Quantum Composers LDDC 1550 User manual

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LDDC 1550/LSC 1650
Operators Manual
Version 2.8
Quantum Composers, Inc.
212 Discovery Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718
Your distributor:

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Table of Contents
1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................1-4
2 Setup .........................................................................................................................................2-4
Power........................................................................................................................................2-4
Driver Connection....................................................................................................................2-5
LSC Connections......................................................................................................................2-5
Communication........................................................................................................................2-5
USB ......................................................................................................................................2-5
3 User Controls............................................................................................................................3-7
4 Display/Indicators.....................................................................................................................4-8
5 Menu Information.....................................................................................................................5-8
Verification Page......................................................................................................................5-8
Main Page.................................................................................................................................5-8
Pulse Mode Page......................................................................................................................5-9
Q-Switch, External Trigger and Sync Page (LSC 1650 Only) ..............................................5-10
Interlock Status Information Page..........................................................................................5-11
System Setup Page #1............................................................................................................5-11
System Setup Page #2............................................................................................................5-12
System Setup Page #3............................................................................................................5-13
Save/Recall Settings Page......................................................................................................5-14
Information Page....................................................................................................................5-14
6 Driver I/O Connection ............................................................................................................6-15
7 LSC 1650 Connections...........................................................................................................7-16
8 Command Set..........................................................................................................................8-17
Device Command Format ......................................................................................................8-17
Device Addresses...................................................................................................................8-18
Command Types ....................................................................................................................8-18
Control Commands.............................................................................................................8-18
Query Commands...............................................................................................................8-18
LDDC/LSC Command Summary ..........................................................................................8-19
NOTES ...............................................................................................................................8-20
LSC 1650 Specific Command Summary...............................................................................8-21
System State Return ...............................................................................................................8-23
9 Basic Setup and Operation......................................................................................................9-23
Remote Operation Using Commands.....................................................................................9-23
Remote Operation Using Software GUI ................................................................................9-25

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10 Analog Measurement..........................................................................................................10-26
11 Laser System Controller Model 1650 Features ..................................................................11-26
Q-Switch Trigger..................................................................................................................11-26
Sync Output..........................................................................................................................11-26
External Trigger ...................................................................................................................11-26
Thermistor Inputs.................................................................................................................11-27
Photodiode Input..................................................................................................................11-27
Spare Analog Input...............................................................................................................11-27
Spare Analog Output............................................................................................................11-27
Spare Inputs..........................................................................................................................11-27
12 Standard Specifications.......................................................................................................12-28
13 LSC 1650 Specifications.....................................................................................................13-30
Safety Symbols ........................................................................................................................13-33
Appendix B - Lumina Power Driver Connections........................................................................ 35
Appendix C 1550-LDDC-OEM Option........................................................................................ 37
RS 232 Settings ..................................................................................................................... 37
RS 232 Connection................................................................................................................ 37
Appendix D CE Declaration of Conformity................................................................................. 39

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1 Introduction
The Quantum Composers Laser Diode Driver Controller (LDDC) and Laser System Controller
(LSC) provide a means of controlling various types of laser diode driver supplies. It allows the
ability to easily control current levels, pulse modes, and interlock controls as well as monitor
voltage and current levels from the driver. The LDDC/LSC provides an easy user interface for
manual control and readout as well as USB connectivity for remote computer control. The LSC
unit offers additional features such as q-switch triggering, external triggering, sync output, and
additional I/O signals.
2 Setup
The LDDC/LSC can easily be connected to a laser diode driver. In most cases a simple cable is
all that is required to interface with the driver and provide power to the unit. If the equipment is
used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired.
Figure 1 (LDDC Connections)
Figure 2 (LSC Connections)
Power
The LDDC/LSC requires a 15-24VDC (200mA) power supply to operate. The included wall
adapter can be used to power the unit. The power adapter should be plugged into the rear panel
of the unit that is labeled 15VDC. If a different power source is used, the required mating
connector is a standard, circular female plug with the following dimensions: 5.5mm x 2.1 mm x
12mm (outer diameter x inner diameter x connector length). A power switch on the rear of the
unit will turn on the controller. The controller can also be powered directly from some driver
supplies that have an auxiliary DC output of at least 15V @ 200mA on pins 13 or 14 of the
interface connector. Please refer to the operator’s manual of the laser driver supply to verify if an
auxiliary supply pin is available. Power can be applied by both the wall adapter and the driver
supply since the supplies will be internally protected. If the 15VDC power is derived from the

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Driver I/O connector pins 13 and 14, it is required that the current be limited to less than 8A by
means of fusing it at 5A. If an external power supply is chosen to be used, it is recommended
that the mains outlet be easily accessible so that the plug of the external power supply can be
easily removed.
Driver Connection
The LDDC/LSC to driver connection in most cases will only require a straight through DB15
connection. Please verify that your particular driver has a compatible pin out. Refer to the
Interface Connection Table for detailed pin out descriptions. A custom cable can be made if
necessary to connect to drivers that do not use the same pin outs as the LDDC/LSC.
WARNING, incorrect connections can damage either the LDDC/LSC or the diode driver.
LSC Connections
The LSC unit has additional connections for q-switch triggering, external triggering, sync output
and additional I/O. The q-sw trigger has an adjustable delay referenced off the falling edge of the
pulse control signal. This allows for optimum adjustment of triggering a q-switch driver. The
external trigger input allows the LSC to be externally triggered via an external source. Rising and
falling edges can be selected as well as various modes. The additional I/O connector offers
additional signals: photodiode input, two thermistor inputs, a 0-10V analog output, a 0-5V
analog input and 3 TTL inputs that can be monitored.
Communication
The LDDC/LSC provides a standard USB connection for remote communications. An optional
Ethernet connection is also available.
USB
When the LDDC/LSC is connected to a remote computer via the USB connection, the computer
will recognize the unit as a “LDDC Controller”. Drivers will need to be installed for the remote
computer to interface to the LDDC/LSC. Drivers are included on the provided CD. Once the
drivers have been installed, the LDDC/LSC will show up in the device manager as a USB to
Serial Port Adapter. The LDDC/LSC can then be communicated with by using any terminal
program. The unit is baud rate independent, so any speed can be selected. Typically a rate of
115,200bps can be used.
Driver Installation (Windows XP)
1. Plug the LDDC/LSC into the computer using a USB cable. Make sure the unit is powered
on.
2. The computer will pop up a message indicating it has found new hardware: “LDDC
Controller”.
3. The new hardware wizard will launch. Check the “Install from a list or specific location”
option and click next.
4. Then select “Search for the best driver in these locations” and check the option to
“Include this location in the search”. Then click the browse button and locate the folder
on the CD where the LDDC/LSC drivers are located. Click next.

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5. A message window will launch asking if you want to continue installing this driver.
Select the “Continue Anyway” button.
6. It should now indicate the it is installing a driver for a “LDDC USB Communications
Port”.
7. A message should then indicate that the drivers have been successfully installed.
8. You can now communicate with the LDDC/LSC using a Com port selection. You can
view the Com port number assigned to the LDDC/LSC in your computers device
manager under Ports.
Driver Installation (Windows 7)
1. Plug the LDDC/LSC into the computer using a USB cable. Make sure the unit is powered
on.
2. The computer will pop up a message indicating it has found new hardware and is
installing device driver software.
3. A message will then indicate that the device drivers have not been successfully installed.
The Action Center may then launch with a list of options. Close the Action Center and do
not launch any of the actions.
4. Go to your computers device manager. This can be done by either right clicking on the
desktop “My Computer” icon and selecting properties, then Device Manager on the left
toolbar or go to Control Panel and then Device Manager.
5. In Device Manager you should see a device under the Other Devices called the LDDC
Controller. There will be a yellow exclamation point next to it.
6. Right click on the LDDC Controller and select update driver software.
7. Select Browse my computer for driver software and browse to the location of the USB
drivers for the LDDC/LSC. Typically found on the software CD. It will contain a file
called “lddccdc.inf”. You only have to select the folder in which the file resides, not the
file itself. Click next.
8. Windows will then indicate a warning window that the drivers are not verified. Select
Install this driver software anyway.
9. A message will then indicate that the drivers have been successfully updated and a LDDC
USB Communication Port is now available.
10. You can now communicate with the LDDC/LSC using a Com port selection. You can
view the Com port number assigned to the LDDC/LSC in your computers device
manager under Ports.

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3 User Controls
Figure 3 (User Controls)
The main user controls consist of:
•Enable/Disable. This button is used to initially enable the driver. On supplies that have
both an enable and a pulse control signal, this will activate the enable signal. On units
that do not have pulse control, this will enable the activation of the enable control signal
via the start/stop button.
•Page. This button is used to cycle through each page on the unit. Once the final page is
reached, it will go back to the first page.
•Up Arrow. This button is used to increment parameters or change selections. The amount
the parameter is increased is dependent on the digit position.
•Next. This is used to navigate to the next line item in a particular page. Some pages may
have only one item and others may have four.
•Start/Stop. This is used to either initiate pulsing of the supply using the pulse control
signal or it will activate the enable signal for supplies that do not have a pulse control.
The start will only become “active” once the enable condition has been activated.
•Left Arrow. This button will allow you to move the cursor to the next most significant
digit to the left.
•Down Arrow. This button is used to decrement parameters or change selections. The
amount the parameter is decreased is dependent on the digit position.
•Right Arrow. This button will allow you to move the cursor to the next least significant
digit to the right.
•Encoder/Selector. This rotary encoder can be used to increment or decrement parameters
or toggle between item selections. The amount of the increment/decrement is based on
the digit position. Pressing the encoder knob has the same function as the next button to
advance to the next menu line item.

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4 Display/Indicators
The following are used for user indicators and information:
•A 4 line x 16 character LCD backlit display. This display will show various information
depending on the active screen.
•3 indicator LEDs. An Enabled indicator (Blue) shows when the unit is in an enabled
state, ready to fire or start pulsing the supply. An Active indicator (Green) shows when
the unit is actively allowing the supply to fire. A Fault indicator (Yellow) will indicate if
any open interlock or fault condition has occurred.
5 Menu Information
The following describes the various LCD menu pages and operation of each item on the pages.
Any menu parameter shown inside brackets designates the potential to be navigated to and
manually altered.
Verification Page
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This verification page is a warning to be sure that your maximum current setting and the driver
selected is correct. This maximum current setting can be verified or changed on the System
Setup #1 page. The driver can also be verified on the first setup page. Press any key to advance
the page to the main display. The next page displayed after pressing any key will be the first
setup page so you can verify that the correct setup is selected.
WARNING: If the maximum current does not match the driver you are controlling then
unexpected current levels may be driven if not careful. This could possibly damage the laser
diode.
Main Page
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The main page shows status information, allows adjustment of the set current, measures the
current feedback and the voltage feedback from the driver.

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Line 1: Status indicator line that will show the system status, which would include any interlock
faults, enabled and actively running. The different status items displayed are:
•Disabled. Neither the enable state or the fire state is active. The unit is in a disabled state.
•Enble-Off. The unit has been enabled and is ready to be fired. If the supply has an enable
and a pulse control ability, the enable line (pin 1) will be active. If the unit does not have
pulse control cababilty, then the unit is just in an enabled state and the enable control line
is not yet active.
•Enble-On. This indicates that the unit is enabled and is actively firing (providing current
to the diode). In units with pulse capability, the enable line is high and the pulse control
signal (pin 8) is active. In units with only enable control, the enable line is now active.
•Fault. A system fault has occurred. Currently this means that an over-temp condition has
occurred. The Fault LED indicator will also be illuminated.
Line 2: I Set. This is the current setting to the diode driver on pin 7. The resolution of the setting
is based on the adjustment resolution and the maximum current set in the calibration page. This
controls the level of the I Program output signal. The signal will vary from 0-10V to control the
amount of current the power supply will provide to the laser diode.
Line 3: I Meas. This is the measured current from the current monitor signal from the driver on
pin 6. The current displayed is based on a reading from the power supplies 0-10V current
monitor signal. This is then displayed in amps based on the maximum current setting value. See
System Setup Page #1. When in CW mode, this value is read continously. When in a pulsed
mode, the value is sampled right after the rising edge of the pulse control signal. Please refer to
the Analog Measurement section of the manual for details and limitations.
Line 4: V Meas. This is the voltage measurement from the compliance voltage or terminal
voltage of the driver on pin 5. The voltage displayed is based on a reading from the power
supplies 0-10V voltage monitor signal. This is then displayed in volts based on the compliance
voltage setting value. See System Setup Page #1. This value is continously read. Please refer to
the Analog Measurement section of the manual for details and limitations.
Pulse Mode Page
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The pulse mode page allows you to setup the type of pulse control that will be utilized. It also
allows you to control the pulsed repetition rate, desired pulse width and number of burst counts
(if in burst mode).
Line 1: Mode. This will set the system firing mode. Options include: Continuous Wave, Pulsed,
Burst, or Single Shot. If the unit is set to have pulse control disabled, then only CW mode will be
available and the remaining pulse options will be unavailable. See System Setup #2 page.
Line 2: Rate. This sets the repetition rate (in Hz) when in pulsed or burst mode. The maximum
rate is dependant on the max rate setting on System Setup #1 page.

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Line 3: Width. This sets the pulse width (in seconds) of the triggering pulse to the driver when in
pulsed, burst or single shot mode. The width adjustment will be limited to a maximum of roughly
90% of the rate period.
Line 4: Count. This sets the number of shots when in burst mode. The unit will pulse this number
of times when in burst mode.
Q-Switch, External Trigger and Sync Page (LSC 1650 Only)
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The the q-sw/ext trigger/sync page will display options for enabling the q-sw trigger output, set
the q-sw trigger delay, set external triggering options and sync options. See the specifications
section pertaining to the LSC for details on the electrical and timing.
Line 1: Q-Switch. This will toggle between Enable and Disable for the q-switch trigger output
signal.
Line 2: Q-Switch Delay. This sets the amount of q-switch delay referenced from the falling edge
of the pulse control signal. This value can go positive or negative. Resolution is in 200ns
increments. There is a maxumum overal delay adjustment of 12.2 milliseconds or +/-6.1
milliseconds referenced from the falling edge. The delay amount will be limited based on the
pulse control width and period of the rep rate.
Line 3: External Trigger. This sets the external triggering option. The external trigger can be
used to start or stop the pulsing of the unit. How the unit operates in external trigger mode will
also depend on the pulse mode setting. The action can be set to either active high or active low
modes. Active high referes to a signal that transitions from a low state (0V) to a high state (>2V).
Active low referes to a signal that transitions from a high state (>2V) to a low state (0V). The
pulse mode setting will determine if the unit starts a sequence of pulses or only generates one
pulse. The various external triggering modes are:
•Disable. This disables the external trigger and the unit is only triggered internally.
•Start –Rising Edge. This will trigger the unit to start generating a pulse or sequence of
pulses on a rising edge signal.
•Start –Falling Edge. This will trigger the unit to start generating a pulse or sequence of
pulses on a falling edge signal.
•Stop –Rising Edge. This will stop the unit if it is already generating pulses when a rising
edge signal is received.
•Start/Stop –Rising Edge. This will start the unit on the first received rising edge pulse
and then stop the unit on the next rising edge pulse. Basically two pulses would start then
stop the unit.
•Start/Stop –Falling Edge. This will start the unit on the first received falling edge pulse
and then stop the unit on the next falling edge pulse. Basically two pulses would start
then stop the unit.
•Gate Active High. The unit will start running as long as a high level (>2V) is present on
at the external trigge input.