ILX Lightwave LDC-3926: 16-Channel Laser Diode Controller, High Power, LDC-3916 Series

The ILX Lightwave LDC-3926 is a 16-channel modular laser diode controller housed in a 3U-high rack-mountable mainframe. It delivers precise, independent control of multiple laser sources and thermoelectric coolers for high-power pump laser applications, optical amplifier development, and production testing. The instrument accepts all LDC-3916 series control modules, enabling configurations from single-output current sources to dual-channel temperature controllers. With GPIB/IEEE-488, RS-232, and USB interfaces plus integrated LabVIEW drivers, the LDC-3926 integrates directly into automated test and control systems.

Technical Specifications Mainframe

16-module capacity

3U-high, rack-mountable form factor

Vacuum fluorescent display (64 × 128 pixels), four-channel view with scrolling

Operating temperature: 0°C to +40°C Laser Current Control

High current modules: up to 6 A per channel, 42 W power output, 4-wire forward voltage measurement

Dual-channel modules: up to 1 A per channel, two isolated outputs per module

Standard modules: up to 1.5 A per channel with integrated 9 W temperature controller

Constant current and constant power operating modes

Direct modulation to 1 MHz (50 Ω terminated input)

Maximum output current transient: <1000 V power-line spike (per ILX Lightwave Technical Standard #LDC-00196)

Enhanced diode protection with adjustable forward voltage Temperature Control

TEC control module: 48 W power output, constant temperature or constant resistance mode

Dual-channel modules: two independent 9 W outputs per module, up to 32 laser diodes per mainframe

Gain settings: 1 to 127

Thermoelectric voltage measurement on all TEC modules

Bipolar current driver compatible with thermistor-type sensors Power Requirements

100 V AC ±10%, 15 A

120 V AC ±10%, 12 A

200–240 V AC ±10%, 6 A Interfaces

GPIB/IEEE-488 compliant remote control

RS-232 serial interface

USB (standard)

LabVIEW drivers available

Key Features

Modular architecture accepts all LDC-3916 series control modules

Independent channel isolation and control

Multi-viewing display with four-channel simultaneous status display

Wide current range: 500 mA to 6 A per channel

High power density: up to 42 W per laser control module

Typical Applications

Pump laser control in high-power optical amplifiers

Multi-channel laser diode testing and characterization

Production test systems for fiber-optic components

Thermoelectric cooler regulation for laser packages

Compatibility & Integration The LDC-3926 mainframe is fully compatible with all LDC-3916 series control modules. Mixed configurations of high-current, dual-channel, and standard laser modules with TEC controllers support flexible system design. Standard GPIB, RS-232, and USB connectivity enable integration into laboratory automation and production environments.