ID Photonics ABC-BPC-1 Series User Manual
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ID Photonics ABC-BPC-1 Series User Manual

Automatic bias control
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Automatic BIAS Control
Transmitter
Solutions
User Manual
P/N ABC-BPC-1x-x
x: x: Wildcard, applies to all instruments
Status: 2024-03-20
Applies to Firmware 2.3.0 or later
info@id-photonics.com www.id-photonics.com

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  • Page 1 Automatic BIAS Control Transmitter Solutions User Manual P/N ABC-BPC-1x-x x: x: Wildcard, applies to all instruments Status: 2024-03-20 Applies to Firmware 2.3.0 or later info@id-photonics.com www.id-photonics.com...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Content General Information ....................................3 Introduction ......................................... 6 Quick Start ........................................8 Connecting a host PC to the unit ..............................14 Detailed Description of unit ................................18 Control loop ......................................26 Troubleshooting and validation ..............................29 Remote Control ...................................... 37 Copyright ........................................55 Automatic BIAS Control - Manual id-photonics.com...

  • Page 3: General Information

    In the European Union, all equipment purchased from ID PHOTONICS can be returned for disposal at the end of its useful life. ID PHOTONICS will ensure that all waste equipment returned is reused, recycled, or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, and in compliance with all...
  • Page 4 It is the responsibility of the equipment owner to return the equipment to ID PHOTONICS for appropriate disposal. If the equipment was imported by a reseller whose name or logo is marked on the equipment, then the owner should return the equipment directly to the reseller.
  • Page 5 1.7.3 Environment Conditions This instrument is intended for indoor use in an installation category II, pollution degree 2 environments. It is designed to operate at a maximum relative humidity of 95% and at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. Refer to the specification tables for the ac mains voltage requirements and ambient operating temperature range.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    2 Introduction 2.1 Mach Zehnder Modulator - Theory of operation Mach-Zehnder modulator structures are a popular way of modifying the intensity or phase of light waves that are based on a Mach Zehnder interferometric setup. The light is split, guided in 2 distinct paths and combined again to achieve interference.
  • Page 7 A key feature is the independence of the applied modulation format for IQ Modulator control supporting advanced modulation formats such as Nyquist shaped signals, QAM, SSB and pre- distorted signals. Furthermore, a BIAS optimization is possible without a RF signal present. The control loop utilizes feedback signals derived from a feedback photodiode located after the MZM by means of dither tones that are applied to the BIAS electrodes of the MZM.

  • Page 8: Quick Start

    2.3 Overview and Functional Blocks 2.3.1 User Interfaces A USB interface or an Ethernet interface can be used to communicate with the unit. The unit hosts a web server unit so that instant installation free access using any state-of-the-art browser is possible.
  • Page 9 Connect the user interface of preference (USB or Ethernet) to your host computer. For details how to connect a host PC, see section 4. The following steps depend on the MZM type you wish to connect to the unit. 3.1.1 OIF Standard compatible Dual Pol IQ MZM Connect the MZM module to the small supplied daughter board.
  • Page 10 Bare Board ABC-BPC-11-x – Extension Board V2 Connect X1, leave X7 (SuB-D) unconnected Benchtop Unit ABC-BPC-13-x, Single PD feedback Connect X7 (SuB-D), connect MZM Optical out to “IN” of ABC unit. Connect “OUT” to your setup. Connect and enable the output of laser light source to the MZM. In case of a separate feedback PD (i.e.
  • Page 11 b. Virtual Serial Port c. Virtual Mass Storage device 5. Connect to the GUI, for details see 4. 6. Per default, the bare board is set to 2 channel PD feedback using an IQ modulator with Quad/Min/Min BIAS setting. The benchtop unit default is set to the number of PD feedback channels installed in the device.
  • Page 12 b. Virtual Serial Port c. Virtual Mass Storage device 5. Connect to the GUI, for details see 4. 6. Make sure the ABC is in Manual mode. In connection tab, enter password “IDP” to elevate the user level to 1. Go to system tab, select the required mode for your setup in “ABC config”...
  • Page 13 Connect and enable the output of laser light source to the MZM. 2. Switch on the ABC board by plugging in the power supply into the socket 3. Wait for ~30seconds to start up the board 4. If USB and Win 10 is used, the drivers will install automatically. There are 3 drivers installed: a.

  • Page 14: Connecting A Host Pc To The Unit

    3. A virtual COM Port Both virtual COM and Ethernet Ports can be used to remote control the unit. The installed COM Port number can be retrieved from Windows device manager. The IP address by the command shell “ping abc.local”. b.
  • Page 15 4.1.1 Change of physical Ethernet IP Address without GUI access If you do wish to change the IP settings of the unit, we recommend first connecting via USB and changing the IP settings via USB connection. Use the virtual serial port (COM Port) to connect to the unit.
  • Page 16 4.2 USB Connection This section covers connectivity using USB, skip it if you plan using Ethernet. Once the unit is powered up and the USB cable is connected to the host computer for the first time, a new device installation should be triggered automatically within Windows. Once installation is complete, three devices are installed on the host computer: Virtual Ethernet Interface 2.
  • Page 17 Point the installation routine to the driver located on the USB storage device provided by the unit in directory “USBDriverWin7” and select file “ABCUSBSerialDriverWindows7.inf” in this folder. If the installation has been completed already, open Windows Device Manager, locate “CDC Serial”, right click on it and select “Update driver”.

  • Page 18: Detailed Description Of Unit

    5 Detailed Description of unit 5.1 Bare Board Version ABC-BPC-11-x The picture below gives an overview of the Main Board. All available connectors and features are described in the next sections. The output to the MZM is supplied at the connectors X1 and X5 located on the upper left-hand side. Both outputs are electrically independent but are fed by the control electronics (DACs) in parallel.
  • Page 19 Description BIAS Channel 6 P (OIF Implementation: Q Mod; Y Polarization) BIAS Channel 6 N (OIF Implementation: Q Mod; Y Polarization) BIAS Channel 5 P (OIF Implementation: I Mod; Y Polarization) BIAS Channel 5 N (OIF Implementation: I Mod; Y Polarization) BIAS Channel 3 P (OIF Implementation: Q Mod;...
  • Page 20 5.1.4 CON1, CON2, PHD1, PHD2 - Connector for external feedback Photodiode Description Photodiode, Anode Photodiode, Cathode, GND 5.2 Benchtop Version ABC-BPC-13-x, ABC-BPC-13-x The benchtop versions provide 1 or 2 optical in- and outputs. These are internally connected to a 5% single mode tap coupler of which the 5% path is connected to a photodiode that generates the feedback signal required to operate the ABC.
  • Page 21 5.2.1 SUB-D Connector Pinning Description +/-5V Range - BIAS Channel 1 (OIF Implementation: Phase; X Polarization) +/-5V Range - BIAS Channel 4 (OIF Implementation: Phase; Y Polarization) +/-5V Range - BIAS Channel 6 (OIF Implementation: Q Mod; Y Polarization) +/-15V Range - BIAS Channel 6 P (OIF Implementation: Q Mod; Y Polarization) +/-15V Range - BIAS Channel 6 N (OIF Implementation: Q Mod;...
  • Page 22 5.3 MZM Connector extension board There are 2 Versions of the extension board. Refer to the applicable part for your board at hand. 5.3.1 Connectors X1, X6, X7 Connectors to main unit These connectors are used to connect to the main unit. The pinning of X1, X6 and X7 (Sub-D V2 only) is identical to the pinning defined for the mainboard or benchtop device since they connect via the grey ribbon or the SUB-D jumper cable.
  • Page 23 The default usage is differential mode. For single ended usage, connect the corresponding P channel and GND to the electrodes of the MZM. See section “Remote Control” for channel assignment to BIAS Electrodes. OIF Pin Description Section 1 BIAS Channel 6 P (OIF Implementation: Q Mod; Y Polarization) BIAS Channel 6 N (OIF Implementation: Q Mod;...
  • Page 24 5.3.4 Connector X5 - Other configurations (Grey connector hub) The large grey connector hub hosts the -5V to +5V output signals coming from the main board. Set the Use the X5 connection cable to use this port. Pin 1 is located to the edge of the PCB. Description BIAS Channel 2 (OIF Implementation: I Mod;...
  • Page 25 5.3.6 Schematic of extension board V2 5.4 Maximum BIAS range The maximum BIAS Voltage range can be limited from its hardware maximum continuously from 0V to maximum via Software to avoid damage to MZM H/W that may have a limit lower than what is supported by the ABC.

  • Page 26: Control Loop

    6 Control loop The ABC unit allows a number of configurations for various MZM configurations; see the table located in section 2.2 for an overview from application perspective. The control loop is configured either using the GUI or the SCPI command “mode”. This will set the ABC to find the target points per table below.
  • Page 27 6.1.1 Multiple Single Pol MZM with a single ABC 6.1.1.1 Single Pol IQ Modulator Up to 2 Modulators can be operated using a single ABC board. Configure a Dual Pol. IQ modulator and 2 Photodiodes for this case. 6.1.1.2 Single Pol Intensity (II) Modulator Up to 2 Modulators can be operated using a single ABC board.
  • Page 28 INIT command INIT command INIT command Autostart OFF Start Autostart ON & Quickstart OFF INIT MANUAL Manual Mode INIT LOS or Clip or Mute PAUSE ABC on & Quickstart OFF & Quickstart not completed INIT completed Autostart ON & Quickstart ON TRACKING TRACKING LOS or Clip or Mute...

  • Page 29: Troubleshooting And Validation

    7 Troubleshooting and validation There are several scenarios that typically happen when connecting the unit to a setup. The following section describes typical issues and their fixes as well as some hints how to troubleshoot your setup. 7.1.1 General procedure It is advisable to first test the ABC without RF modulation to be able separate issues.
  • Page 30 Then, switch to manual mode and move one or more electrodes by 10-20% of VPI out of the setpoint (2). Enable the control loop again. If working properly, the unit settled indicator will turn off and you should see the control loop moving the electrodes that were offset back to the original value within a few seconds (3) and then declare settled again (4).
  • Page 31 The shape of traces will look similar for other MZM structures. 7.1.3 Missing or very small Feedback In case of missing feedback, a typical symptom is that the initial sweep is performed but then, there is virtually no move in the electrode voltages (a few Milli-Volts only) which gradually drift to the edge over a long period.
  • Page 32 are connected in the right order. Channel PHD1 is used for X-Pol (channels 1-3), PHD2 for Y-Pol (channels 4-6). • Check that the VPI Settings in Tab “ABC Config” are correct. Note that these are NOT the VPI values for the RF electrodes but for the BIAS electrodes. For LiNbO substrates, a typical value is 8V.
  • Page 33 To access the unit, enter “abc.local” or the current IP address of the unit into the address field of the browser to open the GUI. Note that DNS resolution might not work on your host PC. See section 4 for details on that. All fields provide a description of their usage by tooltips when hovering the mouse arrow on them.
  • Page 34 Note that the control loop will become instable if high values are entered. ID Photonics can take no liability on effective operation of the unit if these values are non-zero and recommend leaving all values at 0.
  • Page 35 “Save Current Status” will save the current status such as current BIAS values of the ABC that will be used upon next init or restart of the ABC unit. See section 8.10.2 “parameters stored by SCSTAT” for details on which parameters are stored by this action. “Unwrap threshold”: The ABC will try to track the BIAS point to the limits of its output range.
  • Page 36 “Download service logs” will collect debug information of the system in case of issues. Allow up to 2 minutes to finish the collection, save the binary data to the host PC and send it to ID Photonics for troubleshooting. The files are not user viewable.

  • Page 37: Remote Control

    8 Remote Control This device operates using SCPI standard style commands which are ASCII based and allow easy communication and interpretation with the instrument. Refer to chapter “Board and Connector description” on how to establish communication to the ports available at the instrument. More detailed information on SCPI syntax can be found here: http://www.ivifoundation.org/docs/SCPI- 99.PDF...
  • Page 38 HTML code standard requirements. No termination character “;” or <CR> is needed for HTTP based access. Multiple commands can be sent within a single query by means of separation via the termination character “;” Example: http://abc.local/scpi/*idn?;lay? Note that this connection type is not session based like the terminal connection. So, each query sent will establish a new session which is terminated after the query response is given.
  • Page 39 8.3.4 Colon Character A leading colon character “:” instructs the instrument to interpret the command starting at the root (highest level) of the command tree. Since the Instrument also starts at the root each time you send it a new command, the leading colon is not required (although the instrument will accept it if you send it).
  • Page 40 <ENTER> was used to execute the command. Alternatively, use “;”. If both termination characters are used, it is interpreted as 2 commands of which the second one is empty so that the first command is executed but the second produces an error since empty. 8.4 User access level This feature allows execution of commands protected in standard access level to avoid accidental change of important parameters.
  • Page 41 Syntax and Type Description Example: Definition [:SYStem:]IPADDRess/? /<P> Allows sending the command: IDADDR? Denotes a parameter. Placeholder is replaced with parameter value defined for according command. < > Definition [:SYStem:]IPADDRess/? /<P> Allows setting the parameters: [:SYStem:]IPADDRess 192.168.0.1 Denotes the optional character “?” that is used if the command can also be used as a query.
  • Page 42 8.6 General SCPI Commands Syntax Example Description *idn?; Query System Type and Software version. IDP ABC-BPC-11-x, *idn? SN 20440099, F/W Ver 2.1.0(9999), HW Ver 1.10(502); *opc?; Query if all pending commands were executed. Note that this will NOT indicate if physical tuning of laser ports has *opc? 1;”...
  • Page 43 8.8 Notation of Syntax for command definition Syntax and Type Description Optional command level that can be omitted. Example: Definition [:SYStem:]IPADDRess/? /<P> Allows sending the command: IDADDR? Denotes a parameter. Placeholder is replaced with parameter value defined for according command. <...
  • Page 44 Syntax Read User Paramete Description access r format Write level xxx.xxx.xxx. [:SYStem:]IPADDRess IP Address Setting of Ethernet interface /?/<wsp><P> xxx.xxx.xxx. [:SYStem:]NETMASK/? Netmask Setting of Ethernet interface /<wsp><P> xxx.xxx.xxx. IP address for Gateway of Ethernet [:SYStem:]GATEWAYIP /?/<wsp><P> interface xxx.xxx.xxx. IP Address Setting of virtual Ethernet [:SYStem:]USBIPADDR ess? interface on USB...
  • Page 45 Syntax Read User Paramete Description access r format Write level Locks other sessions to perform write [:SYSTem:COMMunicat “0” or “1” commands on the unit. It is automatically e:]LOCKout/? released if the active session closes This query allows detecting if any change to the configuration was done.
  • Page 46 The trace file read via RDEBUG is encrypted and cannot be checked by the user. Collects debug information from OSA which can be sent to ID Photonics for troubleshooting. Returns a maximum of [:SYStem:]ReadDEBUG 1000bytes per read. Responds “WAIT” as long as debug data is still collected.
  • Page 47 Syntax Read User Session Default access based Write value level [:SYStem:]ECHO/?/<wsp><P> [:SYStem:]DEFAULT [:SYStem:]INFOrmation? [:SYStem:]DHCP/?/<wsp><P> 192.168.0.1 [:SYStem:]IPADDRess/?/<wsp><P> [:SYStem:]NETMASK/?/<wsp><P> 255.255.255.0 [:SYStem:]GATEWAYIP/?/<wsp><P> 192.168.0.255 [:SYStem:]MACADDRESS? [:SYStem:]IPConfigDEFault [:SYSTem:]INTerfaceInit [:SYStem:]REMOte? [:SYStem:]PASSword/?/<wsp><P> R/(W) [:SYStem:]TIME? /<wsp><P> [:SYStem:]ALARm? [:SYStem:]STATus? [:SYSTem:]ERRor[:NEXT]? [:SYSTem:COMMunicate:]LOCKout/? [:SYSTem:COMMunicate:]Parameter REFresh? [:STATus:OPERation:]EVENt? [:]ABORt [:BOOT:]BootLoaDerRESet [:BOOT:] BootLoaDerAPPend [:BOOT:]BootLoaDerEXECute/? Automatic BIAS Control - Manual id-photonics.com...
  • Page 48 Syntax Read User Session Default access based Write value level [:SYSTem:]ENableLOGging/? [:SYStem:]ReadDEBUG [:SYStem:]IDENTify<wsp><P> [:SYStem:]ENABleAUTOSTArt/?<wsp >/<P> [:SYStem:]STArtDEFault /?<wsp>/<P> [:SYStem:]SetPASS<wsp>,<P>,<P> [:SYStem:]OUTputRANGEselect? /<P> 8.10 BIAS Control Commands 8.10.1 Command description Command Parameter Description Options Set or query current MZM configuration. 1=DPIQ(1),2=DPIQ(2), 3=SPIQ(1), 5=DPII(1), 6=DPII(2), 7=SPII(1), 8=custom;...
  • Page 49 Command Parameter Description Options Indicates if Automatic BIAS Control is settled "0" or "1" [:BIAS:]SETTled? /<P> (only TRACKING mode) Query or set VPI of BIAS Electrodes. Note: Changing these parameters will impact the x,x.xxx performance of the automated control loop. [:BIAS:]VPI/? /<P>, /<P>...
  • Page 50 Command Parameter Description Options Query current DC feedback level. Note that the unit uses an automated gain switch so that this value cannot be used as a power +/-x.xx [:BIAS:]MONPower? /<P> monitor. The optional parameter allows to read only 1 channel. i.e. OPOW? 1; reads the optical power of feedback channel 1 Query or set MUTE status.
  • Page 51 Command Parameter Description Options value can be 12,24 or 48V. This value is automatically set by the S/W, following HWMAXRange > MAXRange. If enabled(1), control loop is forced to continue operating even if LOS alarm is "0" or "1" present. CAUTION: The control loop will drift [BIAS:]TRackInLOS/? /<P>...
  • Page 52 Command Parameter Description Options Read: Query Control loop for channel active/inactive Write: Set control loop for selected channel to active/inactive Example: CHACT?; 1,0,1,0,1,1 See 8.8.1 for details on the parameter convention. Write: Will set control loop channel assignment to different H/W Channel Read: Assignment of control loop channel to H/W channel Example:...
  • Page 53 Command Read Set in Manual User Stored Mode only access Write level SCSTAT [:BIAS:]FACtoryDEFault [:BIAS:]SETTled? /<P> [:BIAS:]VPI/? /<P>, /<P> [:BIAS:]INIT/? [:BIAS:]VOLTage/? /<P>, /<P> [:BIAS:]STAtusVOLTage? /<P> [:BIAS:]CONTrol/? /<P> [:BIAS:]OPOWer? /<P> [:BIAS:]MONPower? /<P> [:BIAS:]MUTE/? /<P> [:BIAS:]LOSStatus? /<P> [:SYSTEM:]LOSThresh/? /<P>, /<P> [:BIAS:]INitPROGress? [:BIAS:]MAXRange/? /<P> [:BIAS:]HWMAXRange? [BIAS:]TRackInLOS/? /<P>...
  • Page 54 8.11 SCPI Code error definition Error # Description Command Syntax Command error Parameter out of range No data in buffer device not ready user level for this command not sufficient Command execution error user level rights to execute this command not sufficient, increase using PASS command 8.12 Alarm code definition Bit #...

  • Page 55: Copyright

    Information provided by ID Photonics GmbH is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by ID Photonics GmbH for its use nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent rights of ID Photonics GmbH.

This manual is also suitable for:

Abc-bpc-13 seriesAbc-bpc-14 seriesAbc-bpc-15 series

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