ILX Lightwave LDX-3220 Laser Diode Driver, Precision

The ILX Lightwave LDX-3220 is a microprocessor-based laser diode driver engineered for precision current control in research, development, and production environments. It delivers dual output ranges (0–200 mA and 0–500 mA) with exceptional stability and low noise performance, supporting both constant current and constant power operating modes. The driver operates in three distinct modes: CW (Constant Current) optimized for DC operation with external modulation to 15 kHz and enhanced noise performance; High Bandwidth mode supporting 1 MHz modulation for dithering applications; and Constant Power mode via rear-facet or external photodiode feedback. Current output accuracy reaches ±0.05% FS with 1-hour stability better than 10 ppm FS and 24-hour stability under 20 ppm FS. Temperature coefficient is held to less than 50 ppm FS/°C. Noise and ripple performance is exceptionally low at less than 2 µA (rms). Measurement capabilities include four-wire forward voltage sensing with ±2.5% accuracy and 50 mV resolution, monitor current measurement (5–5000 µA range, ±2 µA accuracy), and photodiode current monitoring (0–5000 µA, ±0.04% FS accuracy) with adjustable reverse bias to 5 V. The 10 V laser compliance voltage accommodates standard laser diode packages. Integrated protection circuitry includes adjustable current and voltage limits, output shorting relays, clamping current limits under modulation, intermittent contact protection, and slow-start power-up sequencing. A 5-digit green LED display provides real-time setpoint and measurement readout with fine/coarse control adjustment.

Technical Specifications

Maximum output current: 0.5 A (dual ranges: 0–200 mA, 0–500 mA)

Setpoint and output accuracy: ±0.05% FS

1-hour stability: <10 ppm FS; 24-hour stability: <20 ppm FS

Temperature coefficient: <50 ppm FS/°C

Noise and ripple: <2 µA (rms)

Laser compliance voltage: 10 V

External modulation bandwidth: DC to 15 kHz (CW); DC to 1 MHz (High Bandwidth)

Forward voltage measurement: ±2.5% accuracy, 50 mV resolution

Photodiode current range: 0–5000 µA (±0.04% FS accuracy)

Monitor current range: 5–5000 µA (±2 µA accuracy)

Photodiode reverse bias: 0–5 V adjustable

Key Features

Constant Current and Constant Power operating modes

Four-wire forward voltage measurement

Adjustable current and voltage limiting

Output shorting relays with clamping protection

Slow-start routine for safe power-up transitions

Typical Applications

Laser diode characterization and burn-in testing

Wavelength and power tuning via current dithering

Photonics research and component development

Production laser module assembly and verification

Compatibility & Integration

GPIB/IEEE-488 instrument control

LabVIEW instrument drivers available

120 VAC power input