THORLABS BPC301 User manual
HA0248T
BPC301
Benchtop Piezo Controller
User Guide
Original Instructions
Page -1
Single-Channel Piezo Controller, 75 V to 150 V
Contents
Chaper 1 Overview ......................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction .........................................................................................1
1.2 PC Software Overview ........................................................................3
1.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 3
1.2.2 Kinesis Server ......................................................................................... 3
1.2.3 Software Upgrades ................................................................................. 4
Chaper 2 Safety ...........................................................................................................5
2.1 Safety Information ..............................................................................5
2.2 General Warnings ...............................................................................5
Chaper 3 Setup ............................................................................................................6
3.1 Installing the Software .......................................................................6
3.2 Mechanical Installation ......................................................................7
3.2.1 Siting ....................................................................................................... 7
3.2.2 Environmental Conditions ....................................................................... 7
3.3 Electrical Installation ..........................................................................8
3.3.1 Connecting To The Supply ..................................................................... 8
3.3.2 Fuses ...................................................................................................... 8
3.3.3 Powering Down The Unit ........................................................................ 8
3.3.4 Rear Panel Connections ......................................................................... 9
3.4 Front Panel Controls and Indicators ...............................................11
3.5 Button Operation ..............................................................................12
3.5.1 Resolution Button ................................................................................. 12
3.5.2 Zero Button ........................................................................................... 12
3.5.3 Max Voltage Button .............................................................................. 13
3.6 Control Potentiometer Operation ....................................................13
3.6.1 Moving the Piezo using the ‘Control’ Potentiometer ............................. 13
3.7 Adjusting the Display Brightness ...................................................14
3.8 Connecting The Hardware ...............................................................14
3.9 Verifying Software Operation ..........................................................15
3.9.1 Initial Setup ........................................................................................... 15
Continued...
Rev F Mar 2022 Page 0
Chaper 4 PC Operation - Tutorial ........................................................................... 16
4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 16
4.2 Using the Kinesis Software ............................................................. 16
4.3 Setting the Position Sensor Zero .................................................... 17
4.4 Moving the Piezo .............................................................................. 18
4.4.1 Entering the piezo position ................................................................... 18
4.4.2 Jogging the Piezos ............................................................................... 19
4.5 Using the Controller as a Piezo Amplifier ...................................... 19
4.6 Choice of Display Mode ................................................................... 20
4.7 Thermal Shutdown ........................................................................... 20
4.8 Using the Controller with a Force Sensor ...................................... 21
4.9 Using the MZF001 Joystick ............................................................. 22
4.10 Load Response ................................................................................. 23
Chaper 5 Software Reference .................................................................................. 24
5.1 GUI Panel .......................................................................................... 24
5.2 Settings Panel ................................................................................... 25
5.2.1 Persisting Settings to the Hardware ..................................................... 25
5.2.2 Control tab. ........................................................................................... 26
5.2.3 Advanced Tab ...................................................................................... 28
Appendices
Appendix A Rear Panel Connector Pinout Detail ...................................... 29
Appendix B Preventive Maintenance ......................................................... 35
Appendix C Specifications........................................................................... 36
Appendix D Piezo Operation - Background................................................ 38
Appendix E Regulatory ............................................................................... 41
Appendix F Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................ 43
Page 1 22882-D03
Single-Channel Piezo Controller, 75 V to 150 V
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
This controller is designed for use in critical alignment applications where nanometer
level motion control is required. These high power units deliver up to 150V/500mA per
channel and are compatible with all piezo-actuated nanopositioning actuators &
stages in the Thorlabs range.
The unit combines the latest highspeed digital signal processors (DSP) with low-noise
analog electronics for effortless single-axis motion. Additional axes can be driven by
connecting one or more benchtop units via a standard USB hub.
Manual controls are located on the front face of the unit to allow manual adjustment
of the piezo position using the digitally encoded adjustment pot. The display is easy
to read and can be set to show either applied voltage or position in microns. Open or
closed loop control , maximum drive voltage, and zeroing of the piezo can also be
selected from the front panel.
Fig. 1.1 Single Channel Piezo Controller (BPC301)
The piezo controller is supplied with a full suite of software support tools. An intuitive
graphical instrument panel allows immediate control and visualization of the operation
of the piezo controller, and any other controllers that are installed in the system. See
Section 1.2. for a full description of the system software.
Rev F Mar 2022 Page 2
Chapter 1 Overview
The piezo unit operation is fully configurable (parameterized) with key settings
exposed through the associated graphical interface panel. Open or closed loop
operating modes can be selected 'on the fly', and in both modes the display can be
changed to show drive voltage or position (in microns). In the closed loop operation
mode, both the P & I (proportional and integral) components of the feedback control
loop can be altered to adjust the servoloop response. For convenience and ease of
use, adjustment of many key parameters is possible through direct interaction with the
graphical panel. For example, the output drive voltage or position can be adjusted by
entering a value in the display window (see the tutorial in Chapter 4 for further details).
Note that all such settings and parameters are also accessible through the
programmable interfaces which allow the user to build automated alignment routines.
See Section 1.2. for a full description of the Kinesis software.
The key innovation of the Thorlabs range of controllers and associated mechanical
products is the ease and speed with which complete automated alignment systems
can be engineered at both the hardware and software level. All controllers in the
range are equipped with USB connectivity. The 'multi-drop' USB bus allows multiple
units to be connected to a single controller PC using commerical USB hubs and
cables. When planning an alignment application, simply add up the number and type
of drive channels required and connect together the associated number of
controllers. In the remainder of this handbook, the Tutorial section (Chapter 4)
provides a good initial understanding on using the unit, and the reference section
(Chapter 5) covers all operating modes and parameters in detail.
Page 3 22882-D03
Single-Channel Piezo Controller, 75 V to 150 V
1.2 PC Software Overview
1.2.1 Introduction
The BPC303 piezo controllers feature 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 server is described in more detail
in the following section.
1.2.2 Kinesis Server
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 Piezo
controller. 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 BPC301 controller.
The system provides a separate control for each piezo drive channel to allow the
piezo unit to be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software functions 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 driver unit to which it
is associated (e.g. such as piezo drive voltage). Updates to the panel take place
automatically when a user (client) application is making software calls into the same
Rev F Mar 2022 Page 4
Chapter 1 Overview
Control. For example, if a client application instructs the associated Piezo Control to
move an actuator, the progress of that move is reflected automatically by changing
position readouts on the graphical interface, without the need for further programming
intervention.
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. 1.2 System Architecture Diagram
Refer to the main Kinesis Software online help file, for a complete programmers
guide. 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.
1.2.3 Software Upgrades
Thorlabs often releases updated firmware for bug fixes and support for new features.
We recommend all users to download the latest version of Kinesis software and use
the included firmware update utility.
Page 5 22882-D03
Single-Channel Piezo Controller, 75 V to 150 V
Chapter 2 Safety
2.1 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.
2.2 General Warnings
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
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.
Warning
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, 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.
The equipment is not designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.
Rev F Mar 2022 Page 6
Chapter 3 Setup
Chapter 3 Setup
3.1 Installing the Software
DO NOT CONNECT THE CONTROLLER TO YOUR PC YET
1) Go to Services/Downloads at www.thorlabs.com and download the Kinesis
Software.
2) Run the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
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
+44 (0)1353 654440 and ask for Technical Support.
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 will interrupt communication between the APT 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.
Page 7 22882-D03
Single-Channel Piezo Controller, 75 V to 150 V
3.2 Mechanical Installation
3.2.1 Siting
The unit is designed to be mounted free standing on a shelf, benchtop or similar
surface.
3.2.2 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.
Caution
When siting the unit, it should be positioned so as not to impede the operation
of the rear panel power supply switch.
Ensure that proper airflow is maintained to the rear of the unit.
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affect
operator safety.
Caution
In applications requiring the highest level of accuracy and repeatability, it is
recommended that the controller unit is powered up approximately 30 minutes
before use, in order to allow the internal temperature to stabilize.
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