New Industry Products

IXYS Introduces PCX-9000 Series High Power Laser Diode Drivers

April 15, 2010 by Jeff Shepard

IXYS Corp. announced the introduction of the PCX-9000 Series by its Colorado division. Consisting of five distinct instruments, the PCX-9000 Series features an intuitive new user interface designed to make the PCX-9000 Series easy to operate.

With up to 600A of pulsed current, the PCX-9000 Series provides one of the most powerful standard current sources commercially available that is designed to drive the highest power diode lasers, bars and arrays. The instrument is air cooled and available in 200, 400 and 600A configurations with an internal power supply option available for both the 200 and 400A units. The PCX-9000 Series is a power MOSFET based pulsed driver utilizing IXYS’ power MOSFETs.

With high power, high duty cycle, pulsed applications in mind, the PCX-9000 Series is ideal for high power laser and diode test and characterization as well as scientific, industrial and other high power applications. The PCX-9000 Series features less than 100nS rise times, frequencies up to 100 KHz (25 KHz using the internal trigger), 200nS minimum pulse width, and up to 3700W of power. In addition, the system provides for a bias or ’simmer’ current of up to 60A which can be independently triggered. Output current is continuously monitored and controlled ensuring delivery of set point current to the diode(s) and the system provides open load protection with an automatic shut down.

According to the company, an innovative interface utilizes familiar cutting-edge touch screen technology that allows users intuitive control of all functions and settings, including real-time changes to pulse parameters. The QVGA display provides easy distinction of parameters and system notifications. The PCX-9000 Series was designed from the ground up to meet both the RoHS standard as well as the standards for CE compliance.

These instruments utilize a standard 19-inch rack mount enclosure, 5U (7-inch) and are designed to be upgradable. Users who purchase a 200 or 400A unit may purchase additional pulse modules to increase the current up to 600A. Customers who purchase a unit without an internal power supply (200 & 400A) may also upgrade their instrument to include the internal power supply as well. These upgrades are performed at the factory.

Analog current and voltage monitors are provided for monitoring of the current and voltage to the laser diode. Additionally, the units come with a Sync output as well as an External Trigger input. In addition to stand-alone operation, the PCX-9000 Series can be externally triggered and are equipped with RS232, Ethernet and GPIB interfaces – all standard.