THORLABS PWA090 User manual

HA0260T
PWA090
Electronic, Self-levelling,
Benchtop Isolation System
User Guide
Original Instructions

Page 0
Contents
Chaper 1 Overview ......................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction .........................................................................................1
Chaper 2 Safety ...........................................................................................................2
2.1 Safety Information ..............................................................................2
2.2 General Warnings ...............................................................................2
Chaper 3 Installation ...................................................................................................3
3.1 Installation ...........................................................................................3
3.1.1 Siting ....................................................................................................... 3
3.1.2 Environmental Conditions ....................................................................... 3
3.1.3 Mounting ................................................................................................. 3
3.1.4 Electrical Connections ............................................................................ 5
3.1.5 Pneumatic Connections .......................................................................... 6
3.2 Fitting/Removing The breadboard ....................................................8
3.2.1 Switching ON .......................................................................................... 9
Chaper 4 Set Up ........................................................................................................11
4.1 Front Panel Controls and Indicators ...............................................11
4.2 Menu System Overview ....................................................................11
4.2.1 Set Up Menu ......................................................................................... 12
4.3 Initial Set Up ......................................................................................13
4.3.1 Units Selection ...................................................................................... 13
4.3.2 Weight/Pressure (Default PID) Selection .............................................. 14
4.3.3 Switching ON Active Leveling ............................................................... 15
4.4 Levelling the System ........................................................................16
4.4.1 Settle Position ....................................................................................... 16
4.4.2 Error Band ............................................................................................ 17
4.5 Further Tuning and PID Parameter Adjustment ...........................18
4.6 Save Settings ....................................................................................23
4.7 Return ................................................................................................23
Appendices
Appendix A Connector Pinout Detail ..........................................................24
Appendix A Load Position and Stability......................................................25
Appendix B Preventive Maintenance ..........................................................26
Appendix C Specifications............................................................................27
Appendix D Regulatory ................................................................................28
Appendix E Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................29

Rev D Sept 2019 Page 1
Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
The PWA090 electronic, self-levelling, vibration isolation system, provides a portable,
lightweight, low-profile vibration-control solution for sensitive benchtop equipment
and experiments.
The system comprises a set of four pneumatic isolators (which must be connected to
a compressed air supply) and an electronic control box.
The control box allows manual adjustment of the level via a keypad. Once set up, the
level is maintained and any further disturbances are corrected automatically.
Fig. 1.1 Benchtop, electronic self levelling vibration isolation system

Page 2
Chapter 2 Safety
2.1 Safety Information
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.
The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the
equipment itself.
2.2 General Warnings
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to users.
Caution
Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
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.
Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided. If spillage does
occur, clean up immediately using absorbant tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to
enter the internal mechanism.

Rev D Sept 2019 Page 3
Chapter 3 Installation
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 Installation
3.1.1 Siting
The system is designed to be mounted on a benchtop or similar surface. The isolators
can be used free standing to provide a temporary isolation solution. For more
permenant applications, the isolators can be bolted to an imperial or metric tapped
work surface - see Section 3.1.3. for more details
3.1.2 Environmental Conditions
Location Indoor use only
Maximum altitude 2000 m
Temperature range 5oC to 40oC
Maximum Humidity Less than 80% RH (non-condensing) at 31°C
To ensure reliable operation the system should not be exposed to corrosive agents or
excessive moisture, heat or dust.
If the system 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.
3.1.3 Mounting
1) Position the isolators at least 400 mm (16”) apart and inside the footprint of the
breadboard (a typical set up is shown in Fig. 3.1 on the next page). Ensure that
the leg AIR IN and FEEDBACK connections are facing outwards and easily
accessible.
Caution
When positioning the isolators, ensure that the benchtop or mounting surface
is level. The legs have an adjustment range of ± 2.5 mm only.
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affect
system performance and could endanger operator safety.
Caution
Heavy loads may require the isolators to be positioned further apart to ensure
good stability - see Table 3.1 for more details.