ILX Lightwave LDT-5910C – Thermoelectric Temperature Controller

The ILX Lightwave LDT-5910C is a thermoelectric temperature controller for precise thermal management of laser diodes and optoelectronic components in research, development, and production environments. It delivers exceptional stability - ±0.001°C over one hour and ±0.002°C over 24 hours - with absolute accuracy of ±0.2°C and 0.01°C setpoint resolution across a -100°C to +200°C range. Four control modes (Constant Temperature, Constant Sensor, Constant Current, and Resistive Heater) accommodate diverse application requirements. The instrument features a fully programmable PID loop with twelve preset configurations, manual adjustment capability, and auto-tuning mode. Its linear bipolar TE output delivers -4.00 to +4.00 A across -8 to +8 V with maximum power of 32 W, current limit accuracy of 50 mA, and noise under 1 mA rms. The LDT-5910C accepts thermistors, RTDs, and current or voltage IC sensors (e.g., AD590, LM335) with auto-sensing thermistor current mode and linearization support for standard 10 kΩ devices. GPIB/IEEE 488.1 and USB 2.0 interfaces enable remote operation; LabVIEW drivers are available. Plug-and-play compatibility with ILX Lightwave laser diode mounts provides automatic configuration of TE current limits and sensor parameters. The unit replaces the obsolete LDT-5910B and A series and maintains backward compatibility with LDT-5910B remote commands. Variable-speed external fan control optimizes thermal management. Normally open and normally closed output interlocks support safety-critical configurations.

Technical Specifications

Temperature Control Modes: Constant Temperature, Constant Sensor, Constant Current, Resistive Heater Mode

Temperature Stability: ±0.001°C (1-hour), ±0.002°C (24-hour)

Temperature Range: -100°C to +200°C

Absolute Accuracy: ±0.2°C (with calibration)

Setpoint Resolution: 0.01°C

TE Output: Linear bipolar current source, -4.00 to +4.00 A, -8 to +8 V, 32 W maximum

Current Limit Accuracy: 50 mA

Current Noise and Ripple: <1 mA rms

Sensor Compatibility: Thermistor, RTD, Current IC (AD590), Voltage IC (LM335)

Thermistor Linearization: -30°C to 85°C at 100 µA

Power Supply: 120 VAC

Interfaces: GPIB/IEEE 488.1, USB 2.0

Display: 7-segment LED with integrated dot matrix (TE current, sensor resistance, temperature, setpoint, errors)

Key Features

Twelve-preset PID configurations including six original LDT-5910B values and six optimized for ILX Lightwave mounts

Auto-tuning mode for optimal PID calculation

Auto-sensing thermistor current mode simplifies sensor configuration

LabVIEW driver support for automated control workflows

Variable-speed fan control for external thermal management

Normally open and normally closed output interlocks for system safety

Typical Applications

Laser diode temperature stabilization in spectroscopy and optical communications

Optoelectronic component characterization and burn-in testing

Research and production environments requiring sub-millidegree stability

Compatibility & Integration

Direct compatibility with ILX Lightwave precision laser diode mounts

Automatic mount detection and preset configuration

Full backward compatibility with LDT-5910B remote commands

Replaces LDT-5910B and A series controllers