THORLABS MLC8 Series User manual

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Operation Manual
Thorlabs Blueline™ Series
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
Multi laser controller module MLC8xxx
2004
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Version: 2.10
Date: 22.01.2004
Copyright©2004, Thorlabs GmbH
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Contents Page
1General description of the multi LD-controller MLC8xxx 1
1.1 Safety 1
1.2 Warranty 3
1.3 Features 4
1.3.1 Safety measures for the laser diode 4
1.3.2 General functions 6
1.4 Technical data 7
1.4.1 MLC8025-8 7
1.4.2 MLC8050-8 7
1.4.3 MLC8100-8 8
1.4.4 MLC8200-8 8
1.5 Operating elements at the front of the module 9
1.6 Pre-settings 10
1.6.1 Setting hardware limit ILIM 10
1.7 Connecting components (Anode Ground Version) 11
1.7.1 Pinning of the output connector 11
1.7.2 Pin assignment MLC8xxx 12
1.7.3 Connecting laser- and monitor diode 17
1.7.4 Standard configurations, no bias voltage 18
1.7.5 Standard configurations with bias voltage 5V 19
1.7.6 Connecting interlock and status display 21
1.8 Connecting components (Cathode Ground Version) 22
1.8.1 Pinning of the output connector 22
1.8.2 Pin assignment MLC8xxx 23
1.8.3 Connecting laser- and monitor diode 28
1.8.4 Standard configurations without bias voltage 29
1.8.5 Standard configurations with bias voltage 5V 31
1.8.6 Connecting interlock and status display 32
2Operating the MLC8xxx 33
2.1 Functions in the main menu 33
2.1.1 Display 33
2.1.2 Selecting a module 34
2.2 Functions in the channel menu 35
2.2.1 Display 35
2.2.2 Changing parameters 37
2.2.3 Selecting the laser diode current range 38
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2.2.4 Selecting constant current or constant power mode 38
2.2.5 Selecting a TEC module for temperature protection 40
2.2.6 Activating the temperature protection 40
2.3 Switching on and off 41
2.4 Error messages 42
3Communicating with a control computer 44
3.1 General notes on remote control 44
3.1.1 Nomenclature 45
3.1.2 Data format 45
3.2 Commands 47
3.2.1 Select the module slot 47
3.2.2 Selecting the channel (PORT) 47
3.2.3 Setting the laser diode current (ILD) 48
3.2.4 Changing the monitor diode current (IMD) 50
3.2.5 Switching the output on and off (LASER) 52
3.2.6 Reading the laser diode hardware limit (LIMCP) 52
3.2.7 Selecting the operation mode (MODE) 53
3.2.8 Setting the current range (RANGE) 53
3.2.9 Activating the temperature protection (TP) 54
3.2.10 Assigning a TEC for temperature protection (TPSLOT) 54
3.2.11 Reading type of module (TYPE) 55
3.3 Error messages of an MLC8xxx 56
3.4 Status reporting. 58
3.4.1 Standard event status register (ESR) 60
3.4.2 Standard event status enable register (ESE) 60
3.4.3 Status byte register (STB) 61
3.4.4 Service request enable register (SRE) 61
3.4.5 Reading the STB by detecting SRQ 62
3.4.6 Reading the STB by "*STB?" command 62
3.4.7 Reading the STB by serial poll 62
3.4.8 Device error condition register (DEC) 63
3.4.9 Device error event register (DEE) 63
3.4.10 Device error event enable register (EDE) 64
4Service and Maintenance 65
4.1 General remarks 65
4.2 Troubleshooting 66
5Listings 69
5.1 List of abbreviations 69
5.2 List of figures 71
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5.3 Certifications and compliances 72
5.4 Addresses 73
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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.
In the displays shown by the PRO8 you may find the name PROFILE.
PROFILE was the name of the manufacturer before it was acquired by Thorlabs
and renamed to Thorlabs GmbH.
Thorlabs GmbH
This operation manual contains every specific information on how to operate a multi
laser diode controller module MLC8xxx. A general description is followed by
explanations of how to operate the unit manually. You will also find every information
about remote control via the IEEE 488 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.
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1.1 Safety
MLC8xxx / page 1
1 General description of the multi LD-controller MLC8xxx
1.1 Safety
Attention 
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in
this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated
correctly.
Before applying power to your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 system, make
sure that the protective conductor of the 3 conductor mains power
cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the
socket outlet!
Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damages to your
health or even death!
Modules may only be installed or removed with the mainframe
switched off.
All modules must be fixed with all screws provided for this purpose.
Modules of the 8000 series must only be operated in the mainframe
PRO8000, PRO8000-4 or PRO800.
All modules must only be operated with duly shielded connection
cables.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single
components be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs
be used.
This precision device is only dispatchable if duly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If
necessary, ask for a replacement package.
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1.1 Safety
MLC8xxx / page 2
Attention 
Semiconductor laser modules can deliver up to several 100mW of
(maybe) invisible laser radiation!
When operated incorrectly, this can cause severe damage to your
eyes and health!
Be sure to pay strict attention to the safety recommendations of the
appropriate laser safety class!
This laser safety class is marked on your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
plug-in module or on your external laser source used.
Attention 
Mobile telephones, handy phones or other radio transmitters are not
to be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the
electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum
allowed disturbance values according to EN 50 082-1.
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1.2 Warranty
MLC8xxx / page 3
1.2 Warranty
Thorlabs GmbH warrants material and production of the MLC8xxx modules for a
period of 24 months starting with the date of shipment. During this warranty period
Thorlabs GmbH 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 GmbH
(Germany)or to a place determined by Thorlabs GmbH. The customer will carry the
shipping costs to Thorlabs GmbH, in case of warranty repairs Thorlabs GmbH 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.
In case of shipment from outside EU duties, taxes etc. which should arise have to be
carried by the customer.
Thorlabs GmbH warrants the hard- and software determined by Thorlabs GmbH for
this unit to operate fault-free provided that they are handled according to our
requirements. However, Thorlabs GmbH 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 GmbH 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 (refer to the PRO8000(-4) /
PRO800 mainframe operation manual) stated by us or unauthorized maintenance.
Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs
GmbH does explicitly not warrant the usability or the economical use for certain
cases of application.
Thorlabs GmbH reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the technical
data of the described unit at any time.
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