Precision Constant Current Laser Drivers

Zener & Schottky Diode Protection
250 mA and 2.5 A Versions
RoHS Compliant Drivers Available

LD3000R

LD1255R

Application Idea

LD1255R

Mounted on an LD1255P
(Power Supply Not Included)

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Overview
Specs
Pin Diagrams
Smart Pack
Feedback
Selection Guide

Item #	LD1255R	LD3000R
Operating Current	0.2 to 250 mA	0.02 to 2.5 A
Operating Mode	Constant Current
Internal Current Control	12 Turn Potentiometer (On Board)
External Current Control	0 to 5 Volt Analog Input Voltage
Operating Voltage	±8 to 12 Volts
Monitor Photodiode Transimpedance Gain	1000 V/A

The LD1255R (250 mA) is a low-noise, highly-stable, constant-current laser diode driver. The LD3000R is a higher-power (2.5 A) version of the LD1255R. These laser drivers are also recommended for driving LEDs. Both laser current drivers fully support the A, D, and E pin configurations (shown below).

Note: The photodiode monitor circuits of the LD1255R and LD3000R only support lasers that have an isolated photodiode anode (i.e. the photodiode cathode connected to the laser anode). They will not work with common cathode lasers. CONNECTING THE PHOTODIODE OF THESE LASERS TO THE LD1255R or LD3000R WILL DESTROY THE LASER. The LD1255R and LD3000R will operate the laser portion of all common cathode lasers without any problems as long as the photodiode anode is not connected to the driver.

Item #	LD1255R
Operating Current	0.2 to 250 mA
Operating Mode	Constant Current
Internal Current Control	12 Turn Potentiometer (On Board)
External Current Control	0 to 5 V Analog Input Voltage
Output Current Drift	4.4 μA/°C (Typical)
Current Noise	<1 μA_RMS
Operating Voltage	±8 to 12 V
Dimensions	2.45" x 1.03" (62.2 mm x 25.4 mm)
LD ESD Protection	Forward Voltage: 160 ms Slow-Start Circuit, 3.3 V Zener Diode, Reverse Voltage: Schottky Diode, LD DISABLE Pin
Signal Bandwidth	1.2 kHz
Monitor Photodiode
Transimpedance Gain	1000 V/A
Max LD Forward Voltage	3.3 V
Operating Temperature	10 to 30 °C
Storage Temperature	-20 to 50 °C
Warm-up Time	30 Minutes

Item #	LD3000R
Operating Current	0.02 to 2.5 A
Operating Mode	Constant Current
Internal Current Control	12 Turn Potentiometer (On Board)
External Current Control	0 to 5 V Analog Input Voltage
Operating Voltage	±8 to 12 V
Dimensions	3.6" x 1.3" (91.4 mm x 33.0 mm)
Monitor Photodiode
Transimpedance Gain	1000 V/A
Operating Temperature	10 to 30 °C
Storage Temperature	-20 to 50 °C
Warm-up Time	30 Minutes

LD1255R Top View

LD3000R Top View

LD1255R Pin Designations

Pin	Function
J1-1	+V (+8 to +12 VDC, 10 mA)
J1-2	Common
J1-3	-V (-8 to -12 VDC, 0.3A) Provides Power to Laser
J1-4	External Current Control (0 to +5 V)
J1-5	Disable
J1-6	Laser Diode Anode
J1-7	Laser Diode Cathode
J1-8	Monitor Photo Diode Anode (From Laser)^a
J1-9	Photodiode Monitor Output (-1 V/mA)
J1-10	Laser Current Monitor Output (10 mV/mA)

The LD1255R photodiode monitor circuit only supports lasers that have a photodiode with an isolated anode. It will not support common cathode lasers such as the CQL7825/D and CQL7840/D.

LD3000R Pin Designations

Pin	Function
J1-1	+V (+5 to +12 VDC, 50 mA)
J1-2	Ground
J1-3	-V (-8 to -12 VDC, 2.5A) Provides Power to Laser
J1-4	External Current Control (0 to +5 V)
J1-5	No Contact (Polarization Key)
J1-6	Laser Diode Anode (Internally Connected to Pin 2 Ground)
J1-7	Laser Diode Cathode
J1-8	Monitor Photo Diode Anode (From Laser)^a
J1-9	Photodiode Monitor Output (-1 V/mA)
J1-10	Laser Current Monitor Output (1 V/A)

The photodiode monitor circuit of the LD3000R only supports lasers that have an isolated photodiode anode (i.e. the photodiode cathode connected to the laser anode). It will not work with common cathode lasers. CONNECTING THE PHOTODIODE OF THESE LASERS TO THE LD3000R WILL DESTROY THE LASER. The LD3000R will operate the laser portion of all common cathode lasers without any problems as long as the photodiode anode is not connected to the driver.

J2 Pins to Jumper	Operating Mode
1 to 2	Mode 1. COMMON Referenced External Current Control
2 to 3	Mode 2. Disable External Current Control

J2 Pins to Jumper	Operating Mode
2 to 3	Mode 1. COMMON Referenced External Current Control
4 to 5	Mode 2. Disable External Current Control

IMPORTANT! Do not operate the LD3000R without a jumper installed on J2. Your laser may be overdriven and permanently damaged.

Remaining J2 Pins	Function
1	No Connection (Leave This Pin Floating)
5	-V (May Also Be Used for Monitoring Signals)

Click to Enlarge
LD3000R Packaging

Smart Pack

Item #	% Weight Reduction	CO₂-Equivalent Reduction^a
LD3000R	15.26%	1.32 kg

Smart Pack

Reduce Weight of Packaging Materials
Increase Usage of Recyclable Packing Materials
Improve Packing Integrity
Decrease Shipping Costs

Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at waste minimization while still maintaining adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing packaging design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging materials for our customers when possible, this initiative seeks to improve the environmental impact of our product packaging. Products listed above are now shipped in re-engineered packaging that minimizes the weight and the use of non-recyclable materials.^b As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered packages with our Smart Pack logo.

Travel-based emissions reduction calculations are estimated based on the total weight reduction of packaging materials used for all of 2013’s product sales, traveling 1,000 miles on an airplane, to provide general understanding of the impact of packaging material reduction. Calculations were made using the EPA’s shipping emissions values for different modes of transport.
Some Smart Pack products may show a negative weight reduction percentage as the substitution of greener packaging materials, such as the Greenwrap, at times slightly increases the weight of the product packaging.

Posted Comments:

Ludo Angot (posted 2020-08-19 00:49:32.627)

I have a couple of additional questions, this time regarding specifically the LD3000R. 1) is there a disable pin and function as on the LD1255R? If so how to use it? And if not, what is the function of pin 5 on J1 (it's not documented in the user manual)? 2) I've noticed negative transient currents down to -100mA when shutting off the power supply to the LD3000R (using your EC5PS P.S. module) and up to 90mA when interrupting the current on the +/-12V pins on the LD3000R itself, these could damage the L.D. How do you recommend to switch off the driver in order to avoid the transient currents? 3) finally: if my L.D. doesn't include a photodiode or if it does but I don't need it, can the LD3000R be operated with only the negative 12V applied? Or asked in another way, what are the low-power amplifiers (those requiring the +12V bias) used for?

asundararaj (posted 2020-10-30 08:22:59.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The LD3000R does not have a disable circuit like the LD1255R. The LD3000R is a similar circuit and PCB as the LD1255 with a few changes in the drive transistor and current set resistor to accommodate the higher current drive. It can be operated with the +12V removed however, this will disable the photodiode monitor and external control. If using the onboard pot to adjust current you should be OK. Also note that a floating power supply should be used (i.e. a supply that is not referenced to earth ground) since the drive transistor is directly mounted to the case. The case is anodized and generally is a good insulator unless there is a break in the finish (common at mounting screw point).

Ludovic Angot (posted 2020-08-14 04:47:41.6)

What problem may I face when driving a G pin code LD with either one of these drivers? I've just tried with the LD1255R and it seems to work just fine. Also, on the user manual of the LD1255R, does the figure 2 (Disable Circuit Schematic) refer to the actual internal circuit of the driver or is it a suggestion for an external customer made disable circuit?

asundararaj (posted 2020-08-26 04:18:09.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The LD1255R can operate any laser diode as long as it can be wired correctly. It uses a floating power supply when the case is held at a potential other than GND. It does not require the PD for operation since it is a constant current controller without a power feedback loop. There is a PD monitor but it is not required for operation.

lmarin (posted 2015-09-28 14:20:47.867)

IS CONFUSING Laser Current Monitor: The laser drive current can be monitored from pin 10 of J1. This output is referenced to the negative supply (J1 Pin 3 or J2 Pin 4) and has the following transfer function: VPIN10 = -V + ILD * 10 Hint: Using a DVM, the laser current can be read without having to compensate for the -V offset by attaching the (-) lead to J2 Pin 4 and the (+) lead to J1 Pin 10.

jlow (posted 2015-10-01 04:47:39.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The test point outputs are voltage outputs. Using a voltmeter, a simple to read the output current is to connect the (+) lead to J1 Pin 10 and the (-) lead to J2 Pin 4 and measure the voltage between those two pins. The conversion is 10mV/mA.

lmarin (posted 2015-09-28 13:23:44.05)

I am measuring LED current via pin 10 and pin 4 with DVM, what formula I need to use. Is a direct reading volts to amperes??

user (posted 2014-12-08 15:31:19.617)

There is a typo in the autocad drawing of the LD1255R. It says "all header posts 0.25" square" but that should probably be 0.025" instead.

myanakas (posted 2014-12-08 05:12:32.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. You are correct, the dimension should be 0.025" square. We are currently working on updating the support drawing.

iain (posted 2013-11-01 05:51:17.01)

Can the LD1255R be battery-operated? For example, with a pair of lead-acid batteries.

cdaly (posted 2013-11-07 03:10:11.0)

Response from Chris at Thorlabs: As long as you hook up a voltage supply to the J1 connector such that pin 1 is 8-12 volts higher in potential than the pin 2 ground and pin 3 is 8-12 volts lower in potential than the pin 2 ground, it does not really matter what the voltage supply is. As long as it can provide a minmimum of 10mA at these voltages, batteries would be fine.

jlow (posted 2012-10-10 16:51:00.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The LD3000 does not support the TTL feature you mentioned. For a similar OEM driver with at least 2.5A output, maybe the ITC133 (http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=984) might be of more interest to you. I will get in contact with you to discuss about your application.

ntrail (posted 2012-10-06 10:33:47.0)

Hello- Following up on the last comment about TTL, I read the instrution manual but am after a bit more clarification. I would like to have the internal pentiometer to set the current output, and then use the external 0-5V source to turn that current "on" to "off", or pulse it. Will the LD3000 support that type of functionality? I ask this, as it mentions the current can be controlled by the external voltage, but I didn't want the exact voltage to set the current, just to turn it on / off. Thank you.

jlow (posted 2012-10-04 09:12:00.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The current output can be externally controlled by a voltage source applied to J1 pin 4. For example, you could use a DAQ card output (0 to +5V) to do that. Please refer to page 3 of the manual (http://www.thorlabs.com/Thorcat/16500/LD3000R-SpecSheet.pdf) for full details on this feature. Your voltage source would have to be triggered by your camera.

sebastien.avila (posted 2012-10-04 05:53:00.0)

Hello, How can we pulse the current of the LD3000R? We want to trigger the laser diode synchronous to a camera @ 100fps (100µs to 3ms pulse time). Is there a TTL "enable" input? Thank you very much.

tcohen (posted 2012-05-10 13:03:00.0)

Response from Tim at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback! The LD1255R can be used with common cathode diodes as long as the photodiode is not connected. This may work if you are interested in using constant current mode. We also offer the IP250-BV that accommodates common cathode pin-outs and is capable of utilizing the photodiode for both constant current and constant power mode. The IP250-BV also supports analog modulation.

amiller (posted 2012-05-09 13:32:15.0)

Hi, It would be useful to have a version of the controllers, e.g. the LD1225 for grounded cathode laser diodes. Many antimonide diodes have the polarity reversed, making the use of the existing LD1255 challenging for these devices. A separate current modulation input would also be a nice feature. Thanks.

bdada (posted 2012-02-24 18:37:00.0)

Response from Buki at Thorlabs to przeszla: LD1255 should have sufficiently low current noise to be considered suitable for a DFB laser diode. However, you have to to be very careful to use the instructions in the manual, as it is not difficult to damage the LD if something is overlooked. For expensive laser diodes we recommend using a more turnkey current controller like the LDC201CU. We have contacted you to provide more information.

przeszla (posted 2011-10-28 08:27:47.0)

Can I use the LD1255 to drive a DFB-Laser (distributed feedback laser) with a specified linewidth < 2MHz? Another manufactor of diode drivers offers an expensive driver with a similar noise and ripple of 2µA, but you have to use another electrical low-noise filter in order to drive the diode.

leichner (posted 2009-10-19 11:05:56.0)

A response from Lou at Thorlabs to tom.hawkins: There is nothing you can do to add additional voltage. The 3.3V is actually the compliance voltage that the driver is regulated to be able to handle. The actual forward voltage is developed by the device, your LED. If the LED develops a higher forward voltage then you need a different driver. A recommend driver would be the IP250-BV which has a compliance voltage to 8VDC. http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=1363&pn=IP250-BV&CFID=6061011&CFTOKEN=5737989 The LED may work with the LD1255R but the output will be significantly lower. (LEDs are much more forgiving then laser diodes)

tom.hawkins (posted 2009-10-19 08:17:49.0)

I understand that this product can be used to drive LEDs as well as laser diodes, but what if the forward voltage of the LED is more than 3.3 V? Is there something I could do with an external voltage reference or negative supply rail to extend the drive voltage range?

Laser Diode Controller Selection Guide

The tables below are designed to give a quick overview of the key specifications for our laser diode controllers and dual diode/temperature controllers. For more details and specifications, or to order a specific item, click on the appropriate item number below.

Current Controllers
Item #	Drive Current	Compliance Voltage	Constant Current	Constant Power	Modulation	Package
LDC200CV	20 mA	6 V			External	Benchtop
VLDC002	25 mA	5 V		-	Int/Ext	OEM
LDC201CU	100 mA	5 V			External	Benchtop
LD2000R	100 mA	3.5 V	-		External	OEM
EK2000	100 mA	3.5 V	-		External	OEM
LDC202C	200 mA	10 V			External	Benchtop
KLD101	230 mA	≤10 V			External	K-Cube™
IP250-BV	250 mA	8 V^a			External	OEM
LD1100	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
LD1101	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
EK1101	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
EK1102	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
LD1255R	250 mA	3.3 V		-	External	OEM
LDC205C	500 mA	10 V			External	Benchtop
IP500	500 mA	3 V			External	OEM
LDC210C	1 A	10 V			External	Benchtop
LDC220C	2 A	4 V			External	Benchtop
LD3000R	2.5 A	--		-	External	OEM
LDC240C	4 A	5 V			External	Benchtop
LDC4005	5 A	12 V			Int/Ext	Benchtop
LDC4020	20 A	11 V			Int/Ext	Benchtop

When using a 12 V power supply.

Dual Temperature and Current Controllers
Item #	Drive Current	Compliance Voltage	TEC Power (Max)	Constant Current	Constant Power	Modulation	Package
VITC002	25 mA	5 V	>2 W		-	Int/Ext	OEM
ITC102	200 mA	>4 V	12 W			Ext	OEM
ITC110	1 A	>4 V	12 W			Ext	OEM
ITC4001	1 A	11 V	>96 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
CLD1010LP^a	1.0 A	>8 V	>14.1 W			Ext	Benchtop
CLD1011LP^b	1.0 A	>8 V	>14.1 W			Ext	Benchtop
CLD1015^c	1.5 A	>4 V	>14.1 W			Ext	Benchtop
ITC4002QCL^d	2 A	17 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
ITC133	3 A	>4 V	18 W			Ext	OEM
ITC4005	5 A	12 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
ITC4005QCL^d	5 A	20 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
ITC4020	20 A	11 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop

Combined controller and mount for pigtailed laser diodes in TO can packages with A, D, E, or G pin codes only.
Combined controller and mount for pigtailed laser diodes in TO can packages with B, C, or H pin codes only.
Combined controller and mount for laser diodes in butterfly packages only.
Enhanced compliance voltage for QCL operation.

We also offer a variety of OEM and rack-mounted laser diode current & temperature controllers (OEM Modules, PRO8 Current Control Rack Modules, and PRO8 Current and Temperature Control Rack Modules).

OEM Precision Constant Current Driver: 250 mA, 3.3 V

Zoom

Laser Disable Pin
Slow-Start Circuit for Laser Protection
LD1255P Allows Mounting to an Optical Table or Breadboard
Size: 2.45" x 1.03" (62.2 mm x 25.4 mm)
RoHS-Compliant

Low Current Noise (<1 μA_RMS)
Low Temperature Drift
On-Board 12-Turn Laser Current Control
External Input for Laser Current Control
Monitor Output for Laser Current and Photodiode Current

The LD1255R is a low-noise, ultra-stable, constant-current laser diode driver. It supplies up to 250 mA of drive current, supports laser pin configurations A, D, and E, and is ideally suited for demanding diode laser applications such as operating a laser diode in an external cavity tunable laser. This second-generation laser diode driver includes on-board Zener and Schottky diode protection as well as a disable pin. The op-amp and voltage reference design enables more precise laser current control. The LD1255P Mounting Plate, which features 8-32 and M4 taps for post mounting, allows the LD1255R to be secured to a breadboard or optical table. A power supply and cable compatible with the LD1255R laser diode driver are also offered separately below.

OEM Precision Constant Current Driver: 2.5 A, 7.7 V

Zoom

Low Noise 2.5 A Drive Current
Slow-Start Circuit for Laser Protection
RoHS-Compliant

Low Noise 12 µA_RMS at 1.0 A
On-Board 12-Turn Potentiometer Current Control
External Input for Current Control
Monitor Outputs for Diode and Photodiode Current

The LD3000R driver is a higher-power version of Thorlabs' popular LD1255R ultra-stable, low-noise laser diode driver featured above. It utilizes high-current components, supplies 2.5 A, and supports pin configurations A, D, and E. The aluminum housing allows additional heat sinking, which results in a highly stable laser diode driver in a relatively small package. This device can operate both LEDs and laser diodes.

Power Supply with Cable for LD1255R Driver

Zoom

Click to Enlarge
Pin Diagram for the Included Cable

Pin #	Assignment
1	+12 V
2	GND
3	-12 V

Power Supply (Item # LDS12B) and Cable for Use with the
LD1255R Driver
3 Pin Cable Output Connects to Driver
±12 VDC Output
Switchable Input Voltage: 100 V, 120 V, or 230 V

The LD1255-SUPPLY Bundle includes the LDS12B Power Supply and the appropriate cable to connect to the LD1255R Laser Diode Driver (available above). A switch on the power supply box enables the user to choose a 100 V, 120 V, or 230 V input voltage. The cable is able to transmit ±12 VDC from the power supply to the LD1255R laser diode driver; it is not compatible with the LD3000R Laser Diode Driver. The included cable can be ordered separately from the power supply by contacting Tech Support.