artisan ITC8 Series User manual

Artisan Technology Group is your source for quality
new and certied-used/pre-owned equipment
• FAST SHIPPING AND
DELIVERY
• TENS OF THOUSANDS OF
IN-STOCK ITEMS
• EQUIPMENT DEMOS
• HUNDREDS OF
MANUFACTURERS
SUPPORTED
• LEASING/MONTHLY
RENTALS
• ITAR CERTIFIED
SECURE ASSET SOLUTIONS
SERVICE CENTER REPAIRS
Experienced engineers and technicians on staff
at our full-service, in-house repair center
WE BUY USED EQUIPMENT
Sell your excess, underutilized, and idle used equipment
We also offer credit for buy-backs and trade-ins
www.artisantg.com/WeBuyEquipment
REMOTE INSPECTION
Remotely inspect equipment before purchasing with
our interactive website at www.instraview.com
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Visit us on the web at www.artisantg.com for more
information on price quotations, drivers, technical
specications, manuals, and documentation
Contact us: (888) 88-SOURCE | [e-mail] | www.artisantg.com
SM
View
Instra

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Blueline™ Series
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
Combi module ITC8xxx
2003
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Version: 2.10
Date: 31.10.2003
Copyright©2003, Thorlabs GmbH, Germany
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Contents Page
1General description of the combi module ITC8xxx 1
1.1 Safety 1
1.2 Warranty 3
1.3 Features 4
1.3.1 Safety measures for the laser diode and the TEC element 4
1.3.2 General functions 6
1.4 Technical data 8
1.4.1 Common data ITC8xxx 8
1.4.2 ITC8022 10
1.4.3 ITC8052 11
1.4.4 ITC8102 12
1.5 Operating elements at the front of the module 13
1.6 Presettings 14
1.6.1 Hardware limit ILIM 14
1.6.2 Software limits IMAX and ITE LIM 15
1.7 Connecting components 16
1.7.1 Pin assignment LD connector 17
1.7.2 Connecting laser- and monitor diode 19
1.7.3 Connecting interlock and status LED 20
1.7.4 Pin assignment TEC connector 21
1.7.5 Connecting a thermistor 22
1.7.6 Connecting an AD590 22
1.7.7 Connecting an LM335 23
1.7.8 Connecting the TEC element 23
1.7.9 Polarity check of the TEC element 24
1.7.10 Connecting the status LED 24
1.7.11 Pin assignment ITC8000-DS15 25
1.8 Optimization of temperature control 26
1.8.1 Setup and function of temperature controllers 26
1.8.2 PID adjustment 27
2Operating the ITC8xxx 29
2.1 Functions in the main menu 29
2.1.1 Display 29
2.1.2 Selecting a module 30
2.1.3 Setting the main parameter 30
2.2 Functions in the channel menu 32
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

2.2.1 Display 32
2.2.2 Changing parameters 35
2.2.3 Selecting the polarity of the laser and the monitor diode 36
2.2.4 Calibrating the monitor diode 36
2.2.5 Selecting constant current or constant power mode 37
2.2.6 Selecting the type of the sensor 37
2.2.7 Calibrating the thermistor 38
2.2.8 Setting a temperature window 41
2.2.9 Activating the temperature protection 41
2.2.10 Adjusting the bias voltage for the monitor diode 42
2.2.11 Setting the P-, I- and D-share of the control loop 43
2.3 Switching on and off 44
2.4 Error messages 46
3Communication with a control computer 48
3.1 General notes on remote control 48
3.1.1 Nomenclature 49
3.1.2 Data format 49
3.2 Commands 51
3.2.1 Select the module slot 51
3.2.2 Calibrating a photo diode (CALPD) 51
3.2.3 Thermistor calibration (exponential method) 52
3.2.4 Thermistor calibration (Steinhart-Hart method) 54
3.2.5 Programming the laser diode current (ILD) 55
3.2.6 Programming the monitor diode current (IMD) 57
3.2.7 Switching the I-share on and off (INTEG) 59
3.2.8 Reading the TEC current (ITE) 59
3.2.9 Switching the laser output on and off (LASER) 60
3.2.10 Selecting the laser diode polarity (LDPOL) 60
3.2.11 Programming the laser diode software-limit (LIMC) 61
3.2.12 Reading the laser diode hardware-limit (LIMCP) 62
3.2.13 Programming the TEC current software-limit (LIMT) 62
3.2.14 Selecting the mode of operation (MODE) 63
3.2.15 Selecting the photo diode polarity (PDPOL) 63
3.2.16 Programming the optical power (POPT) 64
3.2.17 Programming the resistance of the thermistor (RESI) 65
3.2.18 Programming the resistance window (RWIN) 66
3.2.19 Selecting the sensor (SENS) 66
3.2.20 Programming the PID shares (SHAREP, -I, -D) 67
3.2.21 Switching the TEC on and off (TEC) 68
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

3.2.22 Programming the temperature (TEMP) 69
3.2.23 Switching the temperature protection on and off (TP) 70
3.2.24 Programming the temperature window (TWIN) 71
3.2.25 Read Type of module (TYPE) 71
3.2.26 Programming the bias voltage (VBIAS) 72
3.2.27 Reading the laser diode voltage (VLD) 73
3.2.28 Reading the TEC voltage (VTE) 74
3.3 1301 ... 1316 error messages of the ITC8xxx 75
3.4 Status reporting 77
3.4.1 Standard event status register (ESR) 79
3.4.2 Standard event status enable register (ESE) 79
3.4.3 Status byte register (STB) 80
3.4.4 Service request enable register (SRE) 80
3.4.5 Reading the STB by detecting SRQ 81
3.4.6 Reading the STB by "*STB?" command 81
3.4.7 Reading the STB by serial poll 81
3.4.8 Device error condition register (DEC) 82
3.4.9 Device error event register (DEE) 83
3.4.10 Device error event enable register (EDE) 83
4Service and Maintenance 84
4.1 General remarks 84
4.2 Troubleshooting 85
5Listings 89
5.1 List of acronyms 89
5.2 List of figures 91
5.3 Certifications and compliances 92
5.4 Addresses 93
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the
field of optical measurement technique. To help us to come up to your
expectations and develop our products permanently we need your ideas and
suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about possible criticism or ideas.
We and our international partners are looking forward to hearing from you.
In the displays shown by the PRO8 you may find the name PROFILE.
PROFILE was the name of the manufacturer before it was acquired by Thorlabs
and renamed to Thorlabs GmbH.
Thorlabs GmbH
This part of the instruction manual contains every specific information on how to
operate a current module ITC8xxx. A general description is followed by explanations
of how to operate the unit manually. You will also find every information about remote
control via the IEEE 488 computer interface.
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” label in this
form to indicate dangers for persons or possible damage of equip-
ment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.1 Safety
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 1
1 General description of the combi module ITC8xxx
1.1 Safety
Attention 
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in
this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated
correctly.
Before applying power to your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 system, make
sure that the protective conductor of the 3 conductor mains power
cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the
socket outlet!
Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damages to your
health or even death!
Modules may only be installed or removed with the mainframe
switched off.
All modules must be fixed with all screws provided for this purpose.
Modules of the 8000 series must only be operated in the mainframe
PRO8000, PRO8000-4 or PRO800.
All modules must only be operated with duly shielded connection
cables.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single
components be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs
be used.
This precision device is only dispatchable if duly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If
necessary, ask for a replacement package.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.1 Safety
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 2
Attention 
Laser modules can deliver up to several 100mW of (maybe) invisible
laser radiation!
When operated incorrectly, this can cause severe damage to your
eyes and health!
Be sure to pay strict attention to the safety recommendations of the
appropriate laser safety class!
This laser safety class is marked on your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
plug-in module or on your external laser source used.
Attention 
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are
not to be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the
electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum
allowed disturbance values according to EN 50 082-1.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.2 Warranty
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 3
1.2 Warranty
Thorlabs GmbH warrants material and production of the ITC8xxx modules for a
period of 24 months starting with the date of shipment. During this warranty period
Thorlabs GmbH will see to defaults by repair or by exchange if these are entitled to
warranty.
For warranty repairs or service the unit must be sent back to Thorlabs GmbH
(Germany)or to a place determined by Thorlabs. The customer will carry the
shipping costs to Thorlabs GmbH, in case of warranty repairs Thorlabs will carry the
shipping costs back to the customer.
If no warranty repair is applicable the customer also has to carry the costs for back
shipment.
In case of shipment from outside EU duties, taxes etc. which should arise have to be
carried by the customer.
Thorlabs GmbH warrants the hard- and software determined by Thorlabs GmbH for
this unit to operate fault-free provided that they are handled according to our
requirements. However, Thorlabs GmbH does not warrant a faulty free and
uninterrupted operation of the unit, of the soft- or firmware for special applications nor
this instruction manual to be error free. Thorlabs GmbH is not liable for consequential
damages.
Restriction of warranty
The warranty mentioned before does not cover errors and defects being the result of
improper treatment, software or interface not supplied by us, modification, misuse or
operation outside the defined ambient conditions (refer to the PRO8000 (-4) /
PRO800 mainframe operation manual) stated by us or unauthorized maintenance.
Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs
GmbH does explicitly not warrant the usability or the economical use for certain
cases of application.
Thorlabs GmbH reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the technical
data of the described unit at any time.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.3 Features
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 4
1.3 Features
1.3.1 Safety measures for the laser diode and the TEC element
To protect the connected laser diodes and the TEC elements the combi controller
ITC8xxx contains the following protection circuits:
• Softstart when switching on the laser diode current
Protection against capacitive and inductive parasitic elements (switching peaks).
• Software limit for the injection current and the TEC element in all operating
modes and additional hardware limit for the injection current
Protection against thermal destruction of the devices.
• Interruption control of the connection cable to the laser diode (interlock)
Protection against accidental operation.
• Contact protection of the laser diode (open circuit)
Protection against cable damage or bad contact.
• Electronic short-circuit switch for the laser diode
Protection against static discharge when touching the switched off laser.
• Protection of the sensor
Protection against the use of an wrong temperature sensor / protection against line
interruption to the temperature sensor.
• Separate on and off function for each module
Protection against operating errors.
• Separate over-temperature protection for each module
Protection against thermal failure of the module.
• Control LED for the laser and/or TEC current active
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.3 Features
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 5
Mains filter
Protection against line transients and interferences.
• Line failure protection
In case of line failure/line damage the combi module must explicitly be switched on
anew since it cannot be taken for granted that all components of the measurement
setup are still working faultlessly.
• Key-operated power switch
Protection against unauthorized or accidental use.
• Action check
After power up the combi modules are in LASER OFF mode.
• LabVIEW®- and LabWindows/CVI®-driver
For the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 Thorlabs supplies LabVIEW®- and
LabWindows/CVI®-drivers for MS Windows 32.
.Please refer to our homepage for the latest driver updates.
http://www.thorlabs.com
1.3.2 Ordering Codes:
ITC8022 ± 200 mA module with 9-pin and 15-pin D-Sub connector
ITC8022DS15 Only one common 15-pin connector for laser diode and TEC
ITC8052 ± 500 mA module with 9-pin and 15-pin D-Sub connector
ITC8052DS15 Only one common 15-pin connector for laser diode and TEC
ITC8102 ± 1 A module with 9-pin and 15-pin D-Sub connector
ITC8102DS15 Only one common 15-pin connector for laser diode and TEC
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.3 Features
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 6
1.3.3 General functions
The combi modules ITC8xxx are bipolar current sources for laser diodes combined
with a thermoelectric controller. The different module types operate the same way,
they only differ in maximum current, resolution and accuracy.
 (Refer to chapter 1.4, "Technical data" starting on page 8)
The combi modules ITC8xxx contain a transimpedance amplifier input for the monitor
diode (input impedance 0 Ω). Both polarities of the monitor diode are allowed. The
monitor diode may be operated either photovoltaic (without bias voltage) or
photoconductive, i.e. with bias voltage.
All modules are equipped with an input for either IC temperature sensors of the
AD590/592 , LM335 series or thermistors, PT modules have only an input for
thermistors and PT100 elements..
All necessary value settings are done by keypad and rotational encoder or via remote
control by a computer. Only the laser diode current limit (hardware limit) has to be set
manually as "absolute limit".
In an automated test set-up for different laser diodes no manual settings are
required.
With the modules ITC8xxx, the laser diode current in constant current mode, the
monitor diode current in constant power mode, and temperature or thermistor
resistance are set with a resolution of 16 bit.
The limit values for the laser diode current (software limit), the monitor diode current
(limiting the optical output power) and the limit value for the TEC current (software
limit) are set with a resolution of 12 bit. The monitor diode current, the actual
temperature and actual resistance are read back with 16 bit, the laser diode current,
laser diode voltage, the limit for the laser diode current (hardware limit), the TEC
current and TEC voltage with 15 bit plus sign.
The P-, I- and D-share of the analog control loop are set via three independent 12 bit
D/A converters.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.3 Features
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 7
The built-in mains filter in the mainframe and the careful shielding of the transformer,
the micro processor and the module itself provide an excellent suppression of noise,
ripple and other interferences.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.4 Technical data
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 8
1.4 Technical data
1.4.1 Common data ITC8xxx
Resolution 16 Bit
Power control
Range of monitor current IPD 10 µA ... 2 mA1)
Resolution 30 nA
Setting accuracy (typ.) ±0.1 % fs
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature.) ≤1 µA
Photodiode bias voltage 0 ... 10 V
Laser voltage
Measurement principle 4-wire
Measurement range 0 ... 10 V
Resolution 0.3 mV
Accuracy ±5 mV
AD590/LM335
Control range -12.375 °C ... +90.000 °C
Measurement accuracy ± 0.1 °C
Measurement resolution 0.0015 °C
Setting accuracy 0.01 °C
Setting resolution 0.0015 °C
Temperature stability typ. < 0.002 °C
Thermistor (calibrated and not calibrated, display in Ω)
Measurement current 50 µA
Control range 200 Ω... 40 kΩ
Resolution 0.7 Ω
Setting accuracy ± 10 Ω
Resistance stability typ. ≤1 Ω
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.4 Technical data
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 9
Thermistor (calibrated, display in °C)
Measurement current 50 µA1)
Control range temperature at 40 kΩ... 150 °C2)
Resolution 2)
Setting accuracy 2)
Temperature stability 2)
PID-control
P-, I-, and D-share to be set separately
Setting range 2.5 ... 100 %
Warm-up time for rated accuracy ≤15 min
Width of module 1 Slot
LD-Connector 9-pin D-sub
TEC-Connector 15-pin D-sub
1other ranges on request
2depending on thermistor data
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.4 Technical data
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 10
1.4.2 ITC8022
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±200 mA
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 3 µA
Setting accuracy (typ.) 0.05% fs
Measurement resolution 6 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms) < 2 µA
Ripple (50 Hz, rms) < 1 µA
Transients (processor) < 15 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 200 µA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤2 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤5 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
LD Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥200 mA
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥200 mA
Setting resolution 6 µA
Setting accuracy ±200 µA
Current output TEC element
Control range - 2 A ... + 2 A
Maximum output power 16 W
Compliance voltage > 8 V
Measurement resolution ITE 0.07 mA
Measurement resolution UTE 0.3 mV
Noise and ripple <1 mA
TEC Current limit
Setting range 0 ... ≥2 A
Setting accuracy (software) ±20 mA
Resolution0.5 mA
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.4 Technical data
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 11
1.4.3 ITC8052
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±500 mA
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 7.5 µA
Setting accuracy 0.05% fs
Measurement resolution 15 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms) < 5 µA
Ripple (50 Hz, rms) < 1 µA
Transients (processor) < 30 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 500 µA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤6 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤12 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
LD Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥500 mA
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥500 mA
Setting resolution 15 µA
Setting accuracy ±0.5 mA
Current output TEC element
Control range - 2 A ... + 2 A
Maximum output power 16 W
Compliance voltage > 8 V
Measurement resolution ITE 0.07 mA
Measurement resolution UTE 0.3 mV
Noise and ripple <1 mA
TEC Current limit
Setting range 0 ... ≥2 A
Setting accuracy (software) ±20 mA
Resolution0.5 mA
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.4 Technical data
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 12
1.4.4 ITC8102
Current control
Range of laser current ILD 0 ... ±1 A
Compliance voltage >5 V
Setting resolution 15 µA
Setting accuracy 0.1% fs
Measurement resolution 30 µA
Noise without ripple (10 Hz ... 10 MHz, rms) < 10 µA
Ripple (50 Hz, rms) < 1.5 µA
Transients (processor) < 50 µA
Transients (other, typ.1)) < 1 mA
Short-term fluctuations (15 s, 0 ... 10 Hz) ≤12 µA
Drift (30 min. without changing the ambient temperature) ≤25 µA
Temperature coefficient ≤50 ppm/°C
LD Current limit
Setting range poti ILIM 0 ... ≥1 A
Setting range software IMAX 0 ... ≥1 A
Setting resolution 30 µA
Setting accuracy ±2 mA
Current output TEC element
Control range - 2 A ... + 2 A
Maximum output power 16 W
Compliance voltage > 8 V
Measurement resolution ITE 0.07 mA
Measurement resolution UTE 0.3 mV
Noise and ripple <1 mA
TEC Current limit
Setting range 0 ... ≥2 A
Setting accuracy (software) ±20 mA
Resolution0.5 mA
1) max. transients at the output, e.g. switching the unit on or off
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

1.5 Operating elements at the front of the module
Combi module ITC8xxx / page 13
1.5 Operating elements at the front of the module
Connector for the
TEC element
Connector for the
laser diode
Potentiometer for ILIM
Connector for both
laser diode and TEC
Figure 1 The ITC8xxx and ITC8xxxDS15 front panel
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com