We hereby inform you that we will be offering a new firmware v1.40 for our laser diode driver LDD-1321 (0-1.5 A / 0-14 V). Along with the firmware update, we are also introducing the new LDD-1321 Configuration Software.
Therefore, from now on we will send all our new offers and order confirmations (and the resulting devices) with firmware v1.40 as standard.
Order confirmations with different versions as well as your existing specific customer requests will remain valid. If you would like a different firmware version for your LDD-1321, please contact our sales team.
Key improvements
- The LDD-1321 Configuration Software replaces the previous Service Software and is now the standard tool for configuring, monitoring, and updating the LDD-1321.
- Introduction of a software-based feature licensing system, enabling features such as Light Power Control (LPC) via license key.
- Selected parameters were renamed, removed, or adapted to improve consistency and clarity of device configuration.
- System counters (operating hours counter) have been added for device monitoring.
- The device address offset via GPIO now also affects the CANopen node ID; the default CANopen node ID has been changed to 10.
The new LDD-1321 Configuration Software
With firmware v1.40, the new LDD-1321 Configuration Software becomes the standard tool for configuring, monitoring, and updating the LDD-1321. All previously available functionality remains supported, while the software has been redesigned to be more intuitive, modern, and easier to use.
The redesigned user interface improves usability and clarity. Enhanced graphing functions, including real‑time visualization, provide deeper insight into system behavior during commissioning and operation.
You can already download the LDD-1321 Configuration Software from our website.
New as a software feature without hardware adaptation: Light Power Control (LPC)
Light Power Control (LPC) enables the optical laser power to be controlled via feedback from an integrated monitor photodiode. The photodiode input required for LPC has been available previously as an optional hardware configuration and will now be included as standard (PD4) for all new LDD‑1321 devices. Devices that do not include a photodiode input require a hardware upgrade in order to use the LPC function. As this input was already supported by the hardware, no new hardware version is introduced.
The LPC feature is a licensed software feature. It can be evaluated free of charge on LDD‑1321 laser diode drivers with firmware v1.40 for the first 150 operating hours of the laser diode driver. Continued use beyond this evaluation period requires the purchase of a license key from our sales team.
Devices which were bought with the PD-option before software licenses were introduced are eligible for a free license. Please contact our sales team. to receive your licence key.
Adjustment of the hardware labeling
With the introduction of firmware v1.40, the hardware identification (product string), which appears on the device label, in order confirmations and in other product-related documents, will also be adapted. This product string now contains the reference "PD" (e.g. LDD-1321 (SCREW, PD4)) if the photodiode input is present. "PDx" refers exclusively to the photodiode input and not to the activation status of the LPC function.
Updating the LDD-1321-Firmware yourself
If you already own an LDD-1321, you can update the firmware yourself. To do this, download the LDD-1321 Configuration Software from our website and install the firmware in the Configuration Software under the “Device” tab, “Firmware Update” section.
The new firmware version is compatible with LDD-1321 hardware versions ≥ 1.10.
Resources and links for further information
- LDD-1321 Software Release Notes (PDF)
- LDD-1321 User Manual (PDF)
- Light Power Control Feature (LPC) - Product page
- LDD-1321 Configuration Software - Product page
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please contact us. We will be happy to help you!
Best regards,
Your Meerstetter Engineering Team