ILX Lightwave LDC-3722B: 200/500 mA Laser Diode Controller, LDC-3700 Series

The ILX Lightwave LDC-3722B is a precision laser diode controller delivering stable current and temperature regulation with dual selectable ranges of 0–200 mA and 0–500 mA. Part of the LDC-3700 Series, it combines low-noise performance with comprehensive laser diode protection, making it suitable for research, development, and production environments. Current stability reaches ±10 µA typical over 8 hours, while current noise stays below 2 µA rms across 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz bandwidth.

## Technical Specifications

**Current Control**
• Ranges: 0–200 mA and 0–500 mA (selectable)
• Stability: ±10 µA typical (8-hour period)
• Noise: <2 µA rms (0.1 Hz to 10 Hz bandwidth)
• Resolution: 1 µA
• Accuracy: ±(0.1% of setting + 0.1% of range) typical
• Compliance Voltage: 5 V

**Temperature Control**
• Setpoint Range: –40 °C to +150 °C
• Stability: ±0.005 °C typical (with calibrated sensor)
• Accuracy: ±0.1 °C typical (post-calibration)
• TEC Output: Up to 2 A, 5 V maximum
• Sensor Support: ILX Lightwave sensors, thermistors, RTDs

**Protection & Control**
• Soft start for transient suppression
• User-configurable current limit
• Interlock input for external shutdown
• Analog input for laser current modulation
• Buffered analog outputs for current and voltage monitoring

**Interfaces**
• GPIB (IEEE-488) and RS-232 for remote operation
• Front-panel digital display

**Power & Environment**
• Input: 100/120/220/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Consumption: 150 VA maximum
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C
• Storage Temperature: –20 °C to 70 °C

## Key Features

Dual current ranges accommodate both sensitive and high-power laser diodes. Sub-microampere noise performance supports precision spectroscopy and photometry. Temperature control bandwidth and accuracy enable wavelength-locked operation. Soft-start and transient suppression circuits protect against drive circuit failures.

## Typical Applications

Fiber-coupled laser systems, tunable laser sources, optical communications test benches, and laser characterization in production environments.

## Compatibility & Integration

Integrates with standard ILX Lightwave temperature sensor modules. GPIB and RS-232 interfaces enable rack-level automation and multi-instrument test system architectures.