microscopy instrumentation & accessories

T-CUBE LED DRIVER

Model Number LEDD1

THORLABS

About the CompanyThorlabs has been an active member of the Photonics community for over 15 years.

We strive to be the ultimate resource for the photonics community-a place to find theproducts you need to enable your experiments, as well as the information you need to getyour application working.Thorlabs designs, develops, and manufactures building blocks for the photonics industryincluding equipment for opto-mechanics, motion control, nano-positioning, alignment,optical components, laser diodes, tunable lasers and vibration isolation systems. Inaddition to core photonics building blocks, we now provide system level solutionsincluding complete OCT and imaging systems.

Trademarks Product Warranty

THORLABS is a registered trademark ofThorlabs Inc.

Opto-Electronics, Control Electronics,Optics, and Nano-Positioning ProductLines.Thorlabs offers a two year warranty on theabove mentioned product lines, providednormal use and maintenance of theproducts and when properly handled andcorrectly installed.Thorlabs shall repair or replace anydefective or nonconforming product asdetailed above. We ask that buyer contactThorlabs for a Return MaterialAuthorization number (RMA #) from ourCustomer Service/Returns department inorder to most efficiently process the returnand/or repair. Products returned for repair that are notcovered under warranty, a Thorlabsstandard repair charge shall be applicablein addition to all shipping expenses. Thisrepair charge will be quoted to thecustomer before the work is performed.

Revision History

Issue No. Date Summary

1 231106 Initial Issue

2 301107 Initial Issue

Contents

1 For Your Safety ......................................................................................... 3Safety Information .......................................................................................................... 3Warnings Relating To The LEDD1 Driver ....................................................................... 3General Precautions Relating To LED Safety ................................................................ 4Declarations Of Conformity ............................................................................................ 4

For Customers in Europe ....................................................................................... 4For Customers In The USA .................................................................................... 4

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive ....................................... 5Compliance ............................................................................................................ 5Waste treatment on your own responsibility .......................................................... 6Ecological background ........................................................................................... 6

2 Overview and Setup ................................................................................... 7Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 7T-Cube Controller Hub ................................................................................................... 8

3 Getting Started ........................................................................................... 9Connect The Hardware .................................................................................................. 9Mechanical Installation ................................................................................................. 10

Environmental Conditions .................................................................................... 10Mounting Options ................................................................................................. 10Removing the Baseplate ...................................................................................... 11

Electrical Installation ..................................................................................................... 12Connecting an LED .............................................................................................. 12Using The TCH001 Controller Hub ...................................................................... 13Supply Voltage and Current Requirements ......................................................... 13Connecting To A Standalone Power Supply ........................................................ 14

Continued...

1

4 Operation ................................................................................................. 15Introduction .................................................................................................................. 15Front Panel Controls and Indicators ............................................................................ 15Operation From The Front Panel ................................................................................. 16

Appendices

Rear Panel Connector Pinout Details ......................................................... 17Rear Panel LED Connector .......................................................................................... 17

Preventive Maintenance .............................................................................. 18Safety Testing .............................................................................................................. 18Cleaning ....................................................................................................................... 18

Specifications and Associated Products ................................................... 19Specifications ............................................................................................................... 19Associated Products .................................................................................................... 20

2

Chapter 1

For Your Safety1.1 Safety Information

For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of theequipment itself, the operator should take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notesthroughout this handbook and, where visible.

The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook:

Warning. An instruction which draws attention to the risk of injury or death.

Caution. An instruction which draws attention to the risks of damage to the product,process or surroundings.

Note. Clarification of an instruction or additional information.

1.2 Warnings Relating To The LEDD1 Driver

Warnings. • The unit must be connected only to a DC supply of 15V, 1A regulated as detailed in

Section 3.3. Thorlabs offer a compact, multi-way power supply unit (TPS008), allowing up to eight Driver T-Cubes to be powered from a single mains outlet. A single way wall plug supply (OPS001) for powering a single Driver T-Cube is also available.

• Only personnel trained in the servicing and maintenance of this equipment should remove its covers or attempt any repairs or adjustments.

• If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Do not operate the instrument outside its rated supply voltages or environmental range. In particular, excessive moisture may impair safety.

• This unit is intended for operation in the temperature range 5° to 40°C, 20% to 80% RH.

3

Chapter 1 For Your Safety

1.3 General Precautions Relating To LED Safety

Warnings. • Inappropriate use of any Thorlabs High Power LED product could result in permanent

eye damage.• To prevent injury, these products must be used in accordance with the International

Standard "Photobiological Safety of Lamps & Lamp Systems" CEI IEC 62471• When Thorlabs high power LED's are used in microscope applications as a replacement

for Mercury Vapor lamps, the same precautions should be taken as those applying to Mercury Vapour lamps.

• When Thorlabs High Power LED's are used in other applications, they should be used in accordance with CEI IEC 62471.

Cautions• During normal operation, the casing temperature of Thorlabs High Power LED products

will rise by up to 25 C (45F) above ambient temperature.• To prevent higher case temperatures, the products should be operated without hindrance

to air movement surrounding the convective cooling fins.

1.4 Declarations Of Conformity

1.4.1 For Customers in EuropeThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the EC Directive 89/336/EEC ‘EMC Directive’.Compliance was demonstrated by conformance to the following specifications whichhave been listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities:

EMC EN61326: 1997

1.4.2 For Customers In The USAThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class Adigital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed toprovide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment isoperated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and canradiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with theinstruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interferencein which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Thorlabs Ltd. could void theuser’s authority to operate the equipment.

4

LEDD1 LED Driver T-Cube

1.5 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive

1.5.1 ComplianceAs required by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive ofthe European Community and the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers allend users in the EC the possibility to return "end of life" units without incurringdisposal charges.

This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment• sold after August 13th 2005 • marked correspondingly with the crossed out "wheelie bin" logo (see Fig. 1)• sold to a company or institute within the EC • currently owned by a company or institute within the EC • still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated

Fig. 1.1 Crossed out "wheelie bin" symbol

As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and electronicproducts, this "end of life" take back service does not refer to other Thorlabs products,such as• pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g. OEM

laser driver cards) • components • mechanics and optics • left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB's, housings etc.).

If you wish to return a Thorlabs unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs oryour nearest dealer for further information.

5

Chapter 1 For Your Safety

1.5.2 Waste treatment on your own responsibilityIf you do not return an "end of life" unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a companyspecialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a publicwaste disposal site.

1.5.3 Ecological backgroundIt is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic productsduring decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS directive is to reduce thecontent of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlledrecycling of end of life products will thereby avoid negative impacts on theenvironment.

6

Chapter 2

Overview and Setup2.1 Introduction

The T-Cube LED Driver (LEDD1) is a new very compact single channel controller foreasy control of LED intensity. It is designed for use with Thorlabs range of collimatedand mounted high power LED packages, and controls current flow to the LED bymeans of a single turn control knob. LED power is controlled by one of 2 selectablemodes: continuous or an externally generated 0 to 5V signal. The continuous modeis ideal for imaging with CCD cameras or photodiodes. When operating in the pulsedmode, the user generated signals could be used to strobe the LED, or control averagepower by way of pulse width modulation (up to 10 kHz rep rate).For convenience the footprint of this unit has been kept to a minimum, measuring only60mm x 60mm x 47mm (2.4" x 2.4" x 1.8") and with the facility to directly mount to theoptical table. The manual controls for this unit are conveniently located on the uppersurface. The Mode switch allows the ‘Continuous’ or ‘Pulsed’ operating modes to beselected easily and the Brightness control is used to adjust the intensity of theassociated LED.

Fig. 2.1 LEDD1 T-Cube LED Driver with LEDC1 Collimator Assembly

For power, a compact multi-way power supply unit (TPS008) is available fromThorlabs allowing up to 8 T-Cube Drivers to be powered from a single mains outlet.This power supply unit is also designed to take up minimal space and can be mountedto the optical table in close proximity to the driver units, connected via short powerleads. A single way wall plug supply (OPS001) is also available for powering a singleT-Cube Driver.In the remainder of this handbook, installation and connection of the unit is describedin Chapter 3, and operation of the unit is described in Chapter 4.

7

Chapter 2 Overview and Setup

2.2 T-Cube Controller Hub

As a further level of convenience when using the new T-Cube Controllers Thorlabsalso offers the new T-Cube Controller Hub (TCH001). This product has beendesigned specifically with multiple T-Cube operation in mind in order to simplify issuessuch as cable management, power supply routing, multiple USB devicecommunications and different optical table mounting scenarios. The T-Cube Controller Hub comprises a slim base-plate type carrier (375mm x 86mmx 21.5mm, 14.75” x 3.4” x 0.85”) with electrical connections located on the uppersurface to accept up to six T-Cubes.

Note. The LEDD1 LED Driver is a manually operated unit with no USB functionality.However if it is used on the TCH001, USB communications can be employed for anyother T-Cubes in the application.

Internally the Controller Hub contains a fully compliant USB 2.0 hub circuit to providecommunications for all six T-Cubes – a single USB connection to the Controller Hubis all that is required for PC control. The Controller Hub also provides powerdistribution for up to six T-Cubes, requiring only a single power connection (from aseparate supply unit TPS006 supplied by Thorlabs).

8

Chapter 3

Getting Started3.1 Connect The Hardware

1) Perform the mechanical installation as detailed in Section 3.2.2) Connect the LED to the Controller unit - see Section 3.3.1.

Caution. During item (3) ensure the power supply unit is isolated from the mains beforeconnecting to the T-Cube unit. Always power up the T-Cube unit by connecting itspower supply to the mains. DO NOT connect the T-Cube unit to a 'live' external powersupply. Doing so (i.e. “hot plugging”) carries the risk of PERMANENT damage to theunit. Similarly, to power down the unit, disconnect the power supply from the mainsbefore disconnecting the T-Cube unit.

3) Connect the Controller unit to the power supply - see Section 3.3.4) Connect the PSU to the main supply and switch ‘ON’.5) Your T-Cube LED Driver is now ready for use.

See Chapter 4 of this manual, for a brief tutorial on operation of the unit.

9

Chapter 3 Getting Started

3.2 Mechanical Installation

3.2.1 Environmental Conditions

Warning. Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affectoperator safety.

Location Indoor use onlyMaximum altitude 2000 mTemperature range 5oC to 40oCMaximum Humidity Less than 80% RH (non-condensing) at 31°CTo ensure reliable operation the unit should not be exposed to corrosive agents orexcessive 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.

3.2.2 Mounting OptionsThe T-Cube LED Driver is shipped with a baseplate fitted, ready to be bolted to abreadboard, optical table or similar surface. If desired, the baseplate can be removed and the unit can be stood on rubber feet -see Section 3.2.3. For multiple cube systems, a USB controller hub (TCH001) is available - see Section2.2. for further details. Full instructions on the fitting and use of the controller hub arecontained in handbook ha0146 T-Cube Controller Hub, shipped with the product.

Caution. When siting the unit, it should be positioned so as not to impede the operation of thecontrol panel. Ensure that proper airflow is maintained to the rear of the unit.

10

LEDD1 LED Driver T-Cube

3.2.3 Removing the BaseplateThe baseplate must be removed before the rubber feet (supplied) can be fitted, or theunit is connected to the USB controller hub..

Fig. 3.1 Removing The Baseplate

Using a hexagon key, remove the bolts securing the unit to the baseplate. Retain thebolts for future use if the baseplate is refitted.6) Invert the unit.7) Remove the backing paper from the rubber feet (supplied) taking care not to touch

the exposed adhesive surface.8) Position the feet as desired, then press and hold for a few seconds until the

adhesive has bonded.9) The unit may now be used freestanding, sitting on its rubber feet.

Detail A Detail BBaseplate removed and rubber feet fittedBaseplate attachment screws

11

Chapter 3 Getting Started

3.3 Electrical Installation

3.3.1 Input and Output Connections

Fig. 3.2 Rear Panel Connections

The LED device is connected via the M8 4-pin connector, which is compatible with allThorlabs light generating LED assemblies (refer to Appendix A for details of pin outs).A standard BNC connector allows an externally generated signal (0 to 5V) to beconnected to the unit, thereby allowing the LED device to be controlled externally. Forexample, a pulse modulation signal could be connected which could be used tostrobe the LED.

Caution. Do not apply a voltage greater than 5V to the MOD IN connector.

LEDMOD IN

12

LEDD1 LED Driver T-Cube

3.3.2 Using The TCH001 Controller HubThe TCH001 USB Controller Hub provides power distribution for up to six T-Cubes,and requires only a single power connection (from a separate supply unit TPS006supplied by Thorlabs). Further details are contained in handbook ha0146T T-CubeController Hub, supplied with the unit.

Warning. DO NOT PLUG A POWERED UP T-CUBE INTO THE TCH001 USBCONTROLLER HUB. Always ensure that all power is disconnected from the LEDDriver T-Cube AND the hub before the T-Cube is plugged into the hub. Failure toobserve this precaution will seriously damage the T-Cube unit and could result inpersonal injury.

3.3.3 Supply Voltage and Current Requirements

Supply Minimum Maximum Max Operating Current15V +14.5V +15.5V 1 A

13

Chapter 3 Getting Started

3.3.4 Connecting To A Standalone Power Supply

Warning. The unit must be connected only to a DC supply of the rating detailed inSection 3.3. Connection to a supply of a different rating may cause damage to the unitand could result in injury to the operator. Thorlabs offers a compact, multi-way powersupply unit (TPS008), allowing up to eight T-Cube Controllers to be powered from asingle mains outlet. A single way wall plug supply (OPS001) for powering a singleDriver T-Cube is also available.

Caution. Do not connect the LED Driver unit to a 'live' external power supply. Doingso (i.e. “hot plugging”) carries the risk of PERMANENT damage to the unit. Alwaysensure the power supply unit is isolated from the mains before connecting to the unit.Always power up the unit by connecting its power supply to the mains. Similarly, topower down the unit, disconnect the power suply from the mains before disconnectingthe unit.

Fig. 3.3 Front Panel Power Supply Connector

1) Using the front panel connector as shown above, connect the unit to a regulatedDC power supply of the rating detailed in Section 3.3.

2) Switch on the Power Supply unit.

DC 15V 1A

_

+

14

Chapter 4

Operation4.1 Introduction

The T-Cube LED Driver (LEDD1) is a new very compact single channel controller foreasy control of LED intensity. It is designed for use with Thorlabs range of collimatedor mounted high power LED packages.The following brief overview explains how the front panel controls can be used.

4.2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Fig. 4.1 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

MODE Switch - Used to switch between CW and PULSE modes. In CW mode, the LED device is controlled by a voltage generated by the LEDdriver and LED brightness can be adjusted using the control knob. This modeis ideal for imaging with CCD cameras or photodiodes. In PULSE mode the LED device is controlled from user generated 0 to 5Vsignals connected to the MOD IN terminal (see Section 3.3.1.) This could beused to strobe the LED, or control average power by way of pulse widthmodulation.

Control Knob- Used to switch on the unit, and to adjust the intensity of theassociated LED when operating in CW mode.

LED - driver

MODE

CW PULSE

15

Chapter 4 Operation

4.3 Operation From The Front Panel

The following brief tutorial guides the user through a typical series of operations.

4.3.1 Preparation1) Connect an LED device (e.g. a Thorlabs MRMLED) to the ‘LED’ connector on the

rear panel of the unit.2) Connect the unit to a +15V DC power supply unit (PSU) - see Section 3.3.4.3) Switch ON the power to the PSU.4) Turn the control knob clockwise to switch ON the unit.

4.3.2 CW Mode1) Press the Mode button to select CW mode.2) Turn the control knob clcokwise, the LED brightness increases.3) Turn the control knob anti-clcokwise, the LED brightness decreases.4) Turn the control knob fully anti-clockwise to turn the unit OFF.

4.3.3 PULSE Mode1) Press the Mode button to select PULSE mode.2) Turn the control knob clockwise to switch ON the unit.3) With no external voltage source connected, the LED has maximum brightness.4) Connect an external voltage source to the MOD IN connector.5) Set the output voltage to 5V.6) Switch on the voltage source.7) The LED is extinguished.8) Decrease the output voltage from 5 to 0V and notice how the LED brightness

increases accordingly.9) If a pulsed signal is applied, the LED is switched on and off in a strobe effect.10)Turn off the external voltage source.11)Turn the control knob fully anti-clockwise to turn the unit OFF.

16

Appendix A

Rear Panel Connector Pinout DetailsA.1 Rear Panel LED Connector

The ‘LED’ connector provides connection to the LED device. The pin functions aredetailed in Fig. A.1.

Fig. A.1 LED Connector Pin Identification

Pin Description1 LED +ve2 LED -ve3 Not Connected4 Not Connected

14

viewed looking into the rear panel M8 socket

17

Appendix B

Preventive Maintenance

Warning. The equipment contains no user servicable parts. There is a risk of electricalshock if the equipment is operated with the covers removed. Only personnel authorizedby Thorlabs Ltd and trained in the maintenance of this equipment should remove itscovers or attempt any repairs or adjustments. Maintenance is limited to safety testing andcleaning as described in the following sections.

B.1 Safety Testing

PAT testing in accordance with local regulations, should be performed on a regularbasis, (typically annually for an instrument in daily use).

B.2 Cleaning

Warnings. • Disconnect the power supply before cleaning the unit. • Never allow water to get inside the case. • Do not saturate the unit.• Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent, e.g. alcohol or

benzene.

The fascia may be cleaned with a soft cloth, lightly dampened with water or a milddetergent.

18

Appendix C

Specifications and Associated ProductsC.1 Specifications

Maximum Flash Frequency: 10kHzMinimum Strobe Pulse Width: 50µsStrobe Turn-On / Turn-Off Time: <25µsOperating Temperature: 0 to +40°CStorage Temperature: -40 to +70°CInput Power Requirements (OPS001 included)

Voltage: 15V Regulated DCCurrent: 700mA Steady State

General DataHousing Dimensions (W x D x H): 60 x 60 x 47mm (2.4" x 2.4" x 1.8")Weight: 160g (5.5 oz)

19

Appendix C Specifications and Associated Products

C.2 Associated Products

Product Name Part Number

T-Cube Controller USB Hub TCH001

Power Supply for Controller USB Hub TPS006

Single Way Power Supply OPS001

8-way Power Supply TPS008

Collimator Assembly for Olympus BX & IX Microscopes LEDC1

Collimator Assembly for Leica DMI Microscopes LEDC2

Collimator Assembly for Nikon Eclipse Microscopes LEDC3

Collimator Assembly for Zeiss Axioskop Microscopes LEDC4

Mounted White Light LED, 120lm (uncollimated) MWLED

Mounted Royal Blue LED, 455nm, 500mW (uncollimated) MRMLED

Mounted Blue LED, 470nm, 50lm (uncollimated) MBLED

Mounted Cyan LED, 505nm, 160lm (uncollimated) MCLED

Mounted Green LED, 530nm, 160lm (uncollimated) MGLED

20

Products and Customer Support

Optical and Opto-mechanical Components Optical mounts and rails

Lenses, prisms and filtersPolarization-opticsLaser diodes

Standard and specialized optical fibersOptics, laser & fiber accessories

Test- and Measurement SystemsHigh precision current and TEC controllers for laser diodesHighly stable, tunable laser diodes with integrated electronicsOptical powermetersFabry-Perot interferometer and spectrum analyzersPolarization analyzer and controller systems

Optical Tables and Vibration ControlOptical tables and protection systemsVibration damping systems

Optical breadboards and vibration isolated workstations

Nanopositioning SystemsManual, motor- and piezo-driven translators, stages and mountsElectronic stepper motor and piezo controllersIntegrated multi-axis positioning systems at sub-micron to nanometer scale

Laser SystemsExternal cavity laser sources Ultra broadband laser sources

Femtosecond laser sourcesOptical amplifiersHeNe lasers

Technical SupportThorlabs provide a comprehensive after sales service. Contact us through your local representative, or at the address below:

Thorlabs LtdSaint Thomas PlaceElyCambridgeshire CB7 4EX, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1353 654440Fax: +44 (0) 1353 654444

Customer FeedbackIt is always helpful to have detailed and accurate information about any problems encountered by customers

We welcome comments or suggestions about any aspect of the equipment and instruction handbooks.

THORLABS

THORLABS © Thorlabs 2007 Printed in UK (1107)

ha 0154T Issue 2

Thorlabs Ltd.Saint Thomas Place, ElyCambridgeshire CB7 4EX, UKTel: +44 (0) 1353 654440Fax: +44 (0) 1353 654444www.thorlabs.com

Thorlabs Inc.435 Route 206 NorthNewton, NJ07860USATel: +1 973 579 7227Fax: +1 973 300 3600www.thorlabs.com