Selection Guide
To select a multiple-channel laser diode driver you need to consider:
- The maximum intended operating current for the laser diode, keeping in mind possible degradation due to aging of the laser.
- The maximum voltage drop, which is the sum of the diode operating voltage and the ohmic loss in the cables and connectors.
Our laser diode controllers are current sources. You command a specific current, and the voltage that results is a characteristic of the load (the diode plus cables and connectors) rather than the driver. The driver shuts off to protect itself when the output voltage drawn exceeds its capabilities. The limit at which this occurs is termed the compliance voltage.
There are two models in our multi-controller product line. The current or power of each laser can be individually set, but all channels have the same maximum current and voltage capability.
For high density burn-in applications the Vue-MC can be ordered with the high compliance option to further reduce the cost per DUT. The high compliance option provides 10 volts per channel.
| Product | Number of Channels | Current max (A) | Voltage max (V) |
| Vue-MC-806 | 8 | 6.0 | 4.0 (10.0) |
| Vue0MC-412 | 4 | 12.0 | 4.0 (10.0) |
Features
The key features of our designs are microprocessor control, switch-mode power conversion, and advanced circuits that help protect laser diodes against power-supply related failures. The result: small footprints, high electrical efficiency, rich feature sets, ease of interfacing — the highest possible value whatever the application.
Feature / Link
Description
WinVue is our standard Windows interface program for our laser diode controllers, and is included with our Systems. It has a slightly different configuration for each product, accessing all the features of the controllers through a familiar GUI environment.
Using our Autostart feature, all of our controllers are capable of stand-alone operation without an attached PC (although WinVue will simplify the setup and configuration of Autostart).
All our controllers protect your laser diodes by diagnosing and reporting an extensive list of fault conditions.
Software Interface
There are two methods of interfacing externally with a Vue controller: WinVue software or serial commands.
Interface / Link
Description
WinVue is our standard Windows interface program for our laser diode controllers, and is included with the Vue-MC System. It has a slightly different configuration for each product, accessing all the features of the controllers through a familiar GUI environment.
Serial commands
There is a comprehensive list of serial commands available for each Vue controller. Contact Krona for more details.
Datasheets
Datasheet / Link
Description
Datasheet for Vue-MC System. This product controls 4 or 8 laser diodes with independent current control.
