BARTINGTON INSTRUMENTS
Page 4 of 21 OM3224/4
2. Safe Use
WARNING:
The CU1 Control Unit is powered by mains electricity and contains uninsulated
parts. Ensure that the unit is properly earthed at all times. Ensure all local and national
codes on electrical installation and grounding are observed. Safety protection will be
impaired if the unit is used in a manner not specified in this manual.
WARNING:
There are no customer serviceable components within this unit. The unit
should be opened by Bartington Instruments personnel only.
WARNING:
This product is not qualified for use in explosive atmospheres or life support
systems. Consult Bartington Instruments for advice.
3. Introduction
The CU1 Control Unit constitute an interface unit between a Helmholtz Coil System and a
National Instruments-based control system. Signal corresponding to field generation are sent
to the PA1, whilst current monitor signals are return to the CU1. It also provides signal filtering
and power supply to one or two magnetometers connected to the Auxiliary and/or Device Under
Test inputs. Compatible NI cards can be directly connected to the back of the CU1 for ease of
interface.
The full Helmholtz Coil System consists of:
• HC1, HC2, HC9 or HC16 Helmholtz Coils: an assembly of up to three Helmholtz coils. See
related operation manuals. Ferronato Helmholtz Coils can also be operated through this
system.
• PA1 Power Amplifier. See OM3225.
• CU1 Control Unit: the control unit for the system which enables it to interface with a PC-
based test, measurement and control system.
• Optional CU2 Closed-Loop Module: allows active cancellation of external DC and AC
magnetic field disturbances using the CU2 Reference Magnetometer. See OM3999.
A diagram showing the connection of these separate items into one system is given in
Appendix
A
.
The CU1 can connect directly to a National Instruments acquisition card or PXI system to provide
a PC-based control system for the Helmholtz Coil System. A LabVIEW
™
-based Helmholtz Coil
Control Software is available from our website, and is designed to operate when the system is
running from a NI card, with the CU1 and PA1.
