Pc Software Overview; Introduction; Kinesis Server - THORLABS KBD101 User Manual

Brushless DC Servo Driver K-Cube

2.3 PC Software Overview

2.3.1 Introduction

The K-Cube range of controllers share many 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 develop 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 allow the creation of advanced automated positioning
applications very rapidly and with great ease. The Kinesis server is described in more
detail in Section 2.3.2.
Caution
On start up, wait until the initialization sequence is completed before running
the Kinesis software - see Section 3.4.

2.3.2 Kinesis Server

Kinesis controls are re-usable compiled software components that supply both a
graphical user interface and a programmable interface. Many such Controls are
available for Windows applications development, providing a large range of re-usable
functionality. For example, there are Controls available that can be used to
manipulate image files, connect to the internet or simply provide user interface
components such as buttons and list boxes.
With the Kinesis system, .Net Controls are deployed to allow direct control over (and
also reflect the status of) the range of electronic controller units, including the
Brushless Motor Driver K-Cube. Software applications that use .Net Controls are
often referred to as 'client applications'. A .Net Control is a language independent
software component. Consequently the controls can be incorporated into a wide
range of software development environments for use by client application developers.
Development environments supported include Visual Basic, Labview, Visual C++,
C++ Builder, HPVEE, Matlab, VB.NET, C#.NET and, via VBA, Microsoft Office
applications such as Excel and Word.
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