1 – 2
Getting Started
1.1
Introduction to the Instrument
The SR470 Shutter Controller is a full-featured timing generator and
driver for SR470 Series Laser Shutters. It features multiple control
modes and is ideally suited for laser shutter applications where flex-
ible and precise timing generation is needed. It can be operated
independently as a stand-alone instrument or integrated with exist-
ing automated test and measurement equipment.
1.1.1
Overview
The basic function of the SR470 Shutter Controller is to provide
power, control signals, and I
/
O interfaces to an SR470 Series Laser
Shutter. The shutter connects to an output on the rear panel of the
instrument, and can be controlled by rear-panel TTL level inputs or
manually from either the front panel or remote interfaces.
1.1.2
Power-on state
The SR470 stores its operation state in non-volatile memory, includ-
ing the configuration of the remote interfaces and the position state
of a connected shutter.
At power-on, the SR470 will return to its previous configuration after
a brief system check and initialization.
1.2
Front-Panel Operation
The front panel of the SR470 (Figure 1.1) provides controls for the
operator and displays the operational state of the shutter at a glance.
The upper half of the panel has a multifunction numeric LED display
as well as a timing diagram. The lower half of the panel has controls
that are divided into five sections: “Master,” “Timing,” “Mode,”
“Utility,” and “Modify.”
1.2.1
Data Entry
Many of the SR470 ’s operating parameters are simple commands or
mode selections—for example to open the shutter or select internally
triggered mode—for which there is no numeric entry.
Setting the SR470 ’s numeric operating parameters is done by first
pressing the key with the desired parameter’s name on it ([Burst],
for example, to set the burst count). Some parameters and functions
are labeled above the keys in light gray. To display these values
first press the [Shift] key and then the labeled key. [Shift][Sleep]
for example, powers down an attached shutter head, putting it into
standby
mode.
SR470 Shutter Controller
