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HA0365T Rev D Jan 2017
Chapter 2
A low voltage output connector allows for easy monitoring of the HV output (using a
scope for example). Open or closed loop operation is a simple button click.
USB connectivity provides easy 'Plug and Play' PC controlled operation - multiple
units can be connected to a single PC via standard USB hub technology or by using
the new K-Cube Controller Hub (see over) for multi-axis motion control applications.
Coupling this with the user friendly apt™ software (supplied) allows the user to get up
and running in a short space of time. Advanced custom motion control applications
and sequences are al so possible using the extensi ve ActiveX® programming
environment also supplied. This programming library is comp atible with man y
development tools such as L abView, Visual Basic, Visual C++, C++ Builder,
LabWindows/CVI, Matlab and Delphi.
See Section 2.3. for a full description of the APT system software.
In the remainder of this handbook, the Tutorial section (Chapter 5) provides a good
initial understanding on using the unit, and the reference section (Chapter 6) covers
all operating modes and parameters in detail.
2.2 Power Options
For power, a compact two-way power supply unit (TPS002) is available from Thorlabs
allowing up to 2 K-Cube Piezo Drivers to be powered from a single mains outlet. This
power supply unit is also designed to take up minimal space and can be mounted to
the optical table in close proximity to the driver units, connected via short power leads.
As a further level of convenience when using the K-Cube Controllers Thorlabs also
offers the 3-channel and 6-channel K-Cube Controller Hubs (KCH301 and KCH601).
These products have been designed specifically with multiple K-Cube operation in
mind in order to simplify issue s such as cable management, power supply routing,
multiple USB device communications and different optical table mounting scenarios.
The K-Cube Controller Hub comprises a slim base-plate type carrier with electrical
connections located on the upper surface to accept the K-Cubes.
Internally the Controller Hub contains a fully compliant USB 2.0 hub circuit to provide
communications for all K-Cubes – a single USB connection to the Controller Hub is
all that is required for PC control. The Controller Hub also provides power distribution
for the K-Cubes, requiring only a single power connection.