable register. The bits in this register determine which conditions will cause the laser output to be automatically disabled. SYNTAX DIAGRAM <white <nrf ENAB OUTOFF value>...
  • Page 63 LASer:ENABle:OUTOFF? ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:ENABle:OUTOFF? query returns the contents of the selected channel’s Laser Output Off Enable register. SYNTAX DIAGRAM OUTOFF ENAB PARAMETERS None. The response is the sum of the following: 1 - Laser Current Limit 256 - N/A 2 - Laser Voltage Limit 512 –...
  • Page 64 LASer:EVEnt? ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:EVEnt? query returns the value of the selected channel's Event Status Register. SYNTAX DIAGRAM PARAMETERS None. The response is the sum of the following: 1 - Laser Current Limit Changed State 256 - Output Is Off Changed State 2 - Laser Voltage Limit Changed State 512 - Output Changed Tolerance State 4 - N/A...
  • Page 65 LASer:INC ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:INC command increments the selected channel’s laser constant-current set point by one or more steps. Parameters allow multiple steps to be incremented and the time (in milliseconds) between increments to be set, respectively. SYNTAX DIAGRAM <white <nrf...
  • Page 66 LASer:LDI n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:LDI command sets the laser current setpoint for the selected channel. SYNTAX DIAGRAM <white <nrf space> value> PARAMETERS An <nrf value> which represents the (laser) output current, in mA. POINTS OF INTEREST The setpoint is the same for both low and high bandwidth output modes. EXAMPLES "Las:LDI 400"...
  • Page 67 LASer:LDV? n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:LDV? query returns the value of the selected channel's measured laser voltage. SYNTAX DIAGRAM PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value>. POINTS OF INTEREST Response is the selected channel's measured laser output voltage, regardless of LAS control mode.
  • Page 68 LASer:LIMit: n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:LIMit: command path is used to get to the selected channel's laser limit commands. The following commands may be reached directly from the LASer:LIMit: command path. LASer:LIMit:I LASer:LIMit:MDP LASer:LIMit:V LASer:LIMit:I? LASer:LIMit:MDP? LASer:LIMit:V? LASer:LIMit:I n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:LIMit:I command sets the selected channel's Laser current limit value.
  • Page 69 PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value>. POINTS OF INTEREST The selected channel's current limit is valid for all modes of Laser operation. EXAMPLES "LAS:LIM:I?" -response: 40, means the selected channel's laser current limit is 40 mA. "Laser:LIM:I?" -response: 300, means the selected channel's laser current limit is 300 mA. LASer:LIMit:V n Front Panel n Remote...
  • Page 70 PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value>. POINTS OF INTEREST The selected channel's compliance voltage limit is valid for all modes of Laser operation. EXAMPLES "LAS:LIM:V?" -response: 4.0, means the selected channel's laser current limit is 4.0 volts. "Laser:LIM:v?" -response: 3.3, means the selected channel's laser current limit is 3.3 volts. LASer:LIMit:MDP n Front Panel n Remote...
  • Page 71 POINTS OF INTEREST The LAS:LIM:MDP is in effect for all LAS operating modes. EXAMPLES "LAS:LIM:MDP?" -response: 3.0, means the selected channel's monitor PD power limit is set to 3.0 mW. ":LAS:Limit:MDP?" -response: 10.0, means the selected channel's monitor PD power limit is set to 10.0 mW.
  • Page 72 LASer:MDI? n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:MDI? query returns the value of the selected channel's laser photodetector current measurement, in µA. SYNTAX DIAGRAM PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value>. POINTS OF The response is in µA. The response is valid, even when the unit is not in MDI mode. INTEREST This measurement is updated approximately once every 600 msec.

  • Page 73: Laser:mode

    LASer:MDP? n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:MDP? query returns the value of the selected channel's laser photodetector power measurement, in SYNTAX DIAGRAM PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value>. POINTS OF INTEREST The response is in mW. The response is valid, even when the unit is not in constant P mode. This measurement is updated approximately once every 600 msec.
  • Page 74 LASer:MODE: n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:MODE: command path is used to get to the selected channel's laser mode selection commands. The following commands may be reached directly from the LASer:MODE: command path. LASer:MODE:IHBW LASer:MODE:ILBW LASer:MODE:MDI LASer:MODE:MDP LASer:MODE:IHBW n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:MODE:IHBW command selects laser high bandwidth constant current mode for the selected channel.
  • Page 75 LASer:MODE:ILBW n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:MODE:ILBW command selects laser constant current mode. SYNTAX DIAGRAM MODE ILBW PARAMETERS None. POINTS OF INTEREST Constant ILBW mode (low bandwidth) enables the selected channel's output low bandpass filter. EXAMPLES "LAS:MODE:ILBW" -action: sets the selected channel's laser output for constant I mode (low bandwidth).
  • Page 76 LASer:MODE:MDP n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:MODE:MDP command selects constant optical power mode for the present channel. SYNTAX DIAGRAM MODE PARAMETERS None. POINTS OF INTEREST On the front panel, photodetector power mode is referred to as P mode. This mode of laser operation uses the monitor photodiode feedback current to maintain constant optical power.
  • Page 77 LASer:MODulation? n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:MODulation? query returns the status of the selected laser channel's modulation switch. SYNTAX DIAGRAM PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value>, 1 = ON, 0 = OFF. POINTS OF INTEREST More than one channel at a time may be modulated via the modulation signal, if desired. EXAMPLES "Las:MODULATION?"...

  • Page 78: Laser:output

    LASer:OUTput n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:OUTput command turns the selected channel's laser output on or off. SYNTAX DIAGRAM <white <nrf space> value> PARAMETERS An <nrf value>; 1 = on, 0 = off. POINTS OF INTEREST After the selected channel's output is turned on, it may be useful to wait until the output is fully on before performing further operations, but it is not necessary.

  • Page 79: Laser:set

    LASer:SET: n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:SET: command path is used to get to the selected channel's laser set point queries. The following commands may be reached directly from the LASer:SET: command path. LASer:SET:LDI? LASer:SET:MDI? LASer:SET:MDP? LASer:SET:LDI? n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:SET:LDI? query returns the constant current setpoint which is used for both bandwidth modes.
  • Page 80 LASer:SET:MDI? n Front Panel n Remote The LASer:SET:MDI? query returns the selected channel's laser monitor photodiode current set point value, in µA. SYNTAX DIAGRAM PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value> which represents the selected channel's constant IPD set point value, in µA.
  • Page 81 LASer:STEP ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LASer:STEP command specifies the amount the current setpoint will change in response to the LASer:INC or LASer:DEC command. SYNTAX DIAGRAM <white <nrf STEP space> value> PARAMETERS An <nrf value> of the step amount, in the range 1.0 to 100.0. The resolution is 0.1. POINTS OF INTEREST The step of 0.1 corresponds to 0.1 mA.
  • Page 82 LASer:SYNCLDI? o Front Panel n Remote The LASer:SYNCLDI? query returns the value of the selected channel's measured laser current, in mA. SYNTAX DIAGRAM SYNCLDI PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value> representing current in mA. POINTS OF INTEREST This is a “synchronized” measurement: the measurement system is connected to the current- measure signal when this query is received.
  • Page 83 LASer:SYNCLDV? o Front Panel n Remote The LASer:SYNCLDV? query returns the value of the selected channel's measured laser voltage, in volts. SYNTAX DIAGRAM SYNCLDV PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value> representing voltage in Volts. POINTS OF INTEREST This is a “synchronized” measurement: the measurement system is connected to the voltage- measure signal when this query is received.
  • Page 84 LASer:SYNCMDI? o Front Panel n Remote The LASer:SYNCMDI? query returns the value of the selected channel's measured monitor photodiode current in µA. SYNTAX DIAGRAM SYNCMDI None. The response is an <nrf value> representing current in µA. PARAMETERS POINTS OF INTEREST This is a “synchronized”...
  • Page 85 LASer:SYNCMDP? o Front Panel n Remote The LASer:SYNCMDP? query returns the value of the selected channel's measured optical power, in mW. SYNTAX DIAGRAM SYNCMDP PARAMETERS None. The response is an <nrf value> representing optical power in mW. POINTS OF INTEREST Optical power is derived from photodiode current.
  • Page 86 LAS:TOLerance ¨ Front Panel n Remote The LAS:TOLerance command sets the selected module’s laser control tolerance parameters. SYNTAX DIAGRAM <white <nrf <nrf space> value> value> Two <nrf values>; the first represents the measurement window, in mA, µA, or mW, depending PARAMETERS on the laser control mode.
  • Page 87 STATMENU:LINE1? ¨ Front Panel n Remote The STATMENU:LINE1? query returns name of the measurement that is currently being displayed on line 1 of the status menu. SYNTAX DIAGRAM STATMENU LINE1 PARAMETERS None. The response is character data which represents the measurement that is currently being displayed on line 1 of the selected channel’s portion of the status menu.
  • Page 88 STATMENU:LINE1:IPD ¨ Front Panel n Remote The STATMENU:LINE1:IPD command sets the measurement that is to be displayed on line 1 of the status menu to photodiode current ( IPD ). SYNTAX DIAGRAM STATMENU LINE1 PARAMETERS None. POINTS OF INTEREST The default condition of the status menu displays laser diode current ( LDI ) on line 1 and photodiode current ( IPD ) on line 2.
  • Page 89 STATMENU:LINE1:PPD ¨ Front Panel n Remote The STATMENU:LINE1:PPD command sets the measurement that is to be displayed on line 1 of the status menu to optical power ( PPD ). SYNTAX DIAGRAM STATMENU LINE1 PARAMETERS None. POINTS OF INTEREST Photodetector power is calculated via the CALPD conversion factor. The measurement is only as accurate as the user’s CALPD value.
  • Page 90 STATMENU:LINE2? ¨ Front Panel n Remote The STATMENU:LINE2? query returns name of the measurement that is currently being displayed on line 2 of the status menu. SYNTAX DIAGRAM STATMENU LINE2 PARAMETERS None. The response is character data which represents the measurement that is currently being displayed on line 2 of the selected channel’s portion of the status menu.
  • Page 91 STATMENU:LINE2:IPD ¨ Front Panel n Remote The STATMENU:LINE2:IPD command sets the measurement that is to be displayed on line 2 of the status menu to photodiode current ( IPD ). SYNTAX DIAGRAM STATMENU LINE2 PARAMETERS None. POINTS OF INTEREST The default condition of the status menu displays laser diode current ( LDI ) on line 1 and photodiode current ( IPD ) on line 2.
  • Page 92 STATMENU:LINE2:PPD ¨ Front Panel n Remote The STATMENU:LINE2:PPD command sets the measurement that is to be displayed on line 2 of the status menu to optical power ( PPD ). SYNTAX DIAGRAM STATMENU LINE2 PARAMETERS None. POINTS OF INTEREST Photodetector power is calculated via the CALPD conversion factor. The measurement is only as accurate as the user’s CALPD value.
  • Page 94 CHAPTER 5 CALIBRATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE INTRODUCTION CALIBRATION OVERVIEW Recommended Equipment LOCAL CALIBRATION OF THE LASER CURRENT SOURCE Current Source Calibration IPD Current Calibration Laser Forward Voltage Measurement Calibration REMOTE CALIBRATION OF THE 3916338 CURRENT SOURCE MODULE Laser Current Source Calibration LDI Calibration IPD Current Calibration Laser Forward Voltage Measurement Calibration...

  • Page 96: Chapter 5 Calibration And Troubleshooting Guide

    CHAPTER 5 CALIBRATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE INTRODUCTION This chapter describes calibration of your 3916338 Laser Diode Current Source Module. Descriptions of the required test instruments, calibration conditions, and the detailed procedures for calibration of the instrument’s Laser Diode Current Sources are included. A troubleshooting guide is also offered for some of the more common failure symptoms.
  • Page 97 It will be necessary to connect various loads and circuits to the outputs of the module for the calibration procedure. The devices required for most of the calibration loads are listed in Table 5.2. A schematic is shown in Figure 5.1 for the photodiode calibration circuit, with the required components listed in Table 5.3.

  • Page 98: Local Calibration Of The Laser Current Source

    LOCAL CALIBRATION OF THE LASER CURRENT SOURCE There are three calibration adjustments for the current source of the 3916338 Current Source Module. They are: calibration of the constant current (LDI) source, calibration of the constant light power (I PD ) feedback circuit, and calibration of the laser forward voltage (LDV) measurement.

  • Page 99: Ipd Current Calibration

    g. Measure the actual current, and enter that value into the IREAL adjust field. After you have entered the second value, the internal cal procedure calibrates the LD current measurement circuit, the LD current source for both low and high bandwidths, and the LD current limit circuit. IPD Current Calibration The following procedure is for calibrating the LASER I PD (photodiode monitor) measurement circuit.

  • Page 100: Laser Forward Voltage Measurement Calibration

    Laser Forward Voltage Measurement Calibration The following procedure is for calibrating the LASER forward voltage (LDV) measurement circuit. The internal calibration procedure sets the current to two values. You must enter the resulting forward voltage that you measure at both of these points. The internal procedure will then use this information to calibrate the LDV measurement circuit.

  • Page 101: Remote Calibration Of The 3916338 Current Source Module

    REMOTE CALIBRATION OF THE 3916338 CURRENT SOURCE MODULE The 3916338 Modules can be calibrated remotely via the GPIB Interface. All of the required calibration commands are listed in Table 4.1 in Chapter 4. The procedures below are general guidelines for writing a program to calibrate your instrument.
  • Page 102 Enter the Laser Current Source calibration mode by sending the following command over GPIB: LAS:CAL:LDI The internal cal procedure will begin by setting the Laser output current to approximately 25% of its full range. Allow the current to settle for at least 10 seconds. If this calibration value is to be measured and entered remotely via a GPIB controlled DMM, for example, the actual value of the current should not be entered until the cal procedure is ready to receive it.

  • Page 103: Ipd Current Calibration

    IPD Current Calibration The following procedure is for remotely calibrating the LASER I PD (photodiode monitor) measurement circuit. The module’s internal calibration procedure sets the current to two values. You must enter the resulting I PD (photodiode monitor) current that you measure at both of these points. The module’s internal cal procedure will then use this information to calibrate the I PD measurement circuit.

  • Page 104: Laser Forward Voltage Measurement Calibration

    Laser Forward Voltage Measurement Calibration The following procedure is for remotely calibrating the laser forward voltage measurement circuit. The module’s internal calibration procedure sets the current to two values. You must measure and enter the forward voltage at both of these points. The module’s internal cal procedure will then use this information to calibrate the voltage measurement system.

  • Page 105: Troubleshooting Guide

    We recommend that the user start at the beginning of this guide. Read the symptom descriptions, and follow the steps for the corrective actions which apply. If you encounter problems which are beyond the scope of this guide, contact your ILX Lightwave customer service representative.
  • Page 106 Output goes off intermittently Check the interlock circuit. An intermittent interlock will turn the output off. Check that the AC power cord connection is secure. Power-line drop-outs may reset the unit and when power is restored, the output will be off. Unable to adjust output Make sure that the ISET adjust parameter is highlighted.

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