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High power laser diode current controller bare board


Let me repeat, these are the BARE board only! No parts included. As always, I stand by my items and offer help to those in need!
1) This new version can handle up to 20A of continuous current.
2) This new version has a switch to select high current settings and one for low current settings. This makes it easier to zero in on your target current.
3) This version provides a regulated 5V, 2A source on board for lasers that use up to 2A of current.
NOTE: These are compatible with the old ones I sold. They all can be paralleled for more current.
There is a writeup that I made to explain how to use these. They will be emailed to you.
This controller uses an op-amp to control the current through a load via a precision voltage reference and trimpot. The op-amp controls a high power mosfet through a precision high power current sense resistor. This is NOT a simple voltage regulator and resistor combo! This is an efficient CURRENT controlled device! This is the proper way to control your diodes!
These controllers can be paralleled for more current control too! Example: You want to run a 35W coherent laser diode. Two of these controllers in parallel will drive the laser diode to FULL power!
A switch allows you to choose between battery power and power supply power. Another switch allows you to disconnect the trimpot current control and accept your OWN input! You can also now choose between high current mode and low current mode with a switch.
Connections are made with easy to use screw terminals.
Holes are drilled for standoffs so this can be mounted to something.
NOTES: If your power supply voltage greater than 12V, you will need to use the on board regulator so as to not over volt the op-amp. You can still use a higher voltage power supply, but you will need to use the regulator as well.
If you are driving a diode at over an ampere of current, you will need to put heatsinks on the voltage regulator, mosfet, and power resistor. If you are running this at full power, you will need to use a small fan to cool the heatsinks.
The on board regulator output is a regulated +5 volts and a maximum current of 2A. This can also be used as your positive for your laser diode power.
These can also be used to run high power LEDs, TECs, peltier devices, fans, ect. Any device that uses DC power.
Size of board is 2in by 1.7in.
Here are some basic setup instructions:
1-Connect the diode to the controller via screw terminals.
2-Connect the power supply to the controller via screw terminals. If power supply is greater than 12 volts, make sure the on board regulator switch is turned on and the battery switch is turned off BEFORE connecting power supply.
3-If using the on board current setting (on board voltage reference+trimpot voltage divider) make sure the switch for it is ON. If using your OWN outside signal to control current, make sure the on board reference is turned off. (Via the switch).
4-Slowly adjust current up to the desired level. (You can monitor current either by using an ammeter in SERIES with the diode, OR by measuring the voltage across the current sense resistor and using ohm's law. (V=I*R)
NOTES: If you drive more than 1A, use heatsinks on the MOSFET, CURRENT SENSE RESISTOR, and on board REGULATOR.
I also have some 5V 40A regulated power supplies that work GREAT with these drivers!