Connecting to the Mainboard

Overview

Optional Component

This chapter relates to the additional TEC controller (product# PD-01360).

With this TEC controller, the temperature monitoring of the driver can be used as a temperature control for an external TEC. Without the TEC controller, the TEC ports at the output terminal are out of function.

About the TEC Controller

The temperature monitoring of the LD driver board can be easily upgraded to a temperature controller with the addition of the plug-on TEC controller board.

Key Features

• Unidirectional temperature control (cooling only)
• Plug-on design - no soldering required
• Same footprint - no size increase
• Compatible with all iLD drivers of this generation
• No firmware updates required

Specifications

Parameter	Condition	Min.	Typ.	Max.	Unit
VOUT	Output voltage	-	-	VIN	V
PD	Power losses	TA ≤ 60°C	-	-	2.25
IOUT	Output current	-	-	2	A

Installation Safety

Critical Warning

Before mounting the TEC controller, the driver MUST be disconnected from the power supply.

Mounting the driver while the supply voltage is still connected may damage the laser which can also emit output power that is much higher than the rated power.

Board Connectors

The TEC controller board has two different sockets on the bottom side.

Connector Description

TEC Controller Board (Bottom View)

     ┌─────────────────┐
     │                 │
     │   Components    │
     │                 │
     ├─────┐     ┌─────┤
     │Short│     │Long │  ← Sockets
     │     │     │     │
     └─────┘     └─────┘

Mainboard Pin Strips

The driver board has corresponding pin strips marked for the TEC controller:

Mainboard (Top View)

     ┌─────────────────┐
     │                 │
     │   Components    │
     │                 │
     ├─────┐     ┌─────┤
     │Short│     │Long │  ← Pin Strips
     │Strip│     │Strip│
     └─────┘     └─────┘

Installation Procedure

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Disconnect or switch off the power supply

2. Locate the pin strips on the driver mainboard

   • Short pin strip (fewer pins)
   • Long pin strip (more pins)
   • Both should be marked on the board

3. Orient the TEC board correctly

   • Components facing up
   • Sockets facing down
   • Align with pin strips

4. Align the connectors:

   • Short socket → Short pin strip
   • Long socket → Long pin strip

5. Carefully plug in the TEC board

   • Apply even pressure
   • Ensure full insertion
   • Check alignment before pressing

6. Verify connection:

   • Board sits flush and level
   • No bent pins visible
   • Sockets fully engaged

Important

Pay attention not to reverse connection!

• Plug the short socket onto the short pin strip
• Plug the long socket onto the long pin strip

Visual Identification

Without TEC Controller

┌───────────────────────────┐
│     Driver Mainboard      │
│                           │
│  ┌─┐  ┌─┐  [Components]  │
│  │ │  │ │                │
│  └─┘  └─┘                │
│  Pin   Pin                │
│ Strips                    │
└───────────────────────────┘

With TEC Controller Installed

┌───────────────────────────┐
│   TEC Controller Board    │
│    [Components]           │
├───────────────────────────┤
│     Driver Mainboard      │
│                           │
│  [Pin Strips Connected]   │
│                           │
└───────────────────────────┘

Board Illustrations (from Manual)

The manual provides figures showing:

Figure 1: Driver with TEC controller installed

• Shows the complete assembly
• TEC board mounted on top of driver
• Proper alignment visible

Figure 2: Driver without TEC controller

• Shows bare mainboard
• Pin strips visible
• Connection points accessible

Connection Verification

After Installation

1. Visual Inspection:

   • ✅ Board is level
   • ✅ No gaps between boards
   • ✅ All pins inserted
   • ✅ Correct orientation

2. Gentle Movement Test:

   • Slight pressure on TEC board
   • Should not move or rock
   • Firmly seated

3. Pin Check:

   • No bent pins visible
   • Pins not protruding
   • Connections look correct

Common Installation Issues

Board Won’t Seat Fully

Possible Causes:

• Pins not aligned
• Reversed connection
• Foreign material in sockets
• Bent pins

Solutions:

• Remove and realign carefully
• Verify correct orientation
• Clean connectors
• Straighten any bent pins gently

Board Sits at Angle

Cause: One socket not fully inserted

Solution:

• Remove board
• Check both sockets
• Apply even pressure when inserting

Uncertain About Orientation

Solution:

• Look for markings on both boards
• Match short to short, long to long
• Refer to manual illustrations
• When in doubt, contact support

Electrical Connections

After Mechanical Installation

Once the TEC controller board is installed:

1. TEC outputs now functional at output terminal
2. TEC+ and TEC- pins can be connected to TEC element
3. Temperature control replaces temperature monitoring

TEC Element Connection

Connect your TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler) to:

• TEC+ terminal → TEC positive
• TEC- terminal → TEC negative

TEC Specifications:

• Maximum current: 2A
• Voltage: Up to V_IN

Polarity

Verify TEC polarity! Incorrect polarity will heat instead of cool.

• TEC+ → Red wire (typically)
• TEC- → Black wire (typically)
• Consult TEC datasheet

Removal Procedure

If You Need to Remove TEC Board

1. Disconnect power supply
2. Grasp TEC board firmly on both sides
3. Pull straight up with even force
4. Wiggle gently if needed (do not force)
5. Inspect pins for damage after removal

First Power-On After Installation

Verification Steps

1. Connect power supply

2. Check Power LED - should illuminate

3. Monitor TEC LED:

   • Should be OFF when not cooling
   • Will turn ON when cooling activates

4. Verify temperature control:

   • Set temperature threshold
   • Connect NTC sensor
   • Enable laser
   • TEC should activate when needed

Troubleshooting After Installation

TEC LED Never Turns On

Possible Causes:

• TEC board not properly seated
• Connection issue
• Temperature already at setpoint

Solutions:

• Verify mechanical connection
• Re-seat TEC board if needed
• Increase temperature setpoint temporarily

Driver Not Working After Installation

Possible Causes:

• Reversed connection
• Bent pin creating short
• Poor connection

Solutions:

• Disconnect power immediately
• Remove TEC board
• Inspect both boards for damage
• Check for bent pins
• Reinstall carefully

TEC Outputs Not Functioning

Causes:

• TEC board not installed
• Poor connection
• Driver not enabled

Solutions:

• Verify TEC board seated properly
• Check all connections
• Enable laser output

Maintenance

Periodic Checks

Periodically verify:

• ✅ TEC board still firmly seated
• ✅ No signs of overheating
• ✅ LEDs functioning correctly
• ✅ TEC element operating properly

Cleaning

If needed:

• Disconnect power
• Remove TEC board
• Clean pin strips and sockets with contact cleaner
• Allow to dry completely
• Reinstall carefully

Support

If you encounter any issues during installation, contact Lasertack support before forcing connections or applying power.