KRONA Electronics

Single Channel Laser Diode Controllers

For applications that require laser diode control but not temperature control, we offer single channel current sources for driving one laser diode or multiple laser diodes in series.

  • Vue-LV Series. For driving single, high power laser diodes up to 30A, 2.5V. Available as a turn‐key Developer Kit with control & analysis software, or as PCB‐only for system integration & OEMs.
  • Vue-MV Series. For driving multiple, high power laser diodes in series up to 18A or up to 40V. Available as a turn‐key Developer Kit with control & analysis software, or as PCB‐only for system integration & OEMs.

For applications that require temperature but not laser diode control, we offer the Vue-TEC Series.

For applications that require both temperature and laser diode control, we offer two approaches: integrated laser diode and TEC controller (a single unit drives both) and combinations of one laser diode controller and one TEC controller. This makes use of what we call the “passthrough” capability of our TEC controller.

Selection Guide

To select a single‐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.
  • Any requirements for regulating the temperature of the laser diode or other optical components (such as nonlinear crystals or laser media).

The first two items are critical since the driver needs to have the necessary capability. Precise temperature regulation, if that is a requirement, can be accomplished either with one of our integrated laser diode/TEC drivers or with our stand‐alone TEC controller. Please see those pages for more information.

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.

Each product line is optimized for a different range of applications. Our MV product line has a high compliance voltage, suitable for driving multiple diodes in series. The LV product line is for driving single diodes.

When a driver is optimized for high current it may become excessively noisy or exhibit regulation problems at low current. For this reason some of our controllers also specify a minimum current. In these cases the firmware will prevent the driver from turning on below this point. If your requirements include operation under these conditions please contact us.

On some products the firmware multiplies the current by the voltage and insures that the result does not exceed a maximum output power limit. This protects the driver while allowing performance flexibility, since the maximum current available will depend on the load characteristics.

ProductCurrent max (A)Current min (A)Voltage max (V)Power max (W)
Vue-LV-15150.1336
Vue-LV-30300.13.2590
Vue-MV-12-01100.112
Vue-MV-12-02120.110
Vue-MV-12-03150.18
Vue-MV-15-01100.115
Vue-MV-15-02120.112
Vue-MV-15-03150.110
Vue-MV-21-01100.121
Vue-MV-21-02120.116
Vue-MV-21-03150.114
Vue-MV-40-01100.140
Vue-MV-40-02120.134
Vue-MV-40-03150.127
Vue-MV-40-04180.125

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 and TEC controllers, and is included in our Developer Kits. 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).

In addition to the array of safety features common to all VueMetrix products, the MV-21 and MV-40 are equipped with DiodeGuard™ to protect your laser diodes against two of the most costly laser diode failure modes: short circuits and intermittent connections.

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 and TEC controllers, and is included in our Developer Kits. 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-LV Laser Diode Controller. This product is designed for driving single, high-power laser diodes.

Datasheet for Vue-MV Multi-Diode Controller. This product is designed for applications that use multiple high-power discrete laser diodes operated in series.