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HA0273T Rev C Nov 2012
Chapter 2
Operation of the BBD series brushless DC motor unit is fully configurable
(parameterized) with key settings (e.g. PID settings, min and max position values, and
limit switch operation) exposed through the associated graphical interface panels.
PID control loop values can be adjusted for a particular application, minimum and
maximum position values can be entered to suit different stages as required, and limit
switch configuration is accommodated through a flexible set of limit switch logic
settings. Moreover, relative and absolute moves can be initiated with move profiles
set using velocity profile parameters. Similarly, home sequences have a full set of
associated parameters that can be adjusted for a particular stage or actuator. For
simplicity of operation, the apt™ software incorporates pre-configured settings for
each of the Thorlabs stages and actuators, while still exposing all parameters
individually for use with other DC motor driven systems.
For convenience and ease of use, adjustment of many key parameters is possible
through direct interaction with the graphical panel. For example a move to the next
position can be initiated by clicking directly on the position display and entering a new
value (see the tutorial in Chapter for further details). Furthermore, all such settings
and parameters are also accessible through the ActiveX® programmable interfaces
for automated alignment sequences.
In the remainder of this handbook, the Tutorial section (Chapter ) provides a good
initial understanding on using the unit, and the reference sections (Chapter 5) covers
all operating modes and parameters in detail.
