ORIC
®
Piezo Stage Controller PDXC
Chapter 4: Panel Operation
Page 10
CTN015391-D02
Chapter 4
Panel Operation
The PDXC Piezo Stage Controller can be operated in one of three ways:
1.
From the front panel
2.
Using the included software
3.
Using the command set
This chapter will focus on the panel operation of PDXC Piezo Stage Controller.
4.1. Getting Started
Connect the controller with the stages according to the instructions in Chapter 0. Connect the power cord and then
power on the devices.
SHOCK WARNING
The maximum current output for the piezo stage is 10 A, and both the SMC and D-Sub connectors do
not support hot plugging. Plugging or unplugging the connector while the unit is powered on can cause
damage to the stage and/or controller.
After being powered on, allow the unit a few seconds to initialize. Once the initialization is done, the device will ask
user to choose between SMC output mode, which only supports open-loop stages, i.e., PD1(/M), and D-Sub output
mode, which supports stages with both open- and closed-loop operation, i.e. PDX1(/M). Move the cursor by turning
the knob on front panel
and press the “ENTER” button to select the desired mode.
Figure 4.1 Output Mode Selection
Even without the user pressing the ENTER button, the device will enter its last operation mode after 3 seconds of
idle in the output selection screen. If the stage is connected via D-Sub connector, the device will automatically enter
D-Sub mode. Otherwise, the controller will enter SMC mode unless the user turns the knob or clicks the ENTER
button.
4.2. D-Sub Output Mode
Select “D-SUB” at the mode selection screen right after initialization to enter D-Sub output mode. In D-Sub output
mode, only one piezo stage is supported. There are encoders on those stages to provide accurate position and
velocity feedback thus both open-loop and closed-loop operations are possible.
In closed-loop mode, the encoder feedback signal for position and velocity are measured and compared to the set
value. A PID control loop automatically corrects the driving signal applied to the stages according to the error
between the measured position and velocity and the target position and velocity. Accurate positioning and velocity
control can be achieved in this mode.
In open-loop mode, only the feedback signal from the encoder is monitored. The stages are driven by a default
waveform according to preset configurations.
The main screen of the D-Sub output mode is shown below. HOMING is a necessary process for both open-loop
and closed-loop operations to be accurately executed. The main screen will show the message
“NEED HOME
FIRST!” if users do not complete the HOMING operation after power cycles.
