Newport 8008 Eight-Bay Modular Laser Diode and Temperature Controller Mainframe

Newport 8008 Eight-Bay Modular Laser Diode and Temperature Controller Mainframe

The Newport 8008 is an eight-bay modular controller mainframe designed for centralized operation of multiple laser diodes and temperature-controlled optical devices. Its modular architecture supports high channel-density applications in fiber optics, telecom, photonics, laser diode development, automated production testing, and optical research.

The mainframe accepts compatible Newport 8500.8D Series dual-output laser diode driver modules and 8600.8C Series combination laser diode driver and thermoelectric temperature controller modules. Users can configure each bay according to the required laser current range, channel count, modulation capability, and temperature-control requirements.

When populated with eight compatible 8600.8C Series combination modules, the Newport 8008 can support up to eight laser diode driver and TEC channels. When populated with eight compatible 8500.8D Series dual-output modules, the mainframe can control up to sixteen laser diode channels. Mixed module configurations are also possible, allowing one system to support several laser diode and temperature-control requirements.

Features and Benefits of the Newport 8008

The Newport 8008 provides a flexible platform for engineers, laboratories, and production facilities that require reliable control and monitoring of multiple semiconductor laser devices.

• Eight modular bays: Accepts up to eight compatible Newport laser diode driver or combination LDD/TEC modules.
• High channel density: Supports up to eight combined laser diode and temperature-control channels or up to sixteen laser diode driver channels, depending on the installed modules.
• Flexible current ranges: Compatible modules are available with 100 mA, 500 mA, and 1000 mA laser diode current ranges.
• Automatic module detection: Identifies the module installed in each bay and displays the system configuration on the mainframe screen.
• Graphical LCD: Provides a centralized interface for module configuration, measurements, and system operation.
• Remote system control: Includes IEEE-488 GPIB and RS-232C interfaces for automated programming and data collection.
• LabVIEW support: Compatible drivers facilitate integration into computer-controlled laboratory and production systems.
• Electrical channel isolation: Installed modules are electrically isolated from one another and from earth ground.
• Laser safety controls: Includes a laser-enable key switch, safety interlock, output delay, and laser-active indicator.
• Rack-mount capability: Supports integration into compatible equipment racks with the optional Newport 8000-RACK kit.

Eight-Bay Modular Architecture

The Newport 8008 provides eight bays for compatible laser diode control modules. Each bay can be populated according to the needs of the connected laser diode, laser module, pump source, or VCSEL device.

Compatible module types include dual-output laser diode drivers and combination laser diode driver and TEC modules. This modular approach allows engineers to configure the mainframe for maximum channel density, individual temperature control, or a mixture of driver and temperature-control functions.

The mainframe automatically detects installed modules and presents the system configuration on its LCD. This capability simplifies module identification and supports operation of systems containing different module models and laser current ranges.

The exact capabilities of an individual Newport 8008 depend on the modules installed in its eight bays. A mainframe without modules does not provide laser diode current or TEC output independently.

Compatible 8500.8D Series Dual Laser Diode Driver Modules

The Newport 8500.8D Series modules contain two laser diode driver outputs in one module. Installing eight dual-output modules provides a maximum system capacity of sixteen laser diode channels.

Compatible dual-driver modules include the Newport 8501.8D with a 100 mA current range, the 8505.8D with a 500 mA current range, and the 8510.8D with a 1000 mA current range. Each module provides a 3 V compliance voltage and includes current control, adjustable current limiting, monitor photodiode measurement, forward-voltage measurement, and calculated optical-power display functions.

These dual-output modules are useful for two-dimensional VCSEL arrays and other high-density laser diode applications where an individual temperature-control channel is not required for every emitter.

Compatible 8600.8C Series Combination LDD/TEC Modules

The Newport 8600.8C Series modules combine one laser diode driver with one thermoelectric temperature controller. Eight installed combination modules provide up to eight independently controlled LDD/TEC channels.

Compatible combination modules include the Newport 8601.8C with a 100 mA laser current range, the 8605.8C with a 500 mA range, and the 8610.8C with a 1000 mA range. Each laser diode driver section provides a 3 V compliance voltage.

The temperature controller section provides bipolar, low-noise TEC output with up to 2 A of current, up to 4 V, and typical output power of 8 W. Thermistor sensing uses selectable 10 µA or 100 µA bias, and programmable calibration coefficients support conversion of measured resistance into temperature.

Internal Modulation for Laser Testing

The compatible 8600.8C Series combination modules include an internal function generator for modulating the laser diode output. Users can program the modulation frequency, maximum current, and minimum current.

Available waveforms include sine and square waveforms. The documented frequency range extends from 200 Hz to 300 kHz, with a square-wave duty cycle of 50% ±5%.

This modulation capability supports low-frequency single-tone measurements and higher-frequency testing in selected telecom and datacom applications. Output performance at the highest frequencies depends on the installed module, current range, laser diode, load, cable, and complete test configuration.

Laser Diode Measurement and Monitoring

Compatible Newport 8500.8D and 8600.8C modules provide measurement functions for monitoring laser diode operation. Available readings include output current, laser diode forward voltage, monitor photodiode current, and calculated optical power.

The monitor photodiode input range is 0 mA to 5 mA. A configurable photodiode response value allows the controller to calculate optical power from the measured monitor current. The documented photodiode response range is 0.00 µA/mW to 600.00 µA/mW.

The available optical-power display range depends on the installed module. Corresponding ranges extend to 100 mW, 500 mW, or 1000 mW for the supported 100 mA, 500 mA, and 1000 mA configurations.

Thermoelectric Temperature Control

When the Newport 8008 is equipped with compatible 8600.8C Series modules, it supports temperature regulation of laser diode packages and other compatible thermoelectrically controlled devices.

The TEC output is bipolar and provides a maximum current of 2 A and maximum voltage of 4 V. Typical available TEC power is 8 W. The current-limit range extends from 0 A to 2 A, with documented current-limit accuracy of ±10 mA.

The temperature measurement display covers values from -100.00 °C to +240.00 °C when used with compatible thermistor inputs and appropriate calibration parameters. Actual temperature range and accuracy depend on the thermistor, calibration coefficients, TEC, laser mount, thermal load, ambient conditions, and system setup.

Graphical LCD and Automatic Configuration Display

The Newport 8008 includes a graphical LCD with a resolution of 128 pixels high by 240 pixels wide. Green LED backlighting supports visibility in laboratory and production environments.

Display controls include brightness, contrast, and screen inversion. Contrast adjustment can be used to optimize the viewing angle for benchtop or rack-mounted installation.

The mainframe identifies the modules installed in the eight bays and displays the detected configuration. A green LASER ACTIVE indicator shows when at least one laser diode output is active.

IEEE-488 GPIB and RS-232C Automation

The Newport 8008 includes a 24-pin IEEE-488 GPIB interface and a 9-pin male D-sub RS-232C interface. These connections support remote control, parameter configuration, measurement collection, and automated test operation.

LabVIEW drivers support development of computer-controlled applications using compatible Newport commands. Automated systems can coordinate laser diode current, temperature regulation, modulation, measurement collection, and device testing across several installed modules.

Remote operation is valuable for laser diode burn-in, source qualification, repetitive production testing, VCSEL array evaluation, DWDM source development, and long-duration device monitoring.

Electrical Isolation and Laser Safety Features

Installed modules are electrically isolated from one another and from earth ground. This isolation helps reduce unwanted electrical interaction among laser diode channels, temperature-control loops, photodiode monitor circuits, and external equipment.

The mainframe includes a laser-enable key switch, safety interlock, and output delay. These functions support controlled activation of laser diode outputs and help prevent unintended operation.

A green front-panel LASER ACTIVE indicator illuminates when at least one laser diode output is enabled. The mainframe also provides a 4 mm banana jack for connection to chassis ground.

Typical Applications

The Newport 8008 Modular Controller is suitable for professional applications such as:

• High-density laser diode control
• DWDM optical source development
• EDFA pump-laser control
• Two-dimensional VCSEL array testing
• Laser diode burn-in and screening
• Laser diode current and voltage characterization
• Thermoelectric temperature regulation
• Modulated laser diode measurements
• Telecom and datacom component development
• Automated laser diode production testing
• Optical source stability monitoring
• Photonics research and development

Product Overview

Brand	Newport
Model	8008
Product Category	Modular Laser Diode and Temperature Controller Mainframe
Number of Module Bays	Eight
Compatible Module Families	Newport 8500.8D Series Dual LDD modules and 8600.8C Series Combination LDD/TEC modules
Maximum Combined LDD/TEC Channels	Eight with compatible 8600.8C Series modules
Maximum Laser Diode Driver Channels	Sixteen with compatible 8500.8D Series dual-output modules
Display	Graphical LCD with green LED backlighting
Remote Interfaces	IEEE-488 GPIB and RS-232C
Software Support	LabVIEW drivers
Primary Application	Centralized control and monitoring of multiple laser diodes and temperature-controlled optical devices

 

Mainframe Specifications

Specification	Details
Display Type	Graphical LCD
Display Resolution	128 pixels high x 240 pixels wide
Display Backlighting	Green LED
Display Controls	Brightness, contrast, and screen inversion
Laser Output Indicator	Green LASER ACTIVE LED indicates that at least one laser diode output is active
Automatic Configuration	Automatically detects compatible modules installed in each bay
Chassis Ground	4 mm banana jack
GPIB Interface	24-pin IEEE-488
RS-232C Interface	9-pin male D-sub
Module Isolation	Modules are electrically isolated from each other and from earth ground

 

Compatible Module Options

Option Code	Module	Module Type	Laser Current Range
01	8501.8D	Dual-output laser diode driver	0 mA to 100 mA per output
02	8505.8D	Dual-output laser diode driver	0 mA to 500 mA per output
03	8510.8D	Dual-output laser diode driver	0 mA to 1000 mA per output
06	8601.8C	Combination laser diode driver and TEC	0 mA to 100 mA
07	8605.8C	Combination laser diode driver and TEC	0 mA to 500 mA
08	8610.8C	Combination laser diode driver and TEC	0 mA to 1000 mA
NN	No module	Unpopulated bay	Not applicable

 

Compatible Dual LDD Module Specifications

Specification	8501.8D	8505.8D	8510.8D
Output Current Range	0 mA to 100 mA	0 mA to 500 mA	0 mA to 1000 mA
Output Current Resolution	0.0015 mA	0.0076 mA	0.0153 mA
Output Current Accuracy	±(0.03% of reading + 5 µA)	±(0.03% of reading + 15 µA)	±(0.03% of reading + 30 µA)
Compliance Voltage	3 V	3 V	3 V
Temperature Coefficient	Less than 50 ppm full scale per °C	Less than 50 ppm full scale per °C	Less than 50 ppm full scale per °C
One-Hour Stability	Less than 10 ppm full scale	Less than 10 ppm full scale	Less than 10 ppm full scale
24-Hour Stability	Less than 50 ppm full scale	Less than 50 ppm full scale	Less than 50 ppm full scale
RMS Noise and Ripple	Less than 2 µA	Less than 2 µA	Less than 2.5 µA
Current-Limit Resolution	1 mA	1 mA	1 mA
Current-Limit Accuracy	±2 mA	±2 mA	±2 mA

 

Compatible Combination LDD/TEC Module Specifications

Specification	8601.8C	8605.8C	8610.8C
Laser Current Range	0 mA to 100 mA	0 mA to 500 mA	0 mA to 1000 mA
Output Current Resolution	0.0015 mA	0.0076 mA	0.0153 mA
Output Current Accuracy	±(0.03% of reading + 5 µA)	±(0.03% of reading + 15 µA)	±(0.03% of reading + 30 µA)
Compliance Voltage	3 V	3 V	3 V
RMS Noise and Ripple	Less than 2 µA	Less than 2 µA	Less than 5 µA
Current-Limit Range	0 mA to 100 mA	0 mA to 500 mA	0 mA to 1000 mA
Current-Limit Resolution	1 mA	1 mA	1 mA
Current-Limit Accuracy	±2 mA	±2 mA	±2 mA

 

Function Generator Specifications

Specification	Details
Supported Modules	8601.8C, 8605.8C, and 8610.8C
Waveforms	Sine and square
Frequency Range	200 Hz to 300 kHz
Square-Wave Duty Cycle	50% ±5%
Programmable Current Setpoints	Maximum current and minimum current
Frequency Jitter	Less than 1%
Frequency Accuracy	±5%
Amplitude Accuracy	±5%
Sine-Wave Total Harmonic Distortion	Less than 2%
Square-Wave Rise Time, 8601.8C	Less than 1 µs
Square-Wave Rise Time, 8605.8C	Less than 5 µs
Square-Wave Rise Time, 8610.8C	Less than 10 µs

 

Temperature Controller Specifications

Specification	Details
Supported Modules	8601.8C, 8605.8C, and 8610.8C
TEC Output Type	Bipolar, low noise
Maximum TEC Current	2 A
Maximum TEC Voltage	4 V
Typical TEC Power	8 W
TEC Current-Limit Range	0 A to 2 A
TEC Current-Limit Accuracy	±10 mA
TEC RMS Ripple and Noise	Less than 1 mA
One-Hour Temperature Stability	0.0005 °C
24-Hour Temperature Stability	0.001 °C
Temperature Coefficient	Less than 0.05 °C per °C
Temperature Display Range	-100.00 °C to +240.00 °C
TEC Current Display Range	-2.000 A to +2.000 A
Temperature Display Resolution	0.01 °C
Thermistor Bias	10 µA or 100 µA

 

Electrical, Mechanical, and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Low-Line Input	90 V to 132 V AC, maximum 5 A
High-Line Input	198 V to 250 V AC, maximum 2.5 A
Line Frequency	50 Hz to 60 Hz
Dimensions	133 mm high x 426 mm wide x 356 mm deep
Dimensions in Inches	5.25 in high x 16.75 in wide x 14 in deep
Mainframe Weight	14.3 kg
Mainframe Weight in Pounds	31.5 lb
Individual Module Weight	Approximately 1.6 kg or 3.5 lb
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 40 °C
Operating Humidity	Less than 70% relative humidity, non-condensing
Storage Temperature	-20 °C to 60 °C
Storage Humidity	Less than 90% relative humidity, non-condensing

 

Output Connections

Connection	Interface
8500.8D Dual LDD Outputs	Two 9-pin female D-sub connectors per module
8600.8C Laser Diode Driver Output	One 9-pin female D-sub connector per module
8600.8C TEC Output	One 15-pin female D-sub connector per module
GPIB	24-pin IEEE-488 connector
RS-232C	9-pin male D-sub connector
Chassis Ground	4 mm banana jack

 

Compatible Accessories

Accessory	Description
300-02	Temperature controller cable
300-04	TEC-to-mount cable
300-16	10.0 kO thermistor with documented ±0.2 °C rating
500-02	Laser diode driver cable
500-04	Laser diode driver-to-mount cable
8000-RACK	Rack-mount kit

 

Configuration and Compatibility Considerations

The practical capabilities of a Newport 8008 depend on the modules installed in its eight bays. Buyers should examine the module labels, front-panel bay arrangement, output connectors, and displayed system configuration to identify the exact channels and functions included with an individual mainframe.

A mainframe without compatible modules does not provide laser diode drive current or TEC output. Each connected device requires an installed module with a suitable current range, compliance voltage, polarity configuration, monitoring input, temperature-control capability, and output connection.

The 8500.8D dual-output modules are documented in a common-cathode configuration. A common-anode arrangement may require a different module configuration. Laser diode polarity, pinout, monitor photodiode connection, and output cable should be verified before a device is connected.

For combination modules, users should confirm laser current, TEC current, TEC voltage, thermistor resistance, sensor bias, calibration coefficients, cable wiring, and mount compatibility. Incorrect wiring or unsuitable settings can damage the laser diode, thermoelectric cooler, thermistor, or controller module.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Newport 8008 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Mainframe testing may include power-up, display operation, automatic module detection, bay recognition, front-panel controls, laser-active indication, safety interlock, output delay, GPIB communication, and RS-232C communication.

When compatible modules are installed, testing may also include laser diode current output, current limiting, forward-voltage measurement, monitor-photodiode response, optical-power calculations, electrical isolation, and communication between the mainframe and each populated module bay.

For installed 8600.8C Series combination modules, testing may include TEC output, thermistor measurement, temperature display, TEC current limiting, temperature-control response, and internal function-generator operation. For installed 8500.8D Series modules, both laser diode driver outputs may be tested independently.

The exact testing scope, installed modules, channels evaluated, output loads, cables, measurement results, software, documentation, and service records should be confirmed before purchase when these items are required for laboratory, manufacturing, regulatory, or quality-management applications.

Buyer Considerations

The Newport 8008 is a modular mainframe rather than a fixed-configuration laser diode controller. Buyers should confirm the model number and quantity of installed modules, available current ranges, number of active LDD and TEC channels, connector types, polarity requirements, and included cables before purchase.

Module bays may be populated with dual LDD modules, combination LDD/TEC modules, or left empty. The presence of eight physical bays does not indicate that eight operational modules are included.

Buyers should inspect the LCD, keypad, module bays, installed module labels, output connectors, laser safety controls, GPIB interface, RS-232C port, chassis ground, enclosure, cooling system, and supplied accessories.

Only modules, cables, accessories, software, and system components specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included. Laser diode mounts, TEC cables, laser driver cables, thermistors, GPIB cables, RS-232C cables, rack hardware, computer equipment, and additional controller modules may be required separately.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, inspection, cleaning, RF/microwave, electronic test, photonics, and laser diode control applications. The Newport 8008 supports engineers, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations that require centralized control of multiple laser diodes and temperature-regulated optical devices.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, installed modules, empty module bays, output connectors, LCD operation, laser safety controls, communication interfaces, included cables, accessories, and testing information before purchase.

AssetRelay clearly identifies available modules and accessories whenever that information is supplied with the individual product. Buyers requiring a particular laser current range, TEC capability, channel count, cable, polarity configuration, or automation interface should verify the complete system configuration before ordering.