LaserPoint PcPlug-R User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
PcPlug-R
LASER POWER & ENERGY METER
(rev03 –16-07-2019)
LaserPoint srl - Via Burona, 51 - 20090 Vimodrone (Milano) - Italy
Phone [phone] - Fax [phone]-www.laserpoint.eu

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Index
1- INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................2
2- UNPACKING AND INSPECTION ...............................................................................................2
2.1 Parts List.....................................................................................................................................................................2
3- SIGNAL WORDS AND SYMBOLS..............................................................................................2
4- SAFETY NOTES .............................................................................................................................3
5- WORKING PRINCIPLE OF PCPLUG-R SENSORS ................................................................4
6- THE PCPLUG-R POWER/ENERGY METER ...........................................................................4
6.1-Drawing and Dimensions...........................................................................................................................................5
6.2-Serial Communication and Outputs:..........................................................................................................................5
7- INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................6
8- QUICK GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT........................................................................................6
9.1- Get Started: ...............................................................................................................................................................6
9.2- Using the PcPlug-R Sensors and the GALILEO Software to Measure Laser Power:...............................................7
9.3- Using the PcPlug-R Sensors and the GALILEO Software to Measure Single Shot Energy:....................................7
9- INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................8
10- TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................................................................................9
11- WARRANTY, RE-CALIBRATION, AND RMA.......................................................................10
12.1- Comprehensive Service for LaserPoint Products:.................................................................................................10
12.2- Three Years Warranty Policy:...............................................................................................................................10
12.3- Minor Repairs Policy:...........................................................................................................................................10
12.4- Annual Meter and Sensor Calibrations: ................................................................................................................10
12.5- Rapid Calibration Service:....................................................................................................................................11
12.6- Re-calibration Procedures and Timing:.................................................................................................................11
12.7- Return Material Authorization ( RMA): ...............................................................................................................11
12.8- Limited Liability:..................................................................................................................................................11
12.9- On line servicing:..................................................................................................................................................12
12- PUBLICATION UPDATES..........................................................................................................12
13- DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY........................................................................................12
14- COMPLIANCE TO ROHS DIRECTIVE (ROHS 3 DIRECTIVE 2015/863/EU)...................12
15- WASTE OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ...............................................12
26.1-Information on Disposal of Electrical & Electronic Equipment (EUROPEAN UNION WEEE DIRECTIVE -
WEEE 2012/19/EU).......................................................................................................................................................12

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1- INTRODUCTION
The PcPlug-R series includes a series of RS-232 instruments for the measurement of laser Power and Energy that
combine both the sensor and the readout electronics in a single plug-and-play product.
In this line the traditional standalone meter has been reduced in size and is now embedded in a case of only 78 x
26.4x15 mm.
Laser measurement is done by connecting directly the instrument to a PC without the need of any additional
electronics instrumentation.
For implementations that require customer written SW and or for system integration, the PcPlug-R is supplied
with serial communication protocol. See the “PcPlug-R - RS-232 Communication Interface” document.
The platform is designed to measure the optical power of lasers or other light sources and the single shot energy
of pulsed light sources, from UV to far IR.
The following sections describe the measurement functionality of PcPlug-R Electronics; for the LaserPoint
sensors and the Galileo Software refer to their specific manuals.
Before using any product from the PcPlug-R line it is worth considering the following:
1-Laser Source: What specific laser has to be measured? Which sensor is the best suitable for that source, in terms
of aperture, full scale, hardness of its absorber? What has to be measured: laser power or laser energy? Are the
laser power, energy, and the power/energy densities exceeding the sensor ratings? (See Sensor Specifications on
http://www.laserpoint.eu/)
2-Instrument Settings: What settings have to be configured (for example, statistics, energy threshold, wavelength,
and so on)?
2- UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Each instrument has been carefully inspected and tested prior to shipment. Unpack the item(s) and assure that no
damage occurred during transport and handling.
Any damage must be immediately reported to LaserPoint and to the Carrier.
Do not use the detector(s) if the delivered parts show signs of damage. If the shipping box seems to be damaged,
carefully inspect the contents mechanically and electrically.
2.1 Parts List
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1. The PcPlug-R Sensor corresponds to what you have ordered;
2. USB Flash Drive with instrument drivers, user application and operation manual;
3. Certificate of Calibration.
3- SIGNAL WORDS AND SYMBOLS
This document contains sections, indicated with signal words and pictorial safety symbols, to draw attention to
particular operating conditions or hazards.
The signal words describe the degree or level of hazard when there is risk of personal injury or equipment
damage. Please read these advices with attention!
This symbol alerts the operator to the danger of exposure to hazardous visible or invisible laser
radiation.

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This symbol alerts the operator to the need of wearing protective laser goggles.
This symbol alerts the operator to be aware of important maintenance or operating instructions.
WARNING!
This symbol remarks hazards that could damage the instrument or dangers that could result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information carefully, before performing
the indicated procedure.
NOTICE!
This symbol indicates information considered important, but not hazard related. The symbol is
used when there is the risk of property damage, additional possibilities offered by the instrument
or by its software or, in general, points that are worth to be remarked.
Before operating this instrument, carefully review the following safety information to avoid personal injury, and
to prevent damage to this instrument or any sensor head that is connected to it. This instrument does not contain
any user-serviceable parts.
4- SAFETY NOTES
Before operating the sensor head and its associated PcPlug-R electronics, carefully read the safety information to
avoid both personal injuries and to prevent damage to the instruments.
Measuring a laser’s Power or Energy, as well as the operation of a laser, is potentially dangerous. The
instruments object of this manual may operate at high Powers/Energies and at wavelengths that may
include non-visible laser radiation.
● Proper operating practices, in accordance with laser manufacturer’s recommendations, are crucial; to ensure
that the correct operating procedures are followed, consult the laser manufacturer and your laser safety officer
●Eyewear and other personal protective equipment must be used in compliance with applicable laws and safety
regulations
1- The user of this instrument must be trained in the use of lasers and their associated risks. LaserPoint
is in no way liable for any damage resulting from misuse, carelessness, or use beyond the rated limits
for the provided products.
2-Complete all the required safety procedures to work with laser beams and wear suitable appropriate
personal protective equipment, such as laser goggles, protection glasses all the time while the laser is
powered ON!
3-Before proceeding to measurements, check the cooling devices applied on the head.
● On heads with water cooling: Verify that water is flowing (when applicable) with the specified flux
and temperature. Wait for at least 5 minutes to achieve the thermal stabilization of detectors and the
maximum stability of electronics.
● On heads with forced air cooling: first connect the fan (when applicable) to the 12V DC power supply and wait
for at least 5 minutes, after turn-on, to achieve the thermal stabilization of detectors and the maximum stability of
electronics. Even at powers far lower than the head full scale, the fan must be connected and active.
WARNING!
4- Specular and diffused back reflections. Always pay attention to the specular and diffused back reflections
originating from laser absorbers. The percentage of absorption depends on each coating type and can vary
between 60 /70% up to > 90 %, as a function of wavelength. The amount of radiation that is not absorbed is
reflected or scattered following the Lambert Cosine Law. To avoid dangerous back reflections that can be
returned to the laser cavity, or are back-focused by lenses, it is recommended to position the head with a small
angle relative to the optical axis. The beam path must be fully enclosed using appropriate light blocking
enclosures.

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5- External Sources. All thermal sensors, in particular those with broadband coatings that extend into IR, are
very sensitive to heat regardless of its source. Extreme care must be taken to ensure that only the measured
radiation reaches the sensor active surface.
Air currents, hands touching the detector, sun light, or other forms of heat will easily alter the measured value.
6- Detector temperature. Thermal heads, in particular those with convection-cooling, may become hot and cause
burns if touched.
7- Do not operate the head and its associated meter in critical medical environments, in wet or damp conditions,
or in an explosive atmosphere.
8- Do not operate the head and its associated meter if damage or potential failures are suspected to occur.
Contact LaserPoint for a qualified service inspection or to repair damaged equipment.
9- Follow all laser safety procedures. The laser must be blocked or switched OFF before beginning the
measurement procedures described in the following sections.
Operate all instruments only within their specified range.
10- Do not exceed the power/energy density limits specified for each sensor.
5- WORKING PRINCIPLE OF PCPLUG-R SENSORS
An updated list and the specifications of PcPlug-R Sensors is available on http://www.laserpoint.eu/
When radiation from a laser, a lamp or, in general, from any radiant source, is absorbed by the coating deposited
onto the sensor aperture of a Thermopile head, a temperature gradient is generated between the active area and
cooling area. Such a thermal gradient generates a voltage proportional to the incident power or energy from the
array of Thermopiles deposited on the sensor disc.
The PcPlug-R Electronics amplifies that voltage, and its internal processing software elaborates the signal to
display the level of power/energy received by the sensor. The software also reduces the signal rise time so that the
display unit will respond faster to incoming signals.
Single pulse (single shot) Energy is calculated by the PcPlug-R Electronics measuring the pulse integral.
The absorbers deposited onto Thermopile sensors have different absorptivity at different wavelengths so the
detectors exhibit different sensitivities at various wavelengths. Sensors are individually calibrated at several
wavelengths and the correction factors for wavelengths can be selected in order to take into account these
variabilities.
All the information about calibration, head model and identification number, the head’s full-scale range, the
calibrated wavelengths, the absorbers sensitivities vs. wavelength data, and the head calibration date are all stored
are stored in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) inside the PcPlug-R
Electronics.
6- THE PCPLUG-R POWER/ENERGY METER
Traditional measurement sets for the measurement of laser power/energy are made of a detector head connected
to a separate electronic unit that amplifies and elaborates the sensor signals and displays the results.
The PcPlug-R line from LaserPoint is a series of laser power measurement instruments based on new
microelectronics circuitry that reduces the complete electronics to the size of a USB stick.
The PcPlug-R series has been specifically developed for all those applications that do not require a display on
board and where measurement can be displayed or acquired with a computer.
As for the other electronics from LaserPoint, also the PcPlug-R uses a high-speed algorithm to speed-up the
natural response time and to increase the recovery time of each integrated thermopile head.

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6.1-Drawing and Dimensions
6.2-Serial Communication and Outputs:
The PcPlug-R Electronics can be easily controlled by a PC or by an acquisition system.
A complete description of the settings and the communication commands can be found in the “PcPlug-R - RS-232
Communication Interface” document.

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7- INSTALLATION
Connect the PcPlug-R electronics to the host PC device by a 9-pin, straight through, RS-232 cable with
female connector.
The PcPlug-R DB-9 female connector pin assignment is as follows:
The PcPlug-R power plug is a 2.1mm connector for a DC 5-12V supply (positive inside). Max 15V.
Current is < 60 mA.
8- QUICK GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT
This section provides a quick guide to perform basic measurements with the PcPlug-R Sensor.
9.1- Get Started:
To start measurements simply follow this list of actions:
1- Insert the RS-232 connector into the PC port.
2- Run Serial Terminal SW or your own SW
3- Set the personal instrument settings:
Select the Measurement Range, Zero the instrument, and choose between the Power or Energy measurement
mode. For detailed instructions please refer to the “PcPlug-R - RS-232 Communication Interface”
document.
4- Verify the set wavelength:
Select the laser wavelength.
5- Zero the instrument:
Resetting the zero value is a recommended action every time a PcPlug-R Sensor is used.
For detailed instructions please refer to the “PcPlug-R - RS-232 Communication Interface” document.
6-Start the measurement session:
Place the detector head in front to the laser source. The measured Power/Energy values will be promptly
displayed on the instrument screen.

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NOTICE!
Carefully ensure that the laser beam only hits the active area of the sensor to avoid possible head damage and
erroneous power measurements.
WARNING:
To avoid the risk of damaging the absorber do not exceed the maximum limits for power, power density, energy,
and energy density reported in the specifications for each sensor and its associated absorber.
9.2- Using the PcPlug-R Sensors to Measure Laser Power:
1- Select the “Power” Measurement Mode. For detailed instructions please refer to the “PcPlug-R - RS-232
Communication Interface” document.
2- Select the correct Full Scale Range.
3- Set the Laser to the appropriate setting and fire it.
9.3- Using the PcPlug-R Sensors to Measure Single Shot Energy:
In addition to laser power, Thermopile sensors can be also used to measure the energy of single pulses (single
shots) or the total energy of multiple pulses (burst pulse).
In fact, consistently with the definition of Energy, Thermopile Sensors integrate the power flowing through the
sensor over the time. Since the sensor can take up to several seconds to heat-up and cool down, Thermopile-based
heads are intrinsically slow and can measure one pulse every several seconds; however, since the measurement is
about the transit time of heat flowing through the sensor, there is no limitation (except for the energy density
bearable by the absorber) on how short the pulses are. On the other front, laser pulses can be several msec long
(as is the case of a burst of short pulses that are seen by the sensor as a single long pulse.)
1- Select the “Energy” Measurement Mode. For detailed instructions please refer to the “PcPlug-R - RS-232
Communication Interface” document.
2- Select the correct Full Scale Range.
3- set the Laser to the appropriate setting; when the green dot at the top left of the screen warns that the
instrument is ready for the measurement, fire the laser.

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9- INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Detector Compatibility
Thermopile Heads
Input Ranges
0-7 mV to 0-700 mV full scales
Data output rate
8 samples/sec or 192 samples/sec
This depends on sensor type connected
A to D Resolution
23-bit ADC resolution,
16-bit processing resolution
Electrical accuracy
± 0.5%
Electrical Input Noise
500 nV
Input Offset Voltage drift
-4 nV/°C (typical)
Dynamic Range
8 decades
Case Dimensions
78 x 26.4 x 14.6 (mm) H x W x D
Weight
26 g
DC in voltage
5-12 V through 2.1mm power connector (positive inside).
Max 15 V.
DC in current
< 60 mA
Operating Temperature Range
+5° to +40°C
Storage Temperature Range
-20° to 70°C
Max relative humidity
70%
International Regulations
and RoHS Compliant

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10-TROUBLESHOOTING
The PcPlug-R Electronics is a delicate and must be protected from dust, oil fumes and water or high humidity.
● Do not remove the PcPlug-R Electronics cover.
● Do not use sprays, liquids or solvents to avoid damages to the instrument.
● Immediately contact LaserPoint if a malfunction occurs: the instrument does not contain any circuitry
and/or components that can be repaired by the user himself.
A short troubleshooting guide is reported below:
Encountered Problem
Possible Causes
The communication with the PcPlug-R
doesn’t work
- Verify that the PcPlug-R is correctly installed
- Check the COM port using Device Manager
- Verify that the green LED is on; if not, check the power supply
and the power connector.
Power or Energy reading is negative
- Select Power Mode, make sure that the sensor housing is not hit
by any laser/thermal radiation and perform an instrument ZERO
The measurements are different from
previous / expected values
- Verify that the laser beam is centered on the sensor
- Verify if the sensor coating shows signs of discoloration or
damages: contact LaserPoint.
The unit responds when head is still at a
low temperature, but the output signal
suddenly goes to zero as the head heats
up.
-The head sensor disc must be replaced. Contact LaserPoint
When measuring power, the reading
does not return to zero
- Check if the cooling conditions are correct for the head
- Allow the head to cool if it is still hot (it may take a few
minutes)
- It may be necessary to perform an instrument ZERO (make sure
that the sensor housing is not hit by any laser/thermal radiation
and perform an instrument ZERO)
If the encountered issues cannot be resolved using the above hints, please contact LaserPoint.

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11-WARRANTY, RE-CALIBRATION, AND RMA
12.1- Comprehensive Service for LaserPoint Products:
LaserPoint sensors and meters are precision instruments that can provide many years of accurate and reliable
measurements.
To maintain a consistent level of performance, it is recommended that that units are recalibrated once a year.
When returned for re-calibration a complete check of the instrument is made by LaserPoint and the customer will
be informed whether any service has to be done. It is however advisable that, in the period between re-
calibrations, the customer periodically verifies the existing state of cables, coatings and cooling system and
immediately applies to LaserPoint if assistance is needed.
LaserPoint provides a comprehensive warranty and assistance package that provides excellent service and ensures
the longest life of the meters and sensors:
1- Three Year Limited Warranty on products, which includes confirming the product reliability
2- Calibration of power/energy levels using in-house standards that are traceable to NIST or PTB standards.
3- Fast re-calibration turnaround time
4- Perform minor repairs during annual calibration of meters and sensors
12.2- Three Years Warranty Policy:
All LaserPoint products are warranted against material defects in materials and workmanship for 36 months from
the date of shipment. During the warranty period, LaserPoint will repair, or at its sole discretion, replace, at no
charge, the products proven to be defective. Defective products can only be returned to LaserPoint after issuance
of an RMA number. Shipment to and from LaserPoint are at the customer's expense.
The Three (3) Year Warranty does not provide for remedy of failures caused by accidental and physical damage,
improper installation and operation, cleaning or un-authorized maintenance, misuse, abuse, modifications to the
product not made by LaserPoint personnel, software faults, normal wear and tear, or any other event, act, default,
or omission outside of the control of LaserPoint.
12.3- Minor Repairs Policy:
LaserPoint provides more than the re-calibration services. Each time a sensor head or meter is sent back for re-
calibration, the complete functionality of each unit is verified and needed minor repairs are made at no expense to
the customer.
Minor repairs include manufacturer defects (which only became obvious after the warranty period), hardware,
firmware and software updates, damaged cables and connectors and other small and simple repairs, valued –
workmanship included- less than 50$.
Major damage caused by the customer, or other repairs, like replacement of laser-damaged sensors or the repair of
damage caused by misuse, are not covered and a repair service charge will be required for these repairs. In these
cases, customers will receive a quote or a proposal for the complete replacement of a damaged unit.
12.4- Annual Meter and Sensor Calibrations:
LaserPoint meters and sensors can provide many years of service if the user properly maintains the equipment and
choses to have the meters and sensors re-calibrated on an annual basis.
Extended use, operation in adverse environments, and environmental factors can affect the measurement accuracy
and reliability or add wear and tear to parts. To maintain the specified level of performance, it is important that
the meters and sensors are periodically checked and that they receive an annual re-calibration. Calibrations are
performed with in-house standards that are traceable to NIST and PTB standards.
To insure the best possible calibration accuracy, such as at high laser powers and to remove other possible sources
of errors (e.g. non-linearity as a function of power), LaserPoint has several lasers that have powers ranging up to
1 KW.

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12.5- Rapid Calibration Service:
Typical turnaround times for the Rapid Recalibration Service, are 10 business days. These turnaround times occur
after the items have been received by LaserPoint Service Center, and do not include transit times.
a) faster re-calibration times are free of charge but must be booked in advance: contact [e-mail] and
ask for the first available time slot that can be reserved for calibration;
b) The following information must be included in the calibration request, sent by fax or email: the re-calibration
wavelength(s), if recalibration is to be performed for Power or Power + Energy, and the product(s) model and
serial numbers. A Purchase Order for the Calibration Service is sufficient and no RMA (Return Material
Authorization) form is needed.
c) LaserPoint will communicate the first available time slot and customers are requested to ensure that the
products arrive in advance of the agreed upon date.
d) Items that do not conform to the fast re-calibration policy will be placed in a queue, where the first items to
arrive will be calibrated first.
12.6- Re-calibration Procedures and Timing:
For re-calibrations, a Purchase Order for this service is acceptable, and a return materials authorization (RMA)
form is not necessary.
Ensure that the shipping documents include your PO number.
1- It is mandatory that the PO includes, for each sent item, the following information: the re-calibration
wavelength(s), if recalibration has to be performed for Power or Power + Energy, and the product model and
serial numbers.
POs with incomplete information cannot be correctly processed, and the time required for re-calibration will be
extended until all the information has been received.
2- Shipment costs to and from LaserPoint are at the customer's expense.
12.7- Return Material Authorization ( RMA):
Comply to our return and shipping policy conditions:
a) LaserPoint product cannot be returned directly to LaserPoint without first asking for a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number.
b) If the customer submits items when an RMA number has not been issued, then the items will be returned to the
customer at the customer’s expense.
c) LaserPoint or its authorized third parties are the only entities authorized to repair or replace defective parts or
products, in accordance with the internal procedures at LaserPoint.
d) After the items are serviced, the items will be shipped back to the customer, provided that all issued invoices
have been paid in full, prior to performing the servicing, unless different terms were agreed upon.
Instructions for returning equipment:
1- Ask LaserPoint ([email protected]) for an RMA number prior to shipping any product to LaserPoint.
2- Fill in the Customer RMA Form that is provided by LaserPoint Customer Service.
3- The RMA number has to be clearly written on all related documentation and on the outside of the
package.
4- Ship items through a traceable carrier.
5- LaserPoint is not liable for damage that occurs during shipping.
12.8- Limited Liability:
Prior to returning any unit, please provide a description of the failure or encountered problem(s), and consult with
the Service Department at LaserPoint to avoid unnecessary shipments.
LaserPoint will, at its sole discrestion, repair or replace all defective parts without charge to the customer;
however, if LaserPoint determines that the failure was caused by misuse, alterations, an accident, or an abnormal
operational condition or handling, then the customer will be billed for the repair and the repaired product will be
returned, transportation and insurance prepaid by the customer.

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12.9- On line servicing:
For any urgent question regarding servicing, contact sales at [e-mail].
12-PUBLICATION UPDATES
To view information that may have been revised or added after the publication of this manual, visit
http://www.laserpoint.eu/
13-DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Declaration of Conformity certificates are available upon request.
14-COMPLIANCE TO ROHS DIRECTIVE (ROHS 3 DIRECTIVE 2015/863/EU)
The European Directive about Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS 2 Directive 2015/863/EU) requires
that certain hazardous substances (heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium and
flame retardants such as polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and the
phthalates added in the RoHS 3 expanded list, such as DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) are substituted by safer
alternatives.
LaserPoint PcPlug-R Power & Energy meter is a product compliant to RoHS European Directive.
15-WASTE OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
26.1-Information on Disposal of Electrical & Electronic Equipment (EUROPEAN UNION WEEE
DIRECTIVE -WEEE 2012/19/EU)
This product bears the selective sorting symbol for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This
means that this product must be handled to the local collecting points or given back to retailer when you buy a
new product, in a ratio of one to one pursuant to European Directive 2012/19/EU in order to be recycled or
dismantled to minimize its impact on the environment.
Very small WEEE (no external dimension more than 25 cm) can be delivered to retailers free of charge to end-
Rsers and with no obligation to buy EEE of an equivalent type. For further information, please contact your local
or regional authorities. Electronic products not included in the selective sorting process are potentially dangerous
for the environment and human health due to the presence of hazardous substances. The unlawful disposal of the
product carries a fine according to the legislation currently in force.
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