May 1, 2009

Reliably Scan Across Ambient with the Upgraded WTC3243

The robust and reliable WTC3243 is designed into electro-optical systems, airborne instrumentation, spectroscopic monitors, and medical diagnostic equipment. Now, the award-winning, compact, powerful WTC3243 has been upgraded for greater temperature stability – even across ambient.

Stability is a measure of how close the actual load temperature stays to setpoint temperature over time. Often there can be a “dead band” when scanning across ambient temperature, during the transition between heating and cooling control. Proprietary circuitry in the new WTC3243 does not exhibit this typical loss of control across ambient. Wavelength Electronics has devoted significant research efforts to making the upgraded controller immune to ambient crossover. An on-ambient stability of 0.0014 ºC has been achieved with thermistors. A Technical Note on Measuring Ambient Stability, TN-TC02, is available.

The linear, PI (Proportional, Integral) control loop offers maximum stability while the bipolar current source has been designed for higher efficiency. Optimized for ultrastable thermoelectric temperature control applications, the WTC3243 maintains precision temperature regulation using an adjustable sensor bias current and error amplifier circuit that operates directly with thermistors, RTDs, AD590, and LM335 type temperature sensors. Supply up to 2.2 A for either Thermoelectrics (bipolar) or Resistive Heaters (unipolar).

The Proportional Gain (P) and Integrator Time Constant (I) are set by external resistors and can be modified to optimize temperature overshoot and stability. Other features offer added flexibility. Independent heat and cool current limits are set by single resistors. An onboard reference voltage simplifies potentiometer control of the temperature setpoint. The WTC3243 can be operated remotely with an external setpoint voltage. Thermal management accessories such as form-fitting heatsink, thermal washer and fans maximize power dissipation. An evaluation board is available to quickly integrate the WTC3243 into your system.

Wavelength Electronics has simplified advanced laser diode drive and thermal control technology for OEM and research applications since 1993. Our high performance specifications are supported by a team of experienced sales and design engineers and a top-notch manufacturing facility. Evaluation quantities are typically available from stock.

To learn more about the WTC3243 Temperature Controller and Wavelength’s complete line of high precision, low-noise, ultra-stable laser diode drivers and temperature controllers, call 406-587-4910 or email sales@teamwavelength.com.

April 2, 2009

Precise, Stable Companion Control for the PLD-CH Series Laser Diode Drivers

Just Released!

The new PTC-CH Series Temperature Controller offers high precision control and excellent stability in a compact, chassis mount package that can be paralleled to drive up to 20 A current. Designed to operate with the PLD-CH Series Laser Diode Drivers, their controls, connections, and status indicators are compatible.

The PTC-CH supports thermoelectric and resistive heater operation with all sensor types. It provides user configurable temperature setpoint and a TTL-compatible remote disable. Adjustable Proportional Gain and proprietary control circuitry make optimization easy – even for large loads with thermal lag. A failsafe setpoint default feature protects the PTC-CH and the load against unexpected remote setpoint failure.

With current up to 20 A, better than 1 mV accuracy, and temperature stability across ambient of better than 1.4 mKelvin, the PTC-CH Series is ideal for precision control in applications such as electro-optical systems, benchtop inspection instruments, and medical diagnostic equipment — anywhere that temperature stability is critical and space is tight.

Wavelength Electronics has simplified advanced laser diode drive and thermal control technology for OEM and research applications since 1993. Our high performance specifications are supported by a team of experienced sales and design engineers and a top-notch manufacturing facility. Evaluation quantities are typically available from stock.

To learn more about the PTC-CH Series, the PLD-CH Series and Wavelength’s complete line of high precision, low-noise, ultra-stable laser diode drivers and temperature controllers visit us at Laser World of Photonics, Hall B1, Booth #301.

January 15, 2009

SMT Made Easier and More Efficient with OEM Package Upgrade

The low noise FL500 Laser Diode Driver was recently re-engineered to integrate with higher temperature RoHS-compliant manufacturing processes. It is now compatible with reflow processing less than 250°C.

This surface mount chip is ideal for OEM instrumentation. It offers exceptionally low noise laser diode control that can be configured either as two independent 250mA drivers or a single 500mA driver. The FL500 can run on a +3V Lithium-ion battery or up to a +12V power supply. Small size, low noise and modest power requirements make it the choice for handheld precision laser instrumentation.

Wavelength Electronics is committed to state-of-the-art, reliable quality manufacturing, both for our own products and for the OEM customers we support. Manufacturing processes, inspection criteria and equipment are established with quality the foremost goal. In addition, efficiency is paramount to minimize production costs – savings we pass on to our customers. Our on-time delivery is 99%.

Wavelength Electronics has simplified advanced laser diode drive and thermal control technology for OEM and research applications since 1993. Our high performance specifications are supported by a team of experienced sales and design engineers and a top-notch manufacturing facility. Evaluation quantities are typically available from stock.

To learn more about the FL500 and Wavelength’s complete line of high-precision, low-noise, ultra-stable laser diode drivers and temperature controllers, call 406-587-4910 or email sales@teamwavelength.com.

December 10, 2008

For over ten years, Wavelength Electronics has attended Photonics West, the premiere photonics conference and manufacturer showcase. 2009 will be no exception. Visit the Wavelength Electronics booth for product introductions, hands on demonstration of several upgraded models, general information, and expert technical advice on maximizing Wavelength product performance in your specific application.

The new PTC-CH Series Temperature Controllers will be introduced at Photonics West 2009. This robust precision temperature controller is available in 2.5A, 5A, and 10A models. Designed to complement the PLD-CH Series Laser Diode Drivers, it shares a small, low line footprint and compatible controls. It is also ideal for higher current temperature control applications that may not involve lasers.

The FL593FL USB Laser Diode Driver brings multiple laser diodes under USB control. The intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) allows each unit to be programmed and tracked individually. Operating parameters can be set through the computer GUI and are maintained when the unit is operating standalone, making the FL593FL ideal for burn-in test and L-I characterization systems. This interface allows data acquisition to file, which can then be manipulated in an external program for performance analysis and reporting. The FL593FL will be demonstrated at Photonics West – experience the ease of remote control.

In 2008, Wavelength Electronics engineers did substantial research to increase the stability of the LDTC2/2 and to improve the temperature stability of the WTC3243 as the load is scanned through ambient temperature. The results were upgraded units with even better performance and reliability. Come see the outcome of our continuous improvement projects.

In addition, Wavelength strives to make incorporation of our products into OEM designs easy and flawless. With this in mind, the FL500 was recently re-engineered to allow it to withstand lead-free reflow temperatures.

Our Applications Engineers will be present to answer questions about the products and applicability to specific applications, to brainstorm solutions to difficult design problems, and to accept feedback of any kind. Wavelength Electronics exists to support the design efforts of the OEMs and researchers in laser and temperature control. Let us know what you need, so we can help you achieve your goal!

September 8, 2008

Intuitive Graphical Interface & Data Acquisition for Multiple Units via PC

The FL593FL brings Wavelength’s low noise FL500 laser diode driver under USB computer control. This full speed USB controller comes with a robust driver, a simple Windows™ control interface, and an easy-to-use development API for rapidly building custom applications.

On-board nonvolatile memory holds operational settings. Download a configuration, then disconnect the FL593FL from the PC and it continues operating – standalone. Or use USB hubs to control multiple units from a single port. Each device is displayed in its own window, complete with real-time data acquisition, limit and setpoint monitoring, Interlock Enable notification, and custom configuration options. Configurations can be saved and reloaded for consistency and efficiency with multiple operators. Plug-n-play using the default factory settings or use the API provided to tailor the FL593 for a specific function.

This adaptable module is ideal for remotely controlling multiple laser diodes – such as burn-in racks, L-I characterization systems, and more. Setpoint, current limit, constant current/constant power mode settings are all under computer control. Optional analog inputs facilitate up to 500 kHz modulation in constant current mode. Data acquisition period can be set from 100ms to 10 second intervals.

Wavelength Electronics has simplified advanced laser diode drive and thermal control technology for OEM and research applications since 1993. Our high performance specifications are supported by a team of experienced sales and design engineers and a top-notch manufacturing facility. Evaluation quantities are typically available from stock.

To learn more about the FL593FL and Wavelength’s complete line of high-precision, low-noise, ultra-stable laser diode drivers and temperature controllers, call 406-587-4910 or email sales@teamwavelength.com.

May 23, 2008

Upgraded LDTC 2/2 Laser Diode Driver and Temperature Controller Substantially Improves Performance

The Wavelength Electronics LDTC 2/2 is ideal for integrated laser diode or LED modules that include temperature control, often utilized in medical diagnostic equipment, remote sensing, analytical instrumentation, military and communication design. Precision and safety in these areas is a requirement, not an option. The upgraded LDTC 2/2 has enhanced setpoint stability to fully support critical and cutting edge applications, as well as a variety of safety features.

The LDTC 2/2 is compatible with A/B type lasers and allows photodiode power monitoring in constant current mode. The unit combines the WTC3243 Temperature Controller and the WLD3343 Laser Diode Driver in one compact package that supplies 2.2 Amp of drive current to each component. Temperature is controlled by a PI loop with configurable heat and cool current limits. Laser diode drive current and limit values are configurable in both constant current and constant power mode, maximizing flexibility. The LDTC 2/2 is designed with laser diode protection features, including: remote TTL shutdown/interlock, delayed start, and current ramp. It is available as an open frame or chassis mount enclosure.

Wavelength Electronics has simplified advanced laser diode drive and thermal control technology for OEM and research applications since 1993. Our high performance specifications are supported by a team of experienced sales and design engineers and a top-notch manufacturing facility. Evaluation quantities are typically available from stock.

To learn more about the LDTC 2/2 and Wavelength’s complete line of high-precision, low-noise, ultra-stable laser diode drivers and temperature controllers, call 406-587-4910 or email sales@teamwavelength.com.

April 23, 2008

The PLD10K-CH drives up to 10Amps of very stable current optimized to safely power a laser diode. This compact driver can be paired with another to drive up to 20 Amps.

Application Note AN-LD06 describes how to do this in Constant Current Mode with both laser diode and control electronics operated at 5V. No parts internal to the PLD10K-CH need to be modified.

For higher compliance voltage operation or operation in Constant Power Mode, please contact the factory.