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T-Cube TEC Controller
When the unit is first turned on, the TEC current will be disabled. Pressing the Enter
button allows the TEC controller to enable / disable the current. When the TEC current
is disabled, the display will blink with the set temperature displayed.
1.3 Power Options
A compact powe r supply unit (TPS101) is available from Thorlabs for powering a
single TTC001 unit. 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 T-
Cube Controllers Thorlabs also offers the 3-channel and 6-channel Controller Hubs
(KCH301 and KCH601). These products have been designed specifically with
multiple cube operation in mind in order to simplify issue s such as ca ble
management, power supply routing, multiple USB de vice 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..
1.4 -Kinesis Software Overview
1.4.1 Introduction
The K-Cube range of co ntrollers share many of the benefits. These include USB
connectivity (allowing multiple units to be used together on a single PC), fully featured
Graphical User Interface (GUI) panels, and extensive software function libraries for
custom application development.
The Kinesis software suite provides a flexible and powerful PC based control system
both for users of the equipment, and software programmers aiming to automate its
operation.
The User Interface allows full control of all settings and operating modes enabling
complete ‘out-of-box’ operation without the need to deve lop any further custom
software. It provides all of the necessary system software services such as generation
of GUI panels, communications handling for multiple USB units, and logging of all
system activity to assist in hardware trouble shooting. The Kinesis server is also used
by software developers to a llow the creation of advanced automated positioning
Caution
The KCH301 and KCH601 Controller Hubs have been designed primarily for
use with the K-Cube range of controller units. T-Cube controllers such as the
TTC001 TEC Controller can still be used on this hub, but will require an adapter
plate (KAP101) before they can be fitted - see Section 3.2.4. for more details.
