THORLABS DC2100 User manual

2009
Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
High Power LED Driver
DC2100

Version:
Date: 1.1 08.09.2009
© 2009 Thorlabs

Contents
Foreword 3
1 General Information 4
................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Safety
................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
2 Getting Started 7
................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Unpacking
................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Preparation
................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Operating Elements
......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Operating Elements on the Front Panel2.3.1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Operating Elements on the Rear Panel2.3.2
3 Operating the DC2100 10
................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Operation and Settings
......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Navigating the Menus3.1.1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Operation Modes3.1.2 .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Constant Current Mode
3.1.2.1 .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Pulse Width Modulation Mode
3.1.2.2 .................................................................................................................................................. 13
External Control Mode
3.1.2.3 ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Settings and Configuration3.1.3 .................................................................................................................................................. 14
User Limit
3.1.3.1 .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Settings
3.1.3.2 .................................................................................................................................................. 16
About
3.1.3.3
................................................................................................................................... 16
3.2 Remote Application
......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Requirements3.2.1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Installation3.2.2 .................................................................................................................................................. 16
The Installation Menu
3.2.2.1 .................................................................................................................................................. 17
Installing VISARuntime Engine
3.2.2.2 .................................................................................................................................................. 17
Installing the Remote Application
3.2.2.3 .................................................................................................................................................. 18
Driver Installation
3.2.2.4 ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Operating the DC2100 by the Remote Application3.2.3 .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Connecting a Device
3.2.3.1 .................................................................................................................................................. 20
Constant Current Mode
3.2.3.2 .................................................................................................................................................. 21
Pulse Width Modulation Mode
3.2.3.3 .................................................................................................................................................. 21
External Control Mode
3.2.3.4 .................................................................................................................................................. 22
User Limit Current
3.2.3.5 .................................................................................................................................................. 22
Device Information
3.2.3.6 .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Help Menu
3.2.3.7
................................................................................................................................... 24
3.3 Changing the LED
4 Computer Interface 25
................................................................................................................................... 25
4.1 Connecting a Computer
................................................................................................................................... 25
4.2 DC2100 Utility Software
................................................................................................................................... 26
4.3 Command Reference
......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Command List4.3.1 .................................................................................................................................................. 26
Description
4.3.1.1
................................................................................................................................... 30
4.4 Status Reporting

................................................................................................................................... 31
4.5 Firmware Update
5 Maintenance and Service 32
................................................................................................................................... 32
5.1 General Remarks
......................................................................................................................................................... 32
Version and other Information5.1.1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 32
General Care5.1.2 ......................................................................................................................................................... 33
Cleaning5.1.3
................................................................................................................................... 33
5.2 Troubleshooting
6 Application Note 35
................................................................................................................................... 35
6.1 LED Driver
................................................................................................................................... 36
6.2 Pulse Width Modulation
7 Appendix 37
................................................................................................................................... 37
7.1 Warranty
................................................................................................................................... 38
7.2 Certifications and Compliances
................................................................................................................................... 40
7.3 Technical Data
......................................................................................................................................................... 40
Common Data7.3.1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 40
Technical Data7.3.2
................................................................................................................................... 41
7.4 Letter of Volatility
................................................................................................................................... 42
7.5 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)
......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Waste Treatment on your own Responsibility7.5.1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Ecological Background7.5.2
................................................................................................................................... 43
7.6 List of Acronyms
................................................................................................................................... 43
7.7 List of Figures
................................................................................................................................... 44
7.8 List of Tables
................................................................................................................................... 44
7.9 Copyright
................................................................................................................................... 45
7.10 Addresses
Index 46

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.
Thorlabs GmbH
This partof the instructionmanual contains everyspecific informationonhow
to handle and use the DC2100 HighPower LED Driver.
WARNING
This symbol in the manual explains dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read carefully the associated
information before performing the indicated procedure.
ATTENTION
This symbol in the manual explains hazards that could damage the
instrument and connected equipment or may cause data loss.
NOTE
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Please read these advices carefully!

4
1 General Information
DC2100
1General Information
The LED driver DC2100 is designed for general purpose LED control. It is a high
power LED driver, which can supply a high current of up to 2 A at a maximum
forward voltage of 24V to a high-power LED. This LED driver can also be used to
drive the LED microscope illumination source MxxxLx - series. It has also the
capabilityto applya pulse widthmodulation(PWM) to the connected LED.
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 DC2100 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!
The DC2100 must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
The LED head, control inputs and outputs must only be connected 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.
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in housing!
Do not remove covers!
Refer servicing to qualified personal!
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.
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).
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.

5DC2100
1 General Information
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital 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 in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
·Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
·Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
·Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
·Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/T.V. technician for help.
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 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.

6
1 General Information
DC2100
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
Ordering code Short description
DC2100 DC2100 - High Power LED Driver
M365L1 Mounted LED Source @ 365nm
M385L1 Mounted LED Source @ 385nm
M405L1 Mounted LED Source @ 405nm
M660L1 Mounted LED Source @ 660nm
M850L1 Mounted LED Source @ 850nm
Other wavelength on request ranging from 365nm up to 940nm.
Please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com for further information.

7DC2100
1 General Information
2Getting Started
This section is provided for those interested in getting the DC2100 up and running
quickly. The more detailed description and advanced features are described in the
following sections.
2.1 Unpacking
Inspect the packaging for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged,
keep it until you have inspected the contents and you have inspected the DC2100
mechanicallyand electrically.
Verifythat you have received the following items:
·1 DC2100
·1 Power cord,connector according to ordering country
·1 Power supply48V / 1.5A
·1 USB cable
·1 Operationmanual
·1 Applications and driver CD
2.2 Preparation
1. Connect LED head cable with socket labeled 'LED' at the back of the main
control unit (see figure below).
2. Connect power supply cable with main control unit, use only the power supply
supplied withyour DC2100 unit.
3. Plug inpower supply.
ATTENTION
Prior to switching on your DC2100 please check if the line voltage
corresponds to the input voltage range of the power supply!

8
2 Getting Started
DC2100
Figure 1 Connecting a LED to the DC2100
ATTENTION
Please, install the software prior to connect the instrument to your PC via
USB interface.
Only use the supplied high speed (USB 2.0) cable not full speed (USB 1.1)
cables or thin profile cables with increased resistance, this can cause
transmission errors and improper instrument operation!
4. Turnthe unitonbypressing the power switchon the rear side of the unit.
5. After the device is powered up, the graphics displaywill show a 'Welcome' screen
for a few seconds.
6. The DC2100 is immediately ready to use after turning on. The rated accuracy is
reached, however, after a warming-up period of approximately10 minutes.

9DC2100
2 Getting Started
2.3 Operating Elements
2.3.1 Operating Elements on the Front Panel
´
Figure 2 Display and Operating Elements on the Front Panel
2.3.2 Operating Elements on the Rear Panel
Figure 3 Operating Elements on the Rear Panel

10
2 Getting Started
DC2100
3Operating the DC2100
The DC2100 caneither be controlled via the front panel of the mainunit(see chapter
Operation and Settings) or by a remote application (see chapter Remote
Application).
3.1 Operation and Settings
The following sub chapters contain the description about the operation of the
DC2100.
3.1.1 Navigating the Menus
The DC2100 is controlled by three buttons and the multi-control knob on the front
panel. The two buttons below the graphics display have an Enter and Escape
functionality. The button with LED indicator is used to switch the LED on or off. The
multi-control is used to select the desired menuor to change the settings.
After switching onthe DC2100 a 'Welcome' screenappears for a few seconds.
Figure 4 Welcome Screen
In case no LED head is connected you will be prompted to switch off the main unit,
connect the LED head and switchon the device.
Figure 5 No LED Error Screen
The display will show the screen of one of the 3 LED operation modes (Constant
Current, PWM or External Control Mode). The 'Main Menu' can be accessed via
the 'ESC' button.

11DC2100
3 Operating the DC2100
Figure 6 Main Menu
To select an operation mode or a configuration display the multi-control knob is
used. Press the 'Ok' buttonto enter the selected item.
3.1.2 Operation Modes
For safety reasons the LED can be enabled /switched on only if one of the three
operation modes (Constant Current, PWM or External Control) is selected. This
'SafetyMode' canbe disabled (see chapter Settings for more details).
It is possible to leave the active mode when the LED is switched on and enter the
main menu. However, the LED has to switch off before you can enter another
operationmode. This can be done while the main menu is selected by pressing the
LED button.
The last selected operation mode will be saved. After switching on the DC2100
again this operation mode will be automatically the active mode. All settings are
saved and validated after a shut off.
3.1.2.1 Constant Current Mode
The 'Constant Current Mode' provides a constant non-modulated LED current.
The actual current is displayed and canbe set directlywiththe multi-control knob. No
confirmationis necessary. The 'Ok' button has no functionality within this mode. The
LED is switched on or off with the LED button. The LED current can be changed
when the LED is off as well as when it is in operation. This allows to increase or
reduce the brightness of the LED. The current limit is displayed at the bottom of the
screen.
Returnto the mainmenuwiththe 'ESC' button.
Figure 7 Constant Current Mode
The faster the multi-control knob is turned, the greater is the adjustment ratio of the
current.If you move the knob slowly you can set the current with a 1mA resolution. If
youmove it faster the resolutionwillincrease up to a 200mA resolution.

12
3 Operating the DC2100
DC2100
3.1.2.2 Pulse Width Modulation Mode
This mode canbe used to applya pulse width modulation to the LED with a defined
frequency, amplitude, duty cycle and number of periods. Especially for spectral and
power measurements this operationmode canbe veryuseful.
The actual value for each parameter is displayed. The amplitude is shown as current
in mA. The frequency can be adjusted in the range from 1Hz up to 10kHz. The step
rate depends on the actual range. It is 1Hz in the range from 1Hz to 1000Hz and
0.1kHzinthe range from 1kHzto 10kHz. The dutycycle canbe set from 1% to 100%
in steps of 1%. The parameter 'Counts' defines the number of periods and can be
adjusted from 1 to 100. The term 'infinite' describes a infinite pulse train.
Figure 8 Pulse Width Modulation Mode
To change the settings select one of the parameters using the multi-control knob and
press the 'Ok' button. The corresponding screen appears and the value for the
current, the frequency, the duty cycle or the counts can be adjusted with the multi-
control knob. Whenchanging the parameters current,frequencyor dutycycle the new
value takes affect immediately. However, it has to be confirmed with the 'Ok' button
or canbe canceled withthe 'ESC' button. The parameter counts is an exception. The
new value will take affect after it was confirmed with the 'OK' button. All parameters
canbe changed whenthe LED is off as well as whenit is inoperation.
Returnto the mainmenuwiththe 'ESC' button.
Figure 9 Pulse Width Modulation - Current Adjustment

13DC2100
3 Operating the DC2100
Figure 10 Pulse Width Modulation - Frequency Adjustment
Figure 11 Pulse Width Modulation - Duty Cycle Adjustment
Figure 12 Pulse Width Modulation - Counts Adjustment
The faster the multi-control knob is turned the larger the adjustment ratio of the
selected parameter.
For more information about pulse width modulation refer to the application note
Pulse WidthModulation.
3.1.2.3 External Control Mode
This mode allows to control the DC2100 byanexternal signal.
The 'External Control Mode' has no parameter settings. The LED can only be
controlled via the BNC connector at the rear panel of the DC2100. The applied
voltage corresponds to the LED current. 1V is equivalent to a LED current of
200mA. A maximum voltage of 10V can be applied, which results in a current of
2000mA.
NOTE
The maximum current is limited by the user defined current limit set in the 'Adjust
Limit' menu.

14
3 Operating the DC2100
DC2100
Figure 13 External Control Mode
The ModulationFrequencyrange is 0 to 100kHzand valid for sine wave modulation.
3.1.3 Settings and Configuration
There are settings and system configurations, which can be accessed via the main
menu. To enter the main menu from one of the operation modes press the 'ESC'
button.
Figure 14 Main Menu
Select an item with the multi-control knob and press the 'Ok' button to access the
desired setting or configurationpanel.
3.1.3.1 User Limit
The current limit can be changed by selecting 'User Limit'. The following screen
appears and the LED current limit can be set using the multi-control knob. The new
value has to be confirmed withthe 'Ok' buttonor canceled with the 'ESC' button. The
LED current limit can be set up to the maximum LED current limit (LED Imax). It is
displayed on the bottom of the screen. Certain LED sources have an EEPROM
whichcontaindata about the LED like maximum current. LEDs without an EEPROM
will show 2000mA as maximum LED current limit.
Figure 15 LED Current Limit Setting

15DC2100
3 Operating the DC2100
ATTENTION
A wrong and too high LED current limit can cause damage to the LED. Prior
to changing the LED current limit check if the LED can handle this current!
LED Configuration
The LEDs maximum current can be reconfigured for LEDs with an EEPROM. This
value is valid until the DC2100 is restarted and can be changed in the 'User Limit
Current' menu.
This menu entry is hidden in normal operation mode. Go to the 'User Limit' screen
described above. Thenpress and hold the 'LED' buttonfor about three seconds.
A sub menu appears and the LEDs maximum current can be set. Press the 'Ok'
buttonto select the 'Maximum Current Limit' menu. The multi-control knob is used to
change the value and has to be confirmed with the 'Ok' button or canceled with the
'ESC' button.
Figure 16 LED Maximum Current
3.1.3.2 Settings
Within the system configuration the LCD backlight brightness can be set. Select
'Settings' from the mainmenu via the multi-control knob and press 'Ok'. A sub menu
appears and the 'Brightness' setting can be accessed by pressing the 'Ok' button.
The multi-control knob is used to change the brightness of the LCD backlight
between0 and 100%. Confirm your setting with'Ok' or cancel it with'ESC'.
Figure 17 Display Brightness Setting
There is another menu item the 'Safety Mode' in the 'Settings' topic. The 'Safety
Mode' can be switched on or off. If it is enabled the LEDs can only be switched on
when one of the operating modes is selected. If the 'Safety Mode' is disabled the
LEDs can be switched on regardless which menu item is selected. The LEDs can
always be switched off independent of the 'SafetyMode'.

16
3 Operating the DC2100
DC2100
3.1.3.3 About
The item 'About' gives information about the firmware version and serial number of
the DC2100 and the connected LED head ifavailable.
Figure 18 About Panel
3.2 Remote Application
The DC2100 remote software can be used to operate the DC2100 - High Power
Driver via the PC.The device has to be connected to the PC byanUSB cable.
3.2.1 Requirements
To operate the DC2100 ona PC your system needs to fulfillthe following
Minimum hard- and software requirements:
·Operating system: Windows 2000®, Windows XP® SP2, Windows Vista® or
higher
·USB 2.0 high speed port (USB 1.1 full speed port is also usable but achieves
reduced measurement speed)
3.2.2 Installation
3.2.2.1 The Installation Menu
Insert the 'Thorlabs DC2100- High Power LED Driver CD 1.0' (or higher) CD-
ROM in your CD/DVD drive. It automatically starts up and displays the installation
start screen.
In case this 'auto start' feature is disabled on your computer please execute the
'Autorun\Autorun.exe' file onthe CD.

17DC2100
3 Operating the DC2100
Figure 19 Autorun Menu
NOTE
Please be aware that you need a VISA engine installed on your system to operate
the DC2100 remote application.
3.2.2.2 Installing VISA Runtime Engine
A VISA runtime 4.3.0 or higher has to be installed on your system to operate the
DC2100 remote application.
You may install the National Instruments©® VISA runtime engine provided on the
installation CD. You may also download the latest NI-VISA runtime engine from the
National Instruments©® web site (www.ni.com/visa).
In case you want to use the VISA engine provided on the installation CD select 'NI-
VISA Engine'. An installation wizard will be started. If you are running Windows
VISTA©® youmight be prompted to change to the 'elevated mode'. Please ask your
administrator for help whenyoudo not have administrator privileges.
Follow the instructions of the installationwizard.
3.2.2.3 Installing the Remote Application
Select 'DC2100 - Application software' from the installation menu to start the
installation wizard. If you are running Windows VISTA©® you might be prompted to
change to the 'elevated mode', as shown in the following figure. Please ask your
administrator for help whenyoudo not have administrator privileges.

18
3 Operating the DC2100
DC2100
Figure 20 Request for Administrator Privileges
After the DC2100 remote applicationinstallationwizard finished the initialization you
will be prompted to specify the installation path. Confirm with 'Next' when you
selected the installation path of your choice. Follow the instruction of the installation
wizard in order to install the remote software and drivers for the DC2100.
During the installationprocess a separate installation wizard will start to register the
device drivers on your system. The system will inform you that the software
installationhas failed the Windows logo test. This will happentwice.
Ignore the warning and click 'Continue Anyway'.
Figure 21 The Windows Logo Test
3.2.2.4 Driver Installation
The necessary drivers for the DC2100 - High Power LED Driver is automatically
copied to the system folder during the installationof the DC2100 remote application.