Novanta 32-1 Laser, User Manual

Page: 37 / 58

OPERATING MODES PAGE | 37
Operating modes
External control
In addition to controlling your 32-1 laser using a UC-2000 Controller, controlling the laser externally,
without a UC-2000, is also possible. The two primary elements of laser control are gating, the ability to
turn the laser on and off at the appropriate times, and power, the ability to control the laser’s output
energy. Both gating and power can be handled by a device such as a personal computer, Programmable
Logic Controller (PLC), or a function generator capable of sending PWM pulses at the proper time (gating)
and with the proper duty cycle (power).
Analog voltage or analog current control
Although 32-1 lasers cannot be controlled directly by analog voltage or current signals, this type of control
is possible when using the UC-2000 Controller. The Controller is connected normally to the laser and
analog voltage, or current signals sent to the UC-2000’s ANV/C connector then control both gating and
power.
To generate the correct analog voltage from a computer or PLC, a Digital-to-Analog (D/A or DAC) card
capable of generating 0 V (laser off) to 10 V (maximum laser power) must be installed. To generate the
proper analog current, install a D/A card that can generate 4 mA (laser off) to 20 mA (maximum power).
Software able to control your analog output card is required for both configurations.
UC-2000 Universal Laser Controller
NOVANTA® recommends using a UC-2000 Universal Laser Controller to generate tickle pulses and Pulse
Width Modulated (PWM) signals to control the laser’s output power. The UC-2000 requires 15–50 VDC @
35 mA, supplied from either its wall plug transformer or from the Auxiliary Power connector on the side
of 32-1 lasers. Refer to the UC-2000 Laser Controller Operator’s Manual for information about UC-2000
operation.
To connect a UC-2000 Controller (available separately from NOVANTA), perform the following steps:
1 Remove DC power from the laser. Fabricate a suitable DB-9 plug so Pin 3, PWM Positive, connects
to the center pin of the BNC and Pin 4, PWM Negative, connects to the shield.
2 If your system does not provide an enable input to the DB-9 plug, then jumper Pin 6, remote
keyswitch to Pin 7, remote keyswitch Out.
3 Connect the DB-9 plug to the DB-9 I/O connector on the rear of the laser.
4 Connect the miniature DC power plug on the UC-2000’s Power/Control cable to the miniature
connector on the wall plug transformer cable.
5 Connect the mini-DIN connector on the other end of the UC-2000’s Power/Control cable to the
Laser connector on the UC-2000’s rear panel.