THORLABS Blueline Series User manual

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Operating Manual
Thorlabs Blueline™ Series
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
Current module LDC8xxx
2003
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Version: 2.11
Date: 13.10.2003
Copyright©2003, Thorlabs GmbH
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

Contents Page
1General description of the current module LDC8xxx 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 Common data LDC8xxx 7
1.4.2 Individual technical data 8
1.5 Operating elements at the front panel of the module 14
1.6 Pre-settings 15
1.6.1 Setting limit values 15
1.7 Connecting components 18
1.7.1 Pin assignment LDC8001 to LDC8040 18
1.7.2 Pin assignment LDC8xxx with true bipolar option 19
1.7.3 Pin assignment LDC8080 21
1.7.4 Connecting laser- and monitor diodes 23
1.7.5 Connecting interlock and status display 26
1.7.6 Using the modulation input 28
2Operating the LDC8xxx 29
2.1 Functions in the main menu 29
2.1.1 Display 29
2.1.2 Selecting a module 30
2.1.3 Setting the main parameter 30
2.2 Functions in the channel menu 31
2.2.1 Display 31
2.2.2 Changing parameters 32
2.2.3 Selecting the polarity of the laser and the monitor diode 33
2.2.4 Calibrating the monitor diode 33
2.2.5 Selecting constant current or constant power mode 34
2.2.6 Selecting a TEC module for temperature protection 35
2.2.7 Activating the temperature protection 35
2.2.8 Bias voltage for the monitor diode 36
2.3 Switching on and off 37
2.4 Error messages 38
3Communication with a control computer 40
3.1 General notes on remote control 40
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3.1.1 Nomenclature 41
3.1.2 Data format 41
3.2 Commands 43
3.2.1 Select the module slot 43
3.2.2 Calibrating a photo diode (CALPD) 43
3.2.3 Programming the laser diode current (ILD) 44
3.2.4 Programming the monitor diode current (IMD) 46
3.2.5 Switching the output on and off (OUTP) 48
3.2.6 Selecting the laser diode polarity (LDPOL) 48
3.2.7 Programming the laser diode software-limit (LIMC) 49
3.2.8 Reading the laser diode hardware-limit (LIMCP) 49
3.2.9 Programming the monitor diode current limit (LIMM) 50
3.2.10 Programming the optical power limit (LIMP) 51
3.2.11 Selecting the mode of operation (MODE) 51
3.2.12 Switching the bias voltage on and off (PDBIA) 52
3.2.13 Selecting the photo diode polarity (PDPOL) 52
3.2.14 Programming the optical power (POPT) 53
3.2.15 Switching the temperature protection on and off (TP) 53
3.2.16 Selecting a TEC module for temperature protection (TPSLOT) 54
3.2.17 Querying the module type 54
3.2.18 Reading the laser diode voltage (VLD) 55
3.3 1000 ... 1099 error messages of an LDC8xxx 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 acronyms and abbreviations 69
5.2 List of figures 70
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5.3 Certifications and compliances 71
5.4 Addresses 72
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

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 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 part of the instruction manual contains all the specific information on how to
operate a current module LDC8xxx. A general description is followed by explanations
of how to operate the unit manually. You will also find complete information about
remote control via the IEEE 488 computer interface.
!Attention!
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” labels in this
form, to indicate personal danger or possible damage to equipment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.
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1.1 Safety
Current module LDC8xxx / page 1
1 General description of the current module LDC8xxx
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
Current module LDC8xxx / 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 / 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
Current module LDC8xxx / page 3
1.2 Warranty
Thorlabs GmbH warrants material and production of the LDC8xxx 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 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 afore mentioned warranty 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.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com