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.
