THORLABS ECL1525M-PM User manual

Operation Manual
Digitally Controlled Continously
Tunable Laser ECL
ECL1525M-PM/SM
2005

Version: 1.0
Date: 16-Feb-05
Copyright©2005, Thorlabs Sweden AB, Sweden

Contents Page
1General description 1
1.1 Safety 1
1.2 Warranty 3
1.3 Features 4
1.4 Technical data 5
2Mechanical Interface 7
2.1 Size 7
2.2 Electrical Connector 9
2.3 Optical Connector 9
2.4 Thermal management 9
2.5 Vibration damping 9
3Electrical interface 11
3.1 Connector pinout 11
3.2 Pin function 13
3.3 Electrical characteristics 13
3.4 Communication interface 14
4Operating the ECL1525-PM/SM 15
4.1 System Organization 15
4.2 Software Installation 16
4.3 Getting started 18
5ECL1525 Operation in detail 19
5.1 Principal modes of operation 19
5.2 The control windows 20
6Software Interface 23
6.1 Software drivers 23
6.2 MSA Commands 23
6.3 ECL1525 specific commands 26
6.4 Application example 31
7Service and Maintenance 33
7.1 General remarks 33
7.2 Cleaning 33
7.3 Troubleshooting 33
8Listings 35
8.1 References 35
8.2 Addresses 36

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the
field of optical measurement technique. To help us to come up to your
expectations and develop our products permanently we need your ideas and
suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about possible criticism or ideas.
We and our international partners are looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs Sweden AB
This part of the instruction manual contains every specific information on how to
operate a ECL1525. A general description is followed by explanations of how to
operate the unit manually. You will also find information about remote control via the
RS232 computer interface.
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” label in this
form, to indicate dangers for persons or possible damage of equip-
ment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

1.1 Safety
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 1
1 General description
1.1 Safety
Prior to operate the ECL1525 you should read this chapter to avoid damage to the
unit or connected circuits as well as endagerment of persons. The safety instructions
given herein must be strictly adhered to at any time.
Attention 
The unit can deliver radiation that can cause eye damage.
Make sure to strictly pay attention to the safety recommendations of
the appropriate laser safety class. The laser safety class is marked
on the laser unit.
The ECL1525 has been tested and classified by The Swedish National Testing and
Research Institute.
The laser has been assigned to Class 1M in accordance with IEC-60825-1 Edition
1.2, 2001-08.
The laser has been assigned to Class IIIb in accordance with CFR 1040.10-2002 and
1040.11-2002.
Attention 
Applicable EMC standards are:
Emission according to EN 550022 class B
Immunity according to EN 61000-4-3 (10V/m), EN 61000-4-8 (30A/m)
and EN 61000-4-2 (4kV contact / 8kV air)
Attention 
Applicable safety standards are:
EN 61010-1 and UL 3101-1

1.1 Safety
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 2

1.2 Warranty
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 3
1.2 Warranty
Thorlabs Sweden AB warrants material and production of the ECL1525 for a period
of 12 months starting with the date of shipment. During this warranty period Thorlabs
Sweden AB will see to defaults by repair or by exchange if these are entitled to
warranty.
For warranty repairs or service the unit must be sent back to Thorlabs Sweden AB
(Sweden)or to a place determined by Thorlabs Sweden AB. The customer will carry
the shipping costs to Thorlabs Sweden AB, in case of warranty repairs Thorlabs
Sweden AB will carry the shipping costs back to the customer.
If no warranty repair is applicable the customer also has to carry the costs for back
shipment.
Thorlabs Sweden AB warrants the hard- and software determined by Thorlabs
Sweden AB for this unit to operate fault-free provided that they are handled
according to our requirements. However, Thorlabs Sweden AB does not warrant a
faulty free and uninterrupted operation of the unit, of the soft- or firmware for special
applications nor this instruction manual to be error free. Thorlabs Sweden AB is not
liable for consequential damages.
Restriction of warranty
The warranty mentioned before does not cover errors and defects being the result of
improper treatment, software or interface not supplied by us, modification, misuse or
operation outside the defined ambient conditions stated by us or unauthorized
maintenance.
Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs
Sweden AB does explicitly not warrant the usability or the economical use for certain
cases of application.
Thorlabs Sweden AB reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the
technical data of the described unit at any time.

1.3 Features
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 4
1.3 Features
1.3.1 General functions
The ECL1525M tunable laser offers continuously tunable mod-hop free operation
over the C+L bands (1525-1611 nm). The ECL1525 optical module is a hermetically
sealed system designed for OEM applications and is also available integrated in a
bench top system.
The ECL1525,can be controlled in accordance with the MSA standard [1] using
RS232 or via a user’s PC.
The ECL1525 is available in three package styles, see the figures below. This
manual is valid for the module (ECL1525M-SM and ECL1525M-PM)
Figure 1. Pictures of the different packages:Benchtop (ECL1525), Module with
control PCB (ECL1525M) and Eurocard module (ECL1525-3U) .
• RS232 interface with LabViewand C drivers.
• Modular and robust design
• Continous wavelength sweep over 90nm
• High wavelength resolution
• Excellent long time stability over full range

1.4 Technical data
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 5
1.4 Technical data
Wavelength Tuning Range 1525-1611nm
Mode Hops 0 @ 1mW
Tuning Speed 0.02-60 nm/s
Tuning Speed, any channal to channel 1 s
Wavelength Locking Grid, ITU 50 GHz
Absolute Wavelength Accuracy 10 pm at ITU channel
20 pm at any wavelength
Wavelength Resolution 2 pm in wavelength mode
Wavelength Repeatability 5pm
Wavelength Stability 5pm
Optical Output Power >10dBm over L-band
>4 dBm over C-band
Power Resolution 0.1 dB
Optical Power Stability ±0.02 dB
Power Variation Over Wavelength Range 0.5 dB
Power Bandwith, external modulation 100 kHz
RIN -140 dB/Hz
Power Signal to Noise Ratio 40dB @ 10dBm output power
Spectral Line Width, (coherence control off) <200 kHz
Coherence Control, (see dither command) 100MHz spectral broadening @ 15 kHz
Side Mode Suppression SMSR >40 dB
Source to Source –Spontaneous Emission Ratio >45 dB
Signal to Total Source –Spontaneous Emission Ratio STSSER >30 dB
Optical Isolation 55dB @ 1590nm
Polarization Extinction Ratio, (PM version) >20 dB
Power Consumption <15W
Transport temperature -25 … +70 °C
Operating temperature (Case temperature) +5 … +60 °C
Altitude/Pressure Operational 70 .. 106 kPa
(about 0-3000m altitude)
Weight (Module+Electronics) 0.65+0.15 kg
Width (W x H x D) 113x50x180 mm

1.4 Technical data
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 6
Vibration Operation 10m/s29 to 200 Hz
15m/s2200 to 500 Hz
Vibration Transport 20m/s29 to 200 Hz
45m/s2200 to 500 Hz
Shock Operation, half sinusoidal 300 m/s2, duration 6ms
Shock Transport, half sinusoidal 1000 m/s2, duration 6ms

2.1 Size
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 7
2 Mechanical Interface
2.1 Size
Optical Module:

2.1 Size
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 8
Electronic Control Board

2.2 Electrical Connector
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 9
2.2 Electrical Connector
The electrical connector to the eurocard is a AMP 0-103311-8 (DIN 41651), is
mounted at the rear.
If you use a evaluation board, it has a DB9 interface connector.
Option: A 40 pin connector according to TL MSA (40 Pin 0.05” Pluggable Samtec
P/N FTSH-120-03-F-DV-ES) can be mounted on the electronic control board inside
the unit.
2.3 Optical Connector
The standard optical connector will be of FC/APC type and the fiber is Fujikura
Panda (PM) type. The slow axis of the fiber and the polarization are parallel to the
key.
Option:The optical connector and fiber type can be changed according to customer
requirements.
2.4 Thermal management
The bottom of the optical module is the “heat sink surface”. The temperature on this
surface (Case Temperature, register 0x88) should be within the operating
temperature range when the module is in operation.
Option: A heat sink can be attached to the optical module according to customer
requirements. A hole in the side of the ECL1525-U can be done to make place for
this heatsink, so that a higher temperature range can be covered.
2.5 Vibration damping
The optical module is mounted with vibration dampers in the ECL1525 and in the
ECL1525-U. Similar vibration dampers are required for the ECL1525M in a
customers system if specified vibration levels should apply.

3.1 Connector pinout
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 11
3 Electrical interface
3.1 Connector pinout
The standard connector on the electronic has a pinnout according to table 1.
Tabel 1 Connector pinnout. The symbol * indicates signals that are defined as active
when low.
Pin Pin # Pin # Pin
Vcc 1 2 DIS*
Vcc 3 4 MS*
Vcc 5 6 RST*
Vcc 7 8 SRQ*
GND 9 10 FATAL*
GND 11 12 ALM*
GND 13 14 TxD
GND 15 16 RxD
TRST (JTAG) 17 18 IRDY*
TDO 19 20
TDI 21 22
TMS 23 24
TCK 25 26 GND
ADITHER 27 28 GND
MotorCLK 29 30 GND
LaserCurrent 31 32 GND
LaserPower 33 34 Vcc
MeasGround 35 36 Vcc
+WaveClock 37 38 Vcc
-WaveClock 39 40 Vcc

3.1 Connector pinout
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 12
The MSA connector on the electronic control board has a pinout according to table 2.
The pins marked grey are not used according to MSA (no internal connection).
Tabel 2. Connector pinout. The symbol * indicates signals that are defined as active
when low.
Pin Pin # Pin # Pin
Vcc 1 2 DIS*
Vcc 3 4 MS*
Vcc 5 6 RST*
Vcc 7 8 SRQ*
GND 9 10 FATAL*
GND 11 12 ALM*
GND 13 14 TxD
GND 15 16 RxD
TRST (JTAG) 17 18 IRDY*
TDO 19 20
Not used (IOCLK)
TDI 21 22 IOMODE
TMS 23 24 IOMODE1
TCK 25 26 A0
ADITHER 27 28 A1
MotorCLK 29 30 A2
LaserCurrent 31 32 Reserved
LaserPower 33 34 Reserved
MeasGround 35 36 Reserved
+WaveClock 37 38 Reserved
-WaveClock 39 40 Reserved

3.2 Pin function
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 13
3.2 Pin function
The functions of the pins are more described in the MSA document [1], except for the
pins 31, 33, 29, 35 and 37.
Table 3. Non MSA pin functions.
Pin Pin# Description
Motor CLK 29 One of the following functions is possible to choose, see
section § 6.3.7.
1. Direction. Signal is high when the channelnumber
is increasing and low when it is decreasing.
2. Stepclock. Pulses (100ns duration) that are
syncronized with motorstepping. One period
corresponds to wavelength change of ≈1pm .
LaserCurrent 31 Analog output proportional to laser diode current.
LaserPower 33 Analog output proportional to output power.
MeasGround 35 Ground for signals above (internally connected to GND)
+WaveClock 37 Analog output of normalized wavelocker signal.
Peak calibrated to 2V.
Differential pair with pin 39.
-WaveClock 39 Differential pair with pin 37
3.3 Electrical characteristics
Table 4. Electrical characteristics
Parameter Symbol Min Typ Max Unit
Supply voltage Vcc 4.75 5 5.25 V
Supply current Icc 2.00 A
Input voltage, high VIH 2.0 3.45 V
Input voltage, low VIL 0.0 0.8 V
Output voltage, high VOH 2.4 Vcc V
Output voltage, low VOL 0.0 0.6 V
Power supply noise (for
power supplied to the
module) (100Hz-20MHz)
1.0 %rms
Analog
Power
Modula-
tion Input
Input
voltage
-3dB
Bandwidth
Input
impedance
VAPOWMOD
FAPOWMOD
ZAPOWMOD
0.0
1000
5000
2.0
10000
Vp-p
kHz
ohms
LaserCurrent Vlasercurrent 0 3.0 V
LaserPower Vlaserpower 0 3.0 V
WaveClock Vwclock 0 Vcc V

3.4 Communication interface
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 14
3.4 Communication interface
The interface for the benchtop option (ECL 1525) or the evaluation board is a
nullmodem DB-9 cable that you connect directly to the computer.
For the other options (ECL1525M,ECL1525-3U) the interface is RS232 that uses a 3-
wire implementation according to MSA. The interface generates LVTTL output signal
levels.

4.1 System Organization
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 15
4 Operating the ECL1525-PM/SM
4.1 System Organization
Graphical User Interface
Driver (.dll)
Driver (.dll)
Driver (.dll)
Programmers Entry Point
Labview/Labwindows/MSVC/Borland-C
ECL1525
RS232
PC
Starting at the lowest level, the ECL1525 contains one physical control card which
controls the desired hardware functions.
All information between the ECL and the PC are transmitted through a serial
connection cable (RS232).
Commands given by the GUI or another user application are decomposed into the
main hardware commands executed by the the control card. Users that want to
develop their own application software can use the drivers that are compile in
dynamic link libraries (.dll).

4.2 Software Installation
ECL1525M-PM/SM / page 16
4.2 Software Installation
4.2.1 Installation process
Install the GUI using the file setup.exe located in the Install\GUI folder on the cd. This
will also install Labview runtime engine 6.1 .
In the GUI start program folder run visa320runtime.exe to install visa runtime if not
already installed.
Both Labview runtime and Visa runtime are also needed when using the dll files.
4.2.2 General Information about User GUI
The units will be delivered with software (developed in Labview) from where a set of
MSA functions can be controlled.
The operate window allows control of power, wavelength, tuning range, tuning speed
and sweep.
In the dither window you can control the analog and digital dither functions.
In the advanced window the status signals are shown.
4.2.3 General information about software driver
A number of vi:s has been developed to control the uECL via RS-232 using LabView
6.1. There is one for each command described in chapter 6.2 and 6.3.
You can install the drivers using the file setup.exe located in the Install\Dll folder on
the cd. The drivers are described in the document Drv_uECL_MSA_dll.rtf in the
installation target directory.
When you double click on the llb-file, drv_uECL_MSA.llb, the
drv_uECL_msa_dll_customer_Tree.vi and the
drv_uECL_msa_dll_customer_Example.vi will open.
The dll has to be in the same folder as the llb files for the vi:s to work correctly. A
handle to the uECL must be created using the “drv_uECL_msa_dll_Create.vi”. This
handle must be closed using the “drv_uECL_msa_dll_Destroy.vi” at the end. On
standard error the driver ignores all further commands, but the handle will still be
closed by “drv_uECL_msa_dll_Destroy.vi”.
In the table below is som common variables listed:
ReadWrite Selects whether the command should read or write