The ILX Lightwave LDX-36018-35 is a high-power laser diode driver delivering precise current and voltage control for Continuous Wave (CW) and Quasi-Continuous Wave (QCW) applications. Built for demanding test environments, it combines 18 A CW output with 40 A QCW/pulsed capability, 35 V compliance voltage, and sub-microsecond fault response. The driver integrates current and voltage limiting, photodiode measurement, temperature monitoring, and multiple transient protection mechanisms. GPIB control, programmable trigger functions, and save/recall capability enable rapid characterization and automated testing workflows.
## Technical Specifications
**Current Output**
• CW output: 18 A
• QCW/hard pulse output: 40 A
• Current resolution: 10 mA
• Current accuracy: ±(0.1% FS + 10 mA) or ±0.1%
• 1-hour stability: <100 ppm FS
• Adjustable current limit: 0 to full scale
**Voltage Output**
• Compliance voltage: 35 V
• Adjustable voltage limit: 0 to full scale
**Pulse Operation**
• Pulse width: 40 μs to 2 s
• Repetition rate: 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz
• Duty cycle: 0.5% to 20% or 0.5% to 90%
• Rise/fall time: <10 μs
**Monitoring & Measurement**
• Forward voltage accuracy: ±0.05% of 20 mV
• Forward voltage resolution: 10 mV
• Monitor current range: 3 to 10,000 μA
• Monitor current accuracy: ±0.1% FS
• Photodiode reverse bias: 0 to 5 V
• Temperature monitoring: Thermistor input supported
**Protection & Response**
• Output shorting relay: Normally closed
• Current limit response: <2 μs
• Open circuit response: <50 μs
• Interlock response: <6 ms
• Output enable delay: 2 s
• Transient protection: Output On/Off, power up/down, EFT/surge
**Interfaces & Control**
• GPIB (IEEE 488)
• Programmable trigger input/output with adjustable delays
• Configuration save/recall
**Power & Environmental**
• Input: 100-120 VAC or 200-240 VAC
• Operating temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C
• Maximum humidity: <80% RH, non-condensing
• Maximum altitude: 3000 m
• Weight: 11.9 kg
• Dimensions: 146 × 483 × 451 mm
• Display: 5-digit or dual 5-digit green LED
## Key Features
• Dual-mode operation supports both steady-state and pulsed laser characterization
• <2 μs current limiting protects devices during fault conditions
• Integrated photodiode measurement (3 to 10,000 μA range) eliminates external instrumentation
• Thermistor input enables real-time junction temperature monitoring
• Programmable trigger I/O with delays supports synchronization to external test sequences
• GPIB remote control and save/recall streamline multi-device production test
## Typical Applications
• High-power diode laser characterization (reliability, L-I curves, thermal analysis)
• Pulsed laser testing (fiber-coupled pump sources, free-space systems)
• Automated production test with configuration recall
• Long-term stability monitoring and burn-in
## Compatibility & Integration
GPIB connectivity enables integration into ATE and laboratory automation frameworks. Trigger I/O supports synchronized operation with optical measurement instruments and data acquisition systems. Dual-supply design (100-120/200-240 VAC) accommodates global lab installations.
