AMS Technologies is distributing the FL593FL, a combination evaluation board and laser diode driver for remote control, produced by Wavelength Electronics. The board allows multiple laser diodes to be controlled using a computer, via the board's USB interface.
This adaptable module is ideal for remotely controlling multiple laser diodes, such as burn-in racks, L-I characterisation systems and others. Set-point, current limit, constant current/constant power mode settings are all controlled by PC. Optional analogue inputs facilitate up to 500kHz modulation in constant current mode. Data acquisition period can be set from 100ms to 10s intervals. The FL593 drives two channels up to 250mA each, or a single channel up to 500mA.
The FL593FL full speed USB controller comprises a robust driver, a simple Windows control interface, and an easy-to-use development application programming interface (API) for rapidly building custom applications. On-board non-volatile memory holds operational settings.
After downloading a configuration and disconnecting the FL593FL from the PC, the device continues operating, standalone. USB hubs can be used to control multiple units from a single port. Each device is displayed in its own window, complete with real-time data acquisition, limit and set-point monitoring, Interlock Enable notification and custom configuration options. Configurations can be saved and reloaded for consistency and efficiency with multiple operators. Users can either take advantage of the default factory settings ('plug-and-play') or alternatively utilise the API provided to tailor the FL593FL for a specific function.