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A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE
Precision temperature control for TECs with auto tuning PID for optimal performance
OPTOELECTRONIC TEST SOLUTIONS
2510 TEC SourceMeter®
2510-AT Autotuning TEC SourceMeter®
The Model 2510 and 2510-AT TEC SourceMeter
instruments enhance Keithley’s CW test solution
for high-speed LIV (light-current-voltage) testing
of laser diode modules. These 50W bipolar instru-
ments were developed in close cooperation with
leading manufacturers of laser diode modules for
fiberoptic telecommunications networks. Designed
to ensure tight temperature control for the device
under test, the Model 2510 was the first in a line of
highly specialized instruments created for telecom-
munications laser diode testing. It brings together
Keithley’s expertise in high-speed DC sourcing and
measurement with the ability to control the opera-
tion of a laser diode module’s Thermo-Electric
Cooler or TEC (sometimes called a “Peltier device”)
accurately.
The Model 2510-AT expands the capability of the
Model 2510 further by offering autotuning capabili-
ty. P, I, and D (proportional, integral, and deriva-
tive) values for closed loop temperature control are determined by the instrument using a modified
Zeigler-Nichols algorithm. This eliminates the need for users to determine the optimal values for these
coefficients experimentally. In all other respects, the Model 2510 and Model 2510-AT provide exactly the
same set of features and capabilities.
The SourceMeter Concept
The Model 2510 and Model 2510-AT draw upon Keithley’s unique SourceMeter concept, which combines
precision voltage/current sourcing and measurement functions into a single instrument. SourceMeter
instruments provide numerous advantages over the use of separate instruments, including lower acquisi-
tion and maintenance costs, the need for less rack space, easier system integration and programming, and
broad dynamic range.
Part of a Comprehensive LIV Test System
In a laser diode CW test stand, the Model 2510 or Model 2510-AT can control the temperature of actively
cooled optical components and assemblies (such as laser diode modules) to within ±0.005°C of the user-
defined set point. During testing, the instrument measures the internal temperature of the laser diode
module from any of a variety of temperature sensors, then drives power through the TEC within the laser
diode module in order to maintain its temperature at the desired set point. Active temperature control is
Figure 1. The capabilities of
the Model 2510 and 2510-
AT are intended to comple-
ment those of other Keithley
instruments often used in
laser diode module LIV test-
ing, including the Model
2400 and 2420 SourceMeter
instruments, the Model
2500 Dual Photodiode
Meter and Model 2500INT
Integrating Sphere.
Thermistor Peltier
2510
2400/
2420 2500
Fiber
2500INT
Computer
GPIB
Trigger Link
Ordering Information
2510 TEC SourceMeter
2510-AT Autotuning TEC
SourceMeter
These products are available
with an Extended Warranty.
Accessories Supplied
User’s Manual, Input/Output
Connector
APPLICATIONS
Control and production testing of
thermoelectric coolers/Peltier
devices in:
•Laser diode modules
•IR charge-coupled device (CCD)
arrays and charge-injection
devices (CID)
•Cooled photodetectors
•Thermal-optic switches
•Temperature controlled fixtures
ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE
2510-RH Resistive Heater Adapter for Model 2510
2510-CAB 4-Wire Unshielded Cable, Phoenix Connector to
Unterminated End
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1.888.KEITHLEY (U.S. only)
A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE
Precision temperature control for TECs with auto tuning PID for optimal performance
OPTOELECTRONIC TEST SOLUTIONS
2510 TEC SourceMeter®
2510-AT Autotuning TEC SourceMeter®
very important due to the sensitivi-
ty of the laser diode to temperature
changes. If the temperature varies,
the laser diode’s dominant output
wavelength may change, leading to
signal overlap and crosstalk prob-
lems.
Autotuning Function
The Model 2510-AT Autotuning
TEC SourceMeter instrument offers
manufacturers the ability to auto-
matically tune the temperature
control loop required for CW test-
ing of optoelectronic components such as laser
diode modules and thermo-optic switches. This
capability eliminates the need for time-consuming
experimentation to determine the optimal P-I-D
coefficient values.
The Model 2510-AT’s P-I-D Auto-Tune software
employs a modified Ziegler-Nichols algorithm to
determine the coefficients used to control the P-I-D
loop. This algorithm ensures that the final settling
perturbations are damped by 25% each cycle of the
oscillation. The autotuning process begins with
applying a voltage step input to the system being
tuned (in open loop mode) and measuring several
parameters of the system’s response to this voltage
step function. The system’s response to the step
function is illustrated in Figure 2. The lag time of
the system response, the maximum initial slope,
and the TAU [63% (1/e)] response time are mea-
sured, then used to generate the Kp (proportional
gain constant), Ki (integral gain constant), and Kd
(derivative gain constant) coefficients.
The autotuning function offers users a choice of a
minimum settling time mode or a minimum over-
shoot mode, which provides the Model 2510-AT
with the flexibility to be used with a variety of load
types and devices. For example, when controlling a
large area TEC in a test fixture optimized for P, I,
and D values, minimum overshoot protects the
devices in the fixture from damage (Figure 3).
For temperature set points that do not approach
the maximum specified temperature for the device
under test, the minimum settling time mode can
be used to speed up the autotuning function
(Figure 4).
50W Output
As the complexity of today’s laser diode modules
increases, higher power levels are needed in tem-
perature controllers to address the module’s cooling needs during production test. The 50W (5A@10V)
output allows for higher testing speed and a wider temperature set point range than other, lower-power
solutions.
•50W TEC Controller combined
with DC measurement functions
•Provides fully digital P-I-D control
•2510-AT provides autotuning
capability for the thermal control
loop
•Designed to control temperature
during laser diode module testing
•Wide temperature set point range
(–50°C to +225°C) and high set
point resolution (±0.001°C) and
stability (±0.005°C)
•Compatible with a variety of
temperature sensor inputs—
thermistors, RTDs, and IC
sensors
•Maintains constant temperature,
current, voltage, and sensor
resistance
•AC Ohms measurement function
verifies integrity of TEC
•Measures and displays TEC
parameters during the control
cycle
•4-wire open/short lead detection
for thermal feedback element
•IEEE-488 and RS-232 interfaces
•Compact, half-rack design
Tem p
TMAX
Max.
Initial
Slope 63%
Time
TSTART
TS
L
tLte
Figure 2.
Figure 4.
Figure 3.
Laser Diode TEC Minimum Overshoot
Time (s)
Temp (°C)
27
26
25
24
23
051015 20 25
Laser Diode TEC Minimum Settling Time
Time (s)
Temp (°C)
27
26
25
24
23
051015 20 25
www.keithley.com
1.888.KEITHLEY (U.S. only)
A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE
Precision temperature control for TECs with auto tuning PID for optimal performance
OPTOELECTRONIC TEST SOLUTIONS
2510 TEC SourceMeter®
2510-AT Autotuning TEC SourceMeter®
High Stability P-I-D Control
When compared with other TEC controllers, which use less sophisticated P-I
(proportional-integral) loops and hardware control mechanisms, this instru-
ment’s software-based, fully digital P-I-D (proportional-integral-derivative) con-
trol provides greater temperature stability and can be easily upgraded with a
simple firmware change. The resulting temperature stability (±0.005°C short
term, ± 0.01°C long term) allows for very fine control over the output wave-
length and optical power of the laser diode module during production testing
of DC characteristics. This improved stability gives users higher confidence in
measured values, especially for components or sub-assemblies in wavelength
multiplexed networks. The derivative component of the instrument’s P-I-D
control also reduces the required waiting time between making measurements
at various temperature set points. The temperature set point range of –50°C to
+225°C covers most of the test requirements for production testing of cooled
optical components and sub-assemblies, with a resolution of ±0.001°C.
Before the introduction of the Model 2510-AT, configuring test systems for new
module designs and fixtures required the user to determine the best combina-
tion of P, I, and D coefficients through trial-and-error experimentation. The
Model 2510-AT’s autotuning function uses the modified Zeigler-Nichols algo-
rithm to determine the optimal P, I, and D values automatically.
Adaptable to Evolving DUT Requirements
The Model 2510 and Model 2510-AT are well suited for testing a wide range of
laser diode modules because they are compatible with the types of tempera-
ture sensors most commonly used in these modules. In addition to 100Ω,
1kΩ, 10kΩ, and 100kΩthermistors, they can handle inputs from 100Ωor
1kΩRTDs, and a variety of solid-state temperature sensors. This input flexibili-
ty ensures their adaptability as the modules being tested evolve over time.
Programmable Set Points and Limits
Users can assign temperature, current, voltage, and thermistor resistance set
points. The thermistor resistance set point feature allows higher correlation of
test results with actual performance in the field for laser diode modules
because reference resistors are used to control the temperature of the module.
Programmable power, current, and temperature limits offer maximum protec-
tion against damage to the device under test.
Accurate Real-Time Measurements
Both models can perform real-time measurements on the TEC, including TEC
current, voltage drop, power dissipation, and resistance, providing valuable
information on the operation of the thermal control system.
Peltier (TEC) Ohms Measurement
TEC devices are easily affected by mechanical damage, such as sheer stress dur-
ing assembly. The most effective method to test a device for damage after it has
been incorporated into a laser diode module is to perform a low-level AC (or
reversing DC) ohms measurement. If there is a change in the TEC’s resistance
value when compared with the manufacturer’s specification, mechanical dam-
age is indicated. Unlike a standard DC resistance measurement, where the cur-
rent passing through the device can produce device heating and affect the
measured resistance, the reversing DC ohms method does not and allows
more accurate measurements.
Open/Short Lead Detection
Both models of the instrument use a four-wire measurement method to detect
open/short leads on the temperature sensor before testing. Four-wire
measurements eliminate lead resistance errors on the measured value, reduc-
ing the possibility of false failures or device damage.
Interface Options
Like all newer Keithley instruments, both models of the instrument include
standard IEEE-488 and RS-232 interfaces, to speed and simplify system integra-
tion and control.
Optional Resistive Heater Adapter
The Model 2510-RH Resistive Heater
Adapter enables either model of the
instrument to provide closed loop tem-
perature control for resistive heater ele-
ments, rather than for TECs. When the
adapter is installed at the instrument’s
output terminal, current flows through
the resistive heater when the P-I-D loop
indicates heating. However, no current
will flow to the resistive heater when
the temperature loop calls for cooling.
The resistive element is cooled through
radiation, conduction, or convection.
Figure 5. This graph compares the Model 2510/2510-AT’s A/D converter
resolution and temperature stability with that of a leading competitive
instrument. While the competitive instrument uses an analog proportional-
integral (P-I) control loop, it displays information in digital format through a
low-resolution analog-to-digital converter. In contrast, the Model
2510/2510-AT uses a high-precision digital P-I-D control loop, which pro-
vides greater temperature stability, both over the short term (±0.005°C)
and the long term (± 0.01°C).
Thermistor Peltier
2510
2400/
2420 2500
Fiber
2500INT Integrating Sphere
Computer
GPIB
Trigger Link
Model 2510, 2510-AT Specifications
OPTOELECTRONIC TEST SOLUTIONS
2510 TEC SourceMeter®
2510-AT Autotuning TEC SourceMeter®
THERMAL FEEDBACK ELEMENT SPECIFICATIONS3
Sensor Type RTD Thermistor Solid State
Current Voltage
100 Ω1 kΩ100 Ω1 kΩ10 kΩ100 kΩOutput (1ss)Output (Vss)
Excitation 13 2.5 mA 833 µA 2.5 mA 833 µA 100 µA 33 µA +13.5 V 2.5 mA
4 V max 8 V max 8 V max 8 V max 6.6 V max 833 µA 15.75V max
Nominal Resistance Range 0–250 Ω0–2..50 kΩ0–1 kΩ0–10 kΩ0–80 kΩ0–200 kΩ
Excitation Accuracy1,3 ±1.5% ±2.9% ±2.9% ±2.9% ±2.9% ±2.9% ±12% ±2.9%
Nominal Sensor –50° to +250°C –50° to +250°C –50° to +250°C –50° to +250°C –50° to +250°C –50° to +250°C –40° to +100°C –40° to +100°C
Temperature Range
Calibration α, β, δ settable α, β, δ settable A, B, C settable A, B, C settable A, B, C settable A, B, C settable Slope & offset Slope & offset
Measurement Accuracy1,3 0.04 + 0.07 Ω20.04 + 0.04 Ω20.04 + 0.07 Ω20.04 + 0.4 Ω20.02 + 3 Ω0.04 + 21 Ω0.03 + 100 nA 0.03 + 500 µV
±(% rdg + offset)
THERMISTOR MEASUREMENT ACCURACY19
Nominal
Thermistor Accuracy vs. Temperature
Resistance 0°C 25°C 50°C 100°C
100 Ω0.021°C 0.035°C 0.070°C 0.27°C
1kΩ0.015°C 0.023°C 0.045°C 0.18°C
10 kΩ0.006°C 0.012°C 0.026°C 0.15°C
100 kΩ0.009°C 0.014°C 0.026°C 0.13°C
OPEN/SHORTED ELEMENT DETECTION
SOFTWARE LINEARIZATION FOR THERMISTOR
AND RTD
COMMON MODE VOLTAGE: 30VDC.
COMMON MODE ISOLATION: >109Ω, <1000pF
MAX. VOLTAGE DROP BETWEEN INPUT/OUTPUT SENSE TER-
MINALS: 1 volt.
MAX. SENSE LEAD RESISTANCE: 100Ωfor rated accuracy.
SENSE INPUT IMPEDANCE: > 1·108Ω.
GENERAL
NOISE REJECTION:
SPEED NPLC NMRR16 CMRR17
Normal 1.00 60 dB 120 dB1
SOURCE OUTPUT MODES: Fixed DC level.
PROGRAMMABILITY: IEEE-488 (SCPI-1995.0), RS-232, 3
user-definable power-up states plus factory default and
*RST.
POWER SUPPLY: 90V to 260V rms, 50–60Hz, 75W.
WARRANTY: 1 year.
EMC: Complies with European Union Directive 98/336/EEC
(CE marking requirements), FCC part 15 class B, CTSPR 11,
IEC 801-2, IEC 801-3, IEC 801-4.
VIBRATION: MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 Random Vibration.
WARM-UP: 1 hour to rated accuracies.
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT: 89mm high ×213 mm high ×
370mm deep (31⁄2in ×83⁄8in ×149⁄16 in). Bench configu-
ration (with handle & feet): 104mm high ×238mm
wide ×370mm deep (41⁄8in ×93⁄8in ×149⁄16 in). Net
Weight: 3.21kg (7.08 lbs).
ENVIRONMENT: Operating: 0°–50°C, 70% R.H. up to 35°C.
Derate 3% R.H./°C, 35°–50°C. Storage: –25° to 65°C
TEC OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS
OUTPUT RANGE: ±10 VDC at up to ±5 ADC.15
OUTPUT RIPPLE: <5mV rms9.
AC RESISTANCE EXCITATION: ±(9.6mA ± 90µA).14
TEC MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS3
FUNCTION 90 Days, 23°C ±5°C 1 Year, 23°C ±5°C
Operating Resistance 2, 10, 11, 12 ±(1.0% of rdg + 0.1Ω)±(2.0% of rdg + 0.1Ω)
Operating Voltage 2,10 ±(0.05% of rdg + 2mV) ±(0.1% of rdg + 4mV)
Operating Current10 ±(0.2% of rdg + 4mA) ±(0.4% of rdg + 8mA)
AC Resistance 2, 18 ±(0.05% of rdg + 0.01Ω)±(0.10% of rdg + 0.02Ω)
AC Resistance 2, 10, 18 ±(0.1% of rdg + 0.1Ω)±(0.2% of rdg + 0.2Ω)
OPEN SHORTED THERMOELECTRIC DETECTION
LOAD IMPEDANCE: Stable into 1µF typical.
COMMON MODE VOLTAGE: 30VDC maximum.
COMMON MODE ISOLATION: >109Ω, <1500pF.
MAX. VOLTAGE DROP BETWEEN INPUT/OUTPUT SENSE TERMINALS: 1 volt.
MAX. SENSE LEAD RESISTANCE: 1Ωfor rated accuracy.
MAX. FORCE LEAD RESISTANCE: 0.1Ω.
SENSE INPUT IMPEDANCE: > 400kΩ.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Model 2510 and 2510-AT TEC SourceMeter instruments are designed to:
• Control the power to the TEC to maintain a constant temperature, current, voltage, or thermistor
resistance.
• Measure the resistance of the TEC.
•Provide greater control and flexibility through a software P-I-D loop.
CONTROL SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
SET: Constant Peltier Temperature, Constant Peltier Voltage, Constant Peltier Current. Constant
Thermistor Resistance
CONTROL METHOD: Programmable software PID loop. Proportional, Integral, and Derivative gains
independently programmable.
SETPOINT SHORT TERM STABILITY: ±0.005°C rms1,6,7.
SETPOINT LONG TERM STABILITY: ±0.01°C1,6,8.
SETPOINT RANGE: –50°C to 225°C.
UPPER TEMPERATURE LIMIT: 250°C max.
LOWER TEMPERATURE LIMIT: –50°C max.
SETPOINT RESOLUTION: ±0.001°C, <±400µV, <±200µA 0.01% of nominal (25°C) thermistor resis-
tance.
HARDWARE CURRENT LIMIT: 1.0A to 5.25A ± 5%.
SOFTWARE VOLTAGE LIMIT:±0.5 to 10.5V ±5%.
NOTES
1Model 2510 and device under test in a regulated ambient temperature of
25°C.
2With remote voltage sense.
31 year, 23°C ±5°C.
4With ILoad = 5A and VLoad = 0V.
5With ILoad = 5A and VLoad = 10V.
6With 10kΩthermistor as sensor.
7 Short term stability is defined as 24 hours with Peltier and Model 2510 at
25°C ±0.5°C.
8 Long term stability is defined as 30 days with Peltier and Model 2510 at
25°C ±0.5°C.
9 10Hz to 10MHz measured at 5A output into a 2Ωload.
10 Common mode voltage = 0V (meter connect enabled, connects Peltier low
output to thermistor measure circuit ground).
11 Resistance range 0Ωto 20Ωfor rated accuracy.
12 Current through Peltier > 0.2A.
13 Default values shown, selectable values of 3µA, 10µA, 33µA, 100µA,
833µA, 2.5mA. Note that temperature control performance will degrade at
lower currents.
14 AC Ohms is a dual pulsed measurement using current reversals available
over bus only.
15 Settable to <400µV and <200µA in constant V and constant I mode
respectively.
16 For line frequency ±0.1%.
17 For 1kΩunbalance in LO lead.
18 Resistance range 0Ωto 100Ωfor rated accuracy.
19 Accuracy figures represent the uncertainty that the Model 2510 may add to
the temperature measurement, not including thermistor uncertainty. These
accuracy figures are for thermistors with typical A,B,C constants.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All Keithley trademarks and trade names are the property of
Keithley Instruments, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names
are the property of their respective companies.
Keithley Instruments, Inc. 28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139 • 440-248-0400 • Fax: 440-248-6168
1-888-KEITHLEY (534-8453) • www.keithley.com
©Copyright 2002 Keithley Instruments, Inc. No. 2215
Printed in the U.S.A. 5023KGW
