Products Laser Electronics uniLDD

Ultra-stable and high power laser diode drivers with internal TEC controller option uniLDD

uniLDD series

Ultra-stable and high power laser diode drivers with internal TEC controller option

Laser diode drivers, also known as laser diode controllers, for pumping of diode pumped solid state lasers (DPSSL) as well as powering and beam modulation of direct diode lasers for vast variety of industrial, medical, scientific and military applications.

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uniLDD

Overview Specifications Interface pinout Drawings & Images Downloads

Key parameters & system overview

Features

Current range from 10 A to 1200 A
Compliance voltage range from 1 V to 600 V
Current stability of < 0.1% pk to pk
Current ripple of < 0.1% pk to pk
Output power up to 6 kW
Protections:
- current transient (overload) protection;
- open circuit shut-down;
- over temperature shut-down;
- power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down;
- interlock shut-down
Drivers can function simultaneously as TEC controllers and LDD current sources
Can be controlled via analog and digital (CAN, RS232) interfaces.
Uniquely customizable modular design ensures drivers can be tailored to precisely meet OEM customer’s needs
Fast turnaround times between inquiry, prototyping and high-volume manufacturing stages

Applications

EKSPLA laser diode drivers are optimal for pumping of femtosecond, picosecond, nanosecond and CW solid state lasers based on crystal, fiber or direct-diode technology. Most popular fields of applications are:

Industrial lasers
micromachining, welding and cutting
Medical lasers
ophthalmology, dermatology and surgery
Scientific lasers
fusion research, spectroscopy, and high-energy physics

Description

uniLDD is the product line of laser diode drivers, also known as laser diode controllers, used in diode-pumped solid state lasers (DPSSL). The main purpose of laser diode drivers is to ensure precise current and temperature control of laser diodes. Our laser diode drivers are compatible with a wide range of diodes (single emitters, bars, stacks, VCSELs, LEDs) and support both pulsed (QCW) and continuous (CW) operation modes.

Ekspla’s laser diode controllers can provide currents from 10 A to 1200 A while maintaining < 0.1% pk-pk current ripple and amplitude stability. Compliance voltages of our laser diode drivers vary from 1 V to 600 V. In the vast majority of cases we either partially customize or fully tailor our laser diode drivers for an optimal performance at customer’s required regimes. For high-volume OEM customers we also tailor our laser diode controllers by removing excessive components to make sure drivers are optimal parameter, cost and size wise.

Certain uniLDD laser diode driver versions can simultaneously function as current sources for laser diodes and TEC controllers, also known as Peltier element thermocontrollers. Noted laser diode driver versions can contain up to two output channels, which can be utilized as two independent TEC controllers.

Performance

Typical ripple current of uniLDD-A-CW.

12 V and 24 V DC power, 2 V junction + 10 MΩ series R load.

Typical current drift and long term stability of uniLDD-A-CW.

From cold start for different currents.

Peak performance example of custom Tri-uniLDD-A-QCW.

I_out 1195 A, U_out 473 V, PW 500 us, f 10 Hz, rise 36 µs, fall 14 µs, overshoot 0.7%.

Model	uniLDD-C-CW	uniLDD-C-QCW CW mode	uniLDD-C-QCW QCW mode
Output specifications ¹⁾
Operation mode	CW ²⁾	CW ²⁾	QCW ³⁾
Compliance voltage range, min-max ⁴⁾	1 – 90 V ⁵⁾	1 – 90 V	1 – 85 V
Current range, min-max	10 – 100 A ⁶⁾	10 – 100 A	10 – 160 A
Average power, max	3 kW ⁵⁾	3 kW	3 kW
Power conversion efficiency	90 – 98 %	90 – 98 %	90 – 98 %
Current pulse amplitude stability	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁷⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁷⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁷⁾
Current ripple	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁸⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁸⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁸⁾
Current drift	< 0.2 % ⁹⁾	< 0.2 % ⁹⁾	< 0.2 % ⁹⁾
Duty cycle	–	–	≤ 20 %
Repetition rate, max	–	–	≤ 5 kHz
Current rise time, typical	–	–	5 – 100 μs ¹⁰⁾
Current pulse duration, typical	–	–	up to 100 ms ¹¹⁾
RMS current, max	–	–	100 A
Amount of functioning internal TEC control channels	0, 1 or 2 ¹²⁾	0, 1 or 2 ¹²⁾	0, 1 or 2 ¹²⁾
TEC control current, min-max per channel	1 – 25 A	1 – 25 A	1 – 25 A
TEC control voltage, min-max per channel	1 – 36 V	1 – 36 V	1 – 36 V
TEC control power, max per channel	350 W	350 W	350 W
Input specifications
Power supply requirements (power stage), min	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2
Power supply requirements (control stage)	12 V, 10 W	12 V, 10 W	12 V, 10 W
Control interfaces	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ¹³⁾	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ¹³⁾	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ¹³⁾
Software	Ekspla’s control software ¹⁴⁾	Ekspla’s control software ¹⁴⁾	Ekspla’s control software ¹⁴⁾
Protections	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down
Physical characteristics
Dimensions (L x W x H) ¹⁵⁾	130 x 90 x 30 mm	130 x 90 x 54 mm	130 x 90 x 54 mm
Operating requirements
Cooling method	Conductive	Conductive	Conductive
Operating ambient temperature	≤ 40 °C	≤ 40 °C	≤ 40 °C
Operating baseplate temperature	≤ 50 °C	≤ 50 °C	≤ 50 °C
Accessories
CAN-USB adapter	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹⁶⁾	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹⁶⁾	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹⁶⁾
Communication board	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹⁷⁾	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹⁷⁾	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹⁷⁾
Voltage booster board	on request ⁵⁾	on request ⁵⁾	on request ⁵⁾
Baseplate	copper, included by default	copper, included by default	copper, included by default
Output power cables	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length
Input power cables	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length
Control cables	included by default	included by default	included by default
External capacitors	on request ¹⁸⁾	on request ¹⁸⁾	on request ¹⁸⁾

Model	uniLDD-C-CW	uniLDD-C-QCW CW mode	uniLDD-C-QCW QCW mode

Due to continuous improvement, all specifications are subject to change without notice. Parameters marked typical are not specifications. They are indications of typical performance and will vary with each unit we manufacture.
Continuous-wave.
Quasi-continuous-wave (also known as pulsed).
Range between minimum and maximum limits. Not all maximal limits can be reached simultaneously.
Maximum compliance voltage and maximum power can be extended for certain versions by using booster board layout. Ekspla’s booster board which allows to extend output compliance voltage of certain uniLDD versions. In certain cases output compliance voltage can be increased up to 600 V. Can be added at factory upon Ekspla’s recommendations.
Maximum current can be extended for certain versions by connecting drivers in parallel.
In ×0.5…×1 of max current range.
DC…100 kHz bandwidth, in ×0.5…×1 of max current range.
Cold start, 8 h period, after 5 min. warm up.
Factory software tuned upon customer’s request.
Factory software & hardware tuned upon customer’s request.
Amount factory enabled upon customer’s request.
USB, LAN & WLAN control interfaces are available upon customer’s request while using Ekspla’s external communication board.
Ekspla’s control software & protocol description included by default.
External driver dimensions can vary ± 20 mm due to the minor hardware variations like fans and current sensors.
Ekspla’s CAN-USB adapter is required at evaluation stage if communication via CAN interface is needed.
Ekspla’s communication board allows to control driver via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces. Can be provided upon request.
Included upon Ekspla’s recommentadion. Custom mounting solutions for external capacitor are available upon request.

Forced-air cooled uniLDD-A

Model	uniLDD-A-CW	uniLDD-A-QCW CW mode	uniLDD-A-QCW QCW mode
Output specifications ¹⁾
Operation mode	CW ²⁾	CW ²⁾	QCW ³⁾
Compliance voltage range, min-max ⁴⁾	1 – 85 V	1 – 90 V ⁵⁾	1 – 85 V
Current range, min-max	10 – 100 A	10 – 100 A ⁶⁾	10 – 360 A
Power, max	2 kW	2 kW ⁵⁾	2 kW
Power conversion efficiency	90 – 98 %	90 – 98 %	90 – 98 %
Current pulse amplitude stability	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁷⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁷⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁷⁾
Current ripple	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁸⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁸⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁸⁾
Current drift	< 0.2 % ⁹⁾	< 0.2 % ⁹⁾	< 0.2 % ⁹⁾
Duty cycle	–	–	≤ 20 %
Repetition rate, max	–	–	≤ 5 kHz
Current rise time, typical	–	–	5 – 100 μs
Current pulse duration, typical	–	–	up to 100 ms
RMS current, max	–	–	80 A
Amount of functioning internal TEC control channels	0, 1 or 2 ¹⁰⁾	0, 1 or 2 ¹⁰⁾	0, 1 or 2 ¹⁰⁾
TEC control current, min-max per channel	1 – 25 A	1 – 25 A	1 – 25 A
TEC control voltage, min-max per channel	1 – 36 V	1 – 36 V	1 – 36 V
TEC control power, max per channel	350 W	350 W	350 W
Input specifications
Power supply requirements (power stage), min	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2
Power supply requirements (control stage)	12 V, 10 W	12 V, 10 W	12 V, 10 W
Control interfaces	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ¹¹⁾	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ¹¹⁾	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ¹¹⁾
Software	Ekspla’s control software ¹²⁾	Ekspla’s control software ¹²⁾	Ekspla’s control software ¹²⁾
Protections	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down
Physical characteristics
Dimensions (L x W x H) ¹³⁾	208 x 65 x 103 mm	208 x 65 x 103 mm	208 x 65 x 103 mm
Operating requirements
Cooling method	Forced-air	Forced-air	Forced-air
Operating ambient temperature	≤ 40 °C	≤ 40 °C	≤ 40 °C
Accessories
CAN-USB adapter	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹⁴⁾	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹⁴⁾	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹⁴⁾
Communication board	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹⁵⁾	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹⁵⁾	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹⁵⁾
Voltage booster board	on request ⁵⁾	on request ⁵⁾	on request ⁵⁾
Baseplate	aluminum, included upon request	aluminum, included upon request	aluminum, included upon request
Output power cables	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length
Input power cables	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length
Control cables	included by default	included by default	included by default
External capacitors	on request ¹⁶⁾	on request ¹⁶⁾	on request ¹⁶⁾

Model	uniLDD-A-CW	uniLDD-A-QCW CW mode	uniLDD-A-QCW QCW mode

Due to continuous improvement, all specifications are subject to change without notice. Parameters marked typical are not specifications. They are indications of typical performance and will vary with each unit we manufacture.
Continuous-wave.
Quasi-continuous-wave (also known as pulsed).
Range between minimum and maximum limits. Not all maximal limits can be reached simultaneously.
Maximum compliance voltage and maximum power can be extended for certain versions by using booster board layout. Ekspla’s booster board which allows to extend output compliance voltage of certain uniLDD versions. In certain cases output compliance voltage can be increased up to 600 V. Can be added at factory upon Ekspla’s recommendations.
Maximum current can be extended for certain versions by connecting drivers in parallel.
In ×0.5…×1 of max current range.
DC…100 kHz bandwidth, in ×0.5…×1 of max current range.
Cold start, 8 h period, after 5 min. warm up.
Amount factory enabled upon customer’s request.
USB, LAN & WLAN control interfaces are available upon customer’s request while using Ekspla’s external communication board.
Ekspla’s control software & protocol description included by default.
External driver dimensions can vary ± 20 mm due to the minor hardware variations like fans and current sensors.
Ekspla’s CAN-USB adapter is required at evaluation stage if communication via CAN interface is needed.
Ekspla’s communication board allows to control driver via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces. Can be provided upon request.
Included upon Ekspla’s recommentadion. Custom mounting solutions for external capacitor are available upon request.

High power Bi/Tri-uniLDD

Model	Bi-uniLDD-A-QCW CW mode	Bi-uniLDD-A-QCW QCW mode	Tri-uniLDD-A-QCW CW mode	Tri-uniLDD-A-QCW QCW mode
Output specifications ¹⁾
Operation mode	CW ²⁾	QCW ³⁾	CW ²⁾	QCW ³⁾
Compliance voltage range, min-max ⁴⁾	1 – 90 V	1 – 85 V	1 – 90 V	1 – 85 V
Current range, min-max	20 – 200 A	20 – 800 A	30 – 300 A	30 – 1200 A
Power, max	4 kW	4 kW	6 kW	6 kW
Power conversion efficiency	90 – 98 %	90 – 98 %	90 – 98 %	90 – 98 %
Current pulse amplitude stability	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁵⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁵⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁵⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁵⁾
Current ripple	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁶⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁶⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁶⁾	< 0.1 % pk to pk ⁶⁾
Current drift	< 0.2 % ⁷⁾	< 0.2 % ⁷⁾	< 0.2 % ⁷⁾	< 0.2 % ⁷⁾
Duty cycle	–	≤ 20 %	–	≤ 20 %
Repetition rate, max	–	≤ 5 kHz	–	≤ 5 kHz
Current rise time, typical	–	5 – 100 μs	–	5 – 100 μs
Current pulse duration, typical	–	up to 100 ms	–	up to 100 ms
RMS current, max	–	160 A	–	240 A
Amount of functioning internal TEC control channels	0	0	0	0
Input specifications
Power supply requirements (power stage), min	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2	U_{PS in min} (V) = U_{LDD out max} + 5 P_{PS in min} (W) = I_{LDD out max} * U_{LDD out max} * duty cycle_max / 100 % * 1.2
Power supply requirements (control stage)	12 V, 20 W	12 V, 20 W	12 V, 25 W	12 V, 25 W
Control interfaces	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ⁸⁾	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ⁸⁾	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ⁸⁾	analog, CAN & RS232 by default. USB, LAN & WLAN upon request ⁸⁾
Software	Ekspla’s control software ⁹⁾	Ekspla’s control software ⁹⁾	Ekspla’s control software ⁹⁾	Ekspla’s control software ⁹⁾
Protections	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down	current transient (overload) protection; open circuit shut-down; over temperature shut-down; power voltage brownout (voltage dip) shut-down; interlock shut-down
Physical characteristics
Dimensions (L x W x H) ¹⁰⁾	250 x 146 x 98 mm	250 x 146 x 98 mm	250 x 200 x 98 mm	250 x 200 x 98 mm
Operating requirements
Cooling method	Forced-air	Forced-air	Forced-air	Forced-air
Operating ambient temperature	≤ 40 °C	≤ 40 °C	≤ 40 °C	≤ 40 °C
Accessories
CAN-USB adapter	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹¹⁾	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹¹⁾	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹¹⁾	on request. Required at evaluation stage ¹¹⁾
Communication board	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹²⁾	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹²⁾	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹²⁾	on request. For driver control via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces ¹²⁾
Voltage booster board	on request ¹³⁾	on request ¹³⁾	on request ¹³⁾	on request ¹³⁾
Baseplate	aluminum, included by default	aluminum, included by default	aluminum, included by default	aluminum, included by default
Output power cables	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length
Input power cables	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length	included upon request, custom dia and length
Control cables	included by default	included by default	included by default	included by default
External capacitors	on request ¹⁴⁾	on request ¹⁴⁾	on request ¹⁴⁾	on request ¹⁴⁾

Model	Bi-uniLDD-A-QCW CW mode	Bi-uniLDD-A-QCW QCW mode	Tri-uniLDD-A-QCW CW mode	Tri-uniLDD-A-QCW QCW mode

Due to continuous improvement, all specifications are subject to change without notice. Parameters marked typical are not specifications. They are indications of typical performance and will vary with each unit we manufacture.
Continuous-wave.
Quasi-continuous-wave (also known as pulsed).
Range between minimum and maximum limits. Not all maximal limits can be reached simultaneously.
In ×0.5…×1 of max current range.
DC…100 kHz bandwidth, in ×0.5…×1 of max current range.
Cold start, 8 h period, after 5 min. warm up.
USB, LAN & WLAN control interfaces are available upon customer’s request while using Ekspla’s external communication board.
Ekspla’s control software & protocol description included by default.
External driver dimensions can vary ± 20 mm due to the minor hardware variations like fans and current sensors.
Ekspla’s CAN-USB adapter is required at evaluation stage if communication via CAN interface is needed.
Ekspla’s communication board allows to control driver via RS232, USB, LAN, WLAN interfaces. Can be provided upon request.
Maximum compliance voltage and maximum power can be extended for certain versions by using booster board layout. Ekspla’s booster board which allows to extend output compliance voltage of certain uniLDD versions. In certain cases output compliance voltage can be increased up to 600 V. Can be added at factory upon Ekspla’s recommendations.
Included upon Ekspla’s recommentadion. Custom mounting solutions for external capacitor are available upon request.

Analog interface pinout

Pin	Signal name	Direction	Voltage level	Description
1	Enable	Input	TTL (LVTTL) 200 µA pull up to 3.3 V	The Enable function gives permission to operate for TEC driver and consequently for LDD driver.
2	Ready To Operate (RTO)	Input/Output through 330 Ω resistor	2.4 V driver output is active, < 0.5 V output is clamped	RTO is tied to ‘High’ by the driver when ‘Active RTO ‘ is enabled and the driver is in active state. Alarms clamp RTO low and disable driver output. External device may clamp RTO to GND and disable driver output. RTO allows to join fault circuits of several drivers connected in parallel
3	Interlock	Input	10 kΩ pull up to 3.3 V, LOW = < 0.4 V	The Interlock function can be connected to external safety or machine protection switches such as door or temperature switches. Open = OFF Connect to GND = RUN
4	GND
5	V_out monitor	Output	V_out, driver output voltage	The output voltage monitor. V_out = Diode compliance voltage + voltage drop on connection wires
6	I_out monitor	Output	0 – 10 V* = 0 – I_outmax	The output current monitor
7	I_program	Input	0 – 10 V* = 0 – I_outmax	Output current setting or modulating by applying a voltage, CW and Pulse mode
8	Pulse control	Input	TTL, LVTTL positive pulse	In TriggerIN mode: trigger input. A rising pulse provided to this connector will trigger an output current pulse of a preset width. In Time-gated mode: input to start/stop the output current.” Connection “Trigger input” performs the same function
9	GND
10	+5V	Output	Auxiliary 200 mA
11	+5V	Output	Auxiliary 200 mA
12	-15V	Output	Auxiliary 200 mA
13	+15V	Output	Auxiliary 200 mA
14	+15V	Output	Auxiliary 200 mA
15	GND