Benchtop Motion Controllers
1-, 2-, and 3-Channel DC Servo Controllers
1-, 2-, and 3-Channel Stepper Motor Controllers
1- and 3-Channel Open Loop Piezo Controllers
1- and 3-Channel Closed Loop Piezo Controllers
2-Channel NanoTrak Controllers

Features

Tracking Feature Maintains Optimum Throughput Indefinitely
Advanced Dark Search Algorithms for First Light Detection with Motorized Fiber Launch
Two Piezo Actuator Output Channels Provide Closed-Loop Feedback
IR (InGaAs) & PIN Current Inputs Supplied
Visible (Si) Detectors Available Separately
Supports External Displacement Sensors for Deterministic Control of System when Latching (Freezing) Alignment
Full Software GUI Control Suite
ActiveX Graphical Panel Controls and Programming Interfaces
Seamless Software Integration with Entire APT Family of Products (Electronics and Mechanics)

The NanoTrak auto-alignment controller combines an intelligent, active-feedback, alignment control system and a two channel, piezoelectric controller into a single bench top unit. As part of the APT series, this auto-alignment system represents the latest developments in automated optical alignment technologies. This system is a basic building block from which advanced alignment systems can be quickly configured. It can be fully integrated into our extensive selection of motorized positioning systems.

The initial coupling of light from one device (e.g. fiber) to another involves searching a multidimensional space until a signal is detected. The NanoTrak™ support software offers a series of motor search algorithms for this first light detection. Although used primarily for aligning optical fibers and integrated optical devices, the NanoTrak is ideal for automating just about any labor intensive alignment task, such as waveguide characterization, fiber pigtailing of active and passive devices, as well as a multitude of other R&D applications.

The NanoTrak is supplied with an Infrared wavelength (InGaAs) detector (NTA007) and a PIN diode SMB input for use with external detector heads. A visible wavelength (Si) detector (NTA009) is available separately as detailed below.

Other NanoTrak^TMAuto-Alignment Controllers
T-Cube^TM 2-Channel Controller*	Benchtop 2-Channel Controller	Modular 2-Channel Rack System Module

*Piezo Drivers (TPZ001) sold separately

BNT001 Series

Signal Measurement
PIN Photo-Diode Input
Connector Type	SMB male
Current Range	1 nA to 10 mA Photocurrent
Visible Light Detector
Connector Type	FC/PC
Detector Type	Silicon (Si)
Operating Wavelength	320-1000 nm
IR Detector
Connector Type	FC/PC
Detector type	InGaAs
Operating Wavelength	800-1800 nm
NanoTraking
Circle Scanning Frequency	1 to 300 Hz
Circle Position Range	<1% to >99% Maximum Piezo Extension (MPE)
Circle Diameter Adjustment Modes	Automatic and Manual
Signal Phase Compensation	-180° to 180°
Piezoelectric Input/Output
Number of Piezo Channels	2
HV Output Connectors
Connector Type	SMC male
Voltage Output	0 to 75 VDC/Channel
Voltage Stability	100 ppm over 24 Hours
Noise	< 3 mV (rms)
Output Current	500 mA/Channel
Analog Output Monitors
Connector Type	BNC
Voltage Range	0 to 10 VDC
Analog Drive Inputs
Connector Type	BNC
Voltage Range	0 to 10 VDC
Strain Gauge Position Feedback
Connector Type	9 Pin D-type Female
Feedback Type	AC

Other Input/Output
Optical Power Monitor
Connector Type	BNC
Voltage Range	0 to 10 VDC
User Control
Connector Type	37 Pin D-Type Female
Isolated Digital Inputs	8 off TTL
Isolated Digital Outputs	4 off TTL
Trigger Input	1 off TTL
Trigger Output	1 off TTL
Potentiometer Channel Control Input	1k to 10k (each channel)
Analog Channel Output Monitors	0 to 10 VDC (each channel)
LV Channel1 Output / Trigger Output
Connector Type	BNC
Voltage Range (LV Ch1 Mode)	0 to 10 VDC
Trigger Output Mode	TTL
LV Channel 2 Output / Trigger Input
Connector Type	BNC
Voltage Range (LV Ch2 Mode)	0 to 10 VDC
Trigger Input Mode	TTL
USB Port
Connector Type	Type B
Speed	USB1.1
Power Requirements*
Voltage	85 to 264 VAC
Frequency	47 to 63 Hz
Power	200 W
Fuse	3A
General
Dimensions (W x D x H)	245 x 130 x 330 mm
Weight	6 kg (13 lbs)

*Location-specific power cord provided.

Specification NTA007

Spectral Range	Active Area	Rise Time	NEP	Dark Current
800-1800 nm	Fiber Input	100 ps @ 12 V	1.5 x 10^-15 W/_√Hz	0.5 nA @ -5 V

Specification NTA009

Spectral Range	Active Area	Rise Time	NEP	Dark Current
320-1000 nm	Fiber Input	100 ps @ 12 V	3.1 x 10^-15 W/_√Hz	0.5 nA @ 10 V

User I/O Controller

D-type Female

DB37 Female

Pin	Description	Return	Pin	Description	Return	Pin	Description	Return
1	Ch 1 RS485 (-)	20	14	DIG I/P 3^a	27 to 37	27	Isolated Ground^b	-
2	Ch 2 RS485 (-)	21	15	DIG I/P 4^a	27 to 37	28	Isolated Ground^b	-
3	Not Used	-	16	DIG I/P 5^a	27 to 37	29	Isolated Ground^b	-
4	Potentiometer Wiper Ch 1	-	17	DIG I/P 6^a	27 to 37	30	Isolated Ground^b	-
5	Potentiometer Wiper Ch 2	-	18	DIG I/P 7^a	27 to 37	31	Isolated Ground^b	-
6	Channel 1 10 V O/P^d	-	19	DIG I/P 8^a	27 to 37	32	Isolated Ground^b	-
7	Channel 2 10 V O/P^d	-	20	Ch 1 RS485 (+)	1	33	Isolated Ground^b	-
8	DIG O/P 1^a	27 to 37	21	Ch 2 RS485 (-)	2	34	Isolated Ground^b	-
9	DIG O/P 2^a	27 to 37	22	Potentiometer Reference	23	35	Isolated Ground^b	-
10	DIG O/P 3^a	27 to 37	23	Analog Ground	-	36	Isolated Ground^b	-
11	DIG O/P 4^a	27 to 37	24	External Trigger O/P^c	-	37	Isolated Ground^b	-
12	DIG I/P 1^a	27 to 37	25	External Trigger I/P^c	-
13	DIG I/P 2^a	27 to 37	26	5 V User O/P (Isolated)	27 to 37

^aOpto-isolated, TTL level signal.
^bFor use with digital signals.
^c TTL signal.
^dFor use with external signal monitoring equipment.

Piezo Controller

D-type Female

DB9 Female

Pin	Description	Return	Pin	Description	Return	Pin	Description	Return
1	Wheatstone Bridge Excitation	4 or 6	4	d.c.(+) or Equipment Ground^c	-	7	d.c.(-) or Actuator ID Signal^b,c	4 or 6
2	+15V^a	4 or 6	5	Feedback Signal In	4 or 6	8	RS485 (-)	9
3	-15V^a	4 or 6	6	Equiptment Ground	-	9	RS485 (+)	8

^aPower supply for the piezo actuator feedback circuit. It must not be used to drive any other circuits or devices.
^bThis signal is applicable only to Thorlabs actuators. It enables the system to identify the piezo extension associated with the actuator.
^cSoftware switchable signal for strain gauge or d.c. feedback.

Sig In

BNC Female

0 to 10 V, 100 kΩ load. Used to receive a signal of optical power from an external power meter.

Sig Out

BNC Female

0 to 10 V, 2 mA. Can be connected to an oscilloscope to monitor the power signal received on the OPTICAL IN connection.

HV OUT

SMC

0 to 75 V, 0 to 250 mA. Provides the drive signal to the piezo actuator.

Ext In (+) and Ext IN (-)

BNC Female

Used to control the position of the piezo actuator from an external source. 0 to ±10 V 100 kΩ load. Polarity is selected in the Settings panel or in software by calling the Piezo SetIPSource method. The difference between the two signals is amplified internally before being routed to the HV OUT connector.

LV Ch1/Trig. Out
and LV Ch2/Trig. In

BNC Female

0 to +10 V. These outputs mirror the associated HV OUT, 10 V being equivalent to 75V on the HV outputs, and can be connected to an oscilloscope to enable the drive signal of the piezo actuator to be monitored.

Computer Connection

USB type A

USB Cable Included

Principle of Operation

During the auto-alignment process, the NanoTrak uses gradient search algorithms to locate the direction of a peak signal. This operation is similar to that of a compass finding the north pole. The sensitivity of the search is such that even far away from the peak signal, where there are small power gradients, the NanoTrak can decide in which direction the peak signal is located. This information is then used to make positional corrections via the attached high speed piezo actuators without having to map or search a large area.

In the proximity of a peak signal, the signal gradient seen is much smaller, indicating that smaller positional correction is required. When peak signal is reached the gradient seen changes to zero, indicating that no positional correction is needed.

The dynamic behaviour of the NanoTrak allows it to continue the alignment process indefinitely. Should the alignment change, the gradient search will detect the change and make a corrective move.

Typical Application Example (Optical Device Alignment)

Optical power transmission through any system under alignment can be described as a Gaussian coupling. Coupled power lowers as a function of distance relative to the aligned position (dependent upon device). Discrete power level alignments can be thought of as positions about the ideal coupling position, where the distances from the aligned position are equal. These discrete power alignment positions form concentric circles. These concentric circles represent the power contours and can be thought of as the gradient contours of a hill on a topographic map.

By detecting the gradient of the power at any given position, the NanoTrak can adjust the position until the power is maximized and the gradient becomes zero. This is achieved by scanning over the contours in a circular path to establish the direction of the signal maximum on the circular trajectory. The origin of the scan circle is then moved in the direction of the signal maximum.

Continuous active alignment can be used to maintain alignment, or the search algorithms can be halted for next step assembly or R&D operations.

The APT (Advanced Positioning Technology) family covers a wide range of motion controller products ranging from small, low-power, single channel, optomechanical motor drivers (the 'Cube' drivers) to high-power, multi-channel, modular, 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

All controllers in the APT family share a common software platform: the APT System Software. The software CD supplied with all controllers contains an installation of this system software, as well as a wealth of support information in the form of handbooks, help files, tutorial videos, FAQs, and other relevant information on using and programming these Thorlabs products.

APTUser

By providing this common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the APT controllers in a single application, while only having to learn one single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from the low-powered single axis to the high-powered multi-axis systems and still be able to control all from a single, unified, PC-based software interface.

The APT System Software allows two methods of usage: 1) Supplied, ‘out of the box’, graphical user interface utilities for direct interaction and control, and 2) A set of programming interfaces that allow custom positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

APTConfig

Detailed information on both usage modes is provided on the CD.

Of particular interest is the inclusion on the software CD of a range of software video tutorials. These videos illustrate some of the basics of using the APT System Software from both a non-programming and a programming point of view. There are videos that illustrate usage of the supplied APT utilities, allowing immediate control of the APT controllers out of the box. There are also a number of videos that explain the basics of programming custom software applications using Visual Basic, LabView and Visual C++.

APT Code
Movie Watch the videos now - click here to view Movie

Click here to go directly to the Thorlabs Download Area to access the full APT software CD. Experiment with the software using the simulator mode. Please refer to the Tutorial Videos for the APTConfig utility to learn how to select simulator mode.

These videos illustrate some of the basics of using the APT System Software from both a non-programming and a programming point of view. There are videos that illustrate usage of the supplied APT utilities that allow immediate control of the APT controllers out of the box. There are also a number of videos that explain the basics of programming custom software applications using Visual Basic, LabView and Visual C++. Watch the videos now to see what we mean.

Click here to view the video tutorial

To further assist programmers, a guide to programming the APT software in LabView is also available.

Click here to view the LabView guide

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Posted Comments:
Poster: Laurie Posted Date: 2009-02-05 17:12:29.0 Response from Laurie at Thorlabs to melsscal: Thank you for your interest in our BNT001 nano trak controller. Yes, it can be used with our MAX313/M. Poster: melsscal Posted Date: 2009-02-05 03:45:50.0 Can we use BNT001 as Nano Track Controller with MAX313/M ? Regards A.K.Bose

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APT System Benchtop NanoTrak Controller auto alignment autoalignment automatic fiber alignment automatic fibre alignment nanotrack NanoTrak Piezo Controller Translation Stage piezoelectric actuator pzt

View All »Matching Part Numbers

APT NanoTrak Auto-alignment Controller

Features

BNT001 Series

Specification NTA007

Specification NTA009

User I/O Controller

D-type Female

Piezo Controller

D-type Female

Sig In

BNC Female

Sig Out

BNC Female

HV OUT

SMC

Ext In (+) and Ext IN (-)

BNC Female

LV Ch1/Trig. Out
and LV Ch2/Trig. In

BNC Female

Computer Connection

USB type A

Principle of Operation

Typical Application Example (Optical Device Alignment)

View All »Matching Part Numbers

APT NanoTrak Auto-alignment Controller

Features

BNT001 Series

Specification NTA007

Specification NTA009

User I/O Controller

D-type Female

Piezo Controller

D-type Female

Sig In

BNC Female

Sig Out

BNC Female

HV OUT

SMC

Ext In (+) and Ext IN (-)

BNC Female

LV Ch1/Trig. Out and LV Ch2/Trig. In

BNC Female

Computer Connection

USB type A

Principle of Operation

Typical Application Example (Optical Device Alignment)

LV Ch1/Trig. Out
and LV Ch2/Trig. In