Analog/Digital Output Laser Diode Driver Module

IXYS Corporation announced today the introduction of the PCM-7700 high-power laser diode driver/current source by its IXYS Colorado division. The PCM-7700 is an air-cooled, high-power current source designed to drive laser diodes, bars, and arrays and tailored for those used in the cosmetic laser industry. The output current can be set from 5A to 200A.

The unique design of the PCM-7700 offers both digital pulsed and analog modulation control modes. In digital control mode, an input dc voltage level sets the output current level, and the trigger input sets the pulse width, variable from 500 microseconds to 50 milliseconds with a pulse repetition rate of single-shot to 1kHz.

Analog control mode uses an analog voltage to set the output current. In this mode, the PCM-7700 essentially operates as a high current amplifier, able to create sine, square, triangle or even arbitrary output high current waveforms. Offered in two versions, the PCM-7700-48 incorporates an internal dc power supply, providing a load voltage from 0V to 30V. The PCM-7700-EX uses an external high voltage dc power supply input for design flexibility, and can provide a load voltage from 0V to 35V.

For automated applications, complete control of the instrument is provided through a DB15 male connector. Colored LEDs on the front of the instrument provide immediate visual confirmation of the system status.

To simplify the cabling and setup of the system, the included evaluation board has trigger, current monitor, voltage monitor, current setpoint, and enable connections easily accessible with BNC cables.

“The unique digital and analog control features of the PCM-7700, coupled with IXYS Colorado’s proven high power current source technology, offers our customers a level of laser diode control and performance that has not previously been available in a high power current source from any supplier,” said Stephen Krausse, General Manager of IXYS Colorado. “This driver leverages decades of IXYS Colorado designs and the power integration experience of our parent company, IXYS Corporation, with its advanced power MOS device technology, to deliver one of the most innovative and user friendly drivers available on the market today.”