LDD-Feature: Light Power Control (LPC)

Laser Power Control (LPC) for Laser Diode Drivers LDD-130x


The LDD-130x laser diode drivers from Meerstetter Engineering are equipped with the intelligent Light Power Control (LPC) control technology. This function uses a cascaded PID control loop integrated in the microcontroller to automatically stabilize the optical output power - regardless of temperature changes or ageing of the light source.

Whether for long-term measurements, in continuous operation or in changing ambient conditions: LPC ensures consistently stable laser power - over hours and days. This saves manual recalibration, increases system stability and improves the reproducibility of your applications.

Find out more about the feature Light Power Control (LPC) in the LDD-130x User Manual, chapter "Operating the Light Power Controller".

When purchasing a new laser diode driver LDD-130x from Meerstetter Engineering the feature is free for trial for the first 150 operating hours. The feature can then be permanently activated by loading a licence key onto the device. Licenses can be obtained from Meerstetter Engineering by leaving a comment in the RFQ or order for a laser diode driver (LDD-1301 or LDD-1303), or by contacting the sales team directly. Please be sure to include the following information in the order/RFQ when ordering a paid feature: the serial number and laser diode driver type (S/N _____ and LDD-130X).

Please note: The LDD-130x Service Software used to configure and monitor your laser diode driver is free of charge. Only certain advanced features such as LPC require a license after the free trial period.

Read more about license handling and prices below under the tab "Price / License".

Detailed Description

Light Power Control (LPC) is an integrated control feature of the LDD-130x laser diode drivers from Meerstetter Engineering. It enables precise and automatic stabilization of the optical power emitted by the laser diode, regardless of influences such as temperature fluctuations, ageing effects or tolerances.

LPC is based on a cascaded PID control loop that is implemented directly in the microcontroller of the laser diode driver. The control uses the signal from an integrated or externally connected monitor photodiode to record the actual optical power emitted by the laser diode. Deviations from the target power are continuously and automatically corrected by adjusting the laser current - in real time and with high accuracy.

More information about the feature Light Power Control (LPC) can be found in the LDD-130x User Manual, chapter "Operating the Light Power Controller".

Availability and Compatibility:
The LPC feature is directly available as a software option on newer hardware versions of the LDD-130x devices and can be enabled without any additional hardware modification. Older units that do not have the necessary hardware components installed will require a hardware upgrade. In this case, the unit must be returned for the hardware upgrade.

Price model - License handling

  • By purchasing a new laser diode driver LDD-1301 or LDD-1303 from Meerstetter Engineering, all features are free for trial the first 150 operating hours.
  • Older LDD-130x laser diode drivers (Hardware version <1.22 for LDD-1301 and <1.31 for LDD-1303) without the “-LPC?” product string require a hardware upgrade before the Light Power Control (LPC) feature can be used. Devices purchased before the introduction of software licenses with the LPC option are eligible for a free license. Please contact Meerstetter Engineering if you purchased your device with the LPC option and wish to use a firmware version greater than or equal to v2.21.
  • If you need more testing hours, ask us for a prolonged trial license.
  • After trial period, the feature can be permanently unlocked by loading a license key into the device.
  • Licenses can be obtained from Meerstetter Engineering by leaving a comment in the RFQ or order for a laser diode driver LDD-1301 or LDD-1303, or by contacting the sales team directly.
  • New devices ordered with specific feature(s): The license is already installed on new laser diode drivers.
  • License ordered for an existing device at the customer: The license is an alphanumeric string, that is sent by e-mail and must be copied into the “Apply license” field (in the LDD-130x Service Software: Tab “Advanced” -> “Feature License”) for each device separately. Pay close attention to the license status and if the expected feature is enabled after loading the license (on the right side in the “Feature License” tab). If the license does not match the device, it will not work.

Be aware, that the license is only valid for a specific device. Therefore, please make sure you provide the correct information: the serial number and Laser diode driver type (LDD-130x).

Technical data

Supported Devices Laser diode drivers LDD-1301 and LDD-1303.
Price See this optional features price table (PDF)