GARDASOFT PP420 User manual

PP420 LED Lighting Controllers
Issue 007
User manual
www.gardasoft.com

PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
Copyright and disclaimer notice
Except as prohibited by law:
All hardware, software and documentation is provided on an ‘as is’ basis. This
information is for guidance only. Installers must perform their own risk assessment
specific to each installation.
It is essential that the user ensures that the operation of the product is suitable for
their application.
The user must ensure that incorrect functioning of this equipment cannot cause any
dangerous situation or significant financial loss to occur.
Deliberate acts of endangerment and vandalism are not covered by this document and
must be considered by the installer.
While care has been taken in the preparation of this document Gardasoft Vision Ltd will
not accept any liability for consequential loss of any kind except those required by law.
All trademarks acknowledged. Hardware, software and documentation are
Copyright 2002 – 2017 Gardasoft Vision Ltd.
EC conformity declaration
The EC Certificate of Conformity is available from Gardasoft Vision Ltd on request
Issue status of this document: Issue 007 (May 2017)

PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
Contents
1 Getting started 5
2 Safety 6
2.1 Heat 6
2.2 Electrical 6
2.3 General 7
2.4 Installation guidance (disclaimer) 7
3 Sicherheit 8
3.1 Wärme 8
3.2 Elektrik 8
3.3 Allgemein 10
3.4 Installationsanleitung (Haftungsausschluss) 10
4 Sécurité 11
4.1 Chaleur 11
4.2 Électricité 11
4.3 Généralités 12
4.4 Guide d'installation (clause de non-responsabilité) 13
5 General description 14
5.1 Output modes 14
5.1.1 Continuous 14
5.1.2 Pulsed 14
5.1.3 Switched 15
5.2 Triggers 15
5.3 Flags 15
5.4 Automatic light sensing 15
6 Mechanical fixing 16
7 PP420 heat output 18
7.1 Heat output per channel 18
7.2 Total heat output 19
8 Connections 20
8.1 Triggers 21
8.2 Ethernet 21
8.3 Wiring 21
8.4 Power supply 22
9 Ethernet communication 23
9.1 Connection 23
9.2 IPaddress 23
9.2.1 DHCP 24
9.2.2 Fixed IPaddress 24
10 Webpage configuration 25
10.1 Main page 25
10.2 Configuration page 26
10.3 General setup page 27
11 Command configuration 28
11.1 Command structure 28
11.2 Lighting commands 31

PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
11.3 Command summary 33
12 Reference information 34
12.1 Timings 34
12.2 Specifications 34
12.3 Error codes 35

PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
1 Getting started
This user manual describes the setting up and operation of the PP420
lighting controllers.
The PP420 is a four channel lighting controller that provides 2 Amps
continuously or 10 Amps pulsed. The controller is also available in a fast
pulsing variant that is identified by the 'F' suffix (refer to Section 12,
Reference information).
Read Section 2, Safety (or Section 3, Sicherheit, or Section 4, Sécurité)
and Section 12, Reference information, and check the PP420 fulfils your
requirements.
Mount the PP420 as described in Section 6, Mechanical fixing, using a
DIN rail or the mounting holes. In particular, read the notes on heatsinking
in Section 7, PP420 heat output.
Connect the PP420 up to a supply and an LED lighting unit as described in
Section 8, Connections.
Refer to xxx to set the PP420 up from its web pages. The commands that
may be used with the Ethernet connection are described in Section 11,
Command configuration.
For additional information on the use of the PP420. Visit
www.gardasoft.com to download a range of Application Notes.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
2 Safety
Read this before using the PP420. Always observe the following safety
precautions. If in doubt, contact your distributor or Gardasoft Vision. The
following symbols mean:
Warning: Read instructions to understand possible hazard
Warning: Surface may get hot.
Warning: Possible hazardous voltage.
Where these symbols appear in the manual, refer to the text for
precautions to be taken.
2.1 Heat
Ensure the PP420 is mounted correctly (see Section 6, Mechanical fixing),
and that you do not exceed any of the ratings for the unit (see Section 12,
Reference information).
At its maximum ratings, the PP420's enclosure can exceed 75°C which is
sufficient to cause a burn if touched. Place in a position where personnel
cannot accidentally touch it and ensure there is a free flow of air around
the unit.
2.2 Electrical
The PP420 produces high energy pulses. Take care to connect the
outputs correctly and protect the output wiring and load from any short
circuits. When switched off, energy remains stored in the PP420 for about
15 seconds.
The PP420 does not have complete tracking isolation of inputs and
outputs, therefore, please observe the following guidance:
Computer equipment that is connected to the communication or trigger
ports must be internally powered or separated from mains electricity by
double insulation/reinforced isolation or be approved to IEC 60950-1
standard. All other equipment connected to the triggers or other ports
must also have double insulation/reinforced isolation protection from the
mains supply.
The Power Supply Unit (PSU) used to energise the PP420 must provide
double insulation/reinforced isolation from mains electricity and protected
against short circuits and overloads. We recommend using a PSU that lim-
its its output current to the appropriate rating of the controller by design,
by setting the current limit on the supply (if possible), or through over cur-
rent protection. The PSU should be approved to either IEC 60950-1, IEC
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
60335-1, IEC 61010-1, IEC61558-1,-2,-16. The PSU may also be
approved to equivalent or superior safety standards.
Any energised conductors derived from mains electricity must also have
Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) output. Refer to Section 12, Reference
information for allowable voltage limits.
At maximum ratings the temperature of the enclosure can exceed 75°C.
Therefore, either all cabling must be rated to at least 100°C, or all cabling
must be additionally insulated by an appropriately rated heat resistant
sleeve or prevented from touching the metal enclosure of the controller, or
its heatsink where fitted.
Power supply cabling to the controller must be rated to at least 4A.
The cabling from the channel output to the load must be rated higher than
the maximum channel output current.
If the controller is setup incorrectly, or in the event of failure, the energy
provided by the power supply to the controller may become directly con-
nected to any or all output channels. You must consider this during install-
ation, and if necessary, provide adequate protection.
The DC power supply to controller must be externally fused to 4A using a
slow blow fuse (T4AH, 50V).
The installer must provide a clearly marked, nearby and easily accessible
switch as part of the installation to allow the controller to be disconnected
from its energy source on both power conductors.
Transients caused by inductive loads must be suppressed externally to
the PP420.
Warning: This is a Class A product. Its use in residential areas may cause
radio interference, and such use should be avoided unless special
measures are taken by the user to restrict emissions to a level that allows
the reception of broadcast transmissions.
2.3 General
The PP420 must not be used in an application where its failure could
cause a danger to personal health or damage to other equipment.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
2.4 Installation guidance (disclaimer)
This information is for guidance only. Installers must perform their own risk
assessment specific to each installation. While Gardasoft Vision Ltd has
taken every care in the preparation of this advice, Gardasoft Vision Ltd
accepts no liability for damages of any kind except those required by law.
Deliberate acts of endangerment and vandalism are not covered by this
document and must be considered by the installer.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
3 Sicherheit
Bitte lesen Sie vor Verwendung des PP420 diese Informationen. Beachten
Sie immer die folgenden Sicherheitshinweise. Wenden Sie sich im
Zweifelsfall an Ihren Händler oder Gardasoft Vision. Die folgenden
Symbole haben die folgende Bedeutung:
Warnung: Lesen Sie die Hinweise, um eine mögliche Gefahr zu
verstehen.
Warnung: Oberfläche kann heiß werden.
Warnung: Mögliche gefährliche Spannung.
Wenn diese Symbole in der Anleitung auftauchen, enthält der Text
Hinweise zu den zu ergreifenden Vorsichtsmaßnahmen.
3.1 Wärme
Stellen Sie sicher, dass der PP420 korrekt montiert ist (siehe Section 6,
Mechanical fixing) und dass Sie die Grenzwerte für das Gerät nicht
überschreiten (siehe Section 12, Reference information).
Bei den maximalen Grenzwerten kann das Gehäuse des PP420 75°C
überschreiten, was ausreichend ist um bei einer Berührung zu
Verbrennungen zu führen. Positionieren Sie das Gerät so, dass eine
versehentliche Berührung durch das Personal ausgeschlossen ist und
stellen Sie sicher, dass Luft frei um das Gerät zirkulieren kann.
3.2 Elektrik
Das PP420 erzeugt Impulse mit hoher Energie. Achten Sie darauf, die
Ausgänge korrekt anzuschließen und schützen Sie die
Ausgangsverkabelung und Last gegen Kurzschlüsse. Beim Ausschalten
bleibt Energie für etwa 15 Sekunden im PP420 gespeichert.
Das PP420 verfügt über keine vollständige Nachlaufisolierung der
Eingänge (einschließlich Trigger- und Kommunikationsports) und
Ausgänge. Beachten Sie daher unbedingt die folgenden Hinweise:
Computergeräte, die an die Kommunikations- oder Trigger-Ports ange-
schlossen sind, müssen über eine interne Stromversorgung verfügen oder
vom Stromnetz durch eine doppelte Isolierung/verstärkte Isolierung
getrennt sein oder nach dem Standard IEC 60950-1 zugelassen sein. Alle
anderen Geräte, die an die Trigger- oder andere Ports angeschlossen
sind, müssen ebenfalls durch eine doppelte Isolierung/verstärkte Iso-
lierung vom Stromnetz getrennt sein.
Das Netzgerät, das zur Stromversorgung des PP420 dient, muss durch
eine doppelte Isolierung/verstärkte Isolierung von der Stromversorgung
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
getrennt sein und gegen Kurzschlüsse und Überlastungen geschützt sein.
Wir empfehlen die Verwendung eines Netzgeräts, das den
Ausgangsstrom durch konstruktive Maßnahmen, durch Einstellen der
Stromgrenze an der Versorgung (wenn möglich) oder durch einen
Überstromschutz auf den geeigneten Nennstrom der Steuerung
begrenzt. Das Netzgerät muss nach IEC 60950-1, IEC 60335-1, IEC
61010-1 oder IEC61558-1,-2,-16 zugelassen sein. Das Netzgerät kann
auch nach gleichwertigen oder höheren Standards zugelassen sein.
Alle stromführenden Leiter, die vom Stromnetz abgeleitet sind, müssen
ebenfalls Sicherheitskleinspannung (SELV) am Ausgang erzeugen.
Hinweise zu den zulässigen Spannungsgrenzwerten finden Sie im Section
12, Reference information.
Bei den maximalen Grenzwerten kann die Temperatur des Gehäuses
75°C überschreiten. Daher muss entweder die gesamte Verkabelung für
mindestens 100°C bemessen sein oder die gesamte Verkabelung muss
zusätzlich mit einer angemessen dimensionierten wärmebeständigen
Tülle isoliert sein oder gegen Kontakt mit dem Metallgehäuse der Steue-
rung oder deren Kühlkörper, sofern angebracht, geschützt sein.
Die Verkabelung der Stromversorgung zur Steuerung muss für min-
destens 4A bemessen sein.
Die Verkabelung vom Kanalausgang zur Last muss höher als der maxi-
male Kanalausgangsstrom dimensioniert sein.
Wenn die Steuerung falsch eingerichtet ist oder im Fall eines Fehlers, kann
es vorkommen, dass die von der Stromversorgung an die Steuerung abge-
gebene Energie direkt mit einem oder allen Ausgangskanälen verbunden
wird. Sie müssen dies bei der Installation berücksichtigen und gege-
benenfalls für einen geeigneten Schutz sorgen.
Die Gleichstromversorgung der Steuerung muss extern durch eine träge
Sicherung (T4AH, 50V) bis 4A gesichert sein.
Der Installationstechniker muss einen deutlich gekennzeichneten, leicht
zugänglichen Schalter als Teil der Installation in der Nähe vorsehen, mit
dem die Steuerung an beiden Stromleitern von ihrer Stromquelle getrennt
werden kann.
Durch induktive Lasten verursachte Einschaltstöße zum PP420 müssen
extern unterdrückt werden.
Warnung: Es handelt sich hierbei um ein Produkt der Klasse A. Die
Verwendung in Wohngebieten kann zu Funkstörungen führen und eine
solche Verwendung sollte vermieden werden, es sei denn besondere
Maßnahmen werden vom Anwender ergriffen, um die Emissionen auf ein
Niveau zu begrenzen, das den Empfang von Rundfunkübertragungen
ermöglicht.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
3.3 Allgemein
Das PP420 darf nicht in Anwendungen eingesetzt werden, bei denen es
durch einen Ausfall des Geräts zu einer Gefahr für die Gesundheit von
Personen oder zur Beschädigung anderer Geräte kommen könnte.
Wenn das Gerät in einer anderen als der vom Hersteller vorgesehenen
Weise verwendet wird, kann die Schutzvorrichtung des Geräts
beeinträchtigt werden.
3.4 Installationsanleitung (Haftungsausschluss)
Diese Informationen dienen nur zur Orientierung. Installationstechniker
müssen ihre eigene spezifische Risikobewertung für die jeweilige
Installation durchführen. Auch wenn Gardasoft Vision Ltd diese
Empfehlung mit größter Sorgfalt erstellt hat, übernimmt Gardasoft Vision
Ltd keine Haftung für Schäden jeglicher Art, außer in dem gesetzlich
erforderlichen Maße. Vorsätzliche Gefährdungs- oder
Zerstörungshandlungen werden in diesem Dokument nicht behandelt und
müssen vom Installationstechniker berücksichtigt werden.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
4 Sécurité
Lisez ce document avant d'utiliser le PP420 Respectez les mesures de
sécurité suivantes en toutes circonstances. En cas de doute, contactez
votre distributeur ou Gardasoft Vision. Les symboles ci-dessous auront la
signification suivante:
Attention: Lisez les instructions pour comprendre quels sont
les risques éventuels.
Attention: La surface peut devenir chaude.
Attention: Risque d’électrocution.
Lorsque ces symboles apparaissent dans le manuel, reportez-vous aux
consignes pour connaître les précautions à prendre.
4.1 Chaleur
Veillez à ce que le PP420 soit monté correctement (voir Section 6,
Mechanical fixing) et à ne dépasser aucune valeur nominale pour l'unité
(voir Section 12, Reference information).
Lorsqu'il atteint ses valeurs nominales maximales, le boitier PP420 peut
dépasser les 75°C, ce qui est suffisant pour provoquer des brûlures en cas
de contact. Placez l'appareil à un endroit où le personnel ne risque pas de
le toucher par accident et veillez à ce que l'air circule librement autour de
l'unité.
4.2 Électricité
Le PP420produit des impulsions d'énergie élevées. Veillez à bien
raccorder les sorties et à ce que les câbles de sortie et la charge soient à
l'abri de tout court-circuit. Lorsque le PP420 est éteint, de l'énergie
résiduelle reste dans l'appareil pendant environ 15 secondes.
Le PP420 ne possède pas de système d'isolation complet des entrées
(notamment des ports de déclenchement et de communication) et des
sorties. Par conséquent, respectez les consignes suivantes :
L'équipement informatique connecté aux ports de communication et de
déclenchement doit être alimenté en interne ou séparé de l'alimentation
secteur par une isolation double/renforcée, ou être approuvé selon la
norme CEI 60950-1. Tous les autres équipements branchés aux
déclencheurs ou à d'autres ports doivent aussi posséder une isolation
double/renforcée pour être protégés de l'alimentation secteur.
Le boîtier d'alimentation utilisé pour mettre sous tension le PP420 doit
fournir une isolation double/renforcée pour isoler le PP420 de
l'alimentation secteur, et le protéger des courts-circuits et des
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
surcharges. Nous recommandons d'utiliser un boîtier d'alimentation qui
limite le courant de sortie de l'appareil à la valeur nominale appropriée du
contrôleur, en réglant la limite de courant sur l'alimentation (si possible) ou
via la protection contre les surcharges. Le boîtier d'alimentation doit être
approuvé selon la norme CEI 60950-1, CEI 60335-1, CEI 61010-1 ou
CEI61558-1,-2,-16. Le boîtier d'alimentation peut aussi être approuvé
selon des normes de sécurité équivalentes ou supérieures.
Tous les conducteurs sous tension dérivés depuis l'alimentation secteur
doivent aussi posséder une sortie à tension de sécurité extra-basse. Se
reporter à la Section 12, Reference information pour les limites de tension
autorisées.
Lorsqu'il atteint ses valeurs nominales maximales, le boîtier du PP420
peut dépasser les 75°C. Par conséquent, tout le câblage doit soit avoir
une capacité minimale de 100°C, soit être en plus isolé par une gaine
suffisamment résistante à la chaleur, soit ne pas toucher le boîtier en
métal du contrôleur ou son dissipateur thermique s'il est installé.
Le câblage d'alimentation vers le contrôleur doit avoir une capacité
minimale de 4A.
Le câblage reliant la sortie de la chaîne à la charge doit avoir une capacité
supérieure au courant de sortie maximal de la chaîne.
Si le contrôleur est mal réglé ou en cas de panne, l'énergie fournie par
l'alimentation au contrôleur peut devenir directement connectée à
n'importe quelle chaîne de sortie ou à toutes les chaînes de sortie. Vous
devez prendre en compte ce paramètre durant l'installation et si
nécessaire, fournir une protection adéquate.
L'alimentation en courant continu vers le contrôleur doit être protégée par
un fusible 4A en externe, plus précisément un fusible à action retardée
(T4AH, 50V).
Dans le cadre de l'installation, l'installateur doit fournir un interrupteur
clairement marqué, qui soit à proximité et facilement accessible, pour
permettre au contrôleur d'être déconnecté de sa source d'énergie sur les
conducteurs d'alimentation.
Les coupures causées par des charges inductives doivent être
supprimées de manière externe vers le PP420.
Attention: Il s'agit d'un produit de classe A. Son utilisation en zone
résidentielle peut causer des interférences radio. Ce type d'utilisation doit
être évité, sauf si des mesures particulières sont prises par l'utilisateur
pour restreindre les émissions à un niveau qui permet la réception des
transmissions diffusées.
4.3 Généralités
Le PP420 ne doit pas être utilisé dans une application où la santé des
personnes et l'intégrité des équipements seraient mises en danger s'il
venait à tomber en panne.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
Si l'équipement est utilisé autrement qu'aux fins prévues par le fabricant,
la protection offerte par l'équipement pourrait en être altérée.
4.4 Guide d'installation (clause de non-responsabilité)
Ces informations sont seulement à titre indicatif. Les installateurs doivent
effectuer leur propre évaluation des risques, pour chaque installation.
Même si Gardasoft Vision Ltd a préparé minutieusement ces conseils,
Gardasoft Vision Ltd décline toute responsabilité pour tout dommage,
quel qu'il soit, à l'exception de ceux requis par la loi. La mise en péril
volontaire ainsi que les actes de vandalisme ne sont pas couverts par le
présent document et doivent être pris en compte par l’installateur.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
5 General description
The PP420 current controller provides repeatable intensity control of LED
lighting for machine vision applications. It includes the power supply,
intensity control, timing and triggering functions required for machine
vision systems.
LED lighting needs a constant current supply as small variations in voltage
can cause large variations in light output. Currents can be specified in
2.5mA steps to give very fine control of intensity.
You can set the PP420 up through its web pages (see Section 10,
Webpage configuration), or by using Ethernet commands (see Section 11,
Command configuration).
Configurations are saved in non-volatile memory so that the PP420 will
resume operation after a power cycle.
5.1 Output modes
Three modes of operation are provided separately for each channel:
5.1.1 Continuous
In continuous mode the output is a fixed and continuous current. The
brightness can be set from 0% to 100%.
5.1.2 Pulsed
In this mode output is pulsed once per trigger. One trigger input is used to
trigger the output. The delay, pulse width and light intensity are all
configurable. In pulse mode, the brightness can be set up to 999% of its
rating, but only for short periods and low duty cycles so the lighting does
not overheat and get damaged. The default limits are as follows:
Brightness Max pulse width
PP420
Max pulse
width
PP420F
Max duty
cycle
0 to 100% 999ms 10ms 100%
101% to
200% 30ms 1ms 30%
210%to
300% 10ms 1ms 20%
301% to
500% 2ms 1ms 10%
501% to
999% 1ms 0.5ms 5%
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
5.1.3 Switched
In switched mode, you can use a trigger input to switch the output current
on and off. The output is enabled only when the input has a voltage on it.
5.2 Triggers
There are four trigger inputs, as summarised in the table below. The sense
of these can be either active high or active low depending on how the 'P'
flag is set. The 'P' flag inverts the sense of the trigger (see Section 5.3,
Flags).
Mode Trigger input Output
Continuous N/A Output is on.
Switched Trigger = 0V Output is off.
Trigger = 4.5V to 24V Output is on.
Pulsed
Trigger goes from
0V to 4.5V
Pulse is triggered.
Trigger goes from
4.5V to 0V
No action.
5.3 Flags
Flags can be set on each channel as follows:
S flag:This flag enables or disables autosensing (see Section 5.4,
Automatic light sensing). When set, the PP420 senses a light connected to
it for the first time and will wait for the current rating to be set. If the flag is
not set, the PP420 will revert to the last current rating set.
E flag: This flag enables or disables error checking. If the flag is not set the
PP420will not detect lighting errors.
Pflag: This flag inverts the trigger sense. In pulse mode with the P flag set,
the PP420 triggered on the rising edge of the trigger pulse. If the flag is not
set, it triggers on the falling edge. The falling edge may give a slower
response time. In switched mode with the P flag set, the output is on when
the input is on. Clearing the P flag inverts this operation.
5.4 Automatic light sensing
When a channel does not have a light connected, the PP420 continually
tries to output a small amount of current. When a light is connected , it
flashes for a short time (the light is not damaged by this) until the PP420
detects that it is connected. You will then need to set up the current rating
of the light (see Section 1, Front panel configuration).
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
6 Mechanical fixing
The PP420 can be mounted onto a flat surface using the M4 clearance
mounting holes in the corners of the base or the M4 threaded holes in the
centre, see the diagram below.
Note: If you choose to mount the PP420 using the threaded holes, ensure
no more than 6mm of thread can be screwed in.
The PP420 should only be mounted either vertically or with its base
horizontal. It should be mounted at least 15mm away from the sides of
plastic enclosures. Likewise leave a similar space between the PP420 and
any parts which could be affected by high temperatures.
The enclosure of the PP420 is used to dissipate power in the form of heat.
For this reason the material to which the unit is attached must be suitable,
preferably metallic with ability to dissipate the produced heat. This is
particularly important if the power dissipation of the PP420 (as defined by
PDin Section 12, Reference information) exceeds 8 Watts.
The PP701 kit is available for mounting the PP420 on a DIN rail.
The PP420 does not have an IP rating and should be mounted so that
moisture and dirt cannot enter the unit.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
To avoid a fire hazard, consider the implications of overheating in the
unlikely event of a fault in the PP420. The power dissipation in a fault
condition is approximately given by the sum of the following for the four
channels:
(VPS-VL) x IPS
Where: VPS = Power supply voltage
VL= Rated voltage for lighting
IPS = Maximum current delivered by the power supply.
Either limit the power supply output current(s) so that not more than 30W
can be dissipated in the PP420, or mount the unit in an enclosure.
For further information about heat output from the PP420, refer to Section
7, PP420 heat output.
To limit the power, set the power supply output voltages to the minimum
value required by the LED light and the PP420 together. Chose a PSU that
limits its output current by design, by setting the current limit on the supply
(if this feature exists) or use fuses. Remember to de-rate the fuse if
mounted in an enclosure, as the temperature will be higher than ambient.
An enclosure may also be required for other parts of the system such as
power supplies and should provide mechanical and environmental
protection in industrial applications.
If an enclosure is used, it should be metal or plastic (with a flammability
rating of UL94-V1 or better) and with no holes below or to the sides of the
PP420 when mounted. Cable entries below the PP420 should be through
glands that also have a flammability rating of UL94-V1 or better. Observe
the specified gap between the PP420 and any other part or side of the
enclosure.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
7 PP420 heat output
The PP420 controller has a linear circuit to produce constant current
output. This section explains how to calculate the heat output from the
PP420 and what measures you can take to manage it.
7.1 Heat output per channel
For a continuous output current, the heat output is given by:
Heat output = IOx (VS- VL)
Where: IO= Output current set by the user
VS= Supply voltage across VS1+ and GND
(for output 1)
VL= Voltage across the light LD1+ and LD1–
(for output 1)
This is usually easy to calculate as the voltage across the light is normally
the voltage rating of the light as declared in its specification. Alternatively
you can measure it using a voltmeter.
For a pulsed output, the heat output is given by:
Heat output = IOx duty cycle x (VS- VL)
Where: IO= Output current set by the user
VS= Supply voltage
VL= Voltage across the light
And duty cycle is defined as:
Duty cycle = WP x FT
Where: WP= Pulse width in seconds
FT= Trigger frequency in Hz
When overdriving, the voltage across the light is more difficult to identify. In
most cases, you can use the voltage rating of the light.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
7.2 Total heat output
The total heat output from the PP420 is given by adding the heat output
for both channels as calculated above.
There are several ways to reduce the heat output from the PP420:
Use pulse mode. If the output is only on when you need it, you can sig-
nificantly reduce the heat output. Feed the camera trigger into the PP420
and pulse the lights.
Turn the light of when not needed. If you do not have precise timing of
when the camera will trigger, you can use switched mode to switch the
output off or on depending on the trigger input (or use the PP420 Ethernet
commands to turn the output on and off).
Reduce the output current if possible.
Reduce the supply voltage. Most PSUs have some adjustment in their out-
put voltage.
Connect lights in series instead of parallel. If you have an array of lights or
LEDs in parallel, then changing the arrangement to serial will increase the
voltage across them but reduce the overall current.
Use two PP420s and use one channel from each. For high power applic-
ations, this may be the easiest solution. Even with one light, it is possible to
parallel up two output channels from different PP420s.
Use a higher power controller from the Gardasoft range, for example a
PP820 can dissipate much more heat.
With no heatsinking and no airflow, the PP420 can dissipate the following:
8W at 25°C ambient
4W at 40°C ambient
If the heat output is no greater than 8W, no heatsinking is required. If the
heat output is between 8W and 24W, the PP420 needs to be mounted on
a solid piece of metal to dissipate the heat. Above 24W, it is necessary to
have a large heatsink with fan cooling.
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PP420 LEDlighting controllers - User Manual
8 Connections
The power and load connections to the PP420 are made on screw
terminals at one end of the case, and the triggers on screw terminals at the
other end of the case (see below).
The power and load connections are as follows:
Screw terminal ID Function
LED1– Channel 1 lighting output
LED1+
LED2+ Channel 2 lighting output
LED2–
PSU+ Power supply +
PSU– Power supply −
LED3− Channel 3 lighting output
LED3+
LED4+ Channel 4 lighting output
LED4−
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