THORLABS SOLIS DC20 User manual

SOLIS Controller
DC20
Operation Manual
2018

Version:
Date:
Item No.:
1.0
09-Jul-2018
M0009-510-1059
Copyright © 2018 Thorlabs GmbH

Foreword
Contents 2
1General Information 3
31.1 Safety 41.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
2Getting Started 5
52.1 Parts List 52.2 Operating Elements 62.3 Connecting Elements
3Operating Instructions 6
4TTL Modulation 7
5Maintenance and Service 7
6 Troubleshooting 7
7 Appendix 8
87.1 Technical Data 97.2 Dimensions 107.3 Certifications and Compliances 117.4 Warranty 127.5 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability 137.6 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy 147.7 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to
your expectations and improve 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 GmbH
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read these advices carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceeded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note
2

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
1 General Information
3
1 General Information
The DC20 is a plug & play LED driver that is designed specifically for driving Thorlabs GmbH
SOLIS high-power LEDs.
The DC20 circuit design allows it to control all of Thorlabs GmbH SOLIS LEDs. The EEPROM of
the connected SOLIS is read-out and the current limit of the DC20 is set to the maximum current of
the connected SOLIS.
Attention
Custom LEDs must not be used withthe DC20!
1.1 Safety
Attention
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the
assembler of the system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual
will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
Prior to applying power to the DC20, make sure that the protective conductor of the 3
conductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth ground
contact of the socket outlet! Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in
damage to your health or even death!
The DC20 must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
Do not remove covers!Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
Do not open the cabinet, there are no parts serviceable by the operator inside!
Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs GmbH may changes to single components be
made or components not supplied by Thorlabs GmbH be used.
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original
packaging. If necessary, ask for a replacement package prior to return.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise
specified herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying
documentation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class Adigital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Thorlabs GmbH is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by
modifications of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables
and equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs GmbH. The correction of

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH4
DC20
interference caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will
be the responsibility of the user.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all
optional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
Attention
Mobile telephones, cellular 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 IEC 61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-
1 for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
DC20 Driver for SOLIS LED
DSH15 DC20 desktop power supply

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
1 General Information
5
2 Getting Started
2.1 Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents and
youhave inspected the DC20 mechanicallyand electrically.
Verifythat youhave received the following items withinthe package:
1. DC20 SOLIS LED driver
2. DSH15 desktop power supply
2.2 Operating Elements
1
Turn-PushKnob:
- Turnfor LED current adjustment
- Pushto switchthe LED ON/OFF
2
Status LED:
- Orange: DC20 ready for operation, SOLIS LED OFF.
- Green: SOLIS LED ON
- Red or blinking: Please see the Troubleshooting sectionfor more information.
7

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH6
DC20
2.3 Connecting Elements
3
BNC jack for TTL modulation input
4
SOLIS LED connector
5
DC input
3 Operating Instructions
As the DC20 is a plug & playdevice, operationis simple:
1. Connect the power supplyto the DC input (5). The status LED lights up inred.
2. Connect your SOLIS LED to the appropriate connector (4). The DC20 reads out the SOLIS
EEPROM and recognizes the maximum LED current. This value is set as the current limit when
turning the adjustment knob to the right stop. The status LED changes to orange.
3. Pushthe red knob to switchon the LED. The status LED changes to green.
4. Turnthe rotaryknob clockwise to increase the LED current.
Notes
· Youcanconnect either the SOLIS LED or the power super supplyfirst; the sequence does
not matter.
· If youdisconnect the SOLIS during operation, the DC20 goes to stand-by.
· Eachtime a SOLIS is connected, the EEPROM is read-out and the appropriate current limit
of the DC20 is set. This way, the LED cannot be damaged.
· Please note that the current willchange slowlyor remainconstant over the area where the
rotaryknob is close to the left or right stop position. This is normal behavior for the
potentiometer used inthe DC20.
7
6

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
4 TTL Modulation
7
4 TTL Modulation
In addition to basic CW mode operation, the DC20 accepts an external low-active TTL signal via
the BNC jack (3) to modulate the LED current.
There is no mode switch - just apply the TTL signal and switch on the SOLIS. As long as the TTL
input is open or High, the SOLIS is enabled and supplied with the current that is set by the rotary
knob. A TTL Low level disables the SOLIS.
The maximum modulation frequency is actively limited to 1 kHz: If the applied TTL modulation
frequencyis higher than 1 kHz, the microcontroller of the DC20 limits the modulation frequency and
the SOLIS will be modulated at 1 kHz.
5 Maintenance and Service
Protect the DC20 from adverse weather conditions. The DC20 is not water resistant.
Attention
To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids or solvents!
The unit does not need a regular maintenance bythe user. It does not contain any modules and/or
components that could be repaired by the user himself. If a malfunction occurs, please contact
Thorlabs GmbH for returninstructions.
Do not remove covers!
6 Troubleshooting
In addition to indicating normal operating conditions (continuous yellow or green), the status
LED canalso indicate error messages:
Red continuous withSOLIS connected - DC20 hardware error
u Please contact Thorlabs for returninstructions.
Red blinking - SOLIS EEPROM issue
u Check SOLIS for proper connection
u If the error persists, please contact Thorlabs.
Greenblinking - the DC20 current is out of specification, no risk of damage to the
LED.
u Switchthe LED off and onagain- the error should disappear.
u If this error persists, please contact Thorlabs for returninstructions.
Red-greenblinking - the DC20 current is significantly out of specification; the LED
might be at risk.
u Do not operate the DC20 anymore.
u Please contact Thorlabs for returninstructions.
Red-yellowblinking - the SOLIS LED was switched off due to overheating.
u Wait for the LED to cool down.
u After the temperature is back to the allowed range, the status LED changes to
yellow-greenblinking.
Yellow-greenblinking - SOLIS was too hot, but cooled down, and the temperature is
back to the allowed range.
u Pushthe LED ON/OFF button. The DC20 returns to the READYstate (yellow).
u Now,the LED canbe switched on and off as usual.
6
5

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH8
DC20
7 Appendix
7.1 Technical Data
Constant Current Mode (CW)
Max. LED Current
1 to 10 A
Max. LED Forward Voltage
5.0 to 14.0 V
LED Current Limit Accuracy
± (1 % + 25 mA)
Noise and Ripple
(1 Hz to 10 MHz, RMS)
typ. < 400 µA
TTL Modulation Mode 1)
Input Impedance
10 k W
Modulation Frequency Range
DC to 1 kHz
Duty Cycle Range
0.2 % to 99.8 % (10 Hz)
2.0 % to 98.0 % (100 Hz)
20 % to 80% (1 kHz)
Modulation Waveform
Square Wave / PWM
TTL Lo Voltage Level
0.0 V to 0.8 V
TTL Hi Voltage Level
2.0 V to 5.0 V
General
Power Supply
15 V DC
Power Consumption
max. 65 VA
Operating Temperature Range 2)
0 - 40 °C
Storage Temperature Range
-40 to 70 °C
Dimensions (W x H x D)
85.4 mm x 59.6 mm x 100.0 mm
(3.36" x 2.35" x 3.94")
Weight
215 g (without power supply)
490 g (with power supply)
1)Specifications for TTL Modulation Mode depend on the forward voltage and the capacitance of the connected
SOLIS LED.
2)non-condensing
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ± 15% rel. humidity (non condensing)

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
7 Appendix
9
7.2 Dimensions

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH10
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7.3 Certifications and Compliances

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
7 Appendix
11
7.4 Warranty
Thorlabs GmbH warrants material and production of the DC20 for a period of 24 months starting
withthe date of shipment.During this warrantyperiod Thorlabs GmbH will see to defaults by repair
or byexchange if these are entitled to warranty.
For warranty repairs or service the unit must be sent back to 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 warrantyrepair is applicable the customer also has to carrythe costs for back shipment.
Incase of shipment from outside EU duties, taxes etc. which should arise have to be carried by the
customer.
Thorlabs GmbH warrants the hard- and/or software determined by Thorlabs GmbH for this unit to
operate fault-free provided that theyare handled according to our requirements. However, Thorlabs
GmbH does not warrant a fault free and uninterrupted operation of the unit, of the software or
firmware for special applications nor this instructionmanual 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 stated byus or unauthorized maintenance.
Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs GmbH does
explicitly not warrant the usabilityor the economical use for certaincases of application.
Thorlabs GmbH reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the technical data of the
described unit at anytime.

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH12
DC20
7.5 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability
Thorlabs GmbH has taken every possible care in preparing this document. We however assume
no liabilityfor the content,completeness or qualityof the information contained therein. The content
of this document is regularly updated and adapted to reflect the current status of the hardware
and/or software. We furthermore do not guarantee that this product will function without errors, even
if the stated specifications are adhered to.
Under no circumstances can we guarantee that a particular objective can be achieved with the
purchase of this product.
Insofar as permitted under statutory regulations, we assume no liability for direct damage, indirect
damage or damages suffered by third parties resulting from the purchase of this product. In no
event shallanyliabilityexceed the purchase price of the product.
Please note that the content of this document is neither part of any previous or existing agreement,
promise, representation or legal relationship, nor an alteration or amendment thereof. All
obligations of Thorlabs GmbH result from the respective contract of sale, which also includes the
complete and exclusively applicable warranty regulations. These contractual warranty regulations
are neither extended nor limited by the information contained in this document. Should you require
further information on this product, or encounter specific problems that are not discussed in
sufficient detail in the document, please contact your local Thorlabs GmbH dealer or system
installer.
All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced, transmitted or translated to another
language, either as a whole or in parts, without the prior written permissionof Thorlabs GmbH.
Copyright © Thorlabs GmbH 2018. All rights reserved.

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
7 Appendix
13
7.6 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) of the European
Communityand the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs GmbHoffers all end users in the EC the
possibilityto return“end of life” units without incurring disposalcharges.
This offer is valid for Thorlabs GmbH electrical and electronic equipment
· sold after August 13th2005
· marked correspondinglywiththe crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see figure below)
· sold to a companyor institute withinthe EC
· currentlyowned bya companyor institute withinthe EC
· stillcomplete, not disassembled and not contaminated
As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operationalelectrical and electronic products, this
“end of life” take back service does not refer to other Thorlabs GmbH products,suchas
· pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g. OEM
laser driver cards)
· components
· mechanics and optics
· left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
Waste treatment on your own responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs GmbH, you must hand it to a company
specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit ina litter binor at a public waste disposal
site.
WEEE Number (Germany) : DE97581288
Ecological background
It is well known that waste treatment pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products during
decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS Directive is to reduce the content of toxic
substances inelectronic products inthe future.
The intent of the WEEE Directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled recycling of
end-of-life products willtherebyavoid negative impacts onthe environment.
Crossed out
"Wheelie Bin" symbol

© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH14
DC20
7.7 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
56 Sparta Avenue
Newton, NJ 07860
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
www.thorlabs.us (West Coast)
Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]
UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
1 Saint Thomas Place, Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4EX
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
Hans-Böckler-Str. 6
85221 Dachau
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.de
Email: [e-mail]
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
Bergfotsgatan 7
431 35 Mölndal
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
France
Thorlabs SAS
109, rue des Côtes
78600 Maisons-Laffitte
France
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
Rua Riachuelo, 171
São Carlos, SP 13560-110
Brazil
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
Japan
Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
3-6-3 Kitamachi
Nerima-ku, Tokyo 179-0081
Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.co.jp
Email: [e-mail]
China
Thorlabs China
Room A101, No. 100
Lane 2891, South Qilianshan Road
Putuo District
Shanghai 200331
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]

www.thorlabs.com