Thorlabs - T-Cube Brushless DC Servo Controller

T-Cube Motion Control Modules
Single-Channel Brushed DC Servo Control Module
Single-Channel Stepper Control Module
Single-Channel Piezo Control Module
Single-Channel Strain Gauge Reader
Dual-Channel NanoTrak Auto-Alignment Module*
Quadrant Detector Module
Single-Channel Solenoid Control Module

* T-Cube Piezo Driver(s) (TPZ001) sold separately

The TBD001 Brushless DC Motor T-Cube is ideal for fast (hundreds of mm/s), high-resolution (<100 nm) motion control applications. It offers accurate positioning in a wide range of applications, and when used along with our DDSM100 fast translation stage ,delivers speeds of up to 500 mm/s.

Integrated into the apt family of products, the TBD001 offers Thorlabs' standard control and programming interface, allowing easy integration into the customer's own automated motion control applications. These units are cable of being reprogrammed in-field, allowing the option of upgrading the units with future firmware releases as soon as new programming interfaces (such as microscopy standard command sets) are added.

The unit has a very small footprint, measuring just 60 mm x 60 mm x 47 mm (2.4" x 2.4" x 1.8"), and can be mounted directly to the optical table, close to the motorized system for added convenience when manually adjusting motor positions using the top panel controls. Table top operation also allows minimal drive cable lengths for easier cable management.

TCH002 USB Controller Hub (PSU not shown)

USB connectivity provides easy 'Plug-and-Play' PC-controlled operation. The TBD001 also includes the very user friendly apt™ software, which allows the user to quickly set up complex move sequences. For example, all relevant operating parameters are set automatically by the software when used with Thorlabs' stage and actuator products. Advanced custom motion control applications and sequences are also possible using the extensive ActiveX® programming environment described in more detail on the Software and Video Tutorials tabs.

Furthermore, multiple units can be connected to a single PC via standard USB hub technology or by using the new T-Cube Controller Hub (TCH002) for multi-axis motion control applications.

Power Supply Options
The preferred power supply (i.e., single channel, multi-channel, or hub-based) depends on the end user's application and whether you already own compatible power supplies. To that end and in keeping with Thorlabs' green initiative, we do not ship these units bundled with a power supply. This avoids the cost and inconvenience of receiving an unwanted single channel supply if a multi-channel or hub-based system would be more appropriate. The power supply options compatible with the TBD001 Motor Controller are listed in the table below.

Quick Links to Other DC Servo Controllers
T-Cube^TM Single-Channel Controller	1-, 2- and 3-Channel Benchtop Controller

Motor Drive Connector (15 Way D-Type)
Motor Phase Outputs
Stage ID Input
Forward, Reverse Limit Switch Inputs (+ Common Return)
5 V Encoder Supply
Front Panel Controls
Velocity Potentiometer Slider	4-Speed Bidirectional Velocity Control
High/Low Button	Gain Response Adjustment of Velocity Pot
Enable Button	Channel Engage/Disengage
Motor Drive Current (Peak)	2 A (Continuous)
Pulse Width Modulation Frequency	40 kHz
Control Algorithm	16-Bit Digital PID Servo Loop with Velocity and Acceleration Feedforward
Position Feedback	Incremental Encoder
Encoder Feedback Bandwidth	2.5 MHz/ 10 MCounts/sec
Position Counter	32 Bit
Operating Modes	Position, Velocity
Velocity Profile	Trapezoidal/S-Curve
Input Power Requirements
Voltage	14.5 - 15.5 V Regulated DC
Current	2 A (Peak)
General
Housing Dimensions (W x D x H)	60 mm x 60 mm x 47 mm (2.4" x 2.4" x 1.8")
Weight	160 g (5.5 oz)

Motor Control Connector

D-type Female

d-type_long

Pin	Description	Pin	Description
1	QA-	9	Ground
2	QA+	10	Motor Phase C
3	QB+	11	Motor Phase A
4	QB-	12	Motor Phase B
5	IX-	13	+5 V
6	IX+	14	Ground
7	LIM-	15	Stage ID
8	LIM+	15	Stage ID

Computer Connection

USB Mini-B*

USB Mini-B

*USB type Mini-B to type A Included

External triggering is facilitated by the 'TRIG IN' and 'TRIG OUT' connectors on the front panel of the unit as shown left and right. These connectors provide a 5 V logic level input and output that can be configured to support triggering from and to external devices.

TRIG IN

SMA Female

The TRIG IN input contains a pull up resistor to an internal +5 V supply, allowing it to be operated by passive devices (e.g., a switch or relay contact) as well as standard logic outputs. The protection circuit also allows the external signal to be in the ±10 V voltage range.

TRIG OUT

SMA Female

The TRIG OUT is the output of a standard 5 V CMOS logic gate in series with a 470 W resistor. The resistor provides protection against accidentally short circuiting to ground by limiting the current to ~10 mA maximum.