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HA0373T Rev Ck May 2017
Chapter 2
For convenience the footprint of this unit has been kept to a minimum, measuring only
60mm x 60mm x 47mm (2.4” x 2.4” x 1.8”) and with the facility to directly mount to the
optical table close to the device under control. Table top operation also allows minimal
drive cable lengths for easier cable management. All controls are located on the top
face of the unit – very useful when manually adjusting devices and monitoring the
positions via the easy to interpret ‘Target’ display.
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 K-Cube Controller Hub for multi-axis motion control applications. Coupling this
with the user friend ly Kinesis™ software (supplied) allows the user to ge t up and
running in a short space of time. Advanced custom motion control applications and
sequences are also possible using the extensive ActiveX® programming environment
also supplied. This programming library is compatible with many development tools
such as LabView, V isual Basic, Visual C++, C++ Builder, LabWindows/CVI, and
Delphi.
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 new K-Cube Controllers Thorlabs
also offers th e 3-channel and 6 -channel K-Cube Controller Hubs (KCH301 and
KCH601). These products have been designed specifically with multipl e K-Cube
operation in mind in orde r to simplify issues such as cabl e management, power
supply routing, multiple USB device communications and different op tical 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.
Important Note
For convenience and consistency, all system descriptions and examples
throughout this manual assume that the KPA101 is used with a pair of KPZ101
K-Cube Piezo Controllers. It is also possible to use the MDT693B or BPC303
controllers, or a 3rd party piezo amplifier, or even a non-piezo actuated
positioning element, as long as they have suitable low voltage external control
inputs and a manual adjustment facility.