The ILX Lightwave LDX-3232 is a precision laser diode driver engineered for meticulous current and temperature control in research, development, and industrial environments. It delivers stable, accurate operation across a 0 mA to 300 mA output range with ±1 µA stability and ±0.05% accuracy, supported by integrated thermoelectric cooling with ±0.01°C temperature stability. Built-in protection features—soft start, adjustable current limiting, transient suppression, and safety interlock—safeguard laser diodes during operation. The instrument provides real-time monitoring of output current, laser mount temperature, and photodiode feedback, with flexible modulation capabilities including internal sine wave generation (1 Hz to 100 kHz) and external DC-coupled inputs (0 V to 5 V). GPIB and RS-232 interfaces enable remote automation and data acquisition.
## Technical Specifications
**Current Control**
• Output current range: 0 mA to 300 mA
• Current stability: ±1 µA
• Current accuracy: ±0.05% of setpoint + 1 µA
• Current noise: < 2 µA RMS (0.1 Hz to 1 MHz)
• Compliance voltage: 0 V to 5.2 V
**Temperature Control**
• Operating range: 15°C to 35°C (ambient dependent)
• Temperature stability: ±0.01°C
• Temperature accuracy: ±0.05°C
• Integrated thermoelectric cooler controller with 10 kΩ thermistor compatibility
**Modulation**
• Internal sine wave: 1 Hz to 100 kHz
• External modulation input: 0 V to 5 V (DC coupled)
**Electrical**
• Power input: 100-120 VAC / 220-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: 100 VA (maximum)
**Physical**
• 19-inch rack-mountable chassis
• Weight: 7.7 kg (17 lbs)
## Key Features
• Soft-start initialization prevents laser diode inrush damage
• Adjustable current limiting provides user-defined protection
• Transient suppression mitigates voltage spikes
• Safety interlock input for external output control
• Real-time current and temperature display
• Monitor photodiode input for feedback and performance analysis
## Typical Applications
Laser diode characterization, optical system testing, temperature-stabilized diode operation, and automated test environments requiring remote control.
## Compatibility & Integration
Supports Fabry-Perot, DFB, VCSEL, and broad-area laser diodes within specified current and voltage limits. Front-panel SMA and TO-can connectors interface with laser mounts and TEC assemblies. GPIB (IEEE-488) and RS-232 rear-panel connectivity integrate with standard instrument control software.
