THORLABS KSG101 Kinesis User Manual
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THORLABS KSG101 Kinesis User Manual

Strain gauge reader
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KSG101
Strain Gauge Reader
Kinesis User Guide
Original Instructions

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Summary of Contents for THORLABS KSG101

  • Page 1 KSG101 Strain Gauge Reader Kinesis User Guide Original Instructions...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 Safety ..................... 4 1.1 Safety Information .................. 4 1.2 General Warnings .................. 4 Chapter 2 Overview and Setup ..............5 2.1 Introduction ..................... 5 2.2 Power Options ..................6 2.3 Kinesis Software Overview ..............7 2.3.1 Introduction ......................7 2.3.2 Kinesis Server ....................
  • Page 3 Appendix A Connector Pinout Details ............45 Appendix B Preventive Maintenance ............47 Appendix C Specifications and Associated Parts ........48 Appendix D Piezo Operation - Background ..........49 Appendix E Regulatory ................52 Appendix F Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ..........55...

  • Page 4: Chapter 1 Safety

    Chapter 1 Safety 1.1 Safety Information For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the equipment itself, the operator should take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself. The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the equipment itself.

  • Page 5: Chapter 2 Overview And Setup

    Chapter 2 Overview and Setup 2.1 Introduction The K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader (KSG101) is a new very compact single channel reader, providing immediate 'out of the box' operation. For non-PC use the unit is equipped with an OLED Display to indicate position, together with a settings menu to change the display units and set the zero position point.

  • Page 6: Power Options

    2.2 Power Options For power, a compact two-way power supply unit (TPS002) is available from Thorlabs allowing up to 2 K-Cube Strain Gauge or Piezo Driver units 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.

  • Page 7: Kinesis Software Overview

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader 2.3 Kinesis Software Overview 2.3.1 Introduction The K-Cube range of controllers 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.
  • Page 8 Chapter 2 Consider the control supplied for a KSG101 Strain Gauge K-Cube unit. This Control provides a complete user graphical instrument panel to allow the Strain Gauge unit to be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software functions (often called methods) to allow all parameters to be set and Strain Gauge control operations to be automated by a client application.

  • Page 9: Software Upgrades

    This is available either by pressing the F1 key when running the Kinesis server, or via the Start menu, Start\Programs\Thorlabs\Kinesis\Kinesis Help. 2.3.3 Software Upgrades Thorlabs operate a policy of continuous product development and may issue software upgrades as necessary. The latest software can be downloaded from the ‘services’ section of www.thorlabs.com.

  • Page 10: Install The Software

    If you experience any problems when installing software, contact Thorlabs on +44 (0)1353 654440 and ask for Technical Support. DO NOT CONNECT THE CONTROLLER TO YOUR PC YET 1) Go to Services/Downloads at www.thorlabs.com and download the Kinesis software.

  • Page 11: Mounting Options

    (KCH301 and KCH601). ) are also available - see Section 2.2. for further details. Full instructions on the fitting and use of the controller hub are contained in the handbook available at www.thorlabs.com Cautions When siting the unit, it should be positioned so as not to impede the operation of the control panel buttons.

  • Page 12: Electrical Installation

    - see Section A.1. for pin out details. Thorlabs supply cabling to connect from this D-type connector to the full range of strain gauge equipped piezo actuators and force sensors.

  • Page 13: Supply Voltage And Current Requirements

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader A typical bridge circuit and strain gauge layout is shown below. Ident Mark Blue Yellow Ident Mark Black GAUGE A GAUGE B Blue (+ve) = Output voltage of full bridge (active) (dummy) = Excitation voltage Note. R2 and R3 (dummy) are for thermal compensation due to temperature changes.

  • Page 14: Front Panel

    Chapter 2 2.6.4 Front Panel Warning The unit must be connected only to a DC supply as detailed in Section 2.6.3. Connection to a supply of a different rating may cause damage to the unit and could result in injury to the operator. Caution Ensure the power switch on the front panel of the unit is switched off before connecting power to the K-Cube.

  • Page 15: Powering Down The Unit

    1) Using the front panel connector as shown above, connect the unit to a regulated DC power supply of the rating detailed in Section 2.6.3. 2) Switch on the Power Supply unit, then switch on the KSG101. 3) The Version number of the embedded software is displayed for a few seconds.

  • Page 16: Connect The Hardware

    Chapter 2 2.7 Connect The Hardware 1) Perform the mechanical installation as detailed in Section 2.5. 2) Install the Kinesis Software. Caution During items (3) to (6) the instructions should be followed strictly in the order stated. Problems may occur if the process is not performed in the correct sequence.

  • Page 17: Verifying Software Operation

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader 2.8 Verifying Software Operation The Software should be installed (Section 2.4.) and the hardware connected (Section 2.7.) before software operation can be verified. Caution In applications requiring the highest level of accuracy and repeatability, it is recommended that the controller unit is powered up approximately 30 minutes before use, in order to allow the internal temperature to stabilize.

  • Page 18: Chapter 3 Standalone Operation

    The Strain Gauge Reader K-Cube has been designed specifically to operate with the extensive range of Thorlabs piezo-actuated feedback equipped opto-mechanical products. It is also compatible with Thorlabs force sensor products, FSC102 and FSC103 providing high-sensitivity force and touch probe sensing.

  • Page 19: Control Panel

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader 3.2 Control Panel Strain Gauge Reader MENU Fig. 3.1 Panel Controls and Indicators Controls - These controls allow all motor moves to be initiated. Wheel - The wheel/joystick is an infinite turn potentiometer, which is used to select different parameters and values in the settings menu - see Section 4.4.

  • Page 20: Settings Menu

    Chapter 3 3.3 Settings Menu 3.3.1 Menu Overview P o s : 5 0 . 0 2 6 μ m 1 0 0 μ m C h : 1 Press the MENU button MENU M e n u o p t i o n s Use the wheel to scroll through the menu options U s e w h e e l Press the MENU button to enter a particular option...

  • Page 21: Menu Option - Zeroing

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader 3.3.2 Menu Option - Zeroing The strain gauge or force sensor connected to the K-Cube may give a small signal when the device is at zero position with zero volts applied (due to limitations in manufacture, or temperature fluctuations). This 'offset' signal must be removed before the position attained by a specific applied voltage and the position attained by a corresponding specified distance can be rationalized.

  • Page 22: Menu Option - Analogue Out

    Driver unit (KPZ101) on the K-Cube Controller Hub, high precision closed loop operation is possible using the complete range of feedback equipped piezo actuators available from Thorlabs. This option allows the communication channel of the hub to be selected. P o s : 5 0 . 0 2 6 μ m 1 0 0 μ...

  • Page 23: Menu Option - Units Select

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader 3.3.4 Menu Option - Units Select The display can be set to show the position (in microns) of the strain gauge, the voltage applied to the strain gauge, or the force (in N) detected. P o s : 5 0 . 0 2 6 μ m 1 0 0 μ...

  • Page 24: Menu Option - Force Sensors

    Chapter 3 3.3.5 Menu Option - Force Sensors The Strain Gauge Reader unit can also be used to control a force sensor. P o s : 5 0 . 0 2 6 μ m 1 0 0 μ m C h : 2 MENU Press the MENU button, then use the wheel to scroll M e n u o p t i o n s...

  • Page 25: Menu Option - Brightness

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader 3.3.6 Menu Option - Brightness In certain applications, it may be necessary to adjust the P o s : 5 0 . 0 2 6 μ m brightness of the LED display. The brightness is set as a 1 0 0 μ...

  • Page 26: Chapter 4 Operation - Tutorial

    This tutorial shows how the Kinesis application provides all of the functionality necessary to operate the hardware. 1) Power up the hardware, and wait until the KSG101 has finished booting up, then run the Kinesis software - Start/All Programs/Thorlabs/Kinesis/Kinesis. Note For maximum accuracy, wait approximately 30 mins for the unit to thermally stabalize to the environment.

  • Page 27: Closed Loop Piezo Operation

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader The server registers automatically the units connected on the USB bus and displays the associated GUI panels as shown below. Fig. 4.1 Typical Software Screen Showing Piezo and Strain Gauge K-Cube GUI 2) The GUI panel for the Strain Gauge Reader K-Cube is displayed - see Fig. 4.2. Fig.

  • Page 28: Electrical Connections And Software Settings - Hub Operation

    The following procedure describes a typical set up, when a KPZ101 piezo driver cube and a KSG101 Strain Gauge Reader are used on the KCHx01 controller hub to drive a piezo actuated stage - see Fig. 4.3 for a general system schematic diagram.
  • Page 29 Wait while Windows installs the drivers for the new hardware. 9) Run the Kinesis software - Start/All Programs/Thorlabs/Kinesis/Kinesis. 10) Click the ‘Settings’ button on GUI of the Piezo Driver to display the Settings panel (shown below). .
  • Page 30 Chapter 4 12) If desired, click the ‘Persist Settings To Hardware’ box. These settings will then be loaded on each power up cycle. 13) Click ‘OK to save the settings. 14) Click the ‘Settings’ button on GUI of the Strain Gauge Reader fitted in bay 2, to display the Settings panel (shown below).

  • Page 31: Electrical Connections And Software Settings - Off Hub Operation

    Operation The following procedure describes a typical set up, when a KPZ101 piezo driver cube and a KSG101 Strain Gauge Reader are used to control a piezo actuated stage - see Fig. 4.6 for a general system schematic diagram.. to piezo actuator...
  • Page 32 Chapter 4 10) Click the ‘Settings’ button on the GUI panel of the Piezo Driver to display the Settings panel (shown below). . Fig. 4.7 Piezo Driver Settings 11) Make the following parameter settings, as shown in Fig. 4.7 Control Tab Loop Mode - Select Closed Loop Maximum Voltage - Set the corresponding voltage for the piezo being driven, 75V, 100V or 150V.

  • Page 33: Setting The Position Sensor Zero

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader 4.4 Setting the Position Sensor Zero The strain gauge or force sensor connected to the K-Cube may give a small signal when the device is at zero position with zero volts applied (due to limitations in manufacture, or temperature fluctuations).

  • Page 34: Using The Strain Gauge Reader K-Cube With A Piezo Driver K-Cube

    Note The piezo position can be adjusted only when a Strain Gauge K-Cube (KSG101) is connected and when operating in ‘Closed Loop’ mode. The position of the actuator is relative to the minimum position set for the arrangement using the ‘Null’ facility, see Section 4.4. The extension of the actuator is displayed on the Strain Gauge K-Cube as a position in microns.

  • Page 35: Using The Controller With A Force Sensor

    K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader 4.6 Using the Controller with a Force Sensor The Strain Gauge Reader unit can also be used to control a force sensor. 1) In the GUI panel, click the ‘Settings’ button to display the settings panel. 2) In the Display Mode field, select ‘Force’.

  • Page 36: Setting Move Sequences

    Chapter 4 The force sensor may display an offset when no contact is apparent. This latent offset must be removed, such that the sensor only detects a force when contact is experienced. To remove the offset proceed as follows. 5) Ensure that the force sensor is correctly orientated in the axis it is to be used. 6) Ensure that the force sensor is not in contact with any other equipment.

  • Page 37: Chapter 5 Software Reference

    Kinesis Software. Fig. 5.1 KSG101 Strain Gauge Reader Software GUI Note The serial number of the KSG101 unit associated with the GUI panel is displayed in the top right hand corner. This information should always be provided when requesting customer support.

  • Page 38: Settings Panel

    Chapter 5 Active - lit when the unit is operating normally and no error condition exists. Error - lit when a fault condition occurs, e.g. the strain gauge unit is powered up without a feedback input connected. Identify - when this button is pressed, the OLED display on the front panel of the associated hardware unit will flash for a short period.

  • Page 39: Settings Tab

    K-Cube Piezo Driver unit (KPZ101) on the K-Cube Controller Hub (KCHx01), high precision closed loop operation is possible using the complete range of feedback equipped piezo actuators available from Thorlabs. If Channel 1 is selected, the feedback signal runs through all the bays - see Fig.
  • Page 40 Chapter 5 bay options, and their associated Analogue Input Source (EXT IN) settings are described in Fig. 5.4 on the next page. Caution In general, when members of the K-Cube family are on the KCHx01 controller hub, using the signal channels (Channel 1 and Channel 2), users must ensure that: The individual cubes are set up to use the intended signal channel.
  • Page 41 K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader Display Mode Settings - Specifies the operating mode and display mode of the unit. If set to Position, the displays shows the present position in µm. If set to Voltage, the display shows the drive voltage applied to the piezo in Volts. If set to Force, the display shows the force detected by the force sensor in Newtons.

  • Page 42: Panel/Triggering Tab

    Chapter 5 5.2.3 Advanced tab Fig. 5.5 Panel/Triggering tab Triggering Introduction The K-Cube strain gauge reader has two bidirectional trigger ports (TRIG1 and TRIG2) that can be used as a general purpose digital input/output, or can be configured to output a logic level to control external equipment. When the port is used as an output it provides a push-pull drive of 5 Volts, with the maximum current limited to approximately 8 mA.
  • Page 43 K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader Trig 1 Mode Trig 2 Mode set to < Lower Limit set to > Upper Limit Region of Interest Position [%] 100% Lower Limit Upper Limit Fig. 5.6 Trigger Example While the device is within the region of interest the triggers are inactive. If the device position was to move beyond the lower limit, Trig 1 would become active.
  • Page 44 Chapter 5 Triggering Polarity The polarity of the trigger pulse is specified in the Trig. 1 Polarity and Trig 2 Polarity parameters as follows: Active High - The active state of the trigger port is logic HIGH 5V (trigger output on a rising edge).

  • Page 45: Appendix A Connector Pinout Details

    † Power supply for the piezo actuator feedback circuit. It must not be used to drive any other circuits or devices. * This signal is applicable to Thorlabs piezo actuators fitted with an ID resistor. It enables the system to identify the piezo extension associated with the actuator.
  • Page 46 A.2.1 Pin Identification Thorlabs recommends that the Strain Gauge Reader K-Cube is operated with Thorlabs power supply TPS002, as it was specifically designed for use with this product. However, to enable customers to use the cube in installations where a ±15V and 5V power is already available, the unit can be operated with a different external power supply, such as a bench or lab supply.

  • Page 47: Appendix B Preventive Maintenance

    The equipment contains no user servicable parts. There is a risk of severe electrical shock if the equipment is operated with the covers removed. Only personnel authorized by Thorlabs Ltd and trained in the maintenance of this equipment should remove its covers or attempt any repairs or adjustments.

  • Page 48: Appendix C Specifications And Associated Parts

    Appendix C Specifications and Associated Parts C.1 Specifications Parameter Value Strain Gauge Input (9-pin D-type) Bridge Type Excitation Frequency 18 kHz Bandwidth 500 Hz Supply ±15V +5V Monitor Output 0-10V (SMA Connector) Reading Resolution Position mode 1 nm Force mode 1 mN Voltage mode 1 mV USB Connector Type USB 3.0...

  • Page 49: Appendix D Piezo Operation - Background

    – see Fig. D.1. In this way, the distance from positive to negative electrodes is very small. A large field gradient can therefore be obtained with a modest drive voltage (75 V in the case of Thorlabs actuators). expansion piezoelectric...
  • Page 50 Some Thorlabs nanopositioning actuators have position sensing, others do not. The Piezoelectric control module allows both types to be controlled.
  • Page 51 K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader moving open loop control part demand actuator moving closed loop control part demand a + b/s actuator sensor Fig. D.3 Open loop and closed loop control The result of using closed-loop control is a linear relationship between demand (voltage) and measured position –...

  • Page 52: Appendix E Regulatory

    Appendix E Regulatory E.1 Declarations Of Conformity E.1.1 For Customers in Europe...
  • Page 53 K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader E.1.2 For Customers In The USA This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, persuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.

  • Page 54: Appendix F Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

    "End of life" units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.
  • Page 55 K-Cube Strain Gauge Reader...
  • Page 56 www.thorlabs.com...

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