opto engineering LTDVE1CH-40F User manual

Firmware version 1.10 - Document version 1.06 - eng
ACCESSORIES
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL
Strobe controller 1 CH – Firmware version 1.10
LTDVE1CH-40F

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LTDVE1CH-40F | INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL
INDEX
1. Disclaimer ................................................................................................ 5
2. Safety notes ............................................................................................. 5
3. Product end-of-life handling ................................................................... 5
4. General description ................................................................................. 6
4.1. Benefits of current control .........................................................................................6
4.2. Operating mode.........................................................................................................6
5. Getting started ......................................................................................... 7
6. Mechanical fixing..................................................................................... 7
7. Heat dissipation ....................................................................................... 7
7.1. Calculating generated heat .......................................................................................8
7.2. Reducing generated heat ..........................................................................................8
8. Connections............................................................................................. 8
8.1. Layout of connectors.................................................................................................8
8.2. Power and logic supply ...........................................................................................10
8.3. Light output .............................................................................................................10
8.4. Input/output synchronization ...................................................................................11
8.4.1. Synchronization input ......................................................................................................11
8.4.2. Synchronization output ....................................................................................................12
8.4.3. Serial RS485 interface .....................................................................................................12
8.4.4. External temperature sensor.............................................................................................13
8.5. Cable size and length..............................................................................................13
9. Communication interfaces.................................................................... 14
9.1. Serial RS485 interface ............................................................................................14
9.2. Ethernet interface....................................................................................................14
10. Visual indicators .................................................................................. 15
11. Functions of INIT button...................................................................... 16
12. Pulse shaping logic ............................................................................. 16
12.1. Diagram of internal logic........................................................................................16
12.2. Input filter ..............................................................................................................17
12.3. Input multiplexers ..................................................................................................18
12.4. Pulse generators ...................................................................................................18
12.5. Output multiplexers ...............................................................................................18
12.6. Output protection...................................................................................................19
12.7. Free running oscillator...........................................................................................20

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13. Wiring diagrams................................................................................... 20
13.1. Wiring example #1: controller triggers camera ......................................................20
13.2. Wiring example #2: camera triggers controller ......................................................21
14. Operation.............................................................................................. 22
14.1. Operation with Modbus .........................................................................................22
14.1.1. Comparison of Modbus/RTU, Modbus/TCP and Modbus/UDP ...................................22
14.1.2. Supported function codes...............................................................................................22
14.1.3. Read Holding Registers (0x03)......................................................................................23
14.1.4. Write Single Register (0x06)..........................................................................................23
14.1.5. Write Multiple Registers (0x10) ....................................................................................23
14.2. Register file ...........................................................................................................23
14.2.1. Register DEVICE_TYPE...............................................................................................37
14.2.2. Register BOOT_VERSION ...........................................................................................37
14.2.3. Register MCU_VERSION.............................................................................................37
14.2.4. Register FPGA_VERSION............................................................................................37
14.2.5. Register BOARD_VERSION ........................................................................................37
14.2.6. Register OSC_PERIOD .................................................................................................37
14.2.7. Register FILTER_SEL0 .................................................................................................37
14.2.8. Registers INPUT_SEL[0-1]...........................................................................................37
14.2.9. Registers GEN_DELAY_BASE[0-1] ............................................................................38
14.2.10. Registers GEN_DELAY_COUNT[0-1].......................................................................38
14.2.11. Registers GEN_WIDTH_BASE[0-1] ..........................................................................38
14.2.12. Registers GEN_WIDTH_COUNT[0-1] ......................................................................39
14.2.13. Registers OUTPUT_SEL_HI0 and OUTPUT_SEL_HI8............................................39
14.2.14. Registers OUTPUT_SEL_LO0 and OUTPUT_SEL_LO8..........................................40
14.2.15. Register PRT_CNT_ON0 ............................................................................................40
14.2.16. Register PRT_ENA_ON0 ............................................................................................40
14.2.17. Register PRT_CNT_OFF0...........................................................................................40
14.2.18. Register PRT_ENA_OFF0...........................................................................................40
14.2.19. Register CUR_RANGE0 .............................................................................................40
14.2.20. Register CUR_VALUE0 ..............................................................................................41
14.2.21. Register RS485_MODBUS_ADDR ............................................................................41
14.2.22. Register RS485_LINE_SPEED ...................................................................................41
14.2.23. Register RS485_LINE_PARITY .................................................................................41
14.2.24. Registers ETH_MAC_ADDR[0-2]..............................................................................42
14.2.25. Registers ETH_HOSTNAME[0-7]..............................................................................42
14.2.26. Register ETH_DHCP_ENABLE .................................................................................42

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14.2.27. Register ETH_IP_ADDR_HI ......................................................................................42
14.2.28. Register ETH_IP_ADDR_LO .....................................................................................42
14.2.29. Register ETH_SUBNET_MASK_HI ..........................................................................43
14.2.30. Register ETH_SUBNET_MASK_LO .........................................................................43
14.2.31. Register ETH_DEF_GATEWAY_HI...........................................................................43
14.2.32. Register ETH_DEF_GATEWAY_LO..........................................................................43
14.2.33. Register ETH_PRI_DNS_HI .......................................................................................43
14.2.34. Register ETH_PRI_DNS_LO ......................................................................................43
14.2.35. Register ETH_SEC_DNS_HI ......................................................................................43
14.2.36. Register ETH_SEC_DNS_LO.....................................................................................44
14.2.37. Register ETH_MODBUS_ADDR ...............................................................................44
14.2.38. Register ETH_MODBUS_TCP_PORT .......................................................................44
14.2.39. Register ETH_MODBUS_UDP_PORT ......................................................................44
14.2.40. Registers WEB_PASSWORD[0-3]..............................................................................44
14.2.41. Register CONVERTER_TEMPERATURE.................................................................44
14.2.42. Register DRIVER_TEMPERATURE..........................................................................45
14.2.43. Register REMOTE_TEMPERATURE0 ......................................................................45
14.2.44. Register SUPPLY_VOLTAGE.....................................................................................45
14.2.45. Register MEASURED_CURRENT0...........................................................................45
14.2.46. Register MEASURED_VOLTAGE0 ...........................................................................45
14.2.47. Register ERROR_WORD............................................................................................46
14.2.48. Registers GEN_HOLD_BASE[0-1] ............................................................................46
14.2.49. Registers GEN_HOLD_COUNT[0-1].........................................................................46
14.2.50. Registers GEN_EDGE_SEL[0-1]................................................................................47
14.2.51. Register POLARITY_SEL0 ........................................................................................47
14.2.52. Register DRIVE_TIME0 .............................................................................................47
14.2.53. Register CUR_RED_DELAY0....................................................................................48
14.2.54. Register CUR_RED_VALUE0 ....................................................................................48
14.2.55. Register SOFTWARE_TRIGGER...............................................................................48
14.2.56. Register CONVERTER_MODE..................................................................................48
14.2.57. Register CONVERTER_MAXIMUM_VOLTAGE.....................................................49
14.2.58. Register CONVERTER_PRESET_VOLTAGE...........................................................49
14.2.59. Register DIGIPOT_VALUE ........................................................................................50
14.2.60. Register CONVERTER_VOLTAGE ...........................................................................50
14.2.61. Register DRIVER_VOLTAGE ....................................................................................50
14.2.62. Register SUPPLY_CURRENT ....................................................................................50
14.2.63. Register CONVERTER_CURRENT...........................................................................50

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14.2.64. Registers CAL_XXX ...................................................................................................51
14.2.65. Registers CAL_UNLOCK_CODE[0-1] ......................................................................51
14.2.66. Register BOARD_COMMAND ..................................................................................51
14.3. Operation with a web browser...............................................................................51
14.3.1. Main page and navigation menu ....................................................................................51
14.3.2. Setup synch inputs .........................................................................................................53
14.3.3. Setup pulse generators ...................................................................................................54
14.3.4. Setup light outputs .........................................................................................................55
14.3.5. Setup synch outputs .......................................................................................................57
14.3.6. General setup..................................................................................................................58
14.3.7. Advanced setup ..............................................................................................................59
15. Operation with FabImage .................................................................... 60
15.1. Filter selection .......................................................................................................61
15.2. Designing a simple program for reading a register................................................63
15.3. Designing a simple program for writing a register .................................................64
16. Electromagnetic compatibility ............................................................ 66
17. Firmware update procedure................................................................ 66

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1. Disclaimer
Always deploy and store Opto Engineering products in the prescribed conditions in order to ensure
proper functioning. Failing to comply with the following conditions may shorten the product lifetime
and/or result in malfunctioning, performance degradation or failure.
Ensure that incorrect functioning of this equipment cannot cause any dangerous situation or
significant financial loss to occur. It is essential that the user ensures that the operation of the
controller is suitable for their application. All trademarks mentioned herein belong to their respective
owners.
Except as prohibited by law:
•All hardware, software and documentation are provided on an “as is” basis
•Opto Engineering accepts no liability for consequential loss, of any kind
Upon receiving your Opto Engineering product, visually examine the product for any damage during
shipping. If the product is damaged upon receipt, please notify Opto Engineering immediately.
2. Safety notes
Please read the following notes before using this controller. Contact your distributor or dealer for any
doubts or further advice.
This device must not be used in an application where its failure could cause a hazard to human
health or damage to other equipment. Keep in mind that if the device is used in a manner not
foreseen by the manufacturer, the protection provided by its circuits and by its enclosure may be
impaired.
This is a low voltage device. As such, the potential difference between any combination of applied
signals must not exceed, at all times, the supply voltage. Higher voltages may cause a fault and can
be dangerous to human health.
This device has limited protection against transients caused by inductive loads. If necessary, use
external protection devices like fast diodes or, better, specific transient protectors.
The controller outputs pulses with high energy content. The user must be careful to connect the
inputs and outputs correctly and to protect the output wiring and load from unintentional short-
circuits. When the device is switched off, there is still energy stored in the internal capacitors for at
least five minutes.
When operating the controller at the maximum ratings it can get very hot. The controller should be
positioned where personnel cannot accidentally touch it and away from flammable materials. Never
exceed the power ratings stated in the manual.
3. Product end-of-life handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling this equipment or its components.
Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment
may contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly
handled at the product’s end of life. In order to avoid release of such substances into the environment
and to reduce the use of natural resources, we encourage you to recycle this product in an
appropriate system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused or recycled appropriately.
This symbol indicates that this product complies with the applicable European Union
requirements according to the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
Directive 2012/19/EU

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4. General description
Any machine vision application employs some kind of light controller. Light controllers are widely
used to both optimize illumination intensity and obtain repeatable trigger sequencing between lights
and vision cameras.
This controller is a compact unit that includes power supply conditioning, intensity control, timing
generation and advanced triggering functions.
The controller can be set up using a PC with serial RS485 or Ethernet interfaces. Configurations are
saved in non-volatile memory so that the controller will resume operation after a power cycle.
For older firmware versions, please contact us on www.opto-e.com to receive the corresponding
manual.
4.1. Benefits of current control
Most LED manufacturers suggest their products to be driven using a constant current source, not a
constant voltage source. This is because, using a constant voltage driving, small variations in
temperature or voltage at the LEDs can cause a noticeable change in their brightness.
Brightness control with voltage is also very difficult because of the non-linearity of brightness with
voltage. On the contrary, the brightness is approximately linear with current, so by driving the LEDs
with a known current, intensity control is linear.
4.2. Operating mode
This strobe controller has one programmable, current-controlled light output. The light output can be
used in pulsed or continuous mode.
In pulsed mode the light is switched on only when necessary. A digital input is used as a trigger
source. When a rising or falling edge on the trigger signal is detected the output is pulsed for the
programmed amount of time.
Using this technique, it is possible to obtain excellent steady images of moving objects. The camera
can be set for an arbitrary long exposure time and the light turned on for a shorter time, just enough
to freeze the motion. This helps to overcome the uncertainty issues usually related with integration
start which, to some degree, afflict most commercial cameras.
The delay from the trigger to the output pulse, the width of the output pulse and the intensity of the
output pulse are all independently configurable. The pulse delay can range from 0 µs to 1 s. The
pulse width can range from 1 µs to 1 s.
In continuous mode the light is always switched on, independently from the trigger signal. Using this
technique, the maximum current value for the channel has to be limited in order to prevent the
overheating of the controller.
The current ranges are:
•Low current, up to 500 mA (with a resolution of 2 mA)
•High current, up to 40 A (with a resolution of 40 mA)
The controller must be powered with a fixed supply voltage of 24 V DC. There is an internal DC/DC
converter that can be programmed to provide any voltage between 5 V and 190 V for supplying the
output drivers. This allows a large number of different lights to be efficiently driven.
The DC/DC converter is power limited to around 60 W. Limit maximum continuous current to:
•4 A at a maximum voltage of 15 V
•2 A at a maximum voltage of 30 V
In any case, if the light is driven continuously limit the DC/DC converter output voltage to a maximum

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value of 55 V.
For more information about current and power limitations refer to chapter 7.
5. Getting started
Carefully read the sections on Safety Notes and Heat Dissipation and check the product fits your
needs. Mount the controller as described in the section on Mechanical fixing.
Connect the controller as in the section on Connections. When the controller powers up it should
show the PWR LED lit with a stable green colour and the RUN LED lit with a flashing green colour.
Read the section on Operation. The controller can be configured by using both a serial RS485
interface and an Ethernet interface (see chapter 9).
6. Mechanical fixing
The controller must be mounted on a suitable thermally conductive surface in order to dissipate the
generated heat. Allow free flow of air around the unit. The controller has an IP rating of 20 and should
be installed so that moisture and dirt cannot enter it.
An enclosure may also be required for other parts of the system such as power supplies. That
enclosure would provide both mechanical and environmental protection in industrial applications.
7. Heat dissipation
The controller integrates several linear circuits to produce the constant current output. This means
that it generates heat which needs to be dissipated. The operating temperature range is 0 °C to
40 °C.
With a suitable heatsink the controller can approximately dissipate the following average powers:
•20 W at 25 °C
•15 W at 40 °C
A simple way to estimate the maximum average power the controller can dissipate is by applying the
following formula:
DissipablePower [W] = (TempHeatsink [°C] – TempAmbient [°C]) / ThResistance [°C/W]
Where:
•DissipablePower is the maximum average power the controller can dissipate
•TempHeatsink is the maximum temperature of the controller heatsink
•TempAmbient is the actual temperature of the ambient where the controller is placed
•ThResistance is the thermal resistance between the heatsink and the ambient
For this controller the ThResistance parameter is about 3.2 °C/W.
The maximum permissible controller heatsink temperature is 90 °C. If the heatsink temperature rises
above 90 °C, the controller switches off the output channel. The output channel is then reactivated
once temperature falls below 80 °C.
If the average power that must be dissipated is greater than the previously stated value, a different
and more efficient cooling system is required. Solutions could be the use of a cooling fan (active
cooling system) or the use of a bigger heatsink (passive cooling system).
There is an internal DC/DC converter that can be programmed to provide any voltage between 5 V
and 190 V for supplying the light. Take care of the actual converter output voltage when calculating
the generated heat.

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7.1. Calculating generated heat
For a pulsed output, the average power that is transformed to heat and then must be dissipated can
be calculated using the following formula:
Heat [W] = LightCurrent [A] * (DriverVoltage [V] – LightVoltage [V]) * DutyCycle [·]
Where:
•LightCurrent is the illuminator operating current
•LightVoltage is the illuminator operating voltage
•DriverVoltage is the actual DC/DC converter output voltage (from 5 V to 190 V)
•DutyCycle is the actual duty cycle
The duty cycle is given by:
DutyCycle [·] = PulseWidth [s] * TriggerFrequency [Hz]
If the output is driven in continuous mode, the previous equations are still valid but the parameter
DutyCycle becomes 1.0 because the output is always active. In continuous mode limit the output
current to 4 A at a maximum voltage of 15 V and to 2 A at a maximum voltage of 30 V.
The parameters LightCurrent and LightVoltage are light specific and should be either given in the
light documentation or measured experimentally.
7.2. Reducing generated heat
The total heat generated by the controller is simply given by the generated heat as calculated in the
previous section.
There are several ways to reduce the heat generated by the controller. The simplest way would be
to turn the light off when not needed. If the light is on only when necessary, the generated heat can
be drastically diminished. Another opportunity would be to reduce pulse width or output current, if
permitted by the application.
Another strategy to reduce the generated heat would be to connect lights in series instead of parallel,
if possible. If you have several lights connected in parallel then changing the arrangement to series
will increase the voltage across them but also reduce the overall current.
8. Connections
See the next sections for information about connections. Power supply and light output connections
are made via screw terminals on the right-side panel of the controller. Check all connections carefully
before switching on the equipment.
The controller has two 24 V DC power supplies: a dedicated power supply for the power stages and
a dedicated power supply for the logic section. This is to increase versatility.
Inside the controller, supply to the logic circuits is derived using a pair of diodes from both of these
power supplies. This means that either of the two supplies can power the logic circuits.
Ideally, supply to the power stages could be removed at any time to protect the end user from
photobiological and other hazards that can occur during fault conditions. Should supply to the power
stages be removed while the system is running, the system designer may consider providing the
dedicated logic supply to keep the controller powered and responsive.
For convenience, the two power supplies share a single, common negative terminal.
8.1. Layout of connectors
The drawing in Figure 1: connectors on the controller depicts all the controller connections, which

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are easily accessible on the left-side and right-side panels. As indicated in the drawing, connectors
are identified by their unique designators (P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5).
Figure 1: connectors on the controller
The connectors are briefly described below. A detailed description follows in the next sections.
•Connector P1 is used to supply power
•Connector P2 is used to connect the light
•Connector P3 is an Ethernet RJ45 jack
•Connector P4 is a USB port (B type), not active at the moment
•Connector P5 is used for input/output synchronization and for serial RS485 communication
For connectors P1, P2 and P5 a mating plug is provided in the controller package. For convenience
the relevant manufacturer part numbers are listed in Table 1: mating plugs for the controller
connectors. Even if equivalent mating plugs may be available, these are the recommended
components.
Connector designator
Manufacturer
Mating plug part number
P1
Phoenix Contact
1757035
P2
Phoenix Contact
1757019
P5
MH Connectors
MHDM15SS
Table 1: mating plugs for the controller connectors

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8.2. Power and logic supply
The power supply voltage must be 24 V DC. A dedicated and well-regulated switching power supply
is required. The external power supply must be capable of supplying the average and peak currents
needed for the light output.
Choose a power supply unit that limits its output current by design or use protecting fuses. The fuses
should be appropriately de-rated if mounted in an enclosure, as the inside temperature can be higher
than the ambient temperature.
Ensure that the wire gauge used for these power connections is appropriate for the current to be
drawn. The power supply low voltage and mains wiring should be separately routed.
Power supply is delivered to the controller using the screw terminals of connector P1. Connector
pinout, ordered from left to right, is listed in Table 2: pinout of connector P.
Number
Name
Description
Note
1
EARTH
Protective earth
2
+V LOG
Power supply. Positive terminal
Used for logic section
3
0V
Power supply. Negative terminal
4
+V PWR
Power supply. Positive terminal
Used for power stages
Table 2: pinout of connector P1
The controller has two 24 V power terminals to independently supply the logic and power sections
inside the unit. They are named +V LOG and +V PWR. These two supplies can be connected
together or separately, as required by the application. They share the common negative terminal
named 0V. It must be connected to the power supply negative.
Ensure that the polarity of +V LOG, +V PWR and 0V is correct before applying power.
8.3. Light output
Light output is on the 2-way pluggable screw terminal socket named P2. The light output connection
must not be paralleled or grounded in any way.
The state of the output is shown by a yellow LED indicator on the top panel of the controller.
Make sure you set the correct current rating for the light before using it. See the light datasheet and
manual for details on this topic.
Connector pinout, ordered from left to right, is listed in Table 3: pinout of connector P.
Number
Name
Description
Note
1
LD+
Power channel output. LED anode
2
LD-
Power channel output. LED cathode
Table 3: pinout of connector P2
Please note that LED- is not the same as 0V.

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8.4. Input/output synchronization
Connector P5 is used for input and output synchronization and for serial RS485 communication.
There is one, galvanically isolated, synchronization input. This input can be connected directly to the
system for voltages up to 24 V. An external series resistor is not necessary. The synchronization
input may be left unconnected when not used. The state of the synchronization input is shown by a
green LED indicator on the top panel of the controller.
There is one, galvanically isolated, synchronization output. This output can be used, for example, to
trigger a camera or a slave controller. This output can be connected directly to the system for
voltages up to 24 V. The state of the synchronization output is shown by a yellow LED indicator on
the top panel of the controller.
Connector P5 also provides three signals for a non-electrically isolated serial RS485 interface and
two signals for one optional and non-electrically isolated external temperature sensor. The activity of
the serial RS485 interface is shown by a dedicated yellow LED on the top panel of the controller.
See the following section for more information about connector P5.
8.4.1. Synchronization input
The synchronization input is available on the TR+ and TR- terminals of connector P5. These signals
are listed in Table 4: pinout of connector P5 for synchronization input.
Pin number
Name
Description
1
TR-
Input. Negative terminal
9
TR+
Input. Positive terminal
Table 4: pinout of connector P5 for synchronization input
The schematic of Figure 2: interface circuit for input synchronization depicts the internal input circuit.
An internal constant current generator connected in series with the input allows for a broad range of
input voltages without any need for a series resistor. The input can be directly driven by voltages up
to 24 V.
Figure 2: interface circuit for input synchronization
Circuit specifications are summarized in Table 5: specifications of input synchronization circuit.
Please note the reported values are typical.
Parameter
Value
Unit
Note
Uin (low)
0 – 1
V
-
Uin (high)
2.5 – 24
V
-

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Iin
2.6 – 5.7
mA
Internal constant-current generator
Table 5: specifications of input synchronization circuit
8.4.2. Synchronization output
The synchronization output is available on the SH+ and SH- terminals of connector P5. These signals
are listed in the Table 6: pinout of connector P5 for synchronization output.
Pin number
Name
Description
3
SH-
Output. Emitter terminal
11
SH+
Output. Collector terminal
Table 6: pinout of connector P5 for synchronization output
The schematic of Figure 3: interface circuit for output synchronization depicts the internal output
circuit. This output can be directly connected to voltages up to 24 V.
Figure 3: interface circuit for output synchronization
Circuit specifications are summarized in Table 7: specifications of output synchronization circuit.
Please note the reported values are typical.
Parameter
Value
Unit
Note
Iout (typ)
10
mA
-
Iout (max)
15
mA
-
Uout (max)
24
V
-
Table 7: specifications of output synchronization circuit
8.4.3. Serial RS485 interface
The serial interface is available on the D+, D- and GND terminals of connector P5. These signals
are listed in Table 8: pinout of serial interface in connector P. Be careful not to cross-connect the
serial interface signals.
Pin number
Name
Description
Note
7
D-
RS485 data signal. Negative terminal
-
8
GND
RS485 reference ground
-
15
D+
RS485 data signal. Positive terminal
-

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Table 8: pinout of serial interface in connector P5
The interface is NOT electrically isolated. Note that GND is internally connected to 0V.
8.4.4. External temperature sensor
The controller allows for the connection of one external temperature sensor. The intended
temperature sensing element is a NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor with
coefficients R25 = 10 kΩ and B25/85 = 3610 K. A suitable component is the Vishay
NTCS0603E3103FMT.
The signals are listed in Table 9: pinout of external temperature sensor in connector P. The two
terminals can be connected freely to the external thermistor, as the component is not polarized.
Pin number
Name
Description
5
NTC_A
Temperature sensor terminal A
13
NTC_B
Temperature sensor terminal B
Table 9: pinout of external temperature sensor in connector P5
These analogue signals are not electrically isolated from the controller electronics. Be careful not to
connect them to any other signal. A severe malfunction or even a short circuit may occur.
8.5. Cable size and length
The actual connecting cables must be chosen on the basis of their load sinking current, the length,
the working voltage and the cable materials characteristics. Special ambient conditions may further
restrict the choice to a specific kind of cable.
The Table 10: cable wire size and length lists the recommended wire sizes and maximum allowed
lengths for all the cables coming to and leaving from the controller. American Wire Gauge (AWG) is
the wire measurement system used by the United States and Canada, while mm is the metric system
of measurement used across Europe and in most of the world.
Port
Recommended wire size
Maximum length [m]
mm2
AWG
Power and logic supply
1.5
15
5
Light output
0.75
18
3
Synchronization inputs
0.25
24
5
Synchronization outputs
0.25
24
5
Serial RS485 interface
0.25
24
5
External temperature sensor
0.25
24
5
Table 10: cable wire size and length
For improved immunity against external disturbance sources, use a single shielded cable or multiple
shielded cables, grounded at the end opposite to the controller, on the synchronization input,
synchronization output, serial RS485 interface and external temperature sensor signals.

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For the light use a cable as short as possible and with appropriate wire size. Cable reactance limits
performance in pulsed mode, consider to reduce its value by connecting two or more smaller wires
in parallel. For long cables it is recommended to raise the voltage of the illumination. This can be
realized by selecting a light with LEDs connected in series rather than connected in parallel.
9. Communication interfaces
There are several ways to configure the controller.
A first option is to use the serial RS485 interface. To support this interface the controller implements
a subset of the Modbus/RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) slave protocol.
A second option is to use the Ethernet interface. Supported Ethernet speeds are 10 Mbit/s and 100
Mbit/s with auto negotiation. The Ethernet interface allows to configure the controller using the
Modbus/TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) slave protocol, the Modbus/UDP (User Datagram
Protocol) slave protocol or the HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) protocol. For supporting the
latter, the controller provides an internal web server accessible by most common web browsers.
The Modbus/RTU, Modbus/TCP and Modbus/UDP protocols are implemented by most
programmable logic controllers (PLCs) with a suitable interface.
The availability of two physical interfaces and four logical protocols makes it easy to integrate the
controller in most vision applications.
See chapter 14 for details on operation with both Modbus and web browser.
9.1. Serial RS485 interface
For the serial RS485 interface, the controller implements a subset of the Modbus/RTU slave protocol
and operates, by default, at 9600 bits per second with even parity. The factory set Modbus address
is 32 and it is saved in the controller non-volatile memory.
The Modbus address is one of the controller parameters and can be changed using any of the
available interfaces. The factory set Modbus address can be restored using the INIT button (see
chapter 11 for a description of the INIT button functionalities).
Please note valid Modbus addresses for slave devices are in the range 1 to 247; remaining
addresses are reserved by the standard for special purposes and must not be used. It is of great
importance to ensure, at the time of assigning the slave address, that there are not two devices with
the same address. In such a case, an abnormal behaviour of the whole serial bus can occur, the
master being then in the impossibility to communicate with all the slaves present on the bus.
The activity of the serial RS485 interface is shown by a dedicated yellow LED on the top panel of
the controller.
9.2. Ethernet interface
The Ethernet interface allows to configure the controller using the Modbus/TCP slave protocol, the
Modbus/UDP slave protocol or the HTTP protocol. For the last option, the controller provides an
internal web server accessible by most common web browsers.
To use the interface, connect the controller using a standard Ethernet cable. The default parameters
for the communication are listed in Table 11: default parameters for Ethernet communication.
Parameter
Default Value
Host name
LTDVE1CH-40F
DHCP
Disabled
IP address
192.168.0.32
Subnet mask
255.255.255.0
Default gateway
192.168.0.1

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Preferred DNS server
192.168.0.2
Alternate DNS server
192.168.0.2
Modbus address
32
Modbus/TCP port
502
Modbus/UDP port
502
Table 11: default parameters for Ethernet communication
The IP address, subnet mask and DHCP use flag are some of the controller parameters and can be
changed using any of the available interfaces. The factory configuration uses the static IP address
192.168.0.32. The factory settings can be restored using the INIT button (see chapter 11 for a
description of the INIT button functionalities).
10. Visual indicators
There are eight LEDs on the top panel of the controller and two LEDs embedded in the Ethernet
RJ45 jack. Some of them are used to show that power supplies are available, others are pulsed
when inputs and outputs are activated, while others are used to indicate activity on the
communication interfaces or fault conditions.
The exact meaning of each of the LEDs is listed in Table 12: meaning of the LEDs. The LEDs of the
top panel of the controller are identified by a unique label printed next to them. The Ethernet ACT
and LINK LEDs are identified by their position relative to the Ethernet RJ45 jack. The ACT LED is at
the left of the jack, while the LINK LED is at the right.
Number
Name
Colour
Description
1
485
Yellow
Blinks when there is activity on the serial interface
2
TR
Green
Pulses when synchronization input is activated
3
SH
Yellow
Pulses when synchronization output is activated
4
LD
Yellow
Pulses when light output is activated
5
ARM
Yellow
Stable when the DC/DC converter output is enabled
6
PWR
Green
Stable when logic supply is present
7
RUN
Green
Blinks periodically during normal operation
8
ERR
Red
Stable when power supply missing, blinks in error conditions
9
ACT
Yellow
Blinks during Ethernet data transmission
10
LINK
Green
Stable when Ethernet connection established
Table 12: meaning of the LEDs
Either the RUN LED or the ERR LED blinks for 500 ms at power on to identify the source of data
used for the settings.
The green RUN LED blinks when the controller powers up using the settings stored in the non-
volatile memory (the last configuration saved by the customer). The red ERR LED blinks when the
controller reverts to using the factory settings due to user activation of the INIT button (see next
section for more information on the INIT button) or a corruption in the stored customer settings.
Please note the logic supply must be present in order for all the LEDs to turn on.

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11. Functions of INIT button
The INIT button is used either to restore the factory settings or to activate the firmware update
procedure.
To restore the factory settings, follow these steps:
1. Switch off the device and wait 30 seconds
2. Push and hold down the INIT button
3. Switch on the device
4. Release the INIT button
5. Wait 10 seconds
After the ten seconds interval the settings are restored to the factory values and the controller
resumes normal operation.
To activate the firmware update, follow these steps:
1. Switch off the device and wait 30 seconds
2. Push and hold down the INIT button
3. Switch on the device
4. Release the INIT button
5. Launch a firmware update (according to chapter 17) within 10 seconds.
Note the INIT button is sampled only once at power-up.
During the ten seconds interval, the RUN and ERR LEDs blink at a high rate to emphasize the
circumstance. In the meantime, the use of the RS485 serial interface is restricted to the firmware
update and the Modbus/TCP, Modbus/UDP, and HTTP protocols are not available.
The INIT button is concealed by a hole located between the USB port and the shell connector.
12. Pulse shaping logic
The light channel can be configured to output pulses based either on a discrete external trigger signal
or an internally-generated trigger signal. A wide variety of internal triggers can be produced by
configuring the internal pulse shaping logic.
This logic includes two pulse generators and several multiplexers. The pulse generators allow pulse
delay and width control down to 1 µs resolution. The multiplexers, organized as two routing matrices,
allow for the flexible selection of the pulse generators inputs and outputs. The pulse generators can
be excluded or bypassed when implementing continuous mode.
An output protection circuit, used to prevent the light from getting overheated and thus damaged, is
also included in the logic.
12.1. Diagram of internal logic
The drawing of Figure 4: diagram of internal logic network depicts the logic network built in the
controller.

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Figure 4: diagram of internal logic network
The synchronization input is shown at the left (TR), while the light output (LD) and the
synchronization output (SH) are drawn at the right.
A description of each of the blocks is given in the next sections.
12.2. Input filter
The input filter is used to debounce and remove glitches from the incoming synchronization input.
The algorithm implemented in the filter processes the synchronization input with a finite state
machine. A change in the filter output is performed only when the input signal has remained constant
for a defined period of time, called filter time constant. Any pulses shorter than the filter time constant
are thus removed and not passed through.
The diagram in Figure 5: operation of the input filter shows the filter operation on a random input
signal.
Figure 5: operation of the input filter
As visible, the input signal is filtered by looking for pulses that hold the same state for a time of at
least Tfilter before the change in state is passed to the output. Please note there is a fixed input to
output propagation delay equal to this filter time constant.
The filter can be set as follows:
•No filtering (pass through)
•Filtering with a 10µs time constant
•Filtering with a 20µs time constant
•Filtering with a 50µs time constant
•Filtering with a 100µs time constant
input
Tfilter
output
Tfilter Tfilter Tfilter

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•Filtering with a 200µs time constant
•Filtering with a 500µs time constant
Setting of the filter can be done using the serial RS485 or Ethernet interfaces.
12.3. Input multiplexers
The input multiplexers are used to route the filtered input to the pulse generators. There are two
input multiplexers organized in a 4x2 routing matrix.
Each multiplexer can have its output selected from one of the following sources:
•No selection
•Filtered synchronization input (TR)
•Free running oscillator
•Software trigger 1 (SW1)
•Software trigger 2 (SW2)
The free running oscillator is an autonomous asynchronous trigger source described in detail in the
chapter 12.7. Setting of the input multiplexers can be done using the serial RS485 or Ethernet
interfaces.
12.4. Pulse generators
There are two pulse generators. Each of them is characterized by three parameters: pulse delay,
pulse width and hold off interval. The pulse delay can range from 0 µs to 1,023,000 µs with variable
resolution down to 1 µs. The pulse width can range from 1 µs to 1,023,000 µs with variable resolution
down to 1 µs. The hold off interval can range from 0 µs to 1,023,000 µs with variable resolution down
to 1 µs.
The diagram in Figure 6: time diagram of pulse generator describes the relationship between input
and output. As depicted, the rising edge of the input signal triggers the generator, while the falling
edge has no special meaning and can happen anywhere in time.
Figure 6: time diagram of pulse generator
Setting of the pulse generators can be done using the serial RS485 or Ethernet interfaces.
12.5. Output multiplexers
The output multiplexers are used to route the inner signals to the output stages. There are two output
multiplexers organized in a 4x2 routing matrix.
Each multiplexer can have its output selected from one of the following sources:
•No selection
delay width
input
output

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•Pulse generator 1 output
•Pulse generator 2 output
•Filtered synchronization input (TR)
•Continuous
As visible in the internal logic network diagram (see Figure 4: diagram of internal logic network), the
two pulse generators can be entirely bypassed by selecting the filtered synchronization input (TR).
Moreover, the outputs can operate continuously by selecting the Continuous option.
Setting of the output multiplexers can be done using the serial RS485 or Ethernet interfaces.
12.6. Output protection
The output protection logic is used to prevent the light from getting overheated and thus damaged.
Inside the protection block there is an independent state machine comprising a couple of timers. The
first timer is used to constrain the turn-on time of the light (Ton) to be lesser than or equal to a
programmable value TonMAX. The second timer is used to constrain the turn-off time of the light
(Toff) to be greater than or equal to a programmable value ToffMIN.
The diagram in Figure 7: turn-on and turn-off times within limits shows what happens when both time
constraints are satisfied. As visible in the diagram, the output follows the input.
Figure 7: turn-on and turn-off times within limits
The diagram in Figure 8: protection prevents too long turn-on time shows what happens when the
turn-on time is too long. As visible in the diagram, the light is switched off at TonMAX, earlier than
the original requirement.
Figure 8: protection prevents too long turn-on time
input
TonMAX
ToffMIN
output
TonMAX
input
TonMAX
output
TonMAX
ToffMIN