Keithley 2520, User Manual, Page: 62 / 329

3-2 Basic Operation Model 2520 User’s Manual
Operation overview
Laser diode source and measure capabilities
The Model 2520 has the following laser diode current source and voltage measurement
capabilities:
• Source Current — The Model 2520 can source DC current to the laser diode from
8
µ
A to 1A (DC or pulse mode), 5.0A (pulse mode only). In the pulse mode, pulse
on time (pulse width) is adjustable from 500ns to 5ms in 100ns increments, and
pulse off time (pulse delay) is adjustable from 20
µ
s to 500ms in 10
µ
s increments.
NOTE Pulse width and delay settings are affected by maximum duty cycle. See
Section 5 .
• Measure Voltage — The Model 2520 can measure laser diode DC voltage from
0.33mV to 10.5V on two ranges: 5V and 10V.
WARNING It is the responsibility of the customer to operate instruments in a safe
manner. Follow all applicable safety regulations for installing, config-
uring and using the Model 2520. The Model 2520, as installed, should
be approved by the appropriate safety personnel, such as the responsi-
ble Laser Safety Officer or equivalent.
Suggested starting points for workplace regulations and standards:
ANSIZ136.1, IEC 825, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.
In short, always be aware of workplace hazards, strive to minimize
them, and work safely.
Laser diode source and measure ranges
Table 3-1 summarizes laser diode current source ranges, resolutions, and maximum output
values while Table 3-2 lists voltage measurement ranges, resolutions, and maximum volt-
ages. See Section 6 for more details on ranging.
Table 3-1
Laser diode current source ranges
Current
range
Maximum
resolution
Maximum
output
500mA 10
µ
A 500mA
5A 100
µ
A 5.0A*
* Pulse mode only, Maximum DC current is 1A.