THORLABS ELL6 User manual

ELL6(K)
Dual Position Slider Kit
Operating Manual
Original Instructions

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2 Safety .................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1. General Warnings and Cautions....................................................................................2
Chapter 3 Description ........................................................................................................................... 3
3.1. Environmental Conditions..............................................................................................3
3.2. Mounting ..........................................................................................................................4
Chapter 4 Operation .............................................................................................................................. 6
4.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................................6
4.2. Controlling the Stage ......................................................................................................6
4.2.1. Hand-held Controller ............................................................................................................. 7
4.2.2. Elliptec Software Control ....................................................................................................... 8
4.2.3. Communications Protocol ..................................................................................................... 9
4.2.4. Connecting Multiple Devices ................................................................................................. 9
4.2.5. Controlling the Stage without the handset ............................................................................ 9
4.3. Frequency Search .........................................................................................................11
4.3.1. Dynamic Frequency Search ................................................................................................ 11
4.4. Periodic Cycling of Devices Over Full Range of Travel.............................................12
4.5. Restoring Factory Settings ..........................................................................................12
4.6. Simultaneous Movement of Devices ...........................................................................12
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting and FAQ.................................................................................................13
5.1. Frequently Asked Questions........................................................................................13
5.2. Notes on Making a Picoflex Cable for Use when Daisy Chain Devices ...................14
Chapter 6 Specifications .....................................................................................................................16
Chapter 7 Regulatory ...........................................................................................................................17
7.1. Declarations of Conformity ..........................................................................................17
7.1.1. For Customers in Europe .................................................................................................... 17
7.1.2. For Customers In The USA ................................................................................................. 17
Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..........................................................................................18

ELL6K Dual Position Optics Slider Kit Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. G, April 2018 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
The ELL6 dual position slider for SM1 optics is part of the Thorlabs series of piezoelectric resonant motor circuits
and bare modules for OEM applications. The resonant piezo design of these motors offers fast response times and
precise positioning, and are therefore particularly useful in scanning applications. These piezo motors also do not
include magnets like traditional motors, making them ideal for applications that are sensitive to electromagnetic
interference.
The high-speed digital signal processing (DSP) architecture supports a multi-drop serial communication protocol,
and a set of digital IO lines allows the user to control the movement and state manually by switching the lines high
(5V) or low (0V).
The slider features two mounting positions for SM1 optics. It can be post-mounted using our ER series cage system
rods and a CP02(/M) Cage Plate and is also compatible with 30 mm cage systems. It offers 31 mm (1.2”) of travel
with 100 µm repeatability and a switching time of 180 to 270 ms. The module is powered via a 5V power connector
or via USB.
A hand-held controller is supplied with the ELL6K evaluation kit to allow manual switching between the two
positions. The unit can also be driven remotely via PC-based software, downloaded from www.thorlabs.com. A
compatible USB driver is included in the software download package.

ELL6K Dual Position Optics Slider Kit Chapter 2: Safety
Page 2DTN000414-D02
Chapter 2 Safety
For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the equipment itself, the operator
should take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product
itself.
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to the user.
Caution
Given when there is a possibility of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
2.1. General Warnings and Cautions
Warning
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired. In particular, excessive moisture may impair operation.
The equipment is susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge. When handling the device, anti-static
precautions must be taken and suitable discharge appliances must be worn.
Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided. If spillage does occur, clean up immediately using
absorbent tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to enter the internal mechanism.
If the device is operated over a prolonged time period, the motor housing may become hot. This does not affect
motor operation but may cause discomfort if contacted by exposed skin.
Do not bend the PCB. A bending load in excess of 500 g applied to the board may cause the PCB to deform, which
will degrade the performance of the controller.

ELL6K Dual Position Optics Slider Kit Chapter 3: Description
Rev. G, April 2018 Page 3
Chapter 3 Description
3.1. Environmental Conditions
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affect operator safety.
Location Indoor use only
Maximum altitude 2000 m
Temperature range 15°C to 40°C
Maximum Humidity Less than 80% RH (non-condensing) at 31°C
To ensure reliable operation the unit should not be exposed to corrosive agents or excessive moisture, heat or dust.
Do not expose the stage to magnetic fields as this could affect the positioning and homing sensor operation.
If the unit has been stored at a low temperature or in an environment of high humidity, it must be allowed to reach
ambient conditions before being powered up.
The unit is not designed to be used in explosive environments.
The unit is not designed for continuous operation. Typical lifetime is 3.3 million switching operations, which equates
to 100 km of travel – see Chapter 5 for more details.

ELL6K Dual Position Optics Slider Kit Chapter 3: Description
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3.2. Mounting
Warning
The safety of any system incorporating this equipment is the responsibility of the person performing the installation.
Caution
Although the module can tolerate up to 8kV of air discharge, it must be treated as ESD sensitive device. When
handling the device, anti-static precautions must be taken and suitable and discharge appliances must be worn.
When handling the stage, take care not to touch the wires to the motors.
Do not bend the wires over the motor spring as this affects the performance of the unit.
Do not allow the wires to contact other moving parts.
The ribbon cable connector is made of plastic and is not particularly robust. Do not use force when making
connections. Unnecessary or repeated plugging in and unplugging should be avoided or the connector may fail.
Do not move the stage by hand. Doing so will disorientate the motors and cause the unit to fail.
The recommended mounting orientation is vertically, with the motor at the bottom of the board as shown below:
Figure 1 Recommended orientation
NOTE
J1 on the reverse side of the board is reserved for future use and is not mounted at this time.

ELL6K Dual Position Optics Slider Kit Chapter 3: Description
Rev. G, April 2018 Page 5
There are several options for mounting the sliders. The ELLA1 Post Mount Adapter, which is available below, has
a 14.0 mm width and fastens directly to the back of the slider's PCB. As shown in Figure 2, the adapter can then
be used to mount the slider to a Ø1/2" post. The compact dimensions of the ELLA1 allows sliders to be placed
one behind the other while minimizing the space separating them, as shown below. The adapter can also be
integrated with Thorlabs' 30 mm Cage System components and/or SM1-threaded components, such as lens
tubes. Alternately, 30 mm cage system components alone can be used to mount the sliders. An example of this is
shown in Figure 23, in which a CP02 Cage Plate, four ER1 rods, a Ø1/2" post, and a post holder mount and
support the assembled ELL6K.
Figure 2 ELL6 mounted using ELLA1 Figure 3 ELL6 mounted using 30 mm cage rods
Figure 4 Close mounting of ELL6 and ELL9 using ELLA1

ELL6K Dual Position Optics Slider Kit Chapter 4: Operation
Page 6DTN000414-D02
Chapter 4 Operation
4.1. Introduction
Caution
Although the module can tolerate up to 8kV of air discharge, it must be treated as an ESD sensitive device. When
handling the device, anti-static precautions must be taken and suitable and discharge appliances must be worn.
Do not expose the slider to a strong infrared light (e.g. direct sunlight) as it could interfere with the operation of the
position sensor.
When power is applied, do not connect or disconnect the ribbon cable connecting the USB/PSU adapter to the Stage
PCB. Always remove power before making connections.
Do not move the stage by hand. Doing so will disorientate the motors and cause the unit to fail.
Warning
If the device is operated over a prolonged time period, the motor housing may become hot. This does not affect
motor operation but may cause discomfort if contacted by exposed skin.
1. Perform the mechanical installation as detailed in Section 3.2
2. Connect the handset to the stage.
Caution
The unit is easily damaged by connections with incorrect polarity. Pin 1 of the connector on the PCB is marked with
an arrow (see Figure 7 and section 5.2) which should be adjacent to the red wire in the connecting cable.
3. Connect the stage to a 5V supply and switch ‘ON’. (A 5V PSU is supplied with the ELL9K).
4. Connect the unit to your PC if required, and wait for the drivers to be installed.
4.2. Controlling the Stage
The stage can be controlled in three ways; via the handset, by the Elliptic software running on a PC, or by writing a
custom application using the messages described in the communications protocol document. Homing and Jogging
functionality can also be accessed by applying voltages to the digital lines on Connector J1. The modes of control
are described in the following sections.
In all modes, when the unit is mounted in the recommended orientation as shown in Figure 1, Forward moves the
stage to the right and backward moves to the left as shown in Figure 5.
Forwards Backwards and Home
Figure 5Slider direction details

ELL6K Dual Position Optics Slider Kit Chapter 4: Operation
Rev. G, April 2018 Page 7
4.2.1. Hand-held Controller
Caution
On power up the stage will move while the unit checks the sensors and then searches for the home position.
The ELL6K Evaluation Kit also contains a hand-held controller, which features two buttons (marked FW and BW)
that allow manual switching between the two slider positions. The handset also provides for connection to the
host PC and/or to an external 5V power supply. The external PSU connector allows the slider to be used in the
absence of a PC, with control being achieved via the handset buttons.
LED1 is lit when power is applied to the unit. LED2 is lit when the device being driven is in motion. Note. The JOG
button has no function and is reserved for future development.
Figure 6Handset details

ELL6K Dual Position Optics Slider Kit Chapter 4: Operation
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4.2.2. Elliptec Software Control
When connected to the host PC, the slider can be controlled remotely, via the Elliptec software.
1. Download the elliptic software from the downloads section at www.thorlabs.com. Double click the saved
.exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Connect the hand-held controller to the slider unit.
3. Connect the hand-held controller to the PC USB port.
4. Run the Elliptec software.
5. In the top left of the GUI panel displayed, select the COM port to which the device is connected, and click
‘Connect’. The software will search the comms bus and enumerate the device. It is possible to connect
multiple devices - see the helpfile supplied with the software for more information. A cable with multiple
connectors in series will be required. Contact tech support for more information.
6. The GUI and device are now ready for use. See the helpfile supplied with the software for more
information.