Application Note: LDP-V xx-100 with the PLCS-21 and PLB-21

Associated products:
LDP-V 03-100,
LDP-V 50-100,
LDP-V 80-100, LDP-V 240-100, PLCS-21, PLB-21, LDP-V Kit This application note briefly describes how to connect a PLB-21 to various laser diode drivers of the LPD-V series via the PLCS-21.

The PLCS-21 acts as a function generator and a RS-232 translator.
The PLB-21 is a human interface that allows an easy evaluation and testing, you can easily modify operation parameters of your laser diode.

The PLB-21 cannot be connected directly to the LDP-V driver.

What to do?

Picture

Unpack your driver.

A top view of a laserdriver with inputs and controls on the left, components in the center and output pads on the right.

Connect the monitor cable to the power monitor SMC socket of your driver. Connect the current monitor cable to the current monitor SMC socket on your driver. Cables are part of the LDP-V Kit. Refer to the scope scaling printed beneath the socket or stated in the datasheet.

A top view of a laserdriver with inputs and controls on the left, components in the center and output pads on the right. A single control cable is connected.

Plug the PLCS-21 onto the top of the LPD-V driver and fix it with three M3 screws (delivered with the PLCS-21).

A top view of a laserdriver with inputs and controls on the left, components in the center and output pads on the right. A control cable and dev board on top are connected.

Connect the leads of the power supply unit to the PLCS-21. You may take the wall plug converter that is part of the LDP-V Kit for powering the device.

A top view of a laserdriver with inputs and controls on the left, a dev board on top in the center and output pads on the right. A control cable and power supply are connected.

Controlling

Option 1:

Connect the PLCS-21 to a PC using a USB cable. Please refer to the PLCS-21 manual for the terminal settings. The LDP-V is powered through the PLCS-21.

A top view of a laserdriver with inputs and controls on the left, a dev board on top in the center and output pads on the right. A control, power supply and usb cable are connected.

Option 2:

Connect the PLCS-21 to the PLB-21. The LDP-V driver and the PLB-21 are then supplied with power by the PLCS-21.

A laserdriver with dev board connected to a PicoLAS controll unit with display and buttons.

Important note

Never connect both, USB and PLB-21, at the same time. In this case the PLB-21 would be electronically disconnected and state that it is “waiting for a device”.