Universal Control Module Operating Instructions oemsales@ulsinc.com
DISCLAIMERS ULS makes no claims that the output settings indicated on the device will reflect the actual output on the modulation connector at all times and under all circumstances. This device is not approved for medical applications. This device should not be relied upon as a safety measure to prevent the laser from emitting. A separate safety-interlock system should be used for this purpose. There are no user-serviceable components in this device. Disassembly, repair attempts, or any changes made to the device will void the warranty. WARNINGS Turning the power on with the EMISSION switch in the ON position can result in unintended laser emission. While the EMISSION switch physically separates the modulation signal from the output connector on the back of the unit, it is possible for the internals of the switch to fail in the closed position. Therefore the assumption should be made that while the unit is on, laser emission can be present. This unit is not intended for use in critical processes whereby failure of the unit could cause damage to equipment or harm to users.
GLOSSARY Hardware description... 4 Introduction... 4 Controls, indicators and connections... 5 Front... 5-6 Back... 7 Installation... 8 Operating instructions... 9 Setting output parameters... 9 Gating the signal... 9 Enabling output... 9 Page 3 of 10
INTRODUCTION The Universal Control Module is a flexible device designed to precisely control laser output. Three frequencies are offered, as well as internal or external gating, giving the user complete control over laser modulation. GATE REPETITION RATE DUTY CYCLE EMISSION POWER Page 4 of 10
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS, INDICATORS & CONNECTIONS FRONT 1. POWER This switch toggles DC power to the unit. In the ON position, a red surface on the switch is exposed and various LEDs on the unit will light up. In the OFF position, no red surface is exposed and all LED indicators will be dark. 2. GATE This selector button toggles emission-enable between internal gating (INT.) and external gating (EXT.). The setting of this feature is retained while the unit is off and restored when the unit is powered up. INT.: When internal gating is selected, the LED next to INT. lights up and modulation output will occur when the EMISSION switch (see description on page 6) is in the ON position. EXT.: When external gating is selected, the LED next to EXT. lights up and modulation output will occur only when both the EMISSION switch is in the ON position and when there is a logic high (+5V) on the EXT. GATE input on the back of the controller. 3. REPETITION RATE This selector button toggles the repetition rate of the laser modulation. The user can select between 5kHz, 10kHz and 20kHz. LEDs adjacent to each setting indicate the current selection. The setting of this feature is retained while the unit is off and restored when the unit is powered up. Page 5 of 10
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS, INDICATORS & CONNECTIONS CONT. FRONT (Cont.) 4. DUTY CYCLE This knob controls the duty cycle of the modulation output. Duty cycle is the percentage of the maximum on-time per cycle that modulation will be on. Duty cycle is adjustable in increments of 0.5% from 0% to 10% and in increments of 1.0% from 10% to 99%. Pulse width is calculated as follows: Pulse Width=(Duty Cycle)/(100xRepetition Rate) Example 1: 5kHz, 50% duty cycle. The maximum width that each modulation pulse can be is 200µs (1/5000). A 50% duty cycle means that the modulation will be on for half of that time (100µs) and off for 100µs, repeating at 5kHz. Pulse Width=(50)/(100 x 5000)=100 x 10-6 sec. Example 2: 10kHz, 25% duty cycle. The maximum width that each modulation pulse can be is 100µs (1/10000). A 25% duty cycle means that the modulation will be on for 25% of that time (25µs) and off for 75µs, repeating at 10kHz. Pulse Width=(25)/(100 x 10000)=25 x 10-6 sec Example 1. 5kHz @ 50% Duty Cycle Example 2. 10kHz @ 25% Duty Cycle 5. EMISSION This switch provides a physical connection for the modulation signal to reach the Modulation connector on the rear of the controller. When in the ON position, a red surface on the switch is exposed and a red LED will light up above the switch. In the case where EXT. gate is selected, modulation output will occur only when both the EMISSION switch is in the ON position and while there is a logic-high (+5V) on the EXT. GATE input on the back of the controller. NOTE: To prevent accidental laser output, make sure the EMISSION switch is in the OFF position before turning on the Universal Control Module. Page 6 of 10
BACK 1. 6 VDC This provides the +6V required to power the controller. Connect the power supply (provided with the unit) to this port. 2. EXT. GATE This port controls modulation output while the unit is in EXT. gate mode. While GATE is set to EXT. and the EMISSION switch is in the ON position, applying a TTL-compatible +5V signal to this port causes a modulation signal to be output from the MODULATION port. The modulation output will conform to the user s REPETITION RATE and DUTY CYCLE settings. 3. MODULATION When the necessary conditions are met (see GATE and EMISSION), this port outputs a TTL-compatible modulation signal that conforms to the user s REPETITION RATE and DUTY CYCLE settings. 6 VDC EXT. GATE MODULATION Page 7 of 10
INSTALLATION Connect the MODULATION port on the Universal Control Module to the I/O and Power Connector on your Universal laser. (Refer to your Universal laser manual for details). If you plan on controlling the laser remotely, connect the EXT. GATE port on the Universal Control Module to your external gating device. Page 8 of 10
OPERATING INTRODUCTIONS SETTING OUTPUT PARAMETERS Use the controls on the front of the module to set your desired repetition rate and duty cycle. GATING THE SIGNAL Select whether laser emission will be controlled by the Universal Control Module (INT.) or by a remote device (EXT.). ENABLING OUTPUT If GATE is set to INT., set the EMISSION switch to the ON position to output the modulation signal. If GATE is set to EXT., set the EMISSION switch to the ON position and then send a logic-high (+5V) signal to the EXT. GATE to output the modulation signal. Page 9 of 10
2010 Universal Laser Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Universal Laser Systems logo and name are registered trademarks of Universal Laser Systems, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Universal s laser systems are protected under one or more of U.S. Patents: 5,661,746; 5,754,575; 5,867,517; 5,881,087; 5,894,493; 5,901,167; 5,982,803; 6,181,719; 6,313,433; 6,342,687; 6,423,925; 6,424,670; 6,983,001; 7,060,934; D517,474; 7,415,051; 7,469,0000; 7,715,454; 7,723,638. Other U.S. and international patents pending. 050-3300-00-A REV1010 Legal copy 050-3300-00-A REV1010