THORLABS MFF101 User manual

MFF101 and MFF102
Motorized Filter Flippers
User Guide
Original Instructions

2
Contents
Chapter 1 Safety .............................................................................................3
1.1 Safety Information ...................................................................................3
1.2 General Warnings ...................................................................................3
Chapter 2 Overview ........................................................................................4
2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................4
2.2 Kinesis Software Overview .....................................................................5
Chapter 3 Mechanical Installation .................................................................8
3.1 Unpacking ...............................................................................................8
3.2 Environmental Conditions .......................................................................8
3.3 Mounting to a Work Surface ...................................................................8
3.4 Transportation .........................................................................................9
3.5 Dimensions ...........................................................................................10
3.6 Changing The Lens Mount ....................................................................11
Chapter 4 Software & Electrical Installation ...............................................12
4.1 Installing the Software ...........................................................................12
4.2 Electrical Installation .............................................................................12
4.3 Connecting The Hardware ....................................................................13
4.4 Verifying Software Operation ................................................................13
Chapter 5 Operation .....................................................................................14
5.1 Manual Operation .................................................................................14
5.2 PC-Base Operation ...............................................................................14
5.3 Using the Software Commands ............................................................16
Chapter 6 Software Reference .....................................................................17
6.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................17
6.2 GUI Panel .............................................................................................17
6.3 Settings Panel .......................................................................................18
Appendices
Appendix A Preventive Maintenance ..........................................................21
Appendix B Specifications ...........................................................................22
Appendix C Regulatory ................................................................................23
Appendix D Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................25

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Chapter 1 Safety
1.1 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.
1.2 General Warnings
Shock Warning
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.
Warnings
When the unit is powered up, do not move the flipper arm by hand.
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified in the handbook, 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.
The equipment is for indoor use only.
When running custom move sequences, or under fault conditions, the stage
may move unexpectedly. Operators should take care when working inside the
moving envelope of the stage.

4
Chapter 2 Overview
2.1 Introduction
These two position high speed flippers have been designed to flip a lens, filter or other
optical component into and out of an open beam.
The flip action is controlled by a button on the top of the unit, via the remote handset
included, or via a control PC. The flipper position toggles 90° between vertical and
perpendicular with each button press. The unit has two SMA connectors, marked
DIG I/O 1 and DIG I/O 2, for use in applications requiring an external or remote trigger,
e.g the remote handset. The trigger is a button press or a TTL logic pulse, which
toggles the flipper position. The rear face of the unit features an array of vent holes to
aid cooling.
This small (70 mm x 30 mm x 30 mm) unit is powered by the included 15V power
supply. It is shipped with a 1.5 m (59.0”) USB cable.
The MFF101(/M) is supplied complete with our LMR1 (/M) Ø1" optics mount, while the
MFF102 is shipped with the LMR2(/M). Other holders in the LMR range are
compatible, up to a maximum diameter of 50.8 mm (2”). The flipper mount is ideal for
many optics, including mirrors. When used with a mirror, please note that the unit is
not recommended for applications requiring better than 100 µrad beam stability.
Fig. 2.1 MFF101 Motorized Filter Flipper

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MFF101 and MFF102 Motorized Filter Flippers
2.2 Kinesis Software Overview
2.2.1 Introduction
The MFF series Filter Flippers share all the benefits of the Thorlabs range of motor
controllers. This includes USB connectivity (allowing multiple units to be used
together on a single PC), fully featured Graphical User Interface (GUI) panels, and
extensive software function libraries for custom application development.
The Kinesis software suite provides a flexible and powerful PC based control system
both for users of the equipment, and software programmers aiming to automate its
operation.
The User Interface allows full control of all settings and operating modes enabling
complete ‘out-of-box’ operation without the need to develop any further custom
software. It provides all of the necessary system software services such as generation
of GUI panels, communications handling for multiple USB units, and logging of all
system activity to assist in hardware trouble shooting. The Kinesis server is also used
by software developers to allow the creation of advanced automated positioning
applications very rapidly and with great ease. The Kinesis server is described in more
detail in Section 2.2.2.

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Chapter 2
2.2.2 Kinesis Server
Kinesis controls are re-usable compiled software components that supply both a
graphical user interface and a programmable interface. With the Kinesis system, .Net
Controls are deployed to allow direct control over (and also reflect the status of) the
range of electronic controller units, including the MFF series filter flippers. Software
applications that use .Net Controls are often referred to as 'client applications'. A .Net
Control is a language independent software component. Consequently the controls
can be incorporated into a wide range of software development environments for use
by client application developers. Development environments supported include
Visual Basic, Labview, Visual C++, C++ Builder, HPVEE, Matlab, VB.NET, C#.NET
and, via VBA, Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and Word.
Consider the control supplied for the filter flipper.
This Control provides a complete user graphical instrument panel to allow the stage
to be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software functions (often called
methods) to allow all parameters to be set and operations to be automated by a client
application. The instrument panel reflects the current operating state of the unit to
which it is associated (e.g. such as filter position). Updates to the panel take place
automatically when a user (client) application is making software calls into the same
Control.

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MFF101 and MFF102 Motorized Filter Flippers
The Kinesis Controls collection provides a rich set of graphical user panels and
programmable interfaces allowing users and client application developers to interact
seamlessly with the Kinesis hardware. Each of the Kinesis controllers has an
associated .Net Control and these are described fully in the handbooks associated
with the controllers.
Fig. 2.2 System Architecture Diagram
Refer to the main Kinesis Software online help file, for a complete programmers guide
and reference material on using the Kinesis Controls collection. This is available
either by pressing the F1 key when running the Kinesis server, or via the Start menu,
Start\Programs\Thorlabs\Kinesis\Kinesis Help.
2.2.3 Software Upgrades
Thorlabs operate a policy of continuous product development and may issue software
upgrades as necessary.

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Chapter 3 Mechanical Installation
3.1 Unpacking
3.2 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 unit should not be exposed to corrosive agents or
excessive moisture, heat or dust.
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 must not be used in an explosive environment.
3.3 Mounting to a Work Surface
3.3.1 General
When mounting the flipper close to other equipment, ensure that the travel is not
obstructed. If a device mounted on the flipper is driven against a solid object, damage
to the internal mechanism and the optic fitted could occur. The range of travel is 90°
Note
Retain the packing in which the unit was shipped, for use in future
transportation.
Caution
Once removed from its packaging, the filter flipper is easily damaged by
mishandling. The unit should only be handled by its base.
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely
affect operator safety.
Warning
The safety of any system incorporating this equipment is the
responsibility of the person performing the installation.

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MFF101 and MFF102 Motorized Filter Flippers
3.3.2 Mounting the Unit to the Work Surface
The filter flipper is normally used mounted to standard post via the 8-32 (M4) hole in
the base, as shown in Fig. 3.1.. .
Fig. 3.1 Installation
3.4 Transportation
Caution
When packing the unit for shipping, use the original packing. If this is not
available, use a strong box and surround the unit with at least 100 mm of
shock absorbent material.
8-32 (M4)
Threaded Hole
Standard TR series
1/2” Post

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Chapter 3
3.5 Dimensions
Fig. 3.2 Dimensions
132.5 mm
(5.21 in)
97.5 mm
(3.84 in)
27.9mm
(1.10in)
90°
Travel 50.0 mm
(1.97 in)
54.5 mm
(2.15 in)
104.5 mm
(4.11 in)
C
L
C
L
C
L
C
L
90°
Travel
50.0mm
(1.97in)
107.4mm
(4.23in)
57.4mm
(2.26in)
42.2mm
(1.66in)
92.2mm
(3.63in)
C
L
C
L
MFF101
MFF102
POS 1
POS 2
POS 1
POS 2

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MFF101 and MFF102 Motorized Filter Flippers
3.6 Changing The Lens Mount
The mount is supplied complete with our LMR1(/M) 1" or LMR2(/M) 2” optical lens
holder, but is compatible with other holders in the LMR range. Please note that the
maximum load of 120g is based on using 2 x 2” optical lens holders.
To change the optics mount, proceed as follows:
1) Loosen the two grub screws securing the lens mount base and remove the lens
mount from the unit.
2) Undo the screw securing the base to the lens mount. Retain the base and the
screw.
3) To fit a lens mount, fit the base plate to the replacement mount using the
appropriate screw supplied with the flipper unit, either #8-32 UNC or M4.
4) Fit the lens mount to the flipper unit and tighten the grub screws.

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Chapter 4 Software & Electrical Installation
4.1 Installing the Software
DO NOT CONNECT THE STAGE TO YOUR PC YET
1) Download the software from www.thorlabs.com.
2) Locate the downloaded setup.exe file and move to a suitable file location.
3) Double-click the setup.exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
4.2 Electrical Installation
4.2.1 Connecting To The Supply
Caution
If your PC becomes unresponsive (e.g due to an operating system problem,
entering a sleep state condition, or screen saver operation) for a prolonged
period, this may interrupt communication between the Software and the
hardware, and a communications error may be generated. To minimize the
possibility of this happening it is strongly recommended that any such modes
that result in prolonged unresponsiveness be disabled before the software is
run. Please consult your system administrator or contact Thorlabs technical
support for more details.
Caution
Some PCs may have been configured to restrict the users ability to load
software, and on these systems the software may not install/run. If you are
in any doubt about your rights to install/run software, please consult your
system administrator before attempting to install.
If you experience any problems when installing software, contact Thorlabs on
[phone] and ask for Technical Support.
Warning
The unit must be connected only to a 15 V DC supply. Connection to a
supply of a different rating may cause damage to the unit and could result
in injury to the operator.

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MFF101 and MFF102 Motorized Filter Flippers
4.3 Connecting The Hardware
1) Perform the mechanical installation as detailed in Section 3.
2) Install the Kinesis Software - see Section 4.1.
3) Using the USB cable supplied, connect the stage unit to your PC.
4) Connect the flipper to the power supply - see Section 4.2.1.
5) Connect the PSU to the mains supply wall outlet and switch ‘ON’ if required.
6) Wait for the unit to initialize (about 5 sec). Do not press any controls during this
time.
7) WindowsTM should detect the new hardware. Wait while WindowsTM installs the
drivers for the new hardware.
4.4 Verifying Software Operation
4.4.1 Initial Setup
1) Run the software and check that the Graphical User Interface (GUI) panel appears
and is active.
Fig. 4.1 Gui panel showing jog and ident buttons
2) Manually position the mount away from its end stop, then click the ‘Position 1’ or
‘Position 2’ button. The ‘Moving’ LED is lit while the move is in progress, then the
LED in the position button is lit to show that thye move is complete.
Follow the tutorial steps described in Chapter 6 for further verification of operation.
Note
The USB cable should be no more than 3 metres in length. Communication
lengths in excess of 3 metres can be achieved by using a powered USB hub).

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Chapter 5 Operation
5.1 Manual Operation
The Filter Flipper offers a fully featured motion control capability including Transit
Time and I/O Configuration. When the unit is connected to the PC, these parameters
are automatically set to allow “out of the box” operation with no further “tuning”
required. However, further adjustment is possible via the Kinesis Server software -
see Chapter 6.
The flip action is activated manually by a button on the top of the unit, or by handset
supplied.
The unit features two SMA connectors, marked DIG IO 1 & DIG IO 2. A TTL trigger
input (configured in the Settings panel - see Section 6.3.) causes the flipper to toggle
to the next state. If the user button or another trigger signal comes in before the end
of the move then the flipper will ignore the demand until the current move is complete.
5.2 PC-Base Operation
5.2.1 Introduction
The following brief tutorial guides the user through a typical series of moves and
parameter adjustments performed using the software. It assumes that the unit is
electrically connected as described in Section 4.2. and that the Software is already
installed - see Section 4.1.
Warning
When the unit is powered up, do not move the flipper arm by hand.
Notes
If power is removed, the unit may remain in the same position, or due to
gravity, may move to the lower limit.
The external DIG IO connectors can be configured as input or output to accept
various different signal types. A particular IO configuration can be ‘persisted
(saved) within the unit for future use when operating in Stand Alone mode
without a control PC - see Section 6.3. for more information.
Warning
As the unit is raised and lowered, items can become trapped in the
mechanism. During operation, keep fingers, clothing and tools away from
any moving parts.
When the unit is powered up, do not move the flipper arm by hand.

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MFF101 and MFF102 Motorized Filter Flippers
5.2.2 Master/Slave Operation
If required, two flipper units can be wired in a master/slave configuration, such that a
demanded flip on one unit, also triggers the other unit to flip.
1) From the GUI panel of the Master unit, click the Settings button to display the
settings panel.
2) Make parameter settings as follows:
Digital I/O Pin 1
Operating Mode: Input: Toggle Position
Input Signal Mode: Button Input
These settings set the Master unit to flip the optic position, each time the button is
pressed.
Digital I/O Pin 2
Operating Mode: Output: In Motion
Output Signal Mode: Logic Level Output
These settings set the Master unit to output a logic high signal on DIG I/O 2 while
the flipper is in motion.

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3) From the GUI panel of the Slave unit, click the Settings button to display the
settings panel.
4) Make parameter settings as follows:
Digital I/O Pin 1
Operating Mode: Input: Toggle Position
Input Signal Mode: Logic Edge Input
These settings set the Slave unit to flip the optic position, each time a Logic High
(5V) Edge is received on DIG I/O 1.
Digital I/O Pin 2
In the two unit master slave configuration, these settings are not used, though it is
recommended that the DIG I/O Pin 2 Operating Mode be set to an Output option
to avoid accidental triggering of the flip action.
5) Connect the DIG I/O Pin 2 terminal on the Master unit to the DIG I/O Pin 1 terminal
on the slave unit.
5.3 Using the Software Commands
In software, the filter flipper is moved using a motor ‘Move/Jog’ method. This method
contains a parameter to specify the direction of the move, ‘1’ for clockwise and ‘2’ for
counterclockwise.
To read the flipper position, the motor ‘Get Status Bits function is used. If bit1 is set to
1, the flipper is in the upright position, if bit 1 is set to 0, the flipper is horizontal.
See the Server API helpfile for more details on the use of these functions.

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Chapter 6 Software Reference
6.1 Introduction
This chapter gives an explanation of the parameters and settings accessed from the
software running on a PC.
6.2 GUI Panel
The following screen shot shows the graphical user interface (GUI) displayed when
accessing the filter flipper using the Kinesis software.
Fig. 6.1 Filter Flipper Software GUI
Position 1 - used to initiate a move to position 1. When the button is
clicked, the flipper is driven to the position at the speed entered in the
‘Transition Time’ field in the 'Settings' panel (see Section 6.3.). When
at position, the LED in the button is lit.
Position 2 - used to initiate a move to position 2. When the button is
clicked, the flipper is driven to the position at the speed entered in the
‘Transition Time’ field in the 'Settings' panel (see Section 6.3.). When
at position, the LED in the button is lit.
Note
The serial number of the MFF filter flipper associated with the GUI panel,
is displayed in the top right hand corner. This information should always
be provided when requesting customer support.

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Chapter 6
Toggle - used to toggle between position 1 and position 2. When the
button is clicked, the flipper is driven to the position at the speed
entered in the ‘Transition Time’ field in the 'Settings' panel (see
Section 6.3.). When at position, the LED in the associated button is lit.
Settings button - Displays the 'Settings' panel, which allows the
operating parameters to be entered - see Section 6.3.
Enable/Disable - applies power to the motor in the unit. With
the flipper unit is enabled, the associated LED in the button is
lit. Power is removed from the motor when a channel is
disabled.
Identify- when this button is pressed, the LED on the front
panel of the associated hardware unit will flash for a short
period.
Moving- lit when the flipper is in motion. When the demanded
position is reached, the moving LED is extinguished and the
Position 1 or Position 2 LED is lit..
Error - lit when a fault condition occurs.
6.3 Settings Panel
When the 'Settings' button on the GUI panel is clicked, the 'Settings' window is
displayed. This panel allows motor operation parameters such as move/jog velocities,
and stage/axis information to be modified. Note that all of these parameters have
programmable equivalents (refer to the Kinesis Server helpfile for further details.
6.3.1 Persisting Settings to Hardware
Many of the parameters that can be set for the filter flipper can be stored (persisted)
within the unit itself, such that when the unit is next powered up these settings are
applied automatically. This is particularly important when the driver is being used
manually in the absence of a PC and USB link. The Operating mode and pulse width
are good examples of settings that can be altered and then persisted in the driver for

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MFF101 and MFF102 Motorized Filter Flippers
use in absence of a PC. To save the settings to hardware, check the ‘Persist Settings
to the Device’ checkbox before clicking the ‘OK button.
6.3.2 Settings Panel
Fig. 6.2 Filter Flipper - Settings
Transition Time - The time taken (in milliseconds) for the flipper to move from
position 1 to position 2 and vice versa, in the range 300 ms to 2800 ms.
The following parameters dictate the function of the SMA Digital I/O connectors on the
unit. They are identical for Digital I/O Pin 1 and Digital I/O Pin 2.
Pulse Width - The pulse width when the Input Signal Mode described below is set to
Logic Pulse Output or Logic Pulse Output (Inverted).
Operating Mode - This parameter specifies the operating mode
Input:Toggle Position - Sets IO connector to input and 'toggle position' mode. In this
mode, the input signal causes flipper to move to opposite position).
Input: Go to Position - Sets IO connector to input and 'goto position' mode. In this
mode, the input signal dictates flipper position, POS 1 or POS 2 as dictated by the
Button Input or Button Input (Swap Position) parameters described below. See Fig.
3.2 for details of POS 1 and POS 2.
Caution
The ‘Persist Settings’ functionality is provided to simplify use of the unit
in the absence of a PC. When the unit is connected to a PC and is
operated via the software, the default Server settings will be loaded at
boot up, even if the ‘Persist Settings’ option has been checked.

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Chapter 6
Output: At Position - Sets IO connector to output mode, where the O/P signal
indicates the flipper is ‘at position’.
Output: In Motion - Sets IO connector to output mode, where the O/P signal indicates
the flipper is in motion (i.e. between positions).
Input Signal Mode - This parameter specifies the functionality of the input/output
signal.
Button Input - The connector can be short circuited (e.g. with button). If the Operating
Mode above is set to Input:Toggle Position then a short circuit causes the flipper to
toggle position. If the Operating Mode is set to Input: Goto Position then a short circuit
causes the flipper to move to POS 1 and open circuit causes flipper to move to POS 2.
Button Input (Swap Position.) - As above but the open circuit and short circuit
functionality is swapped when operating in Input: Goto Position mode. If operating in
Input:Toggle Position mode, the functionality swap has no effect and the position
toggles in the same way.
Logic Edge Input - The connector is set to logic input where a logic transition (edge)
dictates flipper operation. If the Operating Mode above set to Input:Toggle Position,
then a LO to HI edge causes flipper to toggle position. If the Operating Mode is set to
Input: Go to Position, then a LO to HI edge causes the flipper to move to POS 1 and
a HI to LO edge causes the flipper to move to POS 2.
Logic Edge Input (Swap Position.) - As above but the logic transition (edge)
functionality is swapped when operating in Input: Go to Position mode. If operating in
Input:Toggle Position mode, the functionality swap has no effect and the position
toggles in the same way.
Logic Level Output - The connector is set to a logic output where the logic transition
(edge) represents flipper position. If the Operating Mode above is set to Output: At
Position, then a LO to HI edge (HI level) indicates flipper is at POS 1 and a HI to LO
edge (LO level) indicates the flipper is at POS 2. If the Operating Mode above is set
to Output: In Motion, then a LO to HI edge (HI level) indicates the flipper is moving
between positions and a HI to LO edge (LO level) indicates the flipper has stopped
moving.
Logic Level Output (Inverted) - As above but the edge transition (level) functionality is
swapped.
Logic Pulse Output - The connector is set to a logic output where a logic pulse
indicates flipper operation. If the Operating Mode above is set to Output: At Position,
then a logic HI pulse indicates flipper has reached a position. If the Operating Mode
above is set to Output: In Motion, then a logic HI pulse indicates the flipper has started
moving. The Pulse width is set in the Signal Width paramter below.
Logic Pulse Output (Inverted) - As above but the pulse functionality is swapped.