MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters
Chapter 6: Control and PC Connections
Rev. E, March 19, 2019
Page 31
Chapter 6
Control and PC Connections
6.1 General Purpose I/O, RS-232, and USB Connections
The back panel has connectors for monitor and control functions, as well as for upgrading the firmware. Both the RS-232 and
the USB connections can be used for remotely controlling the MX40G and MX70G converters via SCPI type serial commands.
Which connector to choose for remote control operation depends on the demands of the application and the user’s preference.
See the remote control user guide (RCUG), which can be downloaded from https://www.thorlabs.com/manuals.cfm, for
information about the commands and connecting the unit to a PC.
The most recent firmware and remote control software tools are available from Thorlabs' website at
https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/viewsoftwarepage.cfm?code=MXG. The instrument’s firmware can be updated by
uploading the new version from a PC via the USB port. Thorlabs’ technical support can provide up-to-date information on
available firmware revisions and control functions.
The 15-pin I/O connector provides outputs from the power monitors in the optical path (see the block diagram in Chapter 3). The
power monitors provide a voltage that is proportional to the optical power with one of two gain settings. These values are
available on the I/O DB15 connector. The gain setting for each monitor is determined by software, and reported on the
corresponding Gain Indicator pins. 0.0 V indicates Low Gain (40 V/W) and 3.3 V indicates High Gain (4000 V/W). Maximum
output voltage at the monitor pin is less than 12 V (into a high impedance). Power monitor bandwidth is limited to about 150 Hz.
Figure 45
15-Pin I/O and RS-232 Connectors on the Back Panel
Figure 46
15-Pin I/O Connector Pin Configuration
Figure 47
RS-232 Connector Pin Configuration
I/O Conn.
Pin #
Description
RS-232 Pin #
Description
HD DB15
1
Power Monitor 1 (Mon-1)
DB9
1
Not Connected
HD DB15
2
Power Monitor 2 (Mon-2)
DB9
2
RS-232 Input
HD DB15
3
Power Monitor 3 (Mon-3)
DB9
3
RS-232 Output
HD DB15
4
Reserved for Future Use
DB9
4
Not Connected
HD DB15
5
Analog Ground
DB9
5
Digital Ground
HD DB15
6
Analog Ground
DB9
6
Not Connected
HD DB15
7
Analog Ground
DB9
7
Not Connected
HD DB15
8
Analog Ground
DB9
8
Not Connected
HD DB15
9
Analog Ground
DB9
9
Not Connected
HD DB15
10
Analog Ground
HD DB15
11
Reserved for Future Use
HD DB15
12
Reserved for Future Use
HD DB15
13
Power Monitor 1 (Mon-1) Gain Indicator
HD DB15
14
Power Monitor 2 (Mon-2) Gain Indicator
HD DB15
15
Power Monitor 3 (Mon-3) Gain Indicator
5
1
10
15
11
6
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
Summary of Contents for MX40G Series
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