Modular Test & Measurement Platforms


  • Modular Platform for Laser Diode Testing and Operation
  • Locally Operated Using Built-In Front Panel
  • Fast IEEE-488 and RS232 Interfaces for Remote Control

PRO8000

Shown with 8 Installed Modules
and Rack Mounting Adapter

Easy-to-Read Display
No PC Required for Operation

PRO800

2-Slot Benchtop Enclosure,
Shown with PRO8000-C Covers
(Sold Separately)

Related Items


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PRO8 Series Optionsa
Laser Diode Current Controllers (Up to 8 A) PRO8000-4 High-Power Chassis with Modules
TEC Temperature Controllers (Up to 64 W)
Combination Laser Diode Current (Up to 1 A) &
TEC Temperature Controllers (Up to 16 W)
DWDM DFB Laser Modulesb
Optical Switches
Photocurrent Measurement Module
  • Our PRO8 Series Chassis can accommodate multiple PRO8 Series Modules, allowing for a customized telecom solution.
  • Please contact Tech Support for availability of desired wavelength.

Features

  • Universal, Modular Platform for Production and Quality Control
  • Current and Temperature Controllers for Laser Diode Operation, Characterization, or Burn-In Applications
  • Available Optical Modules Include WDM Laser Sources and Optical Switches
  • Compact, 2-Slot Benchtop and Rack-Mountable 8-Slot Versions Available
  • Remote Control via IEEE 488.2 and RS232
  • Accessories Included with Chassis:
    • Power Cord
    • Manual
    • Software CD
    • LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI Drivers

Thorlabs' PRO8 test and measurement platforms are designed to operate electrical and optical modules for telecom testing and other applications. They control a broad family of interchangeable modular devices (see table to the right) and can be operated independent of an external computer. Three different versions are available: 2-slot benchtop (PRO800), 8-slot rack-mountable (PRO8000), and 8-slot rack-mountable for high-power applications (PRO8000-4). The 8-slot chassis options are compatible with our 19" Rack Mounting System.

Modules
The PRO8 display menu allows easy configuration of any module in the chassis. Mnemonic symbols provide user-friendly access to all operational parameters. As long as modules are not moved to different slots during power down, all settings are retained in memory and automatically recalled upon powering on the mainframe. Individual modules are automatically identified and, when selected, can be configured and controlled using the front panel controls.

To meet individual experimental needs, PRO8 chassis are made to order and custom configured with individually selected modules. Prior to placing an order, please contact Tech Support so that we can assist with determining your custom configuration. The table to the upper right lists all available modules. Customers may also order the chassis and modules separately.

Different cables are required to connect the PRO8 modules to a Thorlabs Laser Diode Mount. The cables, which have a length of 1.5 m, must be ordered separately. Pin diagrams are shown near the bottom of this page.

Item # PRO800 PRO8000 PRO8000-4
Number of Slots 2 8 8
Mains Switch Key-operated
Remote Control Via IEEE488.2 and RS232C
Mains Supply 100 V, 115 V, 230 V (±10%) Fixed (50 to 60 Hz)
Maximum Power Consumption 220 VA 500 VA 800 VA
Supply Mains Overvoltage Category II
Operating Temperature* 0 - 40 °C
Storage Temperature -40 to +70 °C
Relative Humidity Max. 80% up to 31 °C, Decreasing to 50% at 40 °C
Pollution Degree (Indoor Use Only) 2
Operation Altitude <2000 m
Maximum Output Current per Slot 4 A 4 A 4 A
Maximum Output Current for all Slots 8 A 16 A 32 A
Warm-Up Time for Maximum Accuracy 10 min
Dimensions (W × H × D) 232 mm × 147 mm × 396 mm
(3 U)
449 mm × 147 mm × 396 mm
(3 U)
449 mm × 177 mm × 456 mm
(4 U)
Maximum Weight <9 kg <17 kg <21 kg
Display and Operating Elements
Display 4 × 20 Characters Alphanumeric Vacuum-Fluorescence-Display
User Interface Interactive Menus
Keypad 7 Micro-Switch Keys
Main Tuning Knob Rotation Encoder
Acoustic Messages Internal Beeper: Short Tone As Confirmation, Long Tone As Warning
Connectors on the Rear Panel
Ground 4 mm Banana Jack
Line 3-Pin IEC 320 with Fuse
Remote Control IEEE488 (24-Pin) Jack or RS-232C (9-Pin) D-Sub Jack
Auxiliary Jack 9-Pin D-Sub (for Extensions)
Trig In (5 V Max, TTL) BNC
Trig Out (5 V Max, TTL) BNC

*Non-condensing
(All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5 °C and 45 ±15% relative humidity)

Software for the PRO800/PRO8000 Series

Use this link to download the below software packages:

The available software is organized into the following categories:

  1. Drivers: Instrument drivers to directly operate the device via external software to extend or adapt the functionality to user specific requirements.
  2. Utility Module: Thorlabs Instrument Communicator 2 for instrument communication functionality.

Posted Comments:
RWang27  (posted 2017-08-14 14:32:27.443)
do u have any sample on how to connect the pro 800 on labview? just like the steps of how to build a connection between labview and pro 800
nreusch  (posted 2017-08-17 06:20:28.0)
This is a response from Nicola at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry. We do provide the LabVIEW drivers for our PRO800 modules, you can download them at https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/ViewSoftwarePage.cfm?Code=PRO8_Series. I will contact you directly to discuss the implementation in your LabVIEW program.
user  (posted 2016-11-23 15:36:04.58)
Dear Thorlabs, I'm working with PRO800, LDC8040 and TED8020. Everything is working fine except PC connection. I use Ubuntu 16.04, python 3, pyserial and a USB-RS232-Converter. The connection speed seems a bit slow. I need 0.36-0.52 sec. to read an answer to something like b":LASER?\r\n" and 1.69-1.82 sec. to b":ILD:ACT?\r\n". I tried to use ":SYST:ANSW VALUE", but it didn't make any difference. I also changed baud rates. Is there a way to make it work faster? With best regards Mikhail
swick  (posted 2016-11-25 05:25:11.0)
This is a response from Sebastian at Thorlabs. Thank you for the inquiry. I would recommend to work via GPIB interface, which should be faster. The speed of communication could be improved by activating the desired slot prior sending the command. Unfortunately, you did not left any contact details. Please use techsupport@thorlabs.com for getting further technical support.
tschalk  (posted 2012-12-13 06:13:00.0)
This is a response from Thomas at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry. If you are using the "Thorlabs Instrument Communicator" then you can find the instrument by typing "*?" into the suitable field and clicking SCAN CARDS. The PRO800 should appear in the table and you can double click it to make a connection. If you are using an older PRO8 system it will have a female 9-pin D-SUB connector on the rear panel. You should then use an 1:1 connection cable between PRO8 and PC. If you have a newer version with a 9-pin male connector you need a null modem cable shown in the manual on page 18, section 4: Communication with a PC. After the connection is made the window Serial Connection Configuration will appear. Please make sure that the Baud Rate matches with the Baud Rate of the device and select Flow Control RTS/CTS. If you now send the command "*IDN?" the display of the PRO800 should show "REMOTE" and you should receive a response like "Throlabs, Pro800, ...". If you type in for example ":SLOT 1" the green light beside SEL of Channel 1 should light up. If you don’t get any response then please make sure that you are using the correct type of interconnecting cable.
carbonem  (posted 2012-12-12 07:05:39.85)
Dear Sirs: Recently we acquired a module controller based on a PRO800 chassis with a PDA8000-2 module for optical power measurement. By now it is connected to a high-speed photodetector DET36A/M. We are trying to connect the controller to a PC by using an RS232 serial cable and to control the system in remote mode. However we are not able to communicate both devices properly. Therefore, to check the connection we are using your software “Thorlabs Instrument Communicator”. The COM port flow control of our PC can be selected as “none”, “hardware” or “XON/XOFF”. However your software indicates that we must activate the “RTS /CTS” mode. So far we have managed to send commands and to change the controller mode from local to remote or remote to local (to this end, we select the flow control mode in “none” or “disabled”). However but we do not receive a response back from the controller when we send request commands. Apparently, data travels from the PC to the controller, but not from the controller to the PC. Please, could you give us any suggestion to get the connection in both directions? Should we select a different flow control mode on the COM port? Thank you very much in advance for your help. Best regards,
Laurie  (posted 2008-10-02 09:03:06.0)
Response from Laurie at Thorlabs to edu6182: Thank you for your interest in our PRO800. The system comes with LabVIEW and CVI drivers on a CD ROM. Alternatively, you can download the files here: http://www.thorlabs.com/Support.cfm?Section=7&viewTab=1 Use the "Custom Installation" to add LabVIEW, LabWindows, and C++ drivers.
edu6182  (posted 2008-09-30 08:08:23.0)
Dear Sirs, This is Enric Donés, an engineer from National Microelectronic Center in Barcelona (Spain). I need to use a PRO800 optical source for making some tests and I would like to know if there are available Labview drivers to control this device from a PC. Thank you for you help. Regards, Enric Donés.

PRO800 System with 2-Slot Benchtop Chassis

PRO800 with ModulesClick to Enlarge
PRO800 Chassis with ITC8022
LD and TEC Controller and
PDA8000-2 Amplifier
Key Specifications
Number of Slots 2
Max Power Consumption 220 VA
Max Output Current Per Slot 4 A
Max Output Current for All Slots 8 A
  • Compact, 2-Slot, Benchtop Chassis
  • Ideal for Research Applications
  • Compatible with Various Temperature and Current Controllers and Optical Switches
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 232 mm x 147 mm x 396 mm
    (3 U Height)

The PRO800 Chassis is perfect for the lab environment and can accommodate up to two modules. This made-to-order chassis can be custom configured with up to two modules that best meet individual experimental needs prior to purchase (see image at right). The chassis can also be ordered empty, without any pre-installed modules. The empty slots of the PRO800 can be covered using PRO8000-C front cover plates (sold separately below).

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PRO800 Support Documentation
PRO8002-Slot Modular Benchtop Chassis, 8 A Total Output Current
$2,180.18
Lead Time

PRO8000 System with 8-Slot Chassis

PRO8000 with ModulesClick to Enlarge
PRO8000 Chassis with Modules and PRO8000-R32 Rack Mounting Handles
Key Specifications
Number of Slots 8
Max Power Consumption 500 VA
Max Output Current Per Slot 4 A
Max Output Current for All Slots 16 A
  • 8 Slot Rack-Mountable Chassis
  • Ideal for Large Testing and Manufacturing Environments
  • Compatible with Various Temperature and Current Controllers and Optical Switches
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 449 mm x 147 mm x 396 mm
    (3 U Height)

The PRO8000 Chassis can accept up to 8 modules and is ideally suited for the needs of large test setups. This made-to-order chassis can be custom configured with up to eight modules that best meet individual experimental needs prior to purchase (see image at right). The chassis can also be ordered empty, without any pre-installed modules. The empty slots of the PRO8000 can be covered using PRO8000-C front cover plates (sold separately below).

The higher maximum output current offered by the PRO8000-4 over the PRO8000 may be useful depending on which combination of PRO8 Series Modules are used with the platform. Please refer to the Available PRO8 Series Modules table in the Overview tab above to verify if the combination of modules requires the 32 A max output current offered by the PRO8000-4.

As shown in the image to the right, our PRO8000-R32 Rack-Mounting Handles (sold separately) can be attached to the chassis, allowing it to be integrated into our 19" Rack Mounting System.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PRO8000 Support Documentation
PRO80008-Slot Modular Rack Chassis, 16 A Total Output Current
$2,966.31
Lead Time

PRO8 Accessories

PRO800 with Slot CoverClick to Enlarge
PRO800 Chassis with
PRO8000-C Front Cover Plate and One Module
How Mounting Handles Attach to the PRO8 Series ChassisClick to Enlarge
How to Attach the Rack Mounting Handles to a PRO8 Series Chassis

The PRO8000-R32 and PRO8000-R42 Rack Mounting Kits contain all necessary hardware to allow the PRO8 chassis to be mounted in a 19" rack system. The kits both include two mounting handles and four screws with a 3 mm hex head. To install, remove the two side flashings on the chassis. You can then either use the included screws, or the ones that formerly secured the flashings, to secure the handles to the chassis as seen in the photo to the right. The through holes can then be used to mount the chassis in a rack system. Please note: although the PRO800 is compatible with the PRO8000-R32 Mounting Kit, it is too narrow to fit in a 19" rack system.

The PRO8000-C Front Cover Plate is used to protect empty slots in the PRO800, PRO8000, and PRO8000-4 chassis. To install, use the two Phillips head screws that previously attached the module to the chassis to secure the front plate to the chassis, just as if it were a module. The photo to the far right shows the PRO800 chassis with one PRO8000-C front plate.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PRO8000-C Support Documentation
PRO8000-CFront Cover Plate for PRO8 Series Chassis
$29.69
Today
PRO8000-R32 Support Documentation
PRO8000-R3219 in. Rack Mounting Kit for PRO8000
$78.62
Lead Time

Laser Diode Current Controller Connection Cable

Male 9 Pin Connector Diagram
Pin Connections
1Interlock and Status LASER
ON/OFF
2Photodiode
3Laser Diode Ground
4Photodiode
5Ground for Pin 1
6Voltage Measurement Laser Diode Cathode
7Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity Anode Grounded - AG)
8Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity Cathode Grounded - CG)
9Voltage Measurement Laser Diode Anode
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CAB400 Support Documentation
CAB400Cable; Current Controller with 9-Pin D-Sub Connector, 1.5 m
$80.94
Today

Temperature Controller Connection Cable

Female 9 Pin Connector Diagram
Pin Connections
1Status LED (+) (for TEC ON/OFF indication), CAB430: N.C.
2Thermistor (+)
3Thermistor (-), Ground
4TEC (+)
5TEC (-), Status LED (-)
6N.C.
7Transducer AD 590/592 (-), LM 135/335 (+)
8N.C.
9Transducer AD 590/592 (+), LM 135/335 (+)
Male 15 Pin Connector Diagram for CAB420-15
Pin Connections
1Status LED (+) (for TEC ON/OFF indication)
2N.C.
3Thermistor (-), Ground
4Thermistor (+)
5TEC (+)
6TEC (+)
7TEC (+)
8LM 135/335 (-), Ground
9N.C.
10Transducer AD 590/592 (-), LM 135/335 (+)
11Transducer AD 590/592 (+), LM 135/335 (+)
12N.C.
13TEC (-), Status LED (-)
14TEC (-), Status LED (-)
15TEC (-), Status LED (-)
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CAB420-15 Support Documentation
CAB420-15Temperature Controller Cable with 15-Pin D-Sub Connector, 1.5 m
$85.61
Today

Laser Diode Current Controller and Temperature Controller Connection Cable

Male 9 Pin Connector Diagram
Pin Connections
1Interlock and Status LASER
ON/OFF
2Photodiode
3Laser Diode Ground
4Photodiode
5Ground for Pin 1
6Voltage Measurement Laser Diode Cathode
7Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity Anode Grounded - AG)
8Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity Cathode Grounded - CG)
9Voltage Measurement Laser Diode Anode
Female 9 Pin Connector Diagram
Pin Connections
1Status LED (+) (for TEC ON/OFF indication), CAB430: N.C.
2Thermistor (+)
3Thermistor (-), Ground
4TEC (+)
5TEC (-), Status LED (-)
6N.C.
7Transducer AD 590/592 (-), LM 135/335 (+)
8N.C.
9Transducer AD 590/592 (+), LM 135/335 (+)
Male 15 Pin Connector Diagram for CAB430
Pin Connections
1Interlock and Status LASER ON/OFF
2Photodiode
3Laser Diode Ground
4Photodiode
5Ground for Pin 1
6Transducer AD 590/592 (+), LM 135/335 (+)
7TEC (+)
8TEC (-)
9Voltage Measurement Laser Diode Cathode
10Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity Anode Grounded - AG)
11Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity Cathode Grounded - CG)
12Voltage Measurement Laser Diode Anode
13Transducer AD 590/592 (-), LM 135/335 (+)
14Thermistor (-), Ground
15Thermistor (+)
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CAB430 Support Documentation
CAB430Cable for a LD and TEC Controller with 15-Pin D-Sub Connector to a Laser Diode Mount, 1.5 m
$147.91
Today