THORLABS PM10-3 User manual

Optical Power Meter Interfaces
2021
PM103, PM103A, PM103U
Operation Manual

Version:
Date: 1.0 15-Mar-2021
Copyright © 2021 Thorlabs

Foreword
Contents
1 General Information 1
21.1 PM103x Model Comparison 31.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories 41.3 Requirements
2 Getting Started 5
52.1 Parts List
3 Operating Instructions 6
63.1 How To 63.1.1 PM103x Setup 63.1.2 Connecting a Power Sensor 83.2 Power Meter Interface Features 83.2.1 PM103x Sensor Connector 93.2.2 PM103 103.2.3 PM103A 103.2.4 PM103U 113.2.5 USB Operation 113.2.6 RS232 Operation 123.2.7 UART Operation 123.2.8 Reset Button 123.2.9 Baud Rate 123.2.10 Non-Volatile Memory 123.2.11 Digital I/O Ports 133.2.12 Analog Output 133.2.13 Autonomous Operation to Analog Output 143.2.14 NTC Input 143.2.15 Power Supply 143.3 Software 153.3.1 Software Requirements 153.3.2 PM103x Specific Software Functions 153.3.2.1 PM103 Specific Software Functions 153.3.2.2 PM103A Specific Software Functions 153.3.3 Sensor Calibration 153.3.4 Frimware Update
4 Maintenance and Service 16
5 Appendix 17
175.1 Technical Data 205.2 Pin Assignment Output Connector

205.3 Pin Assignment of the Sensor Connector 225.4 Safety 235.5 Return of Devices 235.6 Manufacturer Address 245.7 Certifications and Compliances 255.8 Warranty 255.9 Copyright and Exclusion of Liability 265.10Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts - WEEE Policy

© 2021 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solutions for your
applications in the field of optical measurement techniques. To help
us to live up to your expectations and constantly improve our
products, we need your ideas and suggestions. 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 this advice carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note

© 2021 Thorlabs
PM103x
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1 General Information
The PM103x Optical Power and Energy Meter interfaces measure the optical power of laser
light or other monochromatic or near monochromatic light detected by a connected sensor. Its
high repetition rate with up to 80kHz supports even fast pyroelectric sensors. The PM103x
power meter interfaces are compatible with all Thorlabs “C-Series” Photodiodes, Pyroelectric
sensors, and respective custom sensors.
To flexibly integrate the PM103x into a setup, the PM103x models offer different electronic in-
terfaces for instrument control and output:
·PM103: USB port and DA-15 connector
·PM103A: USB port (Input and Output) and SMA analog interface (Output only)
·PM103U: USB port only
The USB port features a fixture for secure connection of the cable to the housing.
For the PM103U and PM103A power meters, instrument control and power supply are facilita-
ted via the USB port. The PM103 can alternatively use the DA-15 interface for instrument con-
trol and to connect a power supply. For more information on the special features of the PM103x
models, please see the table PM103x Model Comparison below.
For instrument control and data analysis through a connected PC, tablet or laptop, Thorlabs of-
fers the Optical Power Monitor (OPM) software. Instead of the OPM software, the user can
write custom made software. For this, information on driver and SCPI commands are provided
in the manual WriteYourOwnApplication (WYOA) for the PM103x.
In summary, the PM103x models give the customer the choice of different interfaces, as well as
provide a supplied control and analysis software and the option to use custom made software.
Further, the PM103 can even be controlled via an external micro-controller, supplied by the
customer. These features allow for maximum flexibility to integrate the instrument in test and
measurement systems and a wide range of industrial and scientific applications in manufactu-
ring, quality control, quality assurance, and R&D for stationary and field use.
Attention
Please find all safety information and warnings concerning this product in the chapter Safety
in the Appendix.
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1 General Information
Rev: 1.0, 15-Mar-2021 Page 2
1.1 PM103x Model Comparison
PM103
PM103A
PM103U
USB Connector and Operation
Ö
Ö
Ö
SMA Connector
Ö
DA-15 Universal Connector
Ö
RS232 Operation
Ö
Analog Output Operation
Ö
Ö
Autonomous Operation to
Analog Output
Ö
Ö
Real Analog Output
Ö
Ö
Sensitivity Configurable
Analog Output
Ö
Ö
UART Operation
Ö
2 Digital I/O Ports
Ö
1 Digital I/O Ports
Ö
NTC Input
Ö
Power Supply +5V to +36V
Ö
9 10 10
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13
13
13
13
13
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12
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1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
PM103
Power and Energy Meter Interface with DA-15 Connector; USB, RS232, or UART
Operation. Digital or Analog Signal Output; Two Digital I/O Ports; NTC Input; USB
Interface for Control and Power Supply.
PM103A
Power and Energy Meter Interface with SMA Connectors for two Analog Outputs
and one Digital I/O Port; USB Interface for Control and Power Supply.
PM103U
Power and Energy Meter Interface with USB Connector and USB Operation for
Control, Read Out, and Power Supply.
Included Accessories:
The PM103x Power and Energy Meters include certain cables. Further cables are recommen-
ded in Optional Accessories .
PM103: DA-15 Connector and Connector Housing
USB Cable, Type A to Mini B, with locking screw, 1.5m
PM103A: USB Cable, Type A to Mini B, with locking screw, 1.5m
PM103U: USB Cable, Type A to Mini B, with locking screw, 1.5m
Optional Accessories:
To run the PM103x power and energy meter, additional cables or mounting devices may be re-
quired.
Cables
·PM103: Cable to attach to the provided DA-15 connector housing.
·PM103A: SMA cable: please provide a cable with a SMA connector with your PM103A.
Thorlabs offers a variety of SMA connector cables.
Mounting
·Horizontal Mounting Clamp (ECM225) to mount the PM103x onto a post.
·Vertical Mounting Clamp (ECM100) to mount the narrow side of the PM103x onto a post.
·Double Sided Horizontal Mounting Clamp (EPS225) to securely mount two devices on top of
each other.
Please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com for various accessories like power and en-
ergy sensors, fiber adapters, posts and post-holders.
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1 General Information
Rev: 1.0, 15-Mar-2021 Page 4
1.3 Requirements
Hardware Requirements
PM103: Please provide an appropriate cable to be attached to the DA-15 connector.
PM103A: Please provide appropriate cables to connect to the SMA ports.
Software Requirements
All models of the PM103x can be run with the Thorlabs' OPM software. Please see the require-
ments for the OPM on the website.
Sensor Requirements
Thorlabs C-Series Sensors
The PM103x supports all Thorlabs C-Series photodiode and pyroelectric sensors. The C-Series
can be easily identified by the red connector-housing of the DE-9 connector, compared to older
versions of Thorlabs power sensors.
Please refer to the chapter Connecting a Power Sensor on how to use older Thorlabs
sensors or custom sensors.
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2 Getting Started
Please inspect the shipping container for damage. Please do not cut through the cardboard.
You might need the box for storage or for returns.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, inspect the contents for completeness and test
the PM103x mechanically and electrically. Keep the container for storage or in order to return
the product in case of future problems.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
2.1 Parts List
1. PM103x Optical Power and Energy Meter Interface
2. USB Cable, Type A to Mini B, with Locking Screw, 1.5 m
3. PM103: DA-15 Connector and Connector Housing
4. Quick Reference
5. Certificate of Calibration

3 Operating Instructions
Rev: 1.0, 15-Mar-2021 Page 6
3 Operating Instructions
3.1 How To
This chapter describes how to install the PM103x for standard measurements.
3.1.1 PM103x Setup
·Download and install the Optical Power Monitor software on the device that will be used to
control the power meter interface (PC, laptop or tablet).
Note
Install the software prior to connecting the power meter interface to the PC (see Soft-
ware ).
·Connect the PM103x to a PC (Status LED turns yellow) or other power source (status
LED power supply turns green) via the USB port.
oThe PM103 accepts external power supplies with 5 V to 36 V via the DA-15 interface.
When connecting the USB port while using an external power supply via the DA-15
port, connecting the USB port will automatically switch to the 5 V power supply via
USB.
oThe status LED for the power supply is green when connected to an external power
supply via the DA-15 connector.
·Connect the PM103x to a readout instrument (PC) using the USB cable or a matching
cable for the respective output port (SMA or DA-15). For PM103A and PM103, please
provide cables.
·Connect a suitable sensor to the PM103x.
The sensor status LED indicates, when a sensor has been detected (green) or when no
sensor or no recognizable sensor is connected (red).
The Power Meter is now ready for operation and is recognized by the OPM software.
Note
For detailed instructions on controlling the PM103x through the OPM software, please down-
load the OPM manual.
3.1.2 Connecting a Power Sensor
The PM103x supports all Thorlabs C-Series photodiode and pyroelectric sensors, that can be
identified by the red connector-housing of the DE-9 connector, compared to older versions of
Thorlabs power sensors. Sensor type and calibration data are saved in the non-volatile memory
of the DE-9 connector. Upon connection, this information is automatically sent to the PM103x
and to the controlling device (PC or else) and software. The software will automatically recog-
nize the sensor.
To plug-in or remove a sensor, slightly press on the two bolts in the connector housing, that fix
it by tension.
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DE-9 connector
Sensors can be hot-swapped to the power meter interface. After recognizing a new valid
sensor, the type and calibration data will be downloaded to the power meter interface in ap-
proximately 2 seconds and the unit is ready to operate with the new sensor.
Note
Older Thorlabs Sensors without a DE-9 connector
The PM103x will NOT automatically recognize sensors lacking a DE-9 connector, as for the
case of the 'A' and 'B' series. Please contact Thorlabs for an upgrade of old sensors with
DE-9 connectors.
Note
Custom Sensors
To use sensors without a DE-9 connector, manufactured by Thorlabs or else, the user may
provide an appropriate adapter. To build the adapter, refer to the Pin-out of the DE-9 connector
shown in the Appendix . The adapter will per default automatically be recognized by the ap-
plication Optical Power Monitor as "Photodiode adapter" or "Pyro adapter". The sensor type
can then be adjusted in the software.
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3 Operating Instructions
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3.2 Power Meter Interface Features
PM103x optical power meters offer full functionality to process signal from compatible photodi-
ode or pyroelectric sensors to be displayed and analyzed on a connected PC.
PM103x general features
·All PM103x models have a non-volatile memory which prevents power meter settings from
being lost upon shutting down or rebooting.
·A fast readout rate of 100 kS/s permits online signal monitoring.
·Finely graduated power and energy ranges permit optimal resolution for power measure-
ments.
·A Reset Button allows quick rebooting of the micro controller.
·The PM103x is powered either via the USB interface or via the DA-15 interface. The status
LED indicates appropriate connection to a power supply. It turns yellow when the PM103x is
connected to the PC or green after connecting to an external power supply.
·All PM103x can calibrate up to sensors with the help of the OPM software. Please see the
software manual for more information.
·Different electrical interfaces in PM103x models for integration into different systems in indus-
trial and scientific applications. The different electrical interfaces come with further func-
tions , described in the following chapters.
3.2.1 PM103x Sensor Connector
All models of the PM103x have the same connector shown below. The Pin assignment is en-
graved on the front of the PM103x.
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3.2.2 PM103
PM103 Special Features
The PM103 version of PM103x features a number of additional options, due to the DA-15 out-
put connector.
The PM103 is per default configured to RS232 configuration (+/- 5 V voltage level). This can be
changed to a UART configuration (0/5 V voltage level) such that the PM103 can be accessed
by external micro-controllers for instrument control and data export. The PM103 can also be
adjusted to accommodate micro-controllers using 3.3 V.
1. DA-15 Interface
2. Two Digital I/O ports
3. NTC input
4. Two Analog Output Ports
5. Real Analog Output
6. Autonomous Operation to Analog Output
7. Optional Use of 5 V - 36 V Power Supply
8. RS232 Operation
9. Adjustable Baud Rate via USB or Serial Communication (SCPI commands); The default
BAUD Rate is 115200 Bit/s.
10. UART Operation (i.e. for Control via an External Micro-Controller)
11. Instrument Control using SCPI commands (Serial Communication)
12. Power Meter Control and Output via USB
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3 Operating Instructions
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3.2.3 PM103A
PM103A Special Features
1. Autonomous Operation to analog output.
2. Configurable Analog Output
3. Configurable Digital In/Output
4. Power Meter Control and Output via USB
3.2.4 PM103U
PM103U Special Features
·Power Meter Control and Output via USB
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3.2.5 USB Operation
All PM103x models can be run via the USB port. The USB interface on all PM103x models also
serves to connect a power supply and to update firmware of the PM103x.
The PM103U uses the USB interface as the only port for control and output.
Note USB vs UART operation for PM103
In case a USB communication is established in addition to the DA-15 connection, the PM103
switches to USB-Mode and the DA-15 serial interface becomes inactive. Only after actively
closing the USB connection, the serial communication is reestablished.
When switching the PM103 in the opposite direction, from USB to RS232 operation or to UART
operation, PM103 uses the DA-15 interface for control and output.
3.2.6 RS232 Operation
The power meter PM103 can be operated with serial communication via RS232.
Please use a RS232 standard protocol for RS232 communications. For questions, please con-
tact our engineers at Thorlabs .
Please set up the port as follows:
Parameter
Setting
Baud Rate
115.200 Bit/s (default)
Supported range of Baud Rate: 9.600 and 230400 Bit/s
Data Bits
8
Parity
None
Stop Bits
1
Flow Control
None
Termination Character
LF (x0A; \n). The termination character needs to be enabled.
Note
PM103:
To operate the PM103 via RS232, RxD, TxD, and GND need to be wired from the DA-15 con-
nector to a 9 Pin female connector to perform the connections.
PM103 DA-15 Pin
Male DE-9 Pin
Female DE-9 Pin (PC)
Pin7: TxD
Pin2
Pin2: RxD
Pin8: RxD
Pin3
Pin3: TxD
Pin15: GND
Pin5
Pin5: GND
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Rev: 1.0, 15-Mar-2021 Page 12
3.2.7 UART Operation
The PM103 is delivered in RS232 operation but can be switched to UART operation.
UART dependent PM103 functions:
The PM103 may need to be switched from RS232 to UART operation when using an external
micro controller for PM103 control. In RS232 operation the PM103 uses voltage levels of +/-5
V, while in UART mode the voltage level is shifted to 0/5 V. The PM103 can also be adjusted to
accommodate micro-controllers using 3.3 V. When switched to 3.3 V, UART operation is toler-
ant for 5 V input signal.
For instructions on how to change the voltage level for UART operation, please refer to the doc-
ument Write-Your-Own-Applications (WYOA) for PM103x.
For UART operation, please use standard protocols for UART communication and the SCPI
commands listed in WYOA for PM103x.
3.2.8 Reset Button
The reset button reboots the internal micro controller of the PM103x. To press the button,
please use a small device that will not break inside the instrument. All settings are saved due to
the internal non-volatile memory.
3.2.9 Baud Rate
For PM103, the Baud Rate can be adjusted from 9600 to 230400 Bit/s. This can be done either
via the USB interface or via the serial interface using SCPI commands or driver functions.
Please see the document Write-Your-Own-Applications (WYOA) for PM103x. The default Baud
Rate is 115200.
Note
After adjusting the Baud Rate via RS232 or UART, close the RS232 or UART connection and
reconnect with the desired Baud Rate in order for the Baud Rate to communicate it via
RS232/UART. This is not required for operation via USB.
3.2.10 Non-Volatile Memory
All PM103x models have an internal non-volatile memory for all settings (i.e. wavelength set-
ting, ranging, analog output configuration). The PM103x will start in the same configuration as
prior to shut-down.
3.2.11 Digital I/O Ports
PM103
The PM103 has two configurable gerneral purpose digital ports, DIO1 (DA-15 Pin2 ) and
DIO2 (DA-15 Pin3 ). Both ports can be configured as digital input or output and queried per
remote control command. These digital I/O ports use 3 V logic for output and are tolerant for 5
V input signal.
DIO1 can additionally be configured as trigger in and output, when reading the data in the 100
kS/s mode. The trigger function is supported by the Optical Power Monitor software. Alternat-
ively, the DIO1 port can be controlled or monitored through SCPI commands in custom made
software, as described in the document WYOA for PM103x.
DIO2 can be configured as pass/fail analysis flag and queried per remote control command.
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PM103A
The PM103A has one auxiliary digital port, DIO1 , with an SMA connector.
The port can be configured as digital input or output and queried per remote control command.
The DIO1 port can be configured as trigger in and output, when reading the data in the 100
kS/s mode. The trigger function is supported by the Optical Power Monitor software. Alternat-
ively, the DIO1 port can be controlled or monitored through SCPI commands in custom made
software, as described in the document WYOA for PM103x.
3.2.12 Analog Output
PM103
The PM103 has two analog outputs, AO1 and AO2 (please see Pin assignment ).
The Analog Output ports provide the amplified photo-diode current or the pyroelectic sensor
voltage, depending on the sensor. The signal from the analog output AO1 is not wavelength- or
zero- corrected.
The signal is measurement range dependent and can be calculated to:
AO1: The AO1 (DA-15 Pin 4) delivers the amplified direct real analog signal without a Digital-
Analog-Converter (DAC). Therefore, the AO1 delivers a proportional output voltage for each
measurement range. This analog output voltage can range from -0.25 V to +2.5 V. The real
analog signal is not wavelength- or zero- corrected and offers the full bandwidth (up to 1 MHz)
without quantization error.
Note
The bandwidth is in accordance with the settings of the sensor and power meter.
AO2: The AO2 (DA-15 Pin 5) delivers a range independent voltage which is DAC controlled.
The output voltage is proportional to a configured value in V/W or V/J. This constant can be ad-
justed via the OPM software or, for custom made software, using the SCPI/driver commands in
the WYOA for PM103x. The constant can be set in the Thorlabs software OPM under the Set-
tings tab: AO2 Responsivity. The signal of the AO2 is generated with a 16-bit DAC with an up-
date rate of 1 kHz. The analog output voltage can range from -0 V to +2.5 V.
The analog signal following the DAC is of advantage when large signal dynamics are expected
because the DAC range changes and the output signal stays largely the same. Additionally, the
output signal is wavelength corrected and corrected regarding the sensor calibration data.
PM103A
The PM103A has two analog output ports with a SMA output connectors. The functions match
the function of AO1 and AO2 of the PM103 respectively.
3.2.13 Autonomous Operation to Analog Output
Power meters PM103 and PM103A can be run autonomously by simply connecting a power
supply and using one of the analog output ports . In that case, no control device is required.
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3.2.14 NTC Input
To monitor the temperature in a test environment, the PM103 has an NTC Input (DA-15 Pin 14)
which allows connection of an NTC thermistor. The measurement range is 0.1 – 100 kW. The
set range R0 and the bandwidth B for the NTC thermistor can be adjusted in the OPM software
or through SCPI commands. The default settings are 10 kWand 3988 K to directly access the
TSP-TH temperature probe. The measurement range with the PM103 is then -10 °C to 80 °
C with the TSP-TH.
Note
Connection of the NTC to the DE-9 Pin 7 of the Sensor Connector requires a resistance of 0.2
kWto 40 kW.
3.2.15 Power Supply
All PM103x models use the USB port for power supply. Please provide an appropriate connec-
tion to a PC or power bank.
Note
When operating the PM103 via the RS232 interface or completely autonomously via an analog
output, the unit can either be powered with 5 V via the USB connector or with any supply in the
range from +5 V to +36 V via the DA-15 connector (Pin 1 and Pin 9 (GND)). As an external
power supply, we recommend the DS5 5 VDC regulated power supply.
3.3 Software
The PM103x is operated remotely from a PC, laptop or tablet.
Thorlabs OPM Software
The Thorlabs Optical Power Monitor (OPM) software provides a Graphical User Interface to
view, log, and analyze measurement data. Download the OPM software package Version 2.3 or
higher from the Thorlabs website, via this link, through the software tab on the product website,
or through searching for the product name within the Thorlabs software website.
All information on software installation, device control and data management software can be
found in the software manual directly downloaded here.
Note
Do not connect the PM103x prior to software installation!
Attention
Exit all running applications on your PC as the installer may require a reboot of your PC during
installation!
Custom Made Software
The PM103x can also be run using custom made software. For this, please refer to the docu-
ment Write-Your-Own-Application (WYOA) for PM103x.
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3.3.1 Software Requirements
All models of the PM103x can be run with the Thorlabs' OPM software version 2.3 or higher.
Please find the requirements for the PC intended to be used for operation of the PM103x on
the OPM website.
3.3.2 PM103x Specific Software Functions
When using a PM103x power meter interface, the OPM software version 2.3 (or higher) shows
several power meter specific functions. To see details, please also visit the OPM manual.
3.3.2.1 PM103 Specific Software Functions
1. When a PM103x power meter is connected, the OPM software recognizes NTCs in the
devices section. The OPM now allows users to adjust settings, view measurement results
and to integrate the NTC measurement results in long-time monitoring experiments. For
more information, please see the OPM manual.
2. When a PM103 is connected, it is possible to configure the analog AO2 port and display the
output voltage.
3.3.2.2 PM103A Specific Software Functions
When a PM103A is connected, it is possible to configure the analog AO2 SMA port and display
the output voltage.
When using the “Scope Mode” in the OPM software, the digital I/O SMA port can be used as an
external trigger or as a monitor output for the internal trigger.
3.3.3 Sensor Calibration
All models of the PM103x can be used to calibrate signal detected by Thorlabs photodiodes to
a known reference.
For this, the Sensor Calibration Tool within the software Optical Power Monitor is used. All the
user needs to provide is a signal from a reference sensor. The signal from the sensor to be cal-
ibrated is then adjusted and the calibration along with the serial number of the calibrated sensor
and the reference are saved in the power meter EEPROM and are retrieved by the software.
Please see the manual of the OPM for more information.
3.3.4 Frimware Update
To update the firmware of the PM103x, please download the latest firmware through the OPM
website and use the Firmware Update Tool in the software Optical Power Monitor (OPM). For
more information, please see the manual of the OPM.