LDX
32420
High Power
Precision
Current Source

Specifications
DRIVE CURRENT LIMIT SETTINGS1
Output Current Set Point
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy (% of reading):
Compliance Voltage:
Temperature Coefficient:
Stability (1 hour):2
Noise and Ripple (rms):3
High Bandwidth Mode:
Low Bandwidth Mode:
Transients:
Operational:4
1kV EFT / Surge:5

OUTPUT CONNECTOR PINOUT

0 to 10A
1 mA±0.1% + 10 mA
4V< 50 ppm / oC
< 100 ppm

0 to 20A
1 mA±0.1% + 10 mA
4V< 50 ppm / oC
< 100 ppm

< 5 mA< 5 mA< 5 mA< 5 mA< 25 mA< 80 mA< 25 mA< 80 mACOMPLIANCE VOLTAGE ADJUST
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy (% of FS):

0-4V
100 mV
+2.5%

0-4V
100 mV+2.5%

DRIVE CURRENT LIMIT SETTINGS
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy (% of FS):

0.1 to 10.1 A
100 mA±1%

0.2 to 20.2 A
100 mA±1%

PHOTODIODE FEEDBACKType:PD Current Range:
Output Stability:6
Accuracy, setpoint (% of FS):PD Reverse Bias:

Differential
0 to 5000 µA±0.02%±0.05%
0-5V, Adjustable

Differential
0 to 5000 µA±0.02%±0.05%
0-5V, Adjustable

EXTERNAL ANALOG MODULATION
Input:
Transfer Function:
Bandwidth (3dB)7High Bandwidth Mode:
Low Bandwidth Mode:

0-10V, 1 k
1 A/V

0-10V, 1 k
2 A/V

DC to 100 kHz
DC to 20 kHz

DC to 100 kHz
DC to 20 kHz

TTL
14 µs
12ms

TTL
14 µs
12ms

TRIGGER OUTPUT
Type:
Pulse Width:
Delay:8

MEASUREMENT (DISPLAY)
Output Current9
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy (% of reading):
PD Current
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy:
PD Responsivity
Range:10
Resolution:
Optical Power
Range:
Resolution:
Forward Voltage
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy:

0 to 10.000 A
0.001 A
0.1% + 10 mA

0 to 20.000 A
0.001 A
0.1% + 10 mA

0 to 5000 A
1 µA
±2 µA

0 to 5000 A
1 µA
±2 µA

0.00 to 100.00 µA/mW
0.01 µA/mW

0.00 to 100.00 µA/mW
0.01 µA/mW

0.00 to 100.00 W
0.01 W

0.00 to 100.00 W
0.01 W

0.000 to 4.000V
1 mV
±5 mV

0.000 to 4.000V
1 mV
±5 mV

NOTES
1.
2.
3.
4.

All values relate to a one-hour warm-up period.
Over any one-hour period, half-scale output.
Measured electrically with a 0.5 load evaluating AC coupled rms value over a 1 MHz bandwidth.
Maximum output current transient resulting from normal operations (e.g., power on-off, current
on-off), as well as accidental situations (e.g., power line plug removal).
5. Maximum output current transient resulting from a 1000V power-line transient spikeper IEC 1004-4 and 1004-5.
6. Maximum monitor photodiode current drift over any 30-minute period. Assumes zero drift inphotodiode responsivity.
7. 5V peak to peak modulation at mid-scale output.
8. From start of output current change to trigger pulse.
9. Measured current through GPIB or USB command; instrument front panel displays setpoint current.
10. The responsivity value is user-defined and is used to calculate the optical power.

Product Features

1) PD Anode2) PD Cathode3) Voltage Sense (+)4) Chassis Ground5) Voltage Sense (-)A1) Laser AnodeA2) Laser AnodeA3) Laser CathodeA4) Laser CathodeDual range 10A / 20A output
Precision current control with
1 mA setpoint resolution

LASER DIODE PROTECTION
Output Shorting Relay:
Output Enable Delay:
Current Limit:
Voltage Limit:
Hardware Fault Response Time
Current Limit:
Voltage Limit:
Open Circuit:
Intermittent Contact Protection
AC Power Failure / Brown Out
Error Monitoring / Reporting:Normally closed
2s (per CFR 1040.10)
Adjustable; redundant hardware
Adjustable
Continuous Monitoring
TBD
TBD

Current Limit, Voltage Limit,
Open Circuit, Optical Power Limit

INTERLOCKSInterlock 1:
Interlock 2:

Normally open; close to enable output
Normally high, TTL input;
TTL low to disable output

GENERAL
Remote Interface
GPIB:
USB:
Power Requirements:
Maximum Current Draw
100-120VAC:
220-240VAC
Size (HxWxD):
Weight:Operating Temperature:
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
Regulatory Compliance:

Connectors
Laser Output:
Modulation Input:
Trigger Out:Interlock 1:
Interlock 2:
Ground:IEEE4882.0
100-120VAC +10%220-240VAC +10%

www.ilxlightwave.com

Precision laser forward voltage
measurement
Proven high power laser protection
features including independent current
limits, adjustable compliance voltage,and intermittent contact protection
Laser current modulation capability
GPIB / IEEE488 and USB 2.0 interface

1.5A
0.7A
4” x 8.5” x 13.4”(102 mm x 216 mm x 340 mm)
12.2 lbs. (5.5 kg)
0oC to 40oC
-40oC to 70oC
Up to 85%, non-condensing
CE Certified; EN61326-1:2006 Basic
Requirements; Immunity
EN60950 Low Voltage Directive
EN55011:2007 Radiated andConducted Emissions
EN61010-1 Safety Requirements
D-sub combination 9W4
BNC, front panel
BNC, rear panel
Terminal block; rear panel
BNC, rear panel
Banana jack

ORDERING INFORMATION
LDX-32420
High Power Precision Laser Diode Driver
CC-32020A Interconnect Cable, 9W4 to 7W2
CC-32520A Interconnect Cable, 9W4 to ring lug
LDM-49840
High Power Butterfly Laser Diode Mount
LDM-49860
High Power 2-Pin Module Laser Diode Mount
RM-139Single Rack Mounting Kit
RM-140
Dual Rack Mounting Kit
LabView® Instrument Driver
In keeping with our commitment to continuing improvement, ILX Lightwave reserves the right tochange specifications without notice or liability for such changes.

For information call
P.O. Box 6310, Bozeman, MT 59771 • FAX: 406-586-9405

Constant current and constant power
operating modes

The LDX-32420 High Power Precision Laser Diode Driveris a high performance current source designed specificallyfor controlling and testing high power laser diodes. It offers
maximum current ranges of 10 amps and 20 amps CW with acompliance voltage of four volts. These instruments offer highsetpoint accuracy and output current stability, low output noise,and forward voltage and photodiode current measurements
making these instruments ideal for precision, high power laser
diode testing.
Multiple laser diode protection features include adjustable
voltage and hardware current limits, output shorting relays, slow
turn on/off circuits, fast error detection circuits, and transient
protection during power up and laser operation. In addition,
the LDX-32420 accepts a TTL input that can be configured todisable the output to the laser diode in an over temperature
condition at the laser.
Designed for automated laser diode testing, these drivers
combine precision control and measurement with a GPIB/
IEEE488 and USB interface for high power laser diodes. For
virtual instrument programming, LabView® instrument drivers
are available free of charge and can be downloaded from the
ILX website.

1-800-459-9459
International Inquiries: 406-556-2481
email: sales@ilxlightwave.com

Rev01.060109

Precision 20A Current Sourcefor High Power Laser Diodes

LDX
32420
High Power
Precision
Current Source

LDX
32420
High Power
Precision
Current Source

LDX
32420

HIGH POWER PRECISIONLASER DIODE TESTING
The LDX-32420 Laser Diode Driver was designed as acurrent source specifically for high power laser diodes.
Ideal for R&D or manufacturing testing or control
applications, precision low noise current control witha set point accuracy of 0.1% along with photodiodecurrent and four-wire voltage measurement provide
a cost effective instrument solution by eliminating
additional instrumentation. Furthermore, a modulation
input accepts a CW or modulated voltage input for
precise voltage control or analog modulation of thecurrent output.

floating outputs, fast error detection, and immunity tooperational and power line transients. Transients fromnormal instrument operation such as output on/off
have been thoroughly testing and minimized as wellas transients from inadvertent instrument operation(such as mode switching) with the output enabled.
These protection features all work in conjunction withall instrument modes of operation, providing worry-free,
fail-safe control of the laser diode.

High Power
Precision
Current Source
The LDX-32420 is compatible with ILX Lightwave temperature controllers,
high power laser diode mounts, and power meters.

A CHOICE OF LASER CURRENTCONTROL MODES
The LDX-32420 can be operated at full-scale current inconstant current low bandwidth, constant current highbandwidth or constant optical power mode.
The constant current low bandwidth mode provides
stable DC current to the laser diode while offering
lowest current noise. In constant current high bandwidthmode, an external control voltage is summed into the
output current stage allowing DC or modulated voltage
control of the output up to a 100 KHz bandwidth. For
laser protection, the modulation port is implemented asa differential input allowing the control voltage and the
instrument’s laser output to use different grounds.
The constant power mode maintains constant opticalpower operation of the laser diode by measuring thephotocurrent from the diode’s rear-facet photodiode,or from an external photodiode in a feedback control
loop to the current source. The laser diode’s opticalpower can be displayed if the photodiode responsivity
is programmed into the instrument.

DESIGNED TO PROTECT HIGH POWER
LASER DIODES
Eliminate problematic current spiking common with
voltage sources. the LDX-32420 Laser Diode Driver
was designed as a current source specifically for highpower laser diodes. ILX Lightwave’s internal testing andprotection standards ensure protection for your laser
diode under abnormal operating conditions such as
intermittent contact or severe power transients. The LDX32420 provides multiple laser diode protection features
such as current and voltage limits, slow start turn-on

LDX-32420 Response to Loss of Power
with Output Enabled

EASE OF OPERATION
Designed for quick and easy operation, the LDX-32420
laser diode driver displays information without confusing
multi-layer menus. All of the instrument’s parameters
and operation modes are logically grouped by function
with easy-to-use push buttons and indicating LEDs.
A digital potentiometer with a large adjustment knob
simplifies current source set point and limit adjustments,
and a “Fine Adjustment” mode enables higher precisioncontrol of the current source output. A bright 5-digit
green LED display displays laser current, voltage,
and power for quick easy viewing even with safety
goggles.
The LDX-32420 architecture simplifies routing
maintenance. Closed-case calibration can be performed
through the front panel or the computer interface. The
instrument is placed in calibration mode through aunique combination of front panel push button presses
or commands. Calibration data is simply entered withthe front panel adjust knob or through the interface
bus.

AUTOMATE HIGH POWER LASER DIODETESTING
Remote computer controlled instrument operation isavailable though an IEEE488 / GPIB interface or USB
2.0 computer interface. All instrument controls andfunctions are accessible through the interfaces for easy
remote programming and control in automated test
systems where repeatable and accurate test sequencing,measurements, and data handling are required. Whether
the application is data intensive LIV testing or control incomplex systems, computer controlled operation of the
LDX-32420 saves time and ensures systematic datacollection and instrument control. For virtual instrument
programming, LabView® drivers are available on requestor through the ILX website.

REDUCE COST OF TEST
Each LDX-32420 Laser Diode Driver was developed
specifically for precision testing of high power laser diodes
with 0.1% set point accuracy, low noise and precision
forward voltage and photodiode measurement capability.
The instrument can perform power measurements
calibrated with a user-programmable photodioderesponsivity. An adjustable 0 to -5V reverse bias ensureslinear measurements and fast conversion speed. Accurate
forward voltage measurements even with high current andlong cable lengths are accomplished real time througha four-wire measurement system. Reduce total systemcost with these high current drivers; there is no need forseparate voltage measuring or low current measuring
instruments for high power laser diode testing.

PUT OUR EXPERTISE TO WORKILX Lightwave is a recognized world leader in Laser
Diode Instrumentation and Test Systems. Our products
are not only renowned for their reliability, quality, andvalue, they’re backed by industry leading after-sales
support.
For more information about the LDX-32420, call us today
or visit us at www.ilxlightwave.com

LDX
32420
High Power
Precision
Current Source

LDX
32420

HIGH POWER PRECISIONLASER DIODE TESTING
The LDX-32420 Laser Diode Driver was designed as acurrent source specifically for high power laser diodes.
Ideal for R&D or manufacturing testing or control
applications, precision low noise current control witha set point accuracy of 0.1% along with photodiodecurrent and four-wire voltage measurement provide
a cost effective instrument solution by eliminating
additional instrumentation. Furthermore, a modulation
input accepts a CW or modulated voltage input for
precise voltage control or analog modulation of thecurrent output.

floating outputs, fast error detection, and immunity tooperational and power line transients. Transients fromnormal instrument operation such as output on/off
have been thoroughly testing and minimized as wellas transients from inadvertent instrument operation(such as mode switching) with the output enabled.
These protection features all work in conjunction withall instrument modes of operation, providing worry-free,
fail-safe control of the laser diode.

High Power
Precision
Current Source
The LDX-32420 is compatible with ILX Lightwave temperature controllers,
high power laser diode mounts, and power meters.

A CHOICE OF LASER CURRENTCONTROL MODES
The LDX-32420 can be operated at full-scale current inconstant current low bandwidth, constant current highbandwidth or constant optical power mode.
The constant current low bandwidth mode provides
stable DC current to the laser diode while offering
lowest current noise. In constant current high bandwidthmode, an external control voltage is summed into the
output current stage allowing DC or modulated voltage
control of the output up to a 100 KHz bandwidth. For
laser protection, the modulation port is implemented asa differential input allowing the control voltage and the
instrument’s laser output to use different grounds.
The constant power mode maintains constant opticalpower operation of the laser diode by measuring thephotocurrent from the diode’s rear-facet photodiode,or from an external photodiode in a feedback control
loop to the current source. The laser diode’s opticalpower can be displayed if the photodiode responsivity
is programmed into the instrument.

DESIGNED TO PROTECT HIGH POWER
LASER DIODES
Eliminate problematic current spiking common with
voltage sources. the LDX-32420 Laser Diode Driver
was designed as a current source specifically for highpower laser diodes. ILX Lightwave’s internal testing andprotection standards ensure protection for your laser
diode under abnormal operating conditions such as
intermittent contact or severe power transients. The LDX32420 provides multiple laser diode protection features
such as current and voltage limits, slow start turn-on

LDX-32420 Response to Loss of Power
with Output Enabled

EASE OF OPERATION
Designed for quick and easy operation, the LDX-32420
laser diode driver displays information without confusing
multi-layer menus. All of the instrument’s parameters
and operation modes are logically grouped by function
with easy-to-use push buttons and indicating LEDs.
A digital potentiometer with a large adjustment knob
simplifies current source set point and limit adjustments,
and a “Fine Adjustment” mode enables higher precisioncontrol of the current source output. A bright 5-digit
green LED display displays laser current, voltage,
and power for quick easy viewing even with safety
goggles.
The LDX-32420 architecture simplifies routing
maintenance. Closed-case calibration can be performed
through the front panel or the computer interface. The
instrument is placed in calibration mode through aunique combination of front panel push button presses
or commands. Calibration data is simply entered withthe front panel adjust knob or through the interface
bus.

AUTOMATE HIGH POWER LASER DIODETESTING
Remote computer controlled instrument operation isavailable though an IEEE488 / GPIB interface or USB
2.0 computer interface. All instrument controls andfunctions are accessible through the interfaces for easy
remote programming and control in automated test
systems where repeatable and accurate test sequencing,measurements, and data handling are required. Whether
the application is data intensive LIV testing or control incomplex systems, computer controlled operation of the
LDX-32420 saves time and ensures systematic datacollection and instrument control. For virtual instrument
programming, LabView® drivers are available on requestor through the ILX website.

REDUCE COST OF TEST
Each LDX-32420 Laser Diode Driver was developed
specifically for precision testing of high power laser diodes
with 0.1% set point accuracy, low noise and precision
forward voltage and photodiode measurement capability.
The instrument can perform power measurements
calibrated with a user-programmable photodioderesponsivity. An adjustable 0 to -5V reverse bias ensureslinear measurements and fast conversion speed. Accurate
forward voltage measurements even with high current andlong cable lengths are accomplished real time througha four-wire measurement system. Reduce total systemcost with these high current drivers; there is no need forseparate voltage measuring or low current measuring
instruments for high power laser diode testing.

PUT OUR EXPERTISE TO WORKILX Lightwave is a recognized world leader in Laser
Diode Instrumentation and Test Systems. Our products
are not only renowned for their reliability, quality, andvalue, they’re backed by industry leading after-sales
support.
For more information about the LDX-32420, call us today
or visit us at www.ilxlightwave.com

LDX
32420
High Power
Precision
Current Source

Specifications
DRIVE CURRENT LIMIT SETTINGS1
Output Current Set Point
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy (% of reading):
Compliance Voltage:
Temperature Coefficient:
Stability (1 hour):2
Noise and Ripple (rms):3
High Bandwidth Mode:
Low Bandwidth Mode:
Transients:
Operational:4
1kV EFT / Surge:5

OUTPUT CONNECTOR PINOUT

0 to 10A
1 mA±0.1% + 10 mA
4V< 50 ppm / oC
±50 ppm

0 to 20A
1 mA±0.1% + 10 mA
4V< 50 ppm / oC
±50 ppm< 5 mA< 5 mA< 5 mA< 5 mA< 25 mA< 80 mA< 25 mA< 80 mACOMPLIANCE VOLTAGE ADJUST
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy (% of FS):

0-4V
100 mV
+2.5%

0-4V
100 mV+2.5%

DRIVE CURRENT LIMIT SETTINGS
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy (% of FS):

0.1 to 10.1 A
100 mA±1%

0.2 to 20.2 A
100 mA±1%

PHOTODIODE FEEDBACKType:PD Current Range:
Output Stability:6
Accuracy, setpoint (% of FS):PD Reverse Bias:

Differential
0 to 5000 µA±0.02%±0.05%
0-5V, Adjustable

Differential
0 to 5000 µA±0.02%±0.05%
0-5V, Adjustable

EXTERNAL ANALOG MODULATION
Input:
Transfer Function:
Bandwidth (3dB)7High Bandwidth Mode:
Low Bandwidth Mode:

0-10V, 1 k
1 A/V

0-10V, 1 k
2 A/V

DC to 100 kHz
DC to 20 kHz

DC to 100 kHz
DC to 20 kHz

TTL
14 µs
12ms

TTL
14 µs
12ms

TRIGGER OUTPUT
Type:
Pulse Width:
Delay:8

MEASUREMENT (DISPLAY)
Output Current9
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy (% of reading):
PD Current
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy:
PD Responsivity
Range:10
Resolution:
Optical Power
Range:
Resolution:
Forward Voltage
Range:
Resolution:
Accuracy:

0 to 10.000 A
0.001 A
0.1% + 10 mA

0 to 20.000 A
0.001 A
0.1% + 10 mA

0 to 5000 A
1 µA
±2 µA

0 to 5000 A
1 µA
±2 µA

0.00 to 100.00 µA/mW
0.01 µA/mW

0.00 to 100.00 µA/mW
0.01 µA/mW

0.00 to 100.00 W
0.01 W

0.00 to 100.00 W
0.01 W

0.000 to 4.000V
1 mV
±5 mV

0.000 to 4.000V
1 mV
±5 mV

NOTES
1.
2.
3.
4.

All values relate to a one-hour warm-up period.
Over any one-hour period, half-scale output.
Measured electrically with a 0.5 load evaluating AC coupled rms value over a 1 MHz bandwidth.
Maximum output current transient resulting from normal operations (e.g., power on-off, current
on-off), as well as accidental situations (e.g., power line plug removal).
5. Maximum output current transient resulting from a 1000V power-line transient spikeper IEC 1004-4 and 1004-5.
6. Maximum monitor photodiode current drift over any 30-minute period. Assumes zero drift inphotodiode responsivity.
7. 5V peak to peak modulation at mid-scale output.
8. From start of output current change to trigger pulse.
9. Measured current through GPIB or USB command; instrument front panel displays setpoint current.
10. The responsivity value is user-defined and is used to calculate the optical power.

Product Features

1) PD Anode2) PD Cathode3) Voltage Sense (+)4) Chassis Ground5) Voltage Sense (-)A1) Laser AnodeA2) Laser AnodeA3) Laser CathodeA4) Laser CathodeDual range 10A / 20A output
Precision current control with
1 mA setpoint resolution

LASER DIODE PROTECTION
Output Shorting Relay:
Output Enable Delay:
Current Limit:
Voltage Limit:
Hardware Fault Response Time
Current Limit:
Voltage Limit:
Open Circuit:
Intermittent Contact Protection
AC Power Failure / Brown Out
Error Monitoring / Reporting:Normally closed
2s (per CFR 1040.10)
Adjustable; redundant hardware
Adjustable
Continuous Monitoring
5 s
50 s
Current Limit, Voltage Limit,
Open Circuit, Optical Power Limit

INTERLOCKSInterlock 1:
Interlock 2:

Normally open; close to enable output
Normally high, TTL input;
TTL low to disable output

GENERAL
Remote Interface
GPIB:
USB:
Power Requirements:
Maximum Current Draw
100-120VAC:
220-240VAC
Size (HxWxD):
Weight:Operating Temperature:
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
Regulatory Compliance:

Connectors
Laser Output:
Modulation Input:
Trigger Out:Interlock 1:
Interlock 2:
Ground:IEEE4882.0
100-120VAC +10%220-240VAC +10%

www.ilxlightwave.com

Precision laser forward voltage
measurement
Proven high power laser protection
features including independent current
limits, adjustable compliance voltage,and intermittent contact protection
Laser current modulation capability
GPIB / IEEE488 and USB 2.0 interface

1.5A
0.7A
4” x 8.5” x 13.4”(102 mm x 216 mm x 340 mm)
12.2 lbs. (5.5 kg)
0oC to 40oC
-40oC to 70oC
Up to 85%, non-condensing
CE Certified; EN61326-1:2006 Basic
Requirements; Immunity
EN60950 Low Voltage Directive
EN55011:2007 Radiated andConducted Emissions
EN61010-1 Safety Requirements
D-sub combination 9W4
BNC, front panel
BNC, rear panel
Terminal block; rear panel
BNC, rear panel
Banana jack

ORDERING INFORMATION
LDX-32420
High Power Precision Laser Diode Driver
CC-32020A Interconnect Cable, 9W4 to 7W2
CC-32520A Interconnect Cable, 9W4 to ring lug
LDM-49840
High Power Butterfly Laser Diode Mount
LDM-49860
High Power 2-Pin Module Laser Diode Mount
RM-139Single Rack Mounting Kit
RM-140
Dual Rack Mounting Kit
LabView® Instrument Driver
In keeping with our commitment to continuing improvement, ILX Lightwave reserves the right tochange specifications without notice or liability for such changes.

For information call
P.O. Box 6310, Bozeman, MT 59771 • FAX: 406-586-9405

Constant current and constant power
operating modes

The LDX-32420 High Power Precision Laser Diode Driveris a high performance current source designed specificallyfor controlling and testing high power laser diodes. It offers
maximum current ranges of 10 amps and 20 amps CW with acompliance voltage of four volts. These instruments offer highsetpoint accuracy and output current stability, low output noise,and forward voltage and photodiode current measurements
making these instruments ideal for precision, high power laser
diode testing.
Multiple laser diode protection features include adjustable
voltage and hardware current limits, output shorting relays, slow
turn on/off circuits, fast error detection circuits, and transient
protection during power up and laser operation. In addition,
the LDX-32420 accepts a TTL input that can be configured todisable the output to the laser diode in an over temperature
condition at the laser.
Designed for automated laser diode testing, these drivers
combine precision control and measurement with a GPIB/
IEEE488 and USB interface for high power laser diodes. For
virtual instrument programming, LabView® instrument drivers
are available free of charge and can be downloaded from the
ILX website.

1-800-459-9459
International Inquiries: 406-556-2481
email: sales@ilxlightwave.com

Rev02.120909

Precision 20A Current Sourcefor High Power Laser Diodes

LDX
32420
High Power
Precision
Current Source