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HA0364T Rev C Aug 2022
Chapter 2
Operation of the KBD101 brushless DC motor unit is fully configurable
(parameterized) with key settings (e.g. PID settings, min and max position values, and
joystick response) 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 the
response of the key pad joystick can be adjusted for speed or precision. 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 5 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 5) provides a good
initial understanding on using the unit, and the reference sections (Chapter 6) covers
all operating modes and parameters in detail.
2.2 Power Options
For power, a single way wall plug supply (KPS101) is also available for powering a
single K-Cube Driver.
As a further level of convenience when using the new 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 issues 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.
