Kinesis® K-Cube™ Position Sensing Detector (PSD) Auto Aligner

Overview
Pin Diagrams
Mounting Options
Typical Application
K-Cubes vs. T-Cubes
Motion Control Software
Kinesis Tutorials
APT Tutorials
Feedback

K-Cube™ Motion Control Modules
Brushed DC Servo Motor Controller
Brushless DC Servo Motor Controller
Fiber Alignment Controllers
Four-Channel Piezo Inertia Actuator Controller
PSD Auto Aligner
Single-Channel Piezo Controller
Single-Channel Strain Gauge Reader
Solenoid Controller
Stepper Motor Controller

Click to Enlarge
Back and Top Views of the KPA101 K-Cube™
(See the Pin Diagrams Tab for More Information)

Item #	KPA101
X & Y Difference Outputs	-10 to 10 V, SMA Connectors
Sum Output	0 to 10 V, SMA Connector
Position-Sensing Detector Input	6-Pin Hirose Connector^a
Closed-Loop Bandwidth	Up to 1 kHz^b
Open-Loop Bandwidth (-3.0 dB)	100 kHz
Dimensions (W x D x H)	60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.36" x 2.36" x 1.94")

See the Pin Diagrams tab for details.
When driving KPZ101 Piezo Controllers at 10% FSD (Full Scale Deflection), the bandwidth is 200 Hz.

Click to Enlarge
The KCH601 USB Controller Hub with installed K-Cube and T-Cube modules. One KAP101 adapter plate is used for the T-Cube on the hub.

Features

Compact Footprint: 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm
Auto Alignment of Beam to Center of Sensor when in Closed-Loop Mode
Beam Position Measurement when in Open-Loop Mode
OLED Menu and Position Display for Complete On-Unit Control
Voltage Outputs for Sum, Difference, and Feedback Signals
Full Kinesis^® or APT™ Software Control Suite (See Motion Control Software Tab for Details)
Software Compatible with other Kinesis and APT Controllers for Integrated Systems Development
Fully Compatible with Current- and Previous-Generation T-Cube™ Controllers
Power Supply Sold Separately
Multi-Axis Expansion Using USB Controller Hubs (Sold Separately)
Magnetic, Clip-On Optical Table Mounting Adapter Included

The KPA101 K-Cube™ Beam Position Aligner is a part of Thorlabs' new and growing Kinesis^® line of high-end, compact controllers. It interfaces with our range of Quadrant and Lateral Effect Sensor Heads (see the Typical Application tab above for more information) and can be used either to measure the position of the beam on the sensor (in Open-Loop Mode) or to generate a signal that can be used as the input for an automated beam steering element (in Closed-Loop Mode). When combined with the KPZ101 K-Cube Piezo Drivers, this unit is ideal for such closed-loop beam-steering applications. Please contact Tech Support for details on how the KPA101 can be used with sensors from other manufacturers.

Embedded software allows this unit to communicate with position sensing detectors (PSDs) either using the on-unit menu button, display, and control wheel or using external trigger signals. In addition to the on-unit controls, USB connectivity provides simple PC-controlled operation with two available software platforms: our new Kinesis software package or our legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package.

The Kinesis Software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, C++, Matlab, LabWindows/CVI, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Our legacy APT software allows the user to quickly set up complex move sequences with advanced controls made possible via the ActiveX^® programming environment. For example, all relevant operating parameters are set automatically by the software for Thorlabs stage and actuator products. For more details on both software packages, please see the Motion Control Software, Kinesis Tutorials, and APT Tutorials tabs.

The unit has a highly compact 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm footprint, allowing it to be positioned close to the system for added convenience when using the top panel controls. Tabletop operation also allows minimal drive cable lengths for easier cable management. Each unit contains a front-located power switch that, when turned off, saves all user-adjustable settings. Please note that this switch should always be used to power down the unit. For convenience, a 1.5 m long Type A to Type Micro B USB 3.0 cable is included with the KPA101 cube.

Optical Table Mounting Plate
Each unit comes with a mounting plate that clips onto the base of the module. The plate contains two magnets for temporary placement on an optical table and two counterbores for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for a more permanent placement on the tabletop. Please see the Mounting Options tab for how to mount the plate.

Power Supply Options
The KPA101 K-Cube, which does not ship with a power supply, can be powered using a TPS002 power supply. The TPS002 power supply plugs into a standard wall outlet and provides +15 VDC, -15 VDC, and +5 VDC for up to two K- or T-Cubes.

The KPA101 is also compatible with the KCH301 and KCH601 USB Controller Hubs. Our USB Controller Hubs have a single USB connection that provides USB connectivity to all the K-Cubes and T-Cubes connected to the hub. In addition, when the KPA101 is used in the closed-loop mode with beam-steering controllers such as the KPZ101 Piezo Driver K-Cubes, the hub is especially useful since it allows for direct communication between the cubes connected on it. As a result, the feedback signals generated by the KPA101 in the closed-loop mode can be sent directly to the KPZ101 piezo controllers being used to direct the beam steering elements.

Detectors and Sensors
K-Cube Beam Position Aligner	Lateral Effect Position Sensor	Quadrant Position Detectors

Detector In - Pin Assignments

Pin	Description
1	X Axis [A + C] - [B + D]
2	Y Axis [A + B] - [C + D]
3	SUM [A + B + C + D]
4	+V
5	Common
6	-V

Detector In
HIROSE HR10A-7R-6S

Quadrant Photodiode Detail

Photodiode Detail

Lateral Effect Photodiode Detail

Photodiode Detail

SUM, LV OUT X DIFF, and LV OUT Y DIFF SMA Female	TRIG 1 SMA Female	TRIG 2 SMA Female

3 connectors output signals proportional to the total amount of light hitting the detector (SUM), left-minus-right (LV OUT X DIFF), & top-minus-bottom (LV OUT Y DIFF) for X- and Y-axis alignment. Output Impedance: 470 Ω X DIFF and Y DIFF: -10 V to +10 V SUM: 0 V to +10 V	+5 V TTL	+5 V TTL
	These connectors provide a 5 V logic level input and output that can be configured to support triggering into and out of external devices. Each port can be independently configured to control the logic level or to set the trigger as an input or output. Impedance when Configured as Input: 100 kΩ Impedance when Configured as Output: 620 Ω

Power Connector

Mini-DIN Female

Mini-DIN

Pin	Description	Pin	Description
1	+5 V (120 mA Max)	6	Common Ground
2	+5 V (120 mA Max)	7	Common Ground
3	-15 V (50 mA Max)	8	Common Ground
4	+15 V (50 mA Max)	Shield	Common Ground
5	+5 V (120 mA Max)	Shield	Common Ground

Computer Connection*

*The USB 3.0 port is compatible with a USB 2.0 Micro B connector if the Micro B connector is plugged into the shaded region in the photo above. A USB 3.0 type A to type Micro B cable is included with the KPA101.

K-Cube™ Mounting Options

Two options are available to securely mount our K-Cube™ controllers onto an optical table. An optical table mounting plate, provided with every K-Cube, allows for a single controller to be attached to an optical table. Alternatively, three- and six-port USB controller hubs are offered (sold separately) that can mount and power our K-Cube controllers. These options are described in further detail below.

Optical Table Mounting Plate
Each K-Cube unit comes with a mounting plate that clips onto the base of the controller, as shown in the animation below. The plate contains two magnets for temporary placement on an optical table and two counterbores for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for a more permanent placement on the tabletop. Please see the Specs tab for a mechanical drawing of the table mounting plate.

Kinesis USB Controller Hubs
Multiple units can be mounted and connected to a single PC by using the KCH301 or KCH601 USB Controller Hubs. They each consist of two parts: the hub, which can support up to three (KCH301) or six (KCH601) K-Cubes or T-Cubes, and a power supply that plugs into a standard wall outlet. K-Cubes simply clip into place using the provided on-unit clips, while current- and previous-generation T-Cubes require the KAP101 Adapter Plate, shown in the animation below. The hub vastly reduces the number of USB and power cables required when operating multiple controllers.

K-Cube™ Table Mounting Plate

Unlike T-Cubes, every K-Cube includes a mounting plate that clips onto the base of the controller. The plate contains two magnets for temporary placement on an optical table and two counterbores for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for more permanent placement on the tabletop.

Kinesis USB Controller Hubs

3- and 6-Port USB Controller Hubs allow multiple controllers to be connected to one PC for multi-axis applications. K-Cubes can be directly attached to the hubs while T-Cubes require a KAP101 Adapter Plate.

Typical Auto-Alignment Schematic

Example Auto-Alignment Setup

A basic auto-alignment schematic is shown to the right. It consists of a PDQ80A Photodiode Sensor, a KPA101 Beam Position Aligner, two KPZ101 Piezo Drivers, a previous-generation ASM003 two-axis piezo mirror mount (alternative mounts can be found here), a laser source, and a computer. Together, the system is used to position and maintain the laser beam so that it is located at the center of the detector array with respect to the beam's power density.

Click to Enlarge
Example Auto-Alignment Setup

The experimental setup shown above was created based on the schematic to the right. An LDM635 red laser diode module emitting at 635 nm serves as the laser source. The light is incident on a previous-generation ASM003 turning mirror mount, which is mounted on an MBT616D flexure stage (center of photo). The turning mirror's X and Y motions are controlled using two KPZ101 piezo controllers (not shown). Please note that the piezo elements are meant for small beam alignment adjustments. The turning mirror directs light to a BP150 pellicle beamsplitter. The light transmitted by this beamsplitter will continue on to the rest of the experimental setup (not shown) while the reflected light is directed towards the PDQ80A Quadrant Sensor (right of photo), which is controlled by the KPA101 Auto-Aligner (not shown).

It should be noted that when used with older versions of the former generation TPZ001 T-Cubes (i.e., Rev. 1; the revision number is displayed on the LED screen when the T-Cube is booted), the piezo cubes must be connected to the beam position aligner using two external SMA connectors even if a KCH301 or KCH601 Controller Hub or former generation TCH002 Controller Hub is being used. If KPZ101 K-Cubes™ or Rev. 2 TPZ001 T-Cubes are used with a controller hub, the SMA to SMA cables are not needed.

K-Cube vs. T-Cube Feature Comparison
Feature	KPA101 K-Cube	TPA101 T-Cube
Kinesis Software Compatibility
APT Software Compatibility
Kinesis USB Controller Hubs Compatibility		Requires KAP101 Adapter
TCH002 T-Cube USB Controller Hubs Compatibility	N/A
OLED Position Display		N/A
Power Switch		N/A
Bidirectional SMA Trigger Port^a	2	N/A
SMA SUM, X Diff, and Y Diff^a
Computer Connection^a	USB 3.0 Micro B (USB 2.0 Compliant)	USB 2.0 Micro B (USB 2.0 Compliant)
Included Mounting Plate
Size (L x W x H)	60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.36" x 2.36" x 1.94")	60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.36" x 2.36" x 1.94")
On-Unit Menu
Open Loop Mode
Closed Loop Mode
Monitor Mode
Automatic Loop Switching		N/A
Screen Brightness		N/A

Please see the Pin Diagrams tab for details.

Introducing Thorlabs' Kinesis^® Motion Controllers

A major upgrade to the former-generation T-Cubes, the growing K-Cube line of high-end controllers provides increased versatility not only through the new Kinesis software, but through an overhaul and updating of their physical design and firmware.

Every K-Cube controller includes a digital display. In addition to basic input and output readouts, the KPA101 OLED display hosts a number of menu options that include monitor, closed loop, open loop, and automatic closed/open loop switching. The on-unit wheel and menu button are used to scroll through the available options. Each unit contains a front-located power switch that, when turned off, saves all user-adjustable settings as well as two bidirectional SMA trigger ports that accept or output a 5 V TTL logic signal.

Please see the table to the right for a full comparison of the features offered by our new KPA101 K-Cube and previous-generation TPA101 T-Cube PSD controllers.

PSD Controller
Click to Enlarge
KPA101 K-Cube Kinesis PSD Controller

Kinesis USB Controller Hubs
Complementing our K-Cubes are our Kinesis USB 2.0 controller hubs. With two versions available for three or six K- or T-Cubes, these USB hubs are designed specifically for communication between multiple controllers and the host control PC. These hubs are backward compatible with our T-Cubes.

K-Cubes simply clip into place using the provided on-unit clips, while current- and previous-generation T-Cubes require the KAP101 Adapter Plate, shown in the animation to the below right. The hub vastly reduces the number of USB and power cables required when operating multiple controllers.

K-Cube Table Mounting Plate

Kinesis USB Controller Hubs

Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our Kinesis^® software package or the legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. Either package can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide range of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™ and T-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

The Kinesis Software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

Kinesis GUI Screen

APT GUI Screen

Our legacy APT System Software platform offers ActiveX-based controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working on C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any Active-X compatible languages to create custom applications and includes a simulator mode to assist in developing custom applications without requiring hardware.

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

The software packages allow two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

A range of video tutorials is available to help explain our APT system software. These tutorials provide an overview of the software and the APT Config utility. Additionally, a tutorial video is available to explain how to select simulator mode within the software, which allows the user to experiment with the software without a controller connected. Please select the APT Tutorials tab above to view these videos.

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.25

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

Software

APT Version 3.21.4

The APT Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' APT™ and Kinesis system controllers.

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

Thorlabs' Kinesis^® software features new .NET controls which can be used by third-party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications.

C#
This programming language is designed to allow multiple programming paradigms, or languages, to be used, thus allowing for complex problems to be solved in an easy or efficient manner. It encompasses typing, imperative, declarative, functional, generic, object-oriented, and component-oriented programming. By providing functionality with this common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a 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 control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The Kinesis System Software allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

For a collection of example projects that can be compiled and run to demonstrate the different ways in which developers can build on the Kinesis motion control libraries, click on the links below. Please note that a separate integrated development environment (IDE) (e.g., Microsoft Visual Studio) will be required to execute the Quick Start examples. The C# example projects can be executed using the included .NET controls in the Kinesis software package (see the Kinesis Software tab for details).

Click Here for the Kinesis with C# Quick Start Guide
Click Here for C# Example Projects
Click Here for Quick Start Device Control Examples

LabVIEW
LabVIEW can be used to communicate with any Kinesis- or APT-based controller via .NET controls. In LabVIEW, you build a user interface, known as a front panel, with a set of tools and objects and then add code using graphical representations of functions to control the front panel objects. The LabVIEW tutorial, provided below, provides some information on using the .NET controls to create control GUIs for Kinesis- and APT-driven devices within LabVIEW. It includes an overview with basic information about using controllers in LabVIEW and explains the setup procedure that needs to be completed before using a LabVIEW GUI to operate a device.

Click Here to View the LabVIEW Guide
Click Here to View the Kinesis with LabVIEW Overview Page

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

Posted Comments:

Hong Fang zhang (posted 2020-11-17 11:24:22.41)

when I use KPA101 with senor PDP90A，I cant find the correct configuration to read X Diff and Y Diff in labview. Can u give me a example about this in labview ？ thanks a lot.

cwright (posted 2020-11-17 12:02:39.0)

Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello and thank you for your query. This would use the PositionDifference property from the PositionAlignerStatus class. I will email you with an example.

Francesco Vedovato (posted 2019-12-17 09:10:05.68)

I am Francesco Vedovato from the University of Padua. We used your KPA101 to realize a closed-loop feedback system to drive a piezo-driven mirror (by another company) in an optical system exploiting light at 1064 nm. We used your KPA101 in conjunction with a PSD and an amplifier (by other companies) and it worked well in the first prototype we implemented. However, I would have more information about the functionality of the KPA101 in "closed-loop mode". In the manual it is stated that, "when the KPA101 unit is switched to closed loop mode, the spot moves towards the center of the display". It is possible to set (via hardware or software) a different target position on the display with respect to its center? Do you have any other suggestion? If the question is not clear, please contact me. Cordially, Francesco Vedovato =================================== Francesco Vedovato, PhD Research Fellow in the QuantumFuture Group Department of Information Engineering Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131 Padova, Italy University of Padua Mail: francesco.vedovato@dei.unipd.it Phone: +39 049 9817490 Mobile Phone: +39 3405470664 Google Scholar link ===================================

cwright (posted 2019-12-19 06:07:20.0)

Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello Francesco. Unfortunately you cannot set an offset in the software in order to centre at a specific position in closed-loop mode but I will reach out to you directly to see if we can help find a satisfactory solution for you.

steve (posted 2019-03-05 15:58:11.95)

To operate in Monitor Mode, after power cycling the Kinesis KPA101 Position Aligner, its "Mode" must be changed from its power-on default of "Open loop" to "Monitor". This is done by pressing its MENU button, then rotating its knurled wheel downward so that its display reads : "1 Control mode" Then press its MENU button again so its display now reads : "Open loop to select" Then rotate its knurled wheel either direction until its display reads : "Monitor" Then press the MENU button to save "Monitor" as the Mode. DO NOT let the device auto-timeout and return to its normal display. If that is done, it will show Monitor as its Mode if you go into that menu again but it actually is a bug as of 1/9/2019 and is not in Monitor mode. If not in Monitor mode, no signal position change will be measured when the control voltage is changed. As of 1/9/2019, the KPA101 does not remember its Mode setting after power cycling. Both of these concerns have be made known to Thorlabs

rmiron (posted 2019-03-07 01:01:21.0)

Response from Radu at Thorlabs: Hello Steve. As described in the manual, on page 22, the mode indicator is not the first option that appears when one goes to select the operating mode. The sign in the top-right corner of the screen indicates the current operating mode. Regarding your suggestion about the cube starting in the operating mode that was last used, we agree that this would improve user experience, but there are some safety considerations preventing us from implementing the feature.

steve (posted 2018-11-19 13:43:51.02)

Is it possible over USB to have an array of positions returned that had been acquired at high rate? This would be an alternative to and a method of obtaining time resolved positions faster than a one-by-one position request over USB. There would need to be a way to specify the acquisition rate and duration, then the acquisition would occur, then USB would send those results.

rmiron (posted 2018-11-20 06:32:14.0)

Response from Radu at Thorlabs. Hello, Steve. This depends on the required acquisition rate. The fastest way to keep track of the positional data would be to read the analog signals output by the XDiff and YDiff ports in closed-loop mode. The polling rate will only be limited by the sampling rate of the DAQ card you would employ, or by the 100 kHz bandwidth of the signals. In order to collect the same data over USB, you would need to write a piece of code which uses or .NET API, our C API or our serial communications protocol. I expect the maximum polling rate that you can achieve via USB is on the order of a few hundred Hertz. Writing your own program for controlling KPA101 would of course enable you to control the acquisition duration and rate (as long as it is below that max. achievable figure). I will contact you directly in case further assistance is required.

1611820688 (posted 2018-09-27 06:21:05.997)

Hi, I have a PDP30C with the KPA101.I try to interface with this across USB to get the position data (Xdiff,Ydiff,Sum).I've downloaded the Kinesis,and I could see the positon data from the panel in labview.But how can I get the position data out of the panel?Because I just want the position data (Xdiff,Ydiff,Sum),and write control algorithm on my own rather than just click the panel button. So how I get the position data by labview not in the way of panel?

rmiron (posted 2018-10-01 12:30:33.0)

Response from Radu at Thorlabs: You will need to read the Sum and the PositionDifference attributes of the PositionAlignerStatus class, from the KCube.PositionAligner.CLI. I will contact you directly in case further assistance is required.

michael.nickerson (posted 2017-10-18 11:09:29.037)

Unfortunately this cannot interface with the TIM101, and thus is unable to control any of the PIA line of piezo controllers. It would be very useful if this KPA101 could somehow control the PIA line of piezo-inertial actuators.

AManickavasagam (posted 2017-10-27 11:42:34.0)

Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thank you for your query. Unfortunately, without external elctronics there is no way to control TIM101 with KPA101 for beam stabilisation/tracking. We will note this requirement and notify our engineers.

tricejp (posted 2016-06-09 15:54:21.787)

Hi, I have a PDP90a with the TQD001. We are interfacing with this across USB to get the position data (X,Y,Sum,Xpos Ypos...). What is the ~ max sample rate across the USB that we can expect to get from the TQD001? Thanks

bwood (posted 2016-06-13 05:04:47.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. The fundamental limiting factor is the speed of the data exchange between the PC and the TQD001. When the read command is issued, it has to go through whichever software you are using, the USB drivers, and than a USB to serial conversion at the cube. Then the embedded processor has to interpret the command, put together a response and the response has to go through the same channels in reverse order. Although this happens quite quickly, the response is not instantaneous and will be application specific. We would expect a frequency of around 60 readouts per second.

pauline.belzanne (posted 2016-04-22 12:16:02.957)

Hi, I have a PDP90A with a TQD001. I have checked that the voltage delivered by the software for XDIFF and YDIFF was the same on an oscilloscope or a multimeter. I have a good result for YDIFF but for XDIFF I have a very big difference. I've already tried to removed the cable or change the chanel, but I have the same issue. Do you have an idea to solve this problem? Thanks.

besembeson (posted 2016-04-22 09:31:25.0)

Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: I have contacted you to discuss your application and observations further.

ysu (posted 2016-04-18 22:13:52.407)

Hi! I have signal displayed on the software, but no voltage output from the SAM. I use it in the monitor mode. It worked fine before, but I don't know why this problem happens now. How can I fix it?

bwood (posted 2016-04-18 10:34:27.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: I am sorry to hear about your difficulties here. I will contact you directly for further details, to help us troubleshoot this issue.

user (posted 2013-11-06 11:08:35.927)

Hi! Is the signal of the x_Diff and y_Diff output a ground referenced signal or a floating source? Thanks

jlow (posted 2013-11-14 04:53:22.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The signals are referenced to ground.

jlow (posted 2012-11-05 12:01:00.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: When operating in 'Monitor' mode, the X axis (XDIFF) and Y axis (YDIFF) difference signals from the detector, are fed through to the rear panel SMA connectors. Using the typical definition of quadrants in circles, the XDIFF is "(Q2 + Q3) - (Q1 + Q4)" and the YDIFF is "(Q1 + Q2) - (Q3 + Q4)". For more detail information on that including schematic diagrams, please refer to Section 4.2 and 4.4 of the manual (http://www.thorlabs.com/Thorcat/17800/TQD001-Manual.pdf).

hrudka (posted 2012-11-05 13:14:45.21)

Dear Thorlabs. I have not found information about getting a beam's position of X_DIFF and Y_DIFF and SUM voltages in monitor mode. I am using a 4quadrant diode PDQ80A. Please help me on this. Kind regards! Marek Hudec

tcohen (posted 2012-05-08 09:12:00.0)

Response from Tim at Thorlabs: Unfortunately, we currently do not have a document analogous to the APT Motor Controllers Host-Controller Communications Protocol for the TQD001. We are working to provide a protocol document and I will contact you to update you with this information.

dpristinski (posted 2012-05-03 14:48:50.0)

Is there a USB communication protocol description for the TQD001 aligner available? Something similar to the motor controllers communication protocol which is on CD.

Lou; leichner (posted 2009-05-21 14:57:37.0)

Unfortunately I think we will need additional information regarding your applicaiton. But we can sy that position values state the following: The system reads the signals Xdiff and Ydiff from the sensor (which are proportional to the light beam position) and outputs Xpos and Ypos (which should really be called Xout and Yout). Operating modes: In “monitor” mode: Xpos = Xdiff and Ypos = Ydiff. In “open loop” mode: Xpos = 0 and Ypos = 0 constant. In “closed loop” mode: Xpos, Ypos is the output of the PID controller that is trying to maintain zero Xdiff and Ydiff values. X,Y display modes: In “difference” mode, the display shows Xdiff and Ydiff, (regardless of the operating mode). In “position” mode, the display shows Xpos and Ypos, (regardless of the operating mode).

m.j.rossewij (posted 2009-05-20 05:41:09.0)

TQD001 manual figure 4.8 suggests that a XPOS setpoint can be subtracted from the normalized XDIFF signal (e.g. to correct for errors due to asymetric beams). However, the APT GUI and software interface do not seem do have this function. Only for open loop is the SetPositionOutputs available to force Xpos to fXPos. (Or has fXPos an undocumented double function, where it is in closed loop subtracted from Xdiff)?

srubin (posted 2008-12-16 12:54:45.0)

The PDP90A is listed in the price boxes at the bottom of the page but it is not compatible with the T-Cube sold on this page.

technicalmarketing (posted 2008-06-11 13:35:39.0)

Reply from Inge at Thorlabs: We made the following measurements for you. The closed loop bandwidth is up to 200 Hz using 10% of the full positioning range available. Open loop bandwidth (X Difference, Y Difference and Sum signals) is up to 100 kHz (-3dB).

lsandstrom (posted 2008-05-16 01:47:14.0)

What is the closed loop / open loop performance on the PDQ80A and TQD001 combination?

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