Laser Diode Driver Source Suits High Power Lab Apps

IXYS Corporation has introduced the PCX-6425 high power laser diode driver/current source by its IXYS Colorado division. The air cooled, bench top high power current source is designed to drive laser diodes, bars and arrays at up to 150 A of current and 120 V maximum forward voltage.

Pulse widths are adjustable from 100 microseconds to 5 ms with pulse repetition rates from single shot to 100 Hz. With variable output current and voltage, the PCX-6425 is ideal for research, laboratory, scientific and industrial applications.

The PCX-6425 may be operated through its intuitive front panel controls. The display provides immediate visual confirmation of all operating parameters, including output voltage, pulsed current set points and error/fault messages.

For automated applications, complete control of the instrument is provided through RS-232 or USB computer interfaces.

A conveniently located front panel BNC connector allows the PCX-6425 to be externally triggered. The current monitor and voltage monitor are also located on the front panel utilizing a BNC connector for each. The laser diode is connected to the front panel of the PCX-6425 through a low-impedance twisted pair cable designed to preserve the fidelity of high-speed current pulses.

Output voltage is variable from 0 to 120 V, and rise and fall times are less than 25 ms. Diode and driver safety features, including overcurrent limit, open-load detection and diode steering.

The laser diode driver source has USB and RS232 computer interfaces and is CE and RoHS compliant.