Compact Laser Diode Controller

CLD101x
Operation Manual

2018
Version: 1.7
Date: 09-Jul-2018

Copyright © 2018 Thorlabs

Contents
Foreword 3
1 General Information 4
1.1 Safety 4
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories 6
1.3 Requirements 6
1.3.1 Hardware Requirements 6
1.3.2 Software Requirements 6
2 Operation 7
2.1 Parts List 7
2.2 Operating Elements 7
2.3 Safety and Protection Features 8
2.4 Getting Started 10
2.4.1 Installing "Butterfly" Laser Diodes to CLD1015 10
2.4.2 Installing LP Pigtailed Laser Diodes to CLD101xLP 12
2.4.3 Preparation 17
2.5 Operating Instruction 18
2.5.1 Set Point Memories 20
2.5.2 Main Panel Status Messages 20
2.5.3 Main Panel Error Messages 21
2.5.4 Laser Driver Setup 22
2.5.5 Laser Protection 22
2.5.6 Photodiode Input 23
2.5.7 TEC Driver Setup 25
2.5.8 PID Control Loop 25
2.5.9 Thermistor Calibration 28
2.5.10 System Settings 29
2.5.11 Information 29
2.5.12 External Modulation 29
3 Remote Operation 31
3.1 Installing Driver Software 32
3.2 Instrument Communicator 35
4 Write Your Own Application 40
4.1 32 bit Version 41
4.2 64 bit Version 43
4.3 Command Reference 47
4.3.1 IEEE488.2 Common Commands 47
4.3.2 SCPI Command Reference 48
4.3.3 Status Reporting 55
 4.3.4 Error Reporting 57
5 Maintenance and Service 60
5.1 Version Information 60
5.2 Firmware Upgrade 60
5.2.1 Uploading new Firmware 60
5.3 Troubleshooting 66
6 Appendix 68
6.1 Technical Data 68
6.2 Dimensions CLD101x 74
6.3 Standard Laser Diode Pinouts 75
6.4 Laser Control Tutorial 77
6.5 Certifications and Compliances 82
6.6 Warranty 83
6.7 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability 84
6.8 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE) 85
6.9 List of Acronyms 86
6.10 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts 87
 We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to
your expectations and constantly improve our products we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH

Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.

Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.

Note
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.

Please read this advice carefully!

© 2018 Thorlabs 3
CLD101x

1 General Information
The CLD101x is a compact laser diode and temperature controller with a USB 2.0 interface for
driving laser diodes up to 1.5 A (CLD1015) or 1.0 A (CLD1010LP and CLD1011LP) laser current
and 3.0 A TEC current.
Special highlights of the CLD101x Compact Laser Diode and Temperature Controllers are:

· CLD1015 operates DFB lasers type 1 (pump lasers) and type 2 (DFB type lasers) in butterfly
package
· CLD1010LP operates Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser diodes with pin codes A, D, E, and G
· CLD1011LP operates Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser diodes with pin codes B, C, and H
· Photodiode (monitor diode) current feedback
· Laser diode operation can be operated in constant current as well as in constant power
mode
· CC mode with modulation up to 250 kHz (CLD1015) and up to 300 kHz (CLD1010LP /
CLD1011LP)
· External modulation input, RF BIAS input on CLD1010LP and CLD1011LP
· Interlock for automatic switch off by an external emergency switch or by a cable interruption
· Temperature controller with excellent temperature stability
· Temperature window for laser protection
· A wide variety of protection features safeguard the laser diode and the TEC element from
damage.
· Touch panel for easy operation
· USB interface for remote operation supporting the USBTMC protocol
· SCPI compliant command set
· VXIpnp Instrument Drivers for various programming environments including NI-LabVIEW™,
NI-LabWindows™/CVI and MS-Visual Studio

1.1 Safety
Attention
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of the
system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only
apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
The CLD101x must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
Do not remove covers!
Do not open the cabinet. There are no parts serviceable by the operator inside!
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original packaging
including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary, ask for replacement packaging.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be made or
components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Follow the common recommendations for handling of ESD sensitive devices when installing a
laser diode to the CLD101x .

4 © 2018 Thorlabs
 1 General Information

Attention
Prior to applying power to the CLD101x , make sure that the protective conductor of the 3
conductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth ground contact of the
socket outlet! Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in damage to your health or
even death!
To avoid risk of fire, only the appropriate fuses for the corresponding line voltage must be used.
All modules must only be operated with duly shielded connection cables.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified
herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying documentation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.
Users that change or modify the product described in this manual in a way not expressly approved
by Thorlabs (party responsible for compliance) could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this
equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those
specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification,
substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all optional
peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
Attention
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within the range of
three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum
allowed disturbance values according to EN 61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to EN 61326-1 for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Warning
Laser emission is dangerous to human eye. Do not stare into the emitting aperture, wear protective
glasses and observe the safety instructions supplied with the laser diode.

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CLD101x

1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories

CLD1015 Compact Laser Diode Controller with mount for Type1 and Type2 14-pin butterfly
laser diodes.
CLD1010LP Compact Laser Diode Controller with mount for Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser
diodes, pin codes A, D, E, and G
CLD1011LP Compact Laser Diode Controller with mount for Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser
diodes, pin codes B, C, and H
For included in delivery parts please see section Parts List 7 . Please see also the Thorlabs
website for services, spare parts and available accessories.

1.3 Requirements
These are the requirements to a PC dedicated to remotely control the CLD101x .

1.3.1 Hardware Requirements

CPU: 1 GHz or higher
RAM: 256 MB
Hard disc with at least 100 MB free storage space
USB 2.0 port
USB cable according the USB 2.0 specification

1.3.2 Software Requirements

The CLD101x software is compatible with the following operating systems:
· Windows ® XP (32-bit) SP3
· Windows ® Vista (32-bit, 64-bit)
· Windows ® 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
· Windows ® 8 (32-bit, 64-bit)
· Windows ® 10 (32-bit, 64-bit)

For operation of the CLD101x , also an NI-VISA™ (version 5.3 or higher) is required. The NI-
VISA™ engine is included with the Thorlabs CLD101x Installation CD, that is delivered with the
CLD101x , but can also be downloaded from the National Instruments website www.ni.com/visa.

6 © 2018 Thorlabs
 2 Operation

2 Operation
2.1 Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents and
you have inspected the CLD101x mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:

1 CLD1010LP / CLD1011LP / CLD1015 driver

1 Compact wide range power supply (AC 100...240 V to DC 12 V / 3.75 A)
1 Power Cord
1 USB 2.0 A to Mini B cable, 1.5 meters
1 Allen wrench 1.5 mm
1 Allen wrench 2.0 mm (CLD1015 only)
5 Screws M2 x 5 mm for fixing the Laser Diode (CLD1015 only)
1 Set of auxiliary mounting accessories
1 Quick Reference

2.2 Operating Elements

Front panel
The compact laser driver CLD101x has a touch-sensitive LCD front panel. The controls are
intuitive, for detailed explanations please see subsequent chapters.
Rear panel

1 Power switch
2 USB 2.0 Interface
3 DC supply input
4 Modulation input (SMA)
5 Interlock connector
6 Ventilation slots
7 Locking Key
8 Ground jack

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CLD101x

2.3 Safety and Protection Features

The CLD101x incorporates a number of safety and protection features in order to prevent
damages to the laser diode and to protect the user.
Key lock switch
The key switch disables the laser current output. This feature complies with the CDRH (Center for
Devices and Radiological Health) requirements and prevents an unauthorized usage of the laser
driver.
Interlock
The interlock function provides several protection functions simultaneously.
· Safety lock to prevent unintentional use
· An external emergency switch may be connected
· To connect your external automatic protection equipment, e.g. for temperature monitoring

The laser can only be operated with the interlock input shortened. Please refer to section Laser
Protection 23 for details.
Softstart
The soft start function protects the laser diode against undesired peaks during the laser switch-on
process.
Laser current limit (hardware limit)
The maximum laser current can be adjusted by the laser current limit, that can be set in the Laser
Driver Setup 22 menu.
Open circuit detection for the laser diode
If the connection to the laser is interrupted even for a short time during operation, an immediate
emergency switch off occurs.
Electronic short-circuit switch for the laser diode
With the laser driver output switched off, an electronic switch will short the laser diode so that no
voltage is applied to the laser contacts.
Temperature window protection of the laser diode
This feature protects the laser diode from unwanted operating temperatures in combination with
the integrated TEC controller: Defining a temperature window around the laser temperature set
point, the laser can be paused or permanently switched off, if the actual temperature is outside of
that window.
Please see TEC Driver setup 25 and Laser Protection 22 sections for details
Over-temperature protection
The CLD101x has an automatic over-temperature protection. If the allowed internal operating
temperature should be exceeded, the outputs will be switched off. After a temperature drop of
about 10 °C, the outputs of the CLD101x can be switched on again.
Defined states after switch-on
When turning on the CLD101x with the main switch, the laser and TEC output are by default
switched off. The setup allows to switch on the LD 22 and/or TEC 25 output when starting the
device.

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 2 Operation

Line failure monitoring

In case of line failure / line interruption the CLD101x will restart anew as if it has been turned on
with default power-on settings.

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CLD101x

2.4 Getting Started

Warning
A laser diode is extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharges. Take care for ESD protection
during installation of the laser. Connect the ESD protection ground of your workplace and wrist
strap to the GND jack (8) on the rear panel 7 of the CLD101x . Improper ESD grounding may lead
to damage of the laser diode!

2.4.1 Installing "Butterfly" Laser Diodes to CLD1015

CLD1015 with installed BFY1 type pump laser CLD1015 with installed BFY2 type telecomm laser

1. Verify the pinout of the laser diode to be installed. CLD1015 supports the two standard pin
styles of 14 pin butterfly laser diodes (see Standard BFY Pinouts 75 ). The actual pinout of the
laser can be found in it's data sheet.

10 © 2018 Thorlabs
 2 Operation

2. Remove the 2 screws, fixing the laser mount to the

CLD1015 (marked red), using the attached 2.0 mm
Allen wrench.
3. Remove the laser mount and install it according to the
type of pinout - the arrow for the package type should
line up with the round marker (see green marking). The
picture shows the installation of the laser mount for a
standard pump laser.
4. Fix the laser mount to the enclosure. Open the ZIF
("Zero Insertion Force") socket clamps by pressing
down the lids and sliding the release levers into the
shown direction (marked blue).
5. Install the laser diode into the ZIF socket:
· Make sure, the laser pin numbering matches with
the imprint on the laser socket. Please refer to the
laser diode's data sheet for location of pin #1.
· Insert the laser into the mount in such way, that the
pins fit easily into the slots of the ZIF socket.
· For laser diodes with high heat load use the
delivered thermal conductive pad to improve thermal contact between laser and heat sink.
· Fix the laser diode to the laser mount using the attached 4 screws M2 x 5 and the 1.5 mm
Allen wrench. In order to ensure the best thermal contact between the bottom plate of the
laser diode (hot side of the laser's TEC) and the surface of the laser mount, it is
recommended to use thermal compound - particularly in case of a high laser power.
· Close the clamps of the ZIF socket.

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CLD101x

2.4.2 Installing LP Pigtailed Laser Diodes to CLD101xLP

The CLD1010LP is designed for mounting Thorlabs LP Series pigtailed laser diodes (laser anode
grounded - AG) and supports pin styles (codes) A, D, E, and G, while CLD1011LP (laser cathode
grounded - CG) supports pin styles (codes) B, C, H. The installation of the pigtailed laser diode
requires a number of mandatory steps, explained in the following.
· Find the laser diode's pin code from the specifications.
· Disassemble the laser mount:
1. Remove the 2 screws "A" from the protection cover:

2. Remove the 4 screws "B", that fix the upper cooler shell, and remove the upper shell:

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 2 Operation

3. Remove the 2 screws "C" fixing the laser mounting plate to the cooler and pull out the mounting
plate from the connector:

4. Set the STYLE jumper on the mounting plate (PCB) according to the pin code:
] CLD1010LP: for pin codes A, D, E set the jumper to
the lower 2 pins
] CLD1010LP: for pin code G, set the jumper to the
upper 2 pins
] CLD1011LP: for pin codes B, C, H set the jumper to
the lower 2 pins
STYLE j umper location on the laser mounting PCB

5. The BYPASS jumper should be set only, if the laser is modulated via the CLD101xLP
modulation input (4) 7 and the internal noise reduction filter is switched off. Please see also the
following table:
Operation Mode Noise Reduction Filter Bypass Jumper
Low noise, no modulation ON no
RF Modulation via RF IN (BIAS-T) ON no
Modulation via CLD101xLP OFF set

BYPASS j umper location on the laser mounting PCB

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CLD101x

6. Insert the laser diode into the socket on the opposite to the jumpers side of the mounting plate
according to the pin code as shown in the figure below:

Pin Styles CLD1010LP (Laser Diode - Anode Grounded)

Pin Styles CLD1011LP (Laser Didoe - Cathode Grounded)

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 2 Operation

Insert the pigtailed laser diode and make sure, that the orientation matches exactly with the pin
code:

7. Insert the adapter PCB with installed laser diode into the connector and fix it using the 2 screws
"C":

8. Install upper cooler shell and fix it using the 4 screws "B":

9. Attach the protection cover and fix it using the 2 screws "A".

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CLD101x

RF Modulation via SMA RF input

The CLD1010LP / CLD1011LP laser mount has an RF input for modulating the laser with an
external RF source from 200 kHz to beyond 1 GHz. This is a 50 Ω input that is AC-coupled directly
to the laser through the Bias-T network. To calculate the desired RF power to modulate the laser,
determine the amount of modulating current needed from the laser manufacturer’s data sheets and
use the following calculations:
RF voltage = LD modulating current ×50 W
It is strongly recommended that you start off conservatively by a factor of 10 below the calculated
modulating voltage and slowly bring the RF power up until the desired depth of modulation is
reached. Use the CLD1010LP / CLD1011LP to establish the DC operating point of the laser.
Warning
The RF input is directly coupled to the laser. Any excessive transients or noise will be coupled into
the laser and may cause the laser to be overdriven. Also, the laser can be easily overdriven if
excessive RF power is applied to this input. Use the RF modulation input with care to avoid
damaging your laser.

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 2 Operation

2.4.3 Preparation
1. Check if the interlock jumper or an external emergency switch is installed to the I-LOCK
connector (5) 7 , see section Interlock 23 for details.
2. Insert the key into the lock (7) 7 . For normal operation turn the key clockwise, this way
enabling the laser current output. In this position, the key cannot be removed.
3. Connect the power supply to the DC input (3) 7 and switch the CLD101x on (1).
4. The CLD101x turns on and the boot screen appears for abt. 3 seconds. It displays basic
information.

CLD101x Boot Screen

During the boot process, a variety of hardware and software self tests are carried out. If any of
these test failed, an appropriate error message will be displayed in above screen. Please note
this error message and contact Thorlabs Tech Support.
5. Then the standard ("HOME") operation panel is displayed.

CLD101x Standard Operation Panel

If the Laser Current output is locked, lites up, if the interlock is open - .

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CLD101x

2.5 Operating Instruction

Prior to switching on the TEC and Laser output, configure the CLD101x according to your laser
diode specification. The following sections explain these settings in detail. All setting menus are
available via the button in the lower right corner of the panel:

General Operations:
Menu sidebar
- select menu topic up

- select menu topic down

- edit menu topic (change value)

(alternatively, push the highlighted topic a 2nd time)

- exit and return to Main Menu

Edit sidebar
- increase value

- decrease value

- shift cursor left

- shift cursor right

- save changes and return to previous menu

- don't save changes and return to previous menu

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 2 Operation

The operation via the touch panel is simple and intuitive. In the center of the display, the actual
readings are displayed. The main parameters are shown in large characters this way providing a
good visibility even from some distance.
The appearance depends on the selected laser operation mode 22 (CC or CP).

Main operation panel (HOME) in CC mode

Main operation panel (HOME) in CP mode

The set points can easily be changed - touch the

desired parameter or value and the display
changes from read-out to set point values. Modify
the set point as described in General
Operations 18 , then save the settings (button
DONE). The ESC button returns the display to
read-out values without saving changes.
Touching a not editable parameter results in an
appropriate warning message in the display.

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CLD101x

2.5.1 Set Point Memories

Up to 4 set points (optical power or laser current and temperature) can be stored. Simply touch and
hold for about 3 sec a set point memory icon. A beep, accompanied by the message "Set points
stored" confirms saving.

Note
In case the memory is not empty, the data will be overwritten!
A set point can be retrieved by short touch of the icon, settings immediately take place. If the
memory data are related to a different operating mode, the laser must be switched off before the
CLD101x can load the set point. If the laser is on, an appropriate warning message appears.
Set point memories can be cleared only at once from the Clear Memories button in Information 29
panel.

2.5.2 Main Panel Status Messages

LD current output is locked Turn locking key (7) 7 on the rear panel to
"enable" position
Interlock circuit is open Close interlock circuit, e.g. by installing the
jumper (5) 7
Laser Protection 22 active Laser switched off or paused due to exceeding
the given temperature window. Make sure the
TEC controller is ON.
Laser Current Limit 22 reached The laser current set value reached the limit.
TEC Current Limit 25 reached May appear for a short time after switching the
TEC on.
Actual temperature exceeded Switch on TEC.
window 22 .
Device is in Remote Mode
An error in remote mode occurred. There are errors in the instrument's error queue.
Use the 'SYSTem:ERRor' SCPI command 48 to read out the error queue.

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 2 Operation

2.5.3 Main Panel Error Messages

Error messages are displayed for abt. 7 sec. as text pop-ups in the lower part of the display
instead of the status message boxes. Typical error messages are:
The instrument is overheated.
The temperature inside the enclosure exceeded the max. allowed value. Switch off the instrument
and let it cool down.

Outputs switched off. Mount failure detected.

A failure in the laser mount was detected. TEC and laser current are switched off. Check the laser
connections 10 and proper fixing of the laser mount. If the error persist, please contact Thorlabs.

Laser output can't switch on while interlock is open.

The interlock circuit 23 was found interrupted when trying to switch on the laser current. Check the
interlock connector (5) 7 for properly installed jumper or, if applicable, the external interlock circuit.

Laser output can't switch on while key switch is in locked position.

Insert the key (7) 7 and turn it to the UNLOCK position.

Laser output switched off. Voltage protection was tripped.

Possible reasons are a interruption of the laser current (connection of the laser) or a too high
forward voltage of the installed laser. The forward voltage of the installed laser must not exceed the
specified "Compliance Voltage 68 " of your CLD101x .

Laser output switched off due to temperature protection.

The laser temperature exceeded the given temperature window 23 . Possible reasons are:
· TEC settings: If the TEC current is at its limit as well, increase the limit. Check the set
temperature.
· Temperature window is set too small.
· Insufficient thermal contact between the the laser cabinet and the laser mount, see Installing
"Butterfly" Laser Diodes to CLD1015 10 or Installing LP Pigtailed Laser Diodes to
CLD101xLP 12 .

TEC output switched off. Voltage protection was tripped.

Possible reasons are a interruption of the TEC current (connection of the laser) or a too high
forward voltage of the TEC element (CLD1015). The voltage across the TEC element must not
exceed the specified compliance voltage of the TEC current output (4.7 V).

Output switched off due to a temperature sensor failure.

In order to prevent damage to the laser as a result of overheating, the CLD101x switches off if the
temperature sensor fails.

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CLD101x

2.5.4 Laser Driver Setup

Laser Driver Setup - CLD1010LP and CLD1015 Laser Driver Setup - CLD1011LP

Use the arrow buttons to select a parameter, then push EDIT button, or push the selected topic a
second time.
· Laser Current Limit: Set the current limit to prevent damage of the laser diode.
· Operating mode: Select Constant Current or Constant Power mode. For details, please see
the Appendix 77 .
· Noise reduction filter: Enabling this filter reduces the output current noise by a factor of ~ 2.
Along with that, the modulation bandwidth reduces to 7.5 kHz, see Specifications 68 . The filter
can be enabled / disabled only with the laser switched off.
· Enable Modulation Input: Checking this box, the signal applied to the SMA connector (4) on
the rear panel 7 modulates the laser.
· Switch Laser on when starting device: Default setting is "Laser OFF" when starting the
CLD101x . If required, the laser switched-on state can be changed.

2.5.5 Laser Protection

Use the arrow buttons to select a
parameter, then push EDIT button, or
push the selected topic a second time.

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 2 Operation

· Temperature protection: Select

the required action in case the laser temperature
exceeds the desired operating temperature range
("Temperature window"). The temperature window
is centered to the laser Temperature Set Point.
Available actions are:
1. None
2. Pause - the laser current is switched off and
automatically switches on again, when the
temperature is back within the given range. The
return of the laser to operation can be delayed
additionally (see Protection Reset Delay below).
3. Switch off - the laser current is switched off, when the temperature window is exceeded.
After the temperature returns to the allowed range, the laser can be switched on manually
only.
· Protection Reset Delay: The return to operation can be delayed for up to 600 sec.
· Temperature Window: Defines the allowed operating temperature range to (Tset ± Tw in/2).

Interlock
Another safety feature is the hardware interlock, accessible via the I-LOCK connector (5) 7 on the
rear panel. By default, a short circuit jumper is installed to the jack.
The interlock interface represents a current source (~16 mA when laser is
switched on), where the voltage across the external circuit is observed. As
soon as this voltage rises above a certain threshold (~ 2.5 V), the external
circuit is considered "open" and the laser current output is disabled.
Instead of the jumper, an external emergency switch (opener) can be
connected to the interlock, as well as an external circuit (total resistance <
430 W ) or by a LED (anode to center pin, cathode to outer pin, connect in
parallel resistor R=1 k ) alerting that the laser is switched on.
Note
Do not use blue LED due to their high forward voltage.

2.5.6 Photodiode Input

Use the arrow buttons to select a
parameter, then push EDIT button, or
push the selected topic a second time.
· Input Current Range: There are
two ranges - max. 2mA (LOW) and
max. 20mA (HIGH). Push EDIT button,
then select the required measurement
range.
· Photodiode BIAS: If the
photodiode needs to be biased,
Photo Diode Input settings - CLD1015 and CLD1010LP
enable the bias voltage by either
clicking to the text or by pushing the
EDIT button (toggle function). The BIAS Voltage Level can be set between 0.1 and 6.0V -
select the topic and push EDIT.

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CLD101x

· Use Optical Power for Display: Instead of the measured PD current, it can be converted into
optical power of the laser diode. For this purpose, the Photodiode Response must be set
properly. The responsivity of the photodiode can be calculated from the individual specifications
(individual data sheet) of the laser diode - usually, the manufacturer states the photodiode
current at nominal optical power. Please note the unit - mA/W - the photo current must be stated
in mA, the optical power in W. An alternative way to determine the PD response is to measure
the current and in the same time the optical power out of the laser, using an optical power meter.
PD response can be set between 0.010 and 10000.000 mA/W.
Example: The photo current is specified to 485 µA at 5.00 mW optical power. The response is
calculated to

· Photo Diode Polarity (CLD1011LP only): The CLD1011LP allows to change the photodiode
polarity. Select the Polarity parameter using the arrows, then push EDIT button, or push the
Polarity topic a second time:

· Select the desired polarity according to the pin code 14 of your laser using the CG or AG button.
Press DONE to confirm change.

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 2 Operation

2.5.7 TEC Driver Setup

Use the arrow buttons to select a
parameter, then push EDIT button, or
push the selected topic a second time.
· TEC Current Limit: The TEC
current limit must not exceed the
specified max. rating of the laser
diode. If the temperature set point is
close to environmental temperature, a
reduced TEC current limit may be
helpful to decrease the temperature
settling time (reduce number of
overshoots during settling time). The max. TEC current limit of the CLD101x is 3.0 A.
· Output Voltage Protection: If the TEC current is interrupted (TEC open), the output voltage
exceeds the TEC compliance voltage and the TEC output is switched off (default setting). The
same may happen if a TEC with a high resistance is driven by a high current - in such cases the
TEC output voltage protection can be switched off: Choose EDIT to select between "Switch off"
and "None".
· Switch TEC on when starting device: By default, the TEC is switched off. If required, the TEC
can be switched on at power up. Check the appropriate box if required.
· Temperature Set Point: Edit this value to set the target temperature to the desired value. In
certain cases (e.g. DFB laser diodes) it is recommended to set this value to the reference
temperature as stated in the individual test report of the laser.
· Lower / Upper Set Point Limits: To avoid unwanted operating temperatures of the laser, the
set point interval can be limited. The absolute limits depend on the thermistor parameters and
are given by the measurement limits of the CLD101x .

2.5.8 PID Control Loop

The temperature controller in the CLD101x is using a digital proportional-integral-
derivative controller (PID controller) to correct the difference between a measured
temperature and a desired temperature set point. The temperature can be adjusted
accordingly by calculating and then outputting a corrective current.
The PID controller calculation (algorithm) involves three separate parameters; the Proportional, the
Integral and Derivative values. The Proportional value determines the reaction to the current
temperature error, the Integral value determines the reaction based on the sum of recent
temperature errors, and the Derivative value determines the reaction based on the rate at which the
temperature error has been changing. The weighted sum of these three terms is used to adjust the
temperature via the current supply of a cooling/heating element (Thermo-Electric Cooler (TEC),
aka Peltier Element).
By tuning the three constants in the PID controller algorithm, the control loop properties can be
optimized in order to get a maximal stable temperature as close as possible to the target
temperature and with a minimum settling time.
Every constant (P, I, D) can be set to zero to disable it. For example, by setting the Derivative value
to zero, the PID controller will operate as PI controller. This may be useful in an noisy environment
since derivative action is very sensitive to measurement noise.
On the other hand, the absence of an integral value may prevent the system from reaching its target
temperature and is not recommended. A short PID Tutorial can be found in appendix 78 .

© 2018 Thorlabs 25
CLD101x

Use the arrow buttons to select a parameter, then

push EDIT button, or push the selected topic a
second time.
Below the PID optimizing procedure is described
in detail.
1. Set the Temperature Set Point to the required
temperature.
2. Set the P share to a very low value (e.g. 0.2)
and the D and I shares to minimum (0) in the
PID control loop settings menu. Set the
Oscillation Period to Minimum (0.2 s).
3. Switch on the TEC output. Watch the course of the actual measured temperature.
Note
If temperature oscillates continuously, or even builds up to increasing amplitude, switch the TEC
output off immediately. Further decrease the Proportional parameter before switching the TEC
output on again.
Proportional (P) share:
Repeatedly increase and decrease the
temperature set point for about (1…2)°C around
the desired target temperature. Watch the settling
behavior of the actual measured temperature.
Increase the P share gradually. By increasing P
share, the settling time will decrease. Too high
values will increase the amplitude and number of
overshoots. This may lead to an unstable system
(continuous oscillation or even increasing
amplitude), which should be avoided. The P
parameter is set optimally if the oscillation is
notably damped - the actual temperature approaches the set point with each overshoot having
about half the amplitude of the previous overshoot. Due to the disabled Integral constant, a
temperature deviation may remain. Please evaluate the time span between the maximum
temperature of the positive overshoot and the minimum temperature of the following negative
overshoot (i.e., half a period); doubling this value will be approximately equal to the full period of a
continuous, undamped oscillation.

26 © 2018 Thorlabs
 2 Operation

Oscillation period:
The oscillation period value corresponds to the
resonance frequency of the temperature control
setup. The value entered here impacts the control
cycle period of the digital PID control, which is
determined as one-hundredth of the oscillation
period. Enter the time span which has been
observed in the previous section during
adjustment of the P parameter.

Derivative (D) share:

Change temperature set points for 1...2°C
repeatedly around your desired target temperature
while observing the settling behavior of the actual
temperature. Increase the D share gradually. By
increasing D share, the amplitudes and number of
overshoots at first decrease to a minimum, after
that with increase of D share the overshoot effects
increase. The D share is set to an optimum, if the
actual temperature settles at a value close to the
temperature set point after a minimum of
overshoots. Due to the disabled Integral constant,
a temperature deviation may remain.

Integral (I) share:

Change temperature set points for 1...2°C
repeatedly around your desired target temperature
while observing the settling behavior of the actual
temperature. Increase the I share gradually. By
increasing I share, the temperature settling will
accelerate and the residual error decreases, too
high I share increases the amplitude and number
of overshoots or will even make the system
instable. The I parameter is set correctly when the
actual temperature reaches the set temperature in
a minimum time with a minimum of overshoots
and no residual error.

The following table summarizes the effects of increasing the P, D and I share:

Parameter Rise Time Overshoots Settling Time Residual Error

Increase P share decrease increase small change decrease
Increase D share small decrease decrease decrease none
Increase I share decrease increase increase eliminate

© 2018 Thorlabs 27
CLD101x

PID Control Loop Default Settings

Depending on the CLD101x type, the following factory settings of the PID control loop are applied:
CLD1010LP
Parameter CLD1015
CLD1011LP
P share 1.0 A/K 8.0 A/K
D share 0.0 A/Ks 3.7 A/Ks
I share 0.1 As/K 3.2 As/K
Oscillation Period 1.0 sec 2.0 sec

2.5.9 Thermistor Calibration

The CLD101x is designed to use the built-in into the laser diode thermistor for
temperature sensing. Therefore, the resistance is measured and from this, the
temperature can be calculated. There are two commonly used approximations -
Steinhart-Hart and exponential method (see appendix 81 ). Select the desired
calculation method, and push EDIT (or directly click to the Calculation Method line.).
Note
Calculation Method and thermistor parameters can be changed only if the TEC controller is
switched off!

Select the desired calculation method, then push

DONE. Further the thermistor constants can be
changed - use the arrow buttons to select a
parameter, then push EDIT button, or push the
selected topic a second time.

For each approximation method, typical values are given by default. Change these parameters
only, if reliable data for the given thermistor are available.

28 © 2018 Thorlabs
 2 Operation

2.5.10 System Settings

Use the arrow buttons to select a

parameter, then push EDIT button, or
push the selected topic a second time.
· Display Brightness can be set
between 20% and 100%
· Auto Dimming: When enabled,
after 30 sec the display ceases and
reactivates with a touch to the panel.
· Audible feedback: A click sound
confirming touch panel operation.
· Beeper Volume: Volume of the alert sound.
· Temperature Unit: The temperature can be displayed in °C, °F and K (Kelvin).
· Enable Firmware Update: If enabled, the CLD101x responds as a DFU device to an external
control PC (see Firmware Upgrade 60 ), else the CLD101x is recognized as a USB Test and
Measurement Device.

2.5.11 Information
This screen gives information about
the device.
There are buttons to start a touch panel
calibration and to clear the set point
memories 20 .

2.5.12 External Modulation

To generate in Constant Current Mode a time dependent laser diode injection current "ILD" or in
Constant Power Mode a time dependent photodiode current "IPD", these current settings can be
modulated via an independent ground-symmetric modulation input "MOD IN 7 ". Its input
resistance is >10 kW .
The relation between the externally applied modulation voltage and the resulting laser (photodiode)
current is described by the modulation coefficient m . The modulation coefficient is equal for all
models:
Constant Current mode: m = 150 mA / V
Constant Power mode - photo current range 2 mA: m = 200 µA / V
Constant Power mode - photo current range 20 mA: m = 2 mA / V

"ILD" and "IPD" are calculated as:

ILD = ILD SET + UMOD * m (in constant current mode)

or IPD = IPD SET + UMOD * m (in constant power mode)

© 2018 Thorlabs 29
CLD101x

with:
ILD MAX: Maximum laser current (1.5 A for CLD1015; 1.0 A for
CLD1010LP(CLD1011LP)
IPD MAX: Maximum photodiode current (2 mA / 20 mA depending on the selected
PD current range 23 )
ILD SET or IPD SET: Set values (see Operating Instruction 19 )
UMOD: voltage at input "MOD IN" (4)

Start operation in constant current or constant power mode and adjust the desired set value.
Connect the modulation source to the jack "MOD IN" (4). Avoid ground loops when connecting the
function generator.
The laser diode current "ILD" can be monitored in the main panel.
If the injection current "ILD" reaches the current limit "ILIM" in operation, the status message
lights up and the laser current is limited to the value of the current limit "ILIM". In this case, ripple and
noise do no longer correspond to the specifications for normal operation. However the set
maximum current "ILIM" cannot be exceeded.

30 © 2018 Thorlabs
 3 Remote Operation

3 Remote Operation
The CLD101x provides a USB 2.0 Full Speed link according to the USB 2.0 specification, the
USBTMC specification and the USBTMC USB488 specification. It allows sending commands from
a host computer to the instrument. The connection to the PC is accomplished by a USB cable with
a ‘A’ type connector at the PC side and a ‘Mini B’ connector on the instrument side.
Thorlabs provides an VXIpnp Instrument Driver and a NI VISA engine, the same as for Thorlabs
4000 Series. An individual remote control software (GUI) for the CLD101x is not available.
Prior to connect the CLD101x first time, make sure that the required software is installed 32 .
When connecting the instrument to the PC the first time, on Windows systems the "New Hardware
Found" wizard will be displayed.
Third party data logging, data acquisition and data analysis software (e.g. MATLAB, NI LabVIEW
Signal Express, Agilent VEE) can easily be connected via the instrument's USB interface.
For basic instrument communication the Thorlabs Instrument Communicator 35 Software can be
used. It is included with the CD coming with the CLD101x . Please see also the Write your Own
Application 40 section for a detailed description of the instrument's command set.
When receiving a command, the CLD101x will enter remote mode:

Remote Mode panel

Operated remotely, the touch panel control is disabled in order to avoid accidental entries and
settings conflicts. This also includes the LASER and TEC on/off buttons.
The LOCAL button returns the device to local operation mode.

© 2018 Thorlabs 31
CLD101x

3.1 Installing Driver Software

Insert the CD coming with the CLD101x .

The Instrument Driver installer checks the computer for the installed Windows version and verifies,
if a LabView installation is present. According to the results, the necessary components will be
installed.

Click 'Next >>' to continue. The installer verifies if a NI-VISA engine is installed already. If not, it will
install the included NI-VISA, otherwise only the required drivers will be installed.

32 © 2018 Thorlabs
 3 Remote Operation

Select "I accept..." if you do so, then click 'Next >>' to continue.

Click 'Install' to continue.

© 2018 Thorlabs 33
CLD101x

Click 'Finish' to continue. In case NI components were installed or updated, you may be requested
to restart the computer.

Note
In this case, a proper operation is possible only after restart!

34 © 2018 Thorlabs
 3 Remote Operation

3.2 Instrument Communicator

The Thorlabs Instrument Communicator is a simple tool for basic communication (based on the
common IEEE488.2 commands 47 ) with the CLD101x . It is included with the delivered CD.
Installing Instrument Communicator

Insert the CD into the drive. Select "Instrument Communicator"

Click 'Next>>' to continue.

Click 'Next>>' to continue.

© 2018 Thorlabs 35
CLD101x

Select "I accept..." if you do so, then click 'Next>>' to continue.

Click 'Next>>' to continue. You may be prompted to restart your computer.

Note
In this case, a proper operation is possible only after restart!

Connecting the CLD101x

Switch on the CLD101x and connect it to a free USB port of the computer. The instrument is
recognized by the operating system and the appropriate drive software is being installed:

36 © 2018 Thorlabs
 3 Remote Operation

Starting the Instrument Communicator

Select from Windows button 'All Programs' -> Thorlabs -> Instrument Communicator -> Instrument
Communicator. The GUI opens.

Select 'Connect...'

A list of available instruments appears. Select the CLD101x (can be recognized by serial number),
then click 'OK'. The next screen allows to configure the USB connection and command line
terminators. Click 'OK' to connect.

© 2018 Thorlabs 37
CLD101x

Enter a IEEE488.2 command (see list of supported commands 47 ), alternatively a command can
be selected from the drop down list. Click the 'Write' button.

The Instrument communicator lists the sent command in the log panel.

38 © 2018 Thorlabs
 3 Remote Operation

Click 'read' to see the response from the connected device. In above example, the *IDN?
command retrieves the identification information, which is being returned in the format
"[manufacturer], [device name], [serial number], [firmware version]"

© 2018 Thorlabs 39
CLD101x

4 Write Your Own Application

In order to write your own application, you need a specific instrument driver and some tools for use
in different programming environments. The driver and tools are being installed to your computer
during software installation and cannot be found on the installation CD.
In this section the location of drivers and files, required for programming in different environments,
are given for installation under Windows XP (32 bit), Windows VISTA (32 and 64 bit) and Windows
7 (32 and 64 bit) Windows 8 (32 and 64 bit), Windows 10 (32 and 64 bit). These drivers and
samples are the same as used for Thorlabs 4000 Series.
In order to fully support 64 bit LabView version, the installation offers two installer versions:
· for Win XP - SP2+, Windows VISTA (32 bit) and Windows 7 (32 bit), Windows 8 (32 bit),
Windows 10 (32 bit): Install "TL4000 VXIpnp Instrument Driver (32 bit)"
· for Windows VISTA (64 bit), Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows 8 (64 bit), and Windows 10 (64 bit):
Install "TL4000 VXIpnp Instrument Driver (64 bit)"
In the table below you will find a summary of what files you need for particular programming
environments.

Programming environment Necessary files

C, C++, CVI *.h (header file)
*.lib (static library)
C# .net wrapper dll
Visual Studio *.h (header file)
*.lib (static library)
or
.net wrapper dll
LabView *.fp (function panel) and VXIpnp Instrument Driver
Beside that, LabVIEW driver vi's are provided with the
*.llb container file

Note
All above environments require also the VXIpnp Instrument Driver dll !
In the next sections the locations of above files are described in detail.

40 © 2018 Thorlabs
 4 Write Your Own Application

4.1 32 bit Version

Note
According to the VPP6 (Rev6.1) Standard the installation of the 32 bit VXIpnp driver includes both
the WINNT and GWINNT frameworks.
VXIpnp Instrument driver:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\Bin\TL4000_32.dll
Note
This instrument driver is required for all development environments!
Source file
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\TL4000\TL4000.c
Header file
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\include\TL4000.h
Static Library
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\lib\msc\TL4000_32.lib
Function Panel
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\TL4000\TL4000.fp
Online Help for VXIpnp Instrument driver:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\TL4000\Manual
NI LabVIEW driver
The LabVIEW Driver is a 32 bit driver and compatible with 32bit NI-LabVIEW versions 8.5 and
higher only.
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW
xxxx\Instr.lib\TL4000…
…\TL4000.llb
(LabVIEW container file with driver vi's and an example. "LabVIEW xxxx" stands for actual
LabVIEW installation folder.)
.net wrapper dll
C:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\Primary Interop Assemblies…
…\Thorlabs.TL4000.dll
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\VisaCom\…
…\Primary Interop Assemblies\Thorlabs.TL4000.dll

Example for NI LabWindows/CVI (C)

Project file (NI-LabWindowsTM/CVI 2010):
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\TL4000\Samples\CVI\…
…sample.prj

© 2018 Thorlabs 41
CLD101x

Source file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\TL4000\Samples\CVI\…
…sample.c

Executable sample demo:

C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\TL4000\Samples\CVI\…
…sample.exe

Example for MS Visual Studio (C++)

Solution file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\visa\WinNT\TL4000\Samples\…
…MS_VCpp\Sample.sln

Project file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation \visa\WinNT\TL4000\Samples\…
…MS_VCpp\Sample\Sample.vcproj

Executable sample demo:

C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation \visa\WinNT\TL4000\Samples\…
…MS_VCpp\Release\Sample.exe

MS Visual Studio, .NET (C#)

Solution file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\visa\WinNT\TL4000\Samples…
…\MS.NET_CS\Thorlabs.TL4000Test.sln

Project file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\visa\WinNT\TL4000\Samples…
…\MS.NET_CS\TL4000Test\Thorlabs.TL4000Test.csproj

Executable sample demo:

C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\visa\WinNT\TL4000\Samples…
…\MS.NET_CS\TL4000Test\bin\Release\TL4000Test.exe
(Select the correct type and device mode, e.g., TMC or DFU, and enter serial number, then
connect)

Example for LabView

C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW
xxxx\Instr.lib\TL4000…
…\TL4000.llb
(LabVIEW container file with driver vi's and an example. "LabVIEW xxxx" stands for actual
LabVIEW installation folder.)

42 © 2018 Thorlabs
 4 Write Your Own Application

4.2 64 bit Version

Note
According to the VPP6 (Rev6.1) Standard the installation of the 64 bit VXIpnp driver includes the
WINNT, WIN64, GWINNT and GWIN64 frameworks. That means, that the 64 bit driver includes the
32 bit driver as well.
In case of a 64 bit operating system, 64bit drivers and applications are installed to
“C:\Program Files”
while the 32 bit files - to
“C:\Program Files (x86)”
Below are listed both installation locations, so far applicable.
VXIpnp Instrument driver:
C:\Program Files (x86)\ivi foundation\visa\WinNT\Bin\TL4000_32.dll
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\Bin\TL4000_32.dll
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\Bin\TL4000_64.dll

Note
This instrument driver is required for all development environments!
Source file
C:\Program Files (x86)\ivi foundation\visa\WinNT\TL4000\TL4000.c
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\TL4000.c
Header file
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\TL4000.h
C:\Program Files (x86)\ivi foundation\visa\WinNT\TL4000\TL4000.h
Static Library
C:\Program Files (x86)\ivi
foundation\visa\WinNT\lib\msc\TL4000_32.lib
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\lib\msc\TL4000_32.lib
C:\Program Files\IVI
Foundation\VISA\Win64\Lib_x64\msc\TL4000_64.lib
Function Panel
C:\Program Files (x86)\ivi foundation\visa\WinNT\TL4000\TL4000.fp
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\TL4000.fp
Online Help for VXIpnp Instrument driver:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\TL4000\Manual
NI LabVIEW driver
The LabVIEW Driver supports 32bit and 64bit NI-LabVIEW2009 and higher.
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW
xxxx\Instr.lib\TL4000…
…\TL4000.llb

© 2018 Thorlabs 43
CLD101x

(LabVIEW container file with driver vi's and an example. "LabVIEW xxxx" stands for actual
LabVIEW installation folder.)

44 © 2018 Thorlabs
 4 Write Your Own Application

.net wrapper dll

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft.NET\Primary Interop Assemblies…
…\Thorlabs.TL4000.dll
C:\Program Files (x86)\ivi foundation\visa\VisaCom\…
…\Primary Interop Assemblies\Thorlabs.TL4000.dll

Example for NI LabWindows/CVI (C)

Project file (NI-LabWindowsTM/CVI 2010):
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\Samples\CVI\…
…sample.prj

Source file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\Samples\CVI\…
…sample.c

Executable sample demo:

C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\Samples\CVI\…
…sample.exe

Example for MS Visual Studio (C++)

Solution file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\Samples\…
…MS_VCpp\Sample.sln

Project file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\Samples\…
…MS_VCpp\Sample\Sample.vcproj

Executable sample demo:

C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\Samples\…
…MS_VCpp\Release\Sample.exe

MS Visual Studio, .NET (C#)

Solution file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\Samples…
…\MS.NET_CS\Thorlabs.TL4000Test.sln

Project file:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\Samples…
…\MS.NET_CS\TL4000Test\Thorlabs.TL4000Test.csproj

© 2018 Thorlabs 45
CLD101x

Executable sample demo:

C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\Win64\TL4000\Samples…
…\MS.NET_CS\TL4000Test\bin\Release\TL4000Test.exe
(Select the correct type and device mode, e.g., TMC or DFU, and enter serial number, then
connect)

Example for LabView

C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW
xxxx\Instr.lib\TL4000…
…\TL4000.llb
(LabVIEW container file with driver vi's and an example. "LabVIEW xxxx" stands for actual
LabVIEW installation folder.)

46 © 2018 Thorlabs
 4 Write Your Own Application

4.3 Command Reference

4.3.1 IEEE488.2 Common Commands
Common commands are device commands that are common to all devices according to the
IEEE488.2 standard. These commands are designed and defined by this standard. Most of the
commands are described in detail in this section. The following common commands associated
with the status structure are covered in the “Status Structure” section: *CLS, *ESE, *ESE?, *ESR?,
*SRE,
Command summary

Mnemonic Name Description

*CLS Clear status Clears all event registers and Error Queue
*ESE <NRf> Event enable command Sets the Standard Event Enable Register
*ESE? Event enable query Returns the Standard Event Enable Register
*ESR? Event status register query Returns and clear the Standard Event Register
*IDN? Identification query Returns the unit’s identification string
*OPC Operation complete command Sets the Operation Complete bit in the Standard Event
Register
*OPC? Operation complete query Places a “1” into the output queue when all device
operations have been completed
*RST Reset command Returns the unit to the *RST default condition
*SRE <NRf> Service request enable command Sets the Service Request Enable Register
*SRE? Service request enable query Returns the Service Request Enable Register
*STB? Status byte query Returns the Status Byte Register
*TST? Self-test query Performs the unit’s self-test and returns the result.
*WAI Wait-to-continue command Waits until all previous commands are executed

Command reference
1. *IDN? – identification query - read identification code
The identification code includes the manufacturer, model code, serial number, and firmware
revision levels and is sent in the following format: Thorlabs,MMM,SSS,X.X.X, where
MMM is the model code
SSS is the serial number
X.X.X is the instrument firmware revision level

2. *OPC – operation complete - set OPC bit

3. *OPC? – operation complete query – places a “1” in output queue
When *OPC is sent, the OPC bit in the Standard Event Register will set after all pending command
operations are complete. When *OPC? is sent, an ASCII “1” is placed in the Output Queue after all
pending command operations are complete.
Typically, either one of these commands is sent after the INITiate command. The INITiate
command is used to take the instrument out of idle in order to perform measurements. While
operating within the trigger model layers, many sent commands will not execute. After all
programmed operations are completed, the instrument returns to the idle state at which time all
pending commands (including *OPC and/or *OPC?) are executed. After the last pending command
is executed, the OPC bit and/or an ASCII “1” is placed in the Output Queue.

4. *RST – reset – return instrument to defaults

When the *RST command is sent, the instrument performs the following operations:
· Returns the instrument to default conditions
· Cancels all pending commands.
· Cancels response to any previously received *OPC and *OPC? commands.

© 2018 Thorlabs 47
CLD101x

5. *TST? – self-test query – run self test and read result

Use this query command to perform the instrument self-test routine. The command places the
coded result in the Output Queue. A returned value of zero (0) indicates that the test passed, other
values indicate that the test failed.

6. *WAI – wait-to-continue – wait until previous commands are completed

The *WAI command is a no operation command for the instrument and thus, does not need to be
used. It is there for conformance to IEEE488.2.

4.3.2 SCPI Command Reference

SYSTem subsystem commands
Command Description SCPI
SYSTem Path to SYSTem subsystem. R
:BEEPer R
[:IMMediate] Issues an audible signal R
:STATe {ON|1|OFF|0} Activates/deactivates the beeper R
:STATe? Returns the state of the beeper R
:VOLume <value> Sets the beeper volume R
:VOLume? Returns the beeper volume R
:ERRor R
[:NEXT]? Returns the latest error code and message R
:MOUNt
[:TYPE]? Returns the mount type (<NR1>,description)
:VERSion? Returns level of SCPI standard (1999.0) R

DISPlay subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
DISPlay Path to DISPlay subsystem. R
:BRIGhtness <value> Sets the display brightness R
:BRIGhtness? Returns the display brightness value R
:CALibration[:TOUCh][:INITiate] Initiates Touchscreen calibration
:FADeout
[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0} Activates/deactivates automatic dimming
[:STATe]? Returns the state of automatic dimming

48 © 2018 Thorlabs
 4 Write Your Own Application

STATus subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
STATus R
:MEASurement Path to control measurement event registers
[:EVENt]? Returns the event register R
:CONDition? Returns the condition register R
:PTRansition <value> Sets the positive transition filter R
:PTRansition? Returns the positive transition filter R
:NTRansition <value> Sets the negative transition filter R
:NTRansition? Returns the negative transition filter R
:ENABle <value> Sets the enable register R
:ENABle? Returns the enable register R
:OPERation Path to control operation event registers R
[:EVENt]? Returns the event register R
:CONDition? Returns the condition register R
:PTRansition <value> Sets the positive transition filter R
:PTRansition? Returns the positive transition filter R
:NTRansition <value> Sets the negative transition filter
:NTRansition? Returns the negative transition filter R
:ENABle <value> Sets the enable register R
:ENABle? Returns the enable register R
:QUEStionable Path to control questionable event registers R
[:EVENt]? Returns the event register R
:CONDition? Returns the condition register R
:PTRansition <value> Sets the positive transition filter R
:PTRansition? Returns the positive transition filter R
:NTRansition <value> Sets the negative transition filter R
:NTRansition? Returns the negative transition filter R
:ENABle <value> Sets the enable register R
:ENABle? Returns the enable register R
:AUXiliary Path to control auxiliary event registers
[:EVENt]? Returns the event register R
:CONDition? Returns the condition register R
:PTRansition <value> Sets the positive transition filter R
:PTRansition? Returns the positive transition filter R
:NTRansition <value> Sets the negative transition filter R
:NTRansition? Returns the negative transition filter R
:ENABle <value> Sets the enable register R
:ENABle? Returns the enable register R
:PRESet Return status registers to default states. R

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CLD101x

LD output subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
OUTPut[1] Path to LD output R
[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0} Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) LD output R
[:STATe]? Returns output state R
:PON
[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0} Sets the power-on LD output state R
[:STATe]? Returns power-on LD output state setting R
:CONDition? Returns the output condition (query only, 1|0)
:FILTer[:LPASs] R
[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0} Enables/disables LD output low pass filter R
[:STATe]? Returns output filter state R
:PROTection Path to LD output protection R
:INTLock[:TRIPped]? Returns interlock circuit protection tripped
:KEYLock[:TRIPped]? Returns key lock protection tripped
:OTEMperature[:TRIPped]? Returns over temperature protection tripped
:CONNection[:TRIPped]? Returns connection failure protection tripped
:TEMPerature
:MODE {OFF|PROTection|ENABle} Sets temperature protection mode
:MODE? Returns temperature protection mode
{:TRIPped]? Returns protection tripped
:POLarity? Returns the LD polarity (AG/CG) (FW>1.8)

PD input subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
INPut[1] Path to photodiode input R
:POLarity {AG|CG} Sets PD polarity (FW>1.8, CLD1011LP only)
:POLarity? Returns the PD polarity (AG/CG) (FW>1.8)
:BIAS Path to PD BIASing R
[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0} Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) BIAS R
[:STATe]? Returns BIAS state R
:VOLTage Path to PD BIAS voltage R
[:DC] {MIN|MAX|DEF|<volts>} Sets BIAS voltage value R
[:DC]? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns BIAS voltage value R

PD current sensing subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
SENSe[1] Path to photodiode current sensing R
[:CURRent][:DC] R
:RANGe[:UPPer] {MIN|MAX|<amps>} Sets the photodiode range R
:RANGe[:UPPer]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns the photodiode range R
:CORRection:POWer
[:PDIode][:RESPonse] Sets the photodiode response value
{MIN|MAX|DEF|<amps>}
[:PDIode][:RESPonse]? Returns the photodiode response value
[{MIN|MAX|DEF}]
[:DATA]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns the measured PD current
:POWer[:DC]
[:DATA]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns the measured opt. LD power

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LD current sensing subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
SENSe3 Path to laser diode current sensing R
[:CURRent][:DC] R
[:DATA]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns the measured LD current

LD voltage sensing subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
SENSe4 Path to laser diode voltage sensing R
[:VOLTage][:DC] R
[:DATA]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns the measured LD voltage

LD source subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
SOURce[1] R
:FUNCtion R
[:MODE] {CURRent|POWer} Sets LD driver source function R
[:MODE]? Returns LD driver source function R
[:CURRent] R
:LIMit R
[:AMPLitude] {MIN|MAX|<amps>} Sets limit current value R
[:AMPLitude]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns limit current value R
:TRIPped? Returns limit detection tripped R
[:LEVel][:IMMediate] R
[:AMPLitude] {MIN|MAX|<amps>} Sets LD current setpoint value R
[:AMPLitude]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns LD current setpoint value R
:POWer R
[:LEVel] R
[:IMMediate] R
[:AMPLitude] {MIN|MAX|<watts>} Sets LD power setpoint value R
[:AMPLitude]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns power setpoint value R
:DIODe[:CURRent][:IMMediate] Sets LD power via photodiode current
[:AMPLitude] {MIN|MAX|<amps>} Sets photodiode current setpoint
[:AMPLitude]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns the photodiode current setpoint
:AM R
[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0} Enables (ON), disables (OFF) modulation R
[:STATe]? Returns modulation state R
TEC output subsystem commands
Command Description SCPI
OUTPut2 Path to TEC output R
[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0} Enable (ON) or disable (OFF) TEC output R
[:STATe]? Returns output state R
:PON
[:STATe] {ON|1|OFF|0} Sets the power-on TEC output state R
[:STATe]? Returns power-on TEC output state setting R
:PROTection Path to TEC output protection R
:TRANsducer[:TRIPped]? Returns temperature transducer failure tripped
:OTEMperature[:TRIPped]? Returns over temperature protection tripped
:CONNection[:TRIPped]? Returns connection failure protection tripped
:COMPliance (for firmware level 1.1.2 and higher)

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Command Description SCPI

:MODE {OFF|PROTection} Sets the ‘compliance voltage protection’ mode
:MODE? Returns the ‘compliance voltage protection’ mode
{:TRIPped]? Returns ‘compliance voltage protection’ tripped

TEC driver source subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
SOURce2 R
:FUNCtion R
[:MODE] {TEMPerature|CURRent} Sets TEC driver source function R
[:MODE]? Returns TEC driver source function R
:CURRent R
:LIMit
[:AMPLitude] {MIN|MAX|<amps>} Sets limit current value R
[:AMPLitude]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns limit current value R
[:LEVel][:IMMediate]
[:AMPLitude] {MIN|MAX|<amps>} Sets current setpoint value R
[:AMPLitude]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns current setpoint value R
:DATA? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns the TEC current value
[:TEMPerature] R
[:SPOint] {MIN|MAX|DEF|<temp>} Sets temperature setpoint R
[:SPOint]? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns temperature setpoint R
:LIMit R
[:UPPer] {MIN|MAX|<temp>} Sets settable temperature high limit R
[:UPPer]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns settable temperature high limit R
:LOWer {MIN|MAX|<temp>} Sets settable temperature low limit R
:LOWer? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns settable temperature low limit R
:LCONstants R
[:GAIN] {MIN|MAX|DEF|<value>} Sets PID loop P value R
[:GAIN]? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns PID loop P value R
:INTegral {MIN|MAX|DEF|<value>} Sets PID loop I value R
:INTegral? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns PID loop I value R
:DERivative {MIN|MAX|DEF|<value>} Sets PID loop D value R
:DERivative? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns PID loop D value R
:PERiod {MIN|MAX|DEF|<sec>} Sets thermal load oscillation period
:PERiod? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns thermal load oscillation period

Note In local operation mode (front panel operation ) it is not possible to operate the TEC-Source
(SOURce2) in current mode. When switching from remote mode to local operation mode the
source function automatically switches to temperature mode.

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Temperature sensing subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
SENSe2 R
[:TEMPerature]
:DATA? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns the temperature value
[:THERmistor]
:METHod {EXPonential|SHH} Sets thermistor calculation method
:METHod? Returns thermistor calculation method
[:SHH]
:A {MIN|MAX|DEF|<value>} Sets Steinhart-Hart parameter A
:A? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns Steinhart-Hart parameter A
:B {MIN|MAX|DEF|<value>} Sets Steinhart-Hart parameter B
:B? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns Steinhart-Hart parameter B
:C {MIN|MAX|DEF|<value>} Sets Steinhart-Hart parameter C
:C? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns Steinhart-Hart parameter C
:EXPonential
:R0 {MIN|MAX|DEF|<ohms>} Sets exponential parameter R0
:R0? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns exponential parameter R0
:T0 {MIN|MAX|DEF|<temp>} Sets exponential parameter T0
:T0? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns exponential parameter T0
:BETA {MIN|MAX|DEF|<value>} Sets exponential parameter beta
:BETA? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns exponential parameter beta
:PROTection R
:DELay {MIN|MAX|DEF|<sec>} Sets protection delay
:DELay? [{MIN|MAX|DEF}] Returns protection delay
:WINDow[:AMPLitude] Sets temperature window amplitude
{MIN|MAX|DEF|<temp>}
:WINDow[:AMPLitude]? Returns temperature window amplitude
[{MIN|MAX|DEF}]
[:TRIPped]? Returns protection tripped
:RESistance
[:DATA]? [{MIN|MAX}] Returns the resistance value

UNIT subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
UNIT R
:TEMPerature Sets the temperature unit R
{C|CEL|CELSius|F|FAR|
FAHReinheit|K|KELVin}
:TEMPerature? Returns the temperature unit R

CALibration subsystem commands

Command Description SCPI
CALibration R
:STRing? Returns the calibration string

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Measurement commands
Command Description SCPI
ABORt Aborts current measurement R
CONFigure[:SCALar] R
:CURRent[1][:DC] Configures instrument LD current measurement R
:VOLTage[1][:DC] Configures instrument LD voltage measurement R
:CURRent2[:DC] Configures instrument PD current measurement
:POWer[1] Configure for opt. power measurement via PD current
:TEMPerature Configures instrument for temperature measurement R
:RESistance Configures instrument for NTC resistance measurement R
CONFigure? Query configuration R
INITiate[:IMMediate] Starts measurement R
FETCh? Returns last measurement data R
FETCh
:CURRent[1][:DC]? Return last LD current measurement
:VOLTage[1][:DC]? Return last LD voltage measurement
:CURRent2[:DC]? Return last PD current measurement
:POWer[1]? Return last opt. power measurement via PD current
:TEMPerature? Return last temperature measurement
:RESistance? Return last NTC resistance measurement
READ? Starts new measurement (as configured) and read data R
MEASure[:SCALar] R
:CURRent[1][:DC]? Perform LD current measurement R
:VOLTage[1][:DC]? Perform LD voltage measurement R
:CURRent2[:DC]? Perform PD current measurement
:POWer[1]? Perform opt. power measurement via PD current
:TEMPerature? Perform temperature measurement R
:RESistance? Perform NTC resistance measurement R

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4.3.3 Status Reporting

The figure below gives an overview of the device’s status reporting structure. See also section
STATus subsystem commands 49 for a detailed description of the related commands and their
syntax.

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Status Byte Register

The Status Byte Register gives a summary of all underlying status structures. See also IEEE488.2-
1992-§11.2.

Bit # Mnemonic Description

7 OPER Standard Operation Status Structure Summary Bit

6 RQS/MSS Request Service / Master Summary Status
5 ESB Standard Event Status Bit
4 MAV Message Available. There is response data available for readout
3 QUES Questionable Status Structure Summary Bit
2 EAV Error Available. There is at least one error in the error queue.
1 MEAS Measurement Status Structure Summary Bit
0 reserved, read as 0

Standard Event Status Structure

The Standard Event Status Structure is described in IEEE488.2-1992-§11.5.

Standard Operation Register

The Standard Operation Status Structure is described in SCPI1999.0-Vol1-§9.3. In addition bit
8..12 are used as output state/on indicators.

Bit # Mnemonic Description

15..13 See SCPI1999.0-Vol1-§9.3

12 TECON TEC output is currently ON
11 LDON LD output is currently ON
10 TECST TEC output state is ON
9 LDST LD output state is ON
8 reserved, read as 0
7..0 See SCPI1999.0-Vol1-§9.3

Questionable Data Register

The Questionable Data Status Structure is described in SCPI1999.0 Vol1 §9.4.

Measurement Status Register

The Measurement Status Register Status Byte Register reports device operation and
measurement states.

Bit # Description

15 reserved, read as 0
14 Over temperature (Instrument is too hot)

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Bit # Description

13 Socket connection failure (Socket missing or unknown socket detected)

12 reserved, read as 0
11 TEC output compliance voltage reached
10 Temperature sensor failure.
9 Temperature window failure.
8 Temperature protection is active.
7 TEC current limit reached
6 reserved, read as 0
5 reserved, read as 0
4 reserved, read as 0
3 LD current limit reached
2 LD interlock is active
1 LD output compliance voltage reached
0 Keylock protection is active

4.3.4 Error Reporting

The device stores errors in a queue containing up to 10 entries. The error queue may be read out
by the ‘SYSTem:ERRor[:NEXT]?’command. The following table lists all error numbers and the
according descriptive messages. Note: negative numbers are defined by SCPI while positive error
numbers are device dependent.

Error Description

0 No error

1 The error couldn't be specified more precisely

2 Floating point domain error
3 Device temperature too high
4 General GUI error
5 Authentication required for operation
6 Authentication process failed
7 Operation is not allowed in service mode
8 Operation is allowed in service mode only
9 A measurement is currently in process

20 Operation not allowed while LD output is on

21 Wrong operating mode for this operation
22 INTERLOCK circuit is open
23 KEYLOCK is active
24 Operation not allowed because of a 'OPEN CIRCUIT' condition

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Error Description

26 Temperature protection is active

30 Operation not allowed while TEC output is on

31 Wrong operating mode for this Operation
32 Operation not allowed while a procedure is running

34 Operation not allowed because of a 'SENSOR FAILURE' condition

40 The device's setup is not valid

120 I²C wires stuck

121 Illegal START/STOP condition
122 Slave address not acknowledged (Not a valid bus address?)
123 Incomplete write operation (Slave rejected to receive all data in the buffer)
124 Arbitration lost

130 EEPROM Timeout

131 Checksum error

140 General keyboard bootloader error

141 Keyboard bootloader write error
142 Keyboard bootloader read error
143 Keyboard bootloader verify error
144 Keyboard data link error
145 Keyboard command error
146 Keyboard nonvolatile memory error

150 General DTC bootloader error

151 DTC bootloader write error
152 DTC bootloader verify error
153 DTC communication error
154 unknown DTC error
155 DTC adjustment is invalid

-100 General command error

-101 Invalid character
-102 Syntax error
-103 Invalid separator
-104 Data type error
-105 GET not allowed
-108 Parameter not allowed

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Error Description

-109 Missing parameter

-110 Command header error
-111 Header separator error
-112 Program mnemonic too long
-113 Undefined header (Unknown command)
-114 Header suffix out of range
-115 Unexpected number of parameters
-120 Numeric data error
-151 Invalid string data

-200 General execution error

-210 General trigger error
-211 Trigger ignored
-212 ARM ignored
-213 Init ignored
-220 Parameter error
-221 Settings conflict
-222 Data out of range
-223 Too much data
-230 Data corrupt or stale
-240 Hardware error

-310 System error

-313 Calibration memory lost
-314 Save/recall memory lost
-315 Configuration memory lost
-321 Out of memory
-330 Self-test failed
-340 Calibration failed
-350 Queue overflow
-363 Input buffer overrun

-410 Query INTERRUPTED

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5 Maintenance and Service

Protect the CLD101x from adverse weather conditions. The CLD101x is not water resistant.
Attention
To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids or solvents!
The unit does not need a regular maintenance by the user. It does not contain any modules and/or
components that could be repaired by the user himself. If a malfunction occurs, please contact
Thorlabs for return instructions.
Do not remove covers!

5.1 Version Information

All available information on the CLD101x is displayed at power up and can be retrieved from the
Information menu 29 as well:

5.2 Firmware Upgrade

For a firmware update, a newer firmware image (file extension *.dfu) and the DFU Wizard to
upload this firmware to the CLD101x are required. Please download the firmware image and
remember the location you have saved it to.

5.2.1 Uploading new Firmware

As a next step, enable the Firmware Update in the CLD101x :

Then connect the CLD101x to the PC via the USB cable. The operating system recognizes a DFU
capable device and installs the necessary driver software:

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 5 Maintenance and Service

Start from the WINDOWS button All Programs -> Thorlabs -> Device Firmware upgrade Wizard->
DFU Wizard.
(Can be found also at C:\Program Files\Thorlabs\DFU Wizard\DFU_Wizard.exe).

Click 'Next>>' to continue. Select the new firmware to be uploaded and follow the steps as shown in
the following screen shots:

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The DFU Wizard recognizes the connected DFU device. If you wish to save a backup copy of the
present firmware, check the appropriate box.

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Note
Starting from CLD101x 's bootloader version 3.2.0, a backup of the existing firmware cannot be
retrieved from the CLD101x anymore. In this case, the check box "Make backup copy of current
firmware" is disabled.
Click 'Next>>' to continue.

Click 'Start' to proceed with the required actions.

If a backup copy shall be saved, the DFU wizard requests a file location. Select the destination
folder and click 'Save'

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The DFU Wizard connects to the CLD101x and switches it to the DFU mode, which is reflected in
a change of the LCD panel, stating beside other information the DFU state and process status:

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After firmware upload, the DFU Wizard switches the CLD101x back to normal operation. Click
'Finish' to complete.

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CLD101x

5.3 Troubleshooting
Strange display messages
The CLD101x shows unexpected display values, as for example:

· The laser diode might not be installed correctly and/or the wrong pin type is selected.
ü Check the pin-out of the laser 75 to determine type1 or type2 standard pin-out.
ü Check if the laser diode adapter is installed 10 correctly.

Cannot switch on the TEC

· NTC resistance measurement resulted in invalid values (too high or too low values)
· Temperature reading shows "FAILURE" (NTC "OPEN" or "SHORT")
· An error message "TEC output voltage protection was tripped - ..." appears, TEC does not
switch on: The laser current circuit seems to be interrupted.
ü Check the laser pin-out - only standard pin styles 75 type1 and type2 can be used
ü Check if the laser is installed correctly 10 (pin type 1 or 2, pin 1 at correct location)
ü The laser diode may be defective
Cannot switch on the laser
· NTC resistance measurement resulted in invalid values (too high or too low). Temperature
reading shows "FAILURE" (NTC "OPEN" or "SHORT")
ü Check the laser pin-out - only standard pin styles 75 type1 and type2 can be used
ü Check if the laser is installed correctly 10 (pin type 1 or 2, pin 1 at correct location)
ü The laser diode may be defective
· When the laser is switched on, the display shows LASER is PAUSED
ü The laser protection 22 feature "Pause Laser" was activated due to laser temperature
out of range. The display also shows and

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ü Switch on TEC - as soon as the laser temperature is within the allowed range 23 , the
laser switches on automatically.

· The display shows and . When trying to switch on the laser, an error
message "LD output can't switch on" comes up:
ü The laser protection 22 feature "Switch off Laser" was activated due to the laser
temperature being out of range.
ü Switch on TEC - as soon as the laser temperature is within the allowed range 23 , the
and icons disappear. Now, the laser can be switched on.

· The display shows or . When trying to switch on the laser, an error message
"LD output can't switch on" comes up:
ü If : Make sure the key switch (7 7 ) is in unlock position
ü If : Check interlock circuit 23 .

· When the laser is switched on, the error message "LD output voltage protection was tripped
- ..." appears, LD does not switch on - The laser current circuit seems to be interrupted.
ü Check the laser pin-out - only standard pin styles 75 type1 and type2 can be used
ü Check if the laser is installed correctly 10 (pin type 1 or 2, pin 1 at correct location)
ü The laser diode may be defective
The laser suddenly reaches the LD Limit

· The CLD101x is operated in CP (constant power) mode, LD current entered limit after
change of temperature set point
ü When changing the temperature, the laser output power changes as well. In CP mode,
the CLD101x maintains the monitor current by changing the laser injection current. As a
result the LD current may reach the limit
ü Adopt the output power accordingly. Alternatively, LD Limit may be increased, but not
beyond the specified max. rating according to the data sheet.

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6 Appendix
6.1 Technical Data
Specification CLD1015 Front Panel* Remote Control*
Current Control (Constant Current Mode); AG
Control Range 0 to 1.5 A
Compliance Voltage >4 V
Resolution 100 µA 50 µA
Accuracy ±(0.1% + 500 µA)
Noise and Ripple (10 Hz to 10 MHz, rms, typ.) (Load 3.3 W , current < 1.2 A)
w/o Filter 10 µA
with Filter 5 µA
Drift, 24 hours (0-10 Hz, typ., <50 µA
at Constant Ambient Temperature)
Temperature Coefficient <50 ppm/°C
Current Limit
Setting Range 1 mA to 1.5 A
Resolution 100 µA 50 µA
Accuracy ±(0.12% + 800 µA)
Photodiode Input (CG)
Photo Current Measurement Ranges 2 mA / 20 mA
Photo Current Resolution 100 nA / 1 µA 70 nA / 700 nA
Photo Current Accuracy ±(0.08% +0.5 µA) / ±(0.08% +5 µA)
Photodiode Reverse Bias Voltage 0.1 to 6 V
Photodiode Input Impedance ~0 W (Virtual Ground)
Power Control (Constant Power Mode)
Photo Current Control Ranges 0 to 2 mA / 0 to 20 mA
Laser Voltage Measurement
Resolution 1 mV 200 µV
Accuracy ±(1% + 40 mV)
Laser Overvoltage Protection
Trip Voltage (typ.) 4.2 V
Modulation Input
Input Impedance 10 kW
CC Mode ±10 V
Input Voltage; max.
CP Mode ±10 V
Small Signal 3dB Bandwidth, CC Mode
w/o filter DC to 250 kHz
with filter DC to 7.5 kHz
Modulation Coefficient, CC Mode 150 mA/V ±5%
Modulation Coefficient, CP Mode
Photo Current Range Low 200 µA/V ±5%
Photo Current Range High 2 mA/V ±5%

*) Via front panel the resolution is limited by the display. Via Remote Control a higher resolution is offered.

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**) Control range and thermal stability depend on thermistor parameters and operating point.

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Specification CLD1010LP Front Panel* Remote Control*

Current Control (Constant Current Mode); AG
Control Range 0 to 1.0 A
Compliance Voltage >8 V
Resolution 100 µA 50 µA
Accuracy ±(0.1% + 500 µA)
Noise and Ripple (10 Hz to 10 MHz, rms, typ.) (Load 4.7 W)
w/o Filter 10 µA
with Filter 5 µA
Drift, 24 hours (0-10 Hz, typ., <50 µA
at Constant Ambient Temperature)
Temperature Coefficient <50 ppm/°C
Current Limit
Setting Range 1 mA to 1.0 A
Resolution 100 µA 50 µA
Accuracy ±(0.12% + 800 µA)
Photodiode Input (CG)
Photo Current Measurement Ranges 2 mA / 20 mA
Photo Current Resolution 100 nA / 1 µA 70 nA / 700 nA
Photo Current Accuracy ±(0.08% +0.5 µA) / ±(0.08% +5 µA)
Photodiode Reverse Bias Voltage 0.1 to 6 V
Photodiode Input Impedance ~0 W (Virtual Ground)
Power Control (Constant Power Mode)
Photo Current Control Ranges 0 to 2 mA / 0 to 20 mA
Laser Voltage Measurement
Resolution 1 mV 400 µV
Accuracy ±(1% + 80 mV)
Laser Overvoltage Protection
Trip Voltage (typ.) 8.2 V
Modulation Input
Input Impedance 10 kW
CC Mode ±7 V
Input Voltage; max.
CP Mode ±10 V
Small Signal 3dB Bandwidth, CC Mode
w/o filter DC to 300 kHz
with filter DC to 9.0 kHz
Modulation Coefficient, CC Mode 150 mA/V ±5%
Modulation Coefficient, CP Mode
Photo Current Range Low 200 µA/V ±5%
Photo Current Range High 2 mA/V ±5%
RF Input
RF Input Impedance 50 W
Small Signal 3 dB Bandwidth 200 kHz to > 1 GHz
Maximum RF Power 500 mW

*) Via front panel the resolution is limited by the display. Via Remote Control a higher resolution is offered.
**) Control range and thermal stability depend on thermistor parameters and operating point.

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Specification CLD1011LP Front Panel* Remote Control*

Current Control (Constant Current Mode); CG
Control Range 0 to 1.0 A
Compliance Voltage >8 V
Resolution 100 µA 50 µA
Accuracy ±(0.1% + 500 µA)
Noise and Ripple (10 Hz to 10 MHz, rms, typ.) (Load 4.7 W)
w/o Filter 10 µA
with Filter 5 µA
Drift, 24 hours (0-10 Hz, typ., <50 µA
at Constant Ambient Temperature)
Temperature Coefficient <50 ppm/°C
Current Limit
Setting Range 1 mA to 1.0 A
Resolution 100 µA 50 µA
Accuracy ±(0.12% + 800 µA)
Photodiode Input (CG or AG, switchable)
Photo Current Measurement Ranges 2 mA / 20 mA
Photo Current Resolution 100 nA / 1 µA 70 nA / 700 nA
Photo Current Accuracy ±(0.08% +0.5 µA) / ±(0.08% +5 µA)
Photodiode Reverse Bias Voltage 0.1 to 6 V
Photodiode Input Impedance ~0 W (Virtual Ground)
Power Control (Constant Power Mode)
Photo Current Control Ranges 0 to 2 mA / 0 to 20 mA
Laser Voltage Measurement
Resolution 1 mV 400 µV
Accuracy ±(1% + 80 mV)
Laser Overvoltage Protection
Trip Voltage (typ.) 8.2 V
Modulation Input
Input Impedance 10 kW
CC Mode ±7 V
Input Voltage; max.
CP Mode ±10 V
Small Signal 3dB Bandwidth, CC Mode
w/o filter DC to 300 kHz
with filter DC to 9.0 kHz
Modulation Coefficient, CC Mode 150 mA/V ±5%
Modulation Coefficient, CP Mode
Photo Current Range Low 200 µA/V ±5%
Photo Current Range High 2 mA/V ±5%
RF Input
RF Input Impedance 50 W
Small Signal 3 dB Bandwidth 200 kHz to > 1 GHz
Maximum RF Power 500 mW

*) Via front panel the resolution is limited by the display. Via Remote Control a higher resolution is offered.
**) Control range and thermal stability depend on thermistor parameters and operating point.

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Specification
Front Panel* Remote Control*
CLD1015 / CLD1010LP / CLD1011LP
TEC Current Output
Control Range -3.0 to 3.0 A
Compliance Voltage > 4.7 V
Maximum Output Power > 14.1 W
Resolution 1 mA 100 µA
Accuracy ± (0.2% + 20 mA)
TEC Current Limit
Setting Range 5 mA to 3.0 A
Resolution 1 mA 100 µA
Accuracy ± (0.2% + 20 mA)
NTC Thermistor Sensors
Resistance Measurement Range 300 W to 150 kW
Control Range Max.** -55 °C to +150 °C
Temperature Resolution 0.01 °C
Resistance Resolution 1W
Accuracy ± (0.1% + 1 W )
Temperature Stability
<0.005 °C
(24 Hours typ.)**
Temperature Coefficient <5 mK/°C
Temperature Window Protection
Setting Range Twin 0.01 °C to 100.0 °C
Protection Reset Delay 0 to 600 s
Interface
According to USBTMC/USBTMC-USB488 Specification Rev.
USB 2.0
1.0
Protocol SCPI Compliant Command Set

· VISA VXIpnp™
· MS Visual Studio™
Drivers · MS Visual Studio.net™
· LabView™
· LabWindows/CVI™

*) Via front panel the resolution is limited by the display. Via Remote Control a higher resolution is offered.
**) Control range and thermal stability depend on thermistor parameters and operating point.

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General data CLD1015 / CLD1010LP / CLD1011LP

· Interlock
· Keylock Switch
· Laser Current Limit
· Soft Start
Safety Features
· Short Circuit when Laser off
· Laser Overvoltage Protection
· Over Temperature Protection
· Temperature Window Protection

Display 4.3 " LCD TFT, 480 x 272 Pixel

CLD1015 Socket for Laser Diode 14 pin "Butterfly" Type 1 (Pump) / Type 2 (Telecomm)
LP Pigtailed TO Can Laser Diodes, Pin Codes A, D, E,
CLD1010LP Socket for Laser Diode
G
CLD1011LP Socket for Laser Diode LP Pigtailed TO Can Laser Diodes, Pin Codes B, C, H
Connector for DC Power Input 2.0 mm center pin connected to +
Connector for Modulation Input SMA
Connector for Interlock & Laser On Signal 2.5 mm Mono Phono Jack
Connector for USB-Interface USB Type Mini-B
Chassis Ground Connector 4 mm Banana Jack
AC: 100 to 240 V ±10%, 47 to 63 Hz
Desktop Power Supply
DC: 12 V +/- 5 % / 3.5 A
Maximum Power Consumption 40 VA
1 0 to +40 °C
Operating Temperature )
Storage Temperature - 40 to +70°C
Warm-up Time for Rated Accuracy 30 min
CLD1015 Weight (with power supply) 1.0 kg
CLD1010LP Weight (with power supply) 1.1 kg
CLD1011LP Weight (with power supply) 1.1 kg
Dimensions w/o Operating Elements (W x H x D) 111 x 73.5 x 153.3 mm³ (4.37 x 2.9 x 6.04 in³)
Dimensions with Operating Elements (W x H x D) 111 x 73.5 x 169.9 mm³ (4.37 x 2.9 x 6.69 in³)

1
) non-condensing
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ± 15% rel. humidity (non condensing)

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6.2 Dimensions CLD101x

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6.3 Standard Laser Diode Pinouts

BFY (Butterfly Style) Laser Diodes
There are two standard pin-outs for 14 pin "butterfly" (BFY) housing laser diodes:
Type 1 - Pump Laser Diodes

1 TEC + 14 TEC -
2 Thermistor 13 GND
3 Photo Diode Anode 1) 12 N.C.
4 Photo Diode Cathode 1) 11 Laser Diode Cathode 2)
5 Thermistor 10 Laser Diode Anode
6 N.C. 9 Laser Diode Cathode 2)
7 Photo Diode Cathode 1) 8 Photo Diode Anode 1)
1
) Alternative connection for photodiode
2
) Alternative connection for laser cathode

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Type 2 - DFB Laser Diodes

1 Thermistor 14 N.C.
2 Thermistor 13 Laser Diode Anode
3 Laser Diode Cathode 12 N.C.
4 Photo Diode Anode 11 Laser Diode Anode
5 Photo Diode Cathode 10 NC
6 TEC + 9 GND
7 TEC - 8 GND

Supported TO Can Pin Styles

Thorlabs TO can laser diodes are categorized in 8 pin styles, called A to H.
The CLD1010LP supports all pin styles with laser diode anode grounded or floating, these are the
pin styles A, D, E and G:

The CLD1011LP supports all pin styles with laser diode cathode grounded, these are the pin styles
B, C, and H:

Note
Above presentation is the bottom view to the laser. The pin style for each individual laser diode is
stated on the web site and in the individual Product Data Sheet, coming with the laser diode.

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6.4 Laser Control Tutorial

Structure of a laser diode
The "heart" of a butterfly laser is the laser
diode chip. It emits into two directions -
towards the collimator and into the reverse
direction. The power in both directions is
exactly the same. As for this reason, opposite
to the output collimator a photodiode is placed,
also known as monitor diode. The current of
this photodiode is proportional to the optical
output power of the laser and used for
observing and controlling the optical power.
The collimator focuses the laser beam and
feeds it into the optical fiber ("fiber pigtail").
Often, an isolator is placed between collimator
and fiber in order to suppress back reflections
from the fiber end back into the laser.
Important for a stable operation of the laser is a constant chip temperature, as this influences both
the emitted wavelength and optical output power. For temperature control, a TEC (Thermoelectric
Cooler, aka Peltier element) is used, it can cool or heat depending on the direction of the current
through the TEC. A thermistor placed close to the laser substrate is sensing the temperature.
Laser Operating Mode
A laser diode can be operated in constant current (CC) or constant power (CP) modes.
In CC mode, the injection current of the laser is maintained constant with a high accuracy. It can be
changed rapidly, so the CC mode is preferred for modulation of the laser output signal at
frequencies up to several hundreds of kHz.
In CP mode, the optical output power of the laser chip is maintained constant. This is achieved by
keeping constant the monitor current: The laser controller compares the actual monitor current with
it's set value and controls the injection current of the laser accordingly. This control loop is reacting
relatively slowly, that's why in CP mode the laser is used rarely for modulation.

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PID Tutorial
Temperature controllers are used to manage the temperature of thermoelectrically heated/cooled
components in experimental setups, independent of external influences. To adapt a controller to
different thermal loads, and to optimize the controller’s response characteristics, the controlling
parameters of the system’s feedback loop must be optimized. All Thorlabs temperature controllers
provide a PID control loop whose shares (P-, I- and D-share) must be matched to the thermal load
of the device under test. For an optimum adaptation, these parameters have to be adjusted
separately and independent of each other. This application note describes the PID parameters,
and how to set them to get optimum performance from your controller.
What is a ‘PID’ controller?
PID is an acronym for Proportional, Integral and Differential. It describes a certain method, and the
parameters used to control it, for closed-loop circuits.

Principle setup of a temperature control loop

The figure above shows a standard laser diode setup with temperature control. The laser diode is
in thermal contact with a thermoelectric cooler (TEC, Peltiér element) and a temperature sensor.
The TEC is fed by a bipolar current controller which itself gets a signal from a comparator: The Set
Temperature (Tset) is compared to the measured temperature (Tact) at the laser diode. If the
difference between both signals is negative, i.e. the set temperature is higher than the measured
temperature, the current controller decreases the current to the TEC or even reverts the polarity to
change from cooling to heating, and vice versa.
Ideally this process should be continued until the difference between both signals is zero, the TEC
current stays constant, as well as the laser diode temperature.
The amplifier which processes the signal of the temperature sensor plays an important role for the
settling behavior of the complete system. There are different types of control circuits. One type is a
strictly linear amplifier. In this case we have a proportional or P-controller. Below is shown an
example of the settling behavior of a P-controller.

Settling behavior of a P-controller

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The higher the gain of the amplifier, the faster the system approaches a steady-state temperature.
With a simple P-controller, a small temperature error Dt (this is the difference between the set
temperature and the steady-state temperature) will always be present.
To eliminate this control error the amplification must go to infinity. Doing this, however, will result in
the system oscillating around the set temperature, and the control system and temperature will
never stabilize. Consequently, the optimum setting of the amplification for a P-controller (the so
called P-share) is the maximum amplification that does not result in the system oscillating.
To further improve the settling behavior of the system two other kinds of amplifiers can be switched
in parallel to the P-controller: an amplifier with integrating capability (I-controller) and an amplifier
with differentiating properties (D-controller).

The I-controller enables the feedback loop to have greater amplification at low frequencies and less
amplification at higher frequencies. Because of this, the control error resulting from the P-controller
is eliminated.
When the I-share is high, the system response tends to overshoot (see figure below).

Temperature settling with different I-share settings of a PI control loop

Setting the P- and I-shares optimally means ensuring that the actual temperature does not oscillate
or overshoot. This setting for the P- and I-shares also results in the fastest system approach to the
set temperature. With the P- and I-shares chosen this way, however, the system cannot react
quickly to sudden changes in ambient temperature.
To allow the system to react more quickly to sudden changes in temperature an amplifier with
differentiating characteristic (D-controller) is added to the PI controller to establish a so-called ‘PID’
control loop. With the D controller the amplification is raised at higher frequencies associated with

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sudden events. The optimum setting strongly depends on the systems thermal behavior and
thermal load. As can be seen in the figure below, only D-share would always lead to overshoots.

Settling behavior of a pure D controller

When used in combination with the P-share, the D-share is used to minimize the overshoots
caused by the P-share. By optimizing all three shares, a very fast settling to the desired
temperature can be achieved without oscillation of the system:

The typical amplification vs. frequency (frequency response) of a PID-controller is shown in figure
below:

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Thermistor - Properties and Calculations

A thermistor is a resistor with a

negative temperature coefficient (as
for this, also known as NTC). It's
resistance decreases exponentially
with temperature. The significant
change of resistance with
temperature predestines a NTC for
temperature measurements. The
diagram to the left shows the typical
curve for a 10kΩ thermistor.
Usually, it's nominal resistance is
referenced to 25°C. The dependency
of resistance vs. temperature can be
described using several methods.
R(t) diagram of a TH10K thermistor
The most accurate method is the
Steinhart-Hart equation, a third-order approximation, it delivers an error less than 0.02°C over a
200°C range.

where A, B and C are the Steinhart-Hart coefficients, to be specified for each individual device.
A commonly used alternative to the Steinhart-Hart equation is the β equation (often called
exponential method) which is derived from the Steinhart-Hart model:

where T0 and R0 are the reference values and β - the device-specific constant.

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6.5 Certifications and Compliances

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6.6 Warranty
Thorlabs warrants material and production of the CLD101x for a period of 24 months starting with
the date of shipment. During this warranty period Thorlabs will see to defaults by repair or by
exchange if these are entitled to warranty.
For warranty repairs or service the unit must be sent back to Thorlabs. The customer will carry the
shipping costs to Thorlabs, in case of warranty repairs Thorlabs will carry the shipping costs back
to the customer.
If no warranty repair is applicable the customer also has to carry the costs for back shipment.
In case of shipment from outside EU duties, taxes etc. which should arise have to be carried by the
customer.

Thorlabs warrants the hard- and/or software determined by Thorlabs for this unit to operate fault-
free provided that they are handled according to our requirements. However, Thorlabs does not
warrant a fault free and uninterrupted operation of the unit, of the software or firmware for special
applications nor this instruction manual to be error free. Thorlabs is not liable for consequential
damages.

Restriction of Warranty
The warranty mentioned before does not cover errors and defects being the result of improper
treatment, software or interface not supplied by us, modification, misuse or operation outside the
defined ambient stated by us or unauthorized maintenance.
Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs does explicitly not
warrant the usability or the economical use for certain cases of application.
Thorlabs reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the technical data of the described
unit at any time.

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6.7 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability

Thorlabs has taken every possible care in preparing this document. We however assume no
liability for the content, completeness or quality of the information contained therein. The content of
this document is regularly updated and adapted to reflect the current status of the hardware and/or
software. We furthermore do not guarantee that this product will function without errors, even if the
stated specifications are adhered to.
Under no circumstances can we guarantee that a particular objective can be achieved with the
purchase of this product.
Insofar as permitted under statutory regulations, we assume no liability for direct damage, indirect
damage or damages suffered by third parties resulting from the purchase of this product. In no
event shall any liability exceed the purchase price of the product.
Please note that the content of this document is neither part of any previous or existing agreement,
promise, representation or legal relationship, nor an alteration or amendment thereof. All
obligations of Thorlabs result from the respective contract of sale, which also includes the
complete and exclusively applicable warranty regulations. These contractual warranty regulations
are neither extended nor limited by the information contained in this document. Should you require
further information on this product, or encounter specific problems that are not discussed in
sufficient detail in the document, please contact your local Thorlabs dealer or system installer.
All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced, transmitted or translated to another
language, either as a whole or in parts, without the prior written permission of Thorlabs.

Copyright © Thorlabs 2018. All rights reserved.

84 © 2018 Thorlabs
 6 Appendix

6.8 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)

As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) of the European
Community and the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers all end users in the EC the
possibility to return “end of life” units without incurring disposal charges.

This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment

· sold after August 13th 2005
· marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see figure below)
· sold to a company or institute within the EC
· currently owned by a company or institute within the EC
· still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated

As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and electronic products, this
“end of life” take back service does not refer to other Thorlabs products, such as
· pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g. OEM
laser driver cards)
· components
· mechanics and optics
· left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).

Waste treatment on your own responsibility

If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company specialized in
waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.

WEEE Number (Germany) : DE97581288

Ecological background
It is well known that waste treatment pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products during
decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS Directive is to reduce the content of toxic
substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE Directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled recycling of
end-of-life products will thereby avoid negative impacts on the environment.

Crossed out
"Wheelie Bin" symbol

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6.9 List of Acronyms

The following acronyms and abbreviations are used in this manual:

AC Alternating Current
BFY Butterfly (style of laser housing)
CC Constant Current
CP Constant Power
DC Direct Current
DFB Distributed Feedback
DFU Device Firmware Upgrade
ESD Electrostatic discharges
GND Ground
GUI Graphic User Interface
LD Laser Diode
NR Noise Reduction (filter)
NTC Negative Temperature Coefficient (synonym for thermistor)
PD Photo Diode
PID Proportional-Integral-Derivative
SCPI Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments
TEC Thermoelectric cooler
USB Universal Serial Bus
USBTMC USB Test and Measurement Class (device)
ZIF Zero Insertion Force

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6.10 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to-
date contact information.

USA, Canada, and South America UK and Ireland

Thorlabs, Inc. Thorlabs Ltd.
sales@thorlabs.com sales.uk@thorlabs.com
techsupport@thorlabs.com techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com

Europe Scandinavia
Thorlabs GmbH Thorlabs Sweden AB
europe@thorlabs.com scandinavia@thorlabs.com

France Brazil
Thorlabs SAS Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
sales.fr@thorlabs.com brasil@thorlabs.com

Japan China
Thorlabs Japan, Inc. Thorlabs China
sales@thorlabs.jp chinasales@thorlabs.com

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