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Date of this version: 20 January 2010
All VueMetrix controllers detect several conditions that may endanger the safety of the laser diode, the TEC or the controller itself. When one of these occurs the laser is disabled. The controller, when queried with the f? (fault?) command, responds with an integer value that represents the specific fault that caused the shutdown.
When the controller is operating normally the f? command returns 0. A non-zero return indicates the presence of a fault condition, and under all circumstances the laser is disabled. The laser remains disabled until the command "cf" (clear fault) is sent to the controller. The "l1" (laser on) command will not clear the fault.
WinVue continually polls the controller and indicates the presence of a fault by displaying a red banner near the upper right hand corner of the program window. The laser cannot be turned on until the Clear Fault button is pressed.
The mapping of fault codes to conditions varies from one product to another, and is documented in section 3.
These controllers have an additional command that will retrieve specific information about an active fault. The command is “fdesc?” and it returns a human-readable character string that further describes the condition that triggered the fault. Details are given below under each individual fault. If there is no fault (i.e., f? returns 0) then fdesc? will return "No fault".
WinVue displays this specific string when the fdesc? command is available.
Indicates a failure of the internal analog to digital converter. Report this fault to VueMetrix and return the controller for factory repair.
Internal to VueMetrix manufacturing procedures.
Indicates a problem with internal controller circuitry.
The controller's on-board CPU chip has reported an over-temperature condition. Check for proper cooling of the controller.
The current control servo on LV has reached its limit but is not able to produce the user-requested current.
fdesc? returns either “Current servo at lower limit“ or “Current servo at upper limit“
Please note that on LV-30 firmware versions less than 6 the word 'at' was omitted from “Current servo at lower limit“.
The measured current through the laser diode differs significantly from the requested value. Report this fault to VueMetrix.
The DiodeGaurd circuitry unexpectedly failed to reach its operating point, indicating a possible intermittent connection between the laser diode and the controller.
The CPU's non-volatile memory has reported a fault. Report this to VueMetrix.
The TEC driving circuit has reported a fault condition. Report this to VueMetrix.
The TEC driving circuit has reported a fault condition. Report this to VueMetrix.
The controller cannot perform constant power regulation in pulsed mode.
The input power supply voltage is higher than the controller's allowed operating limit.
The input power supply voltage is lower than the controller's allowed operating limit.
The controller's interlock safety circuit is open.
The DC input voltage to the controller is out of bounds, either high or low.
On TEC controllers fdesc? returns either “Input voltage low (x.xx)” or “Input voltage high (x.xx)”, where x.xx is a floating point number.
On LV controllers fdesc? returns either “Input voltage low (x.xx need >x.xx)” or “Input voltage high (x.xx need x.xx)”, where x.xx is a floating point number.
The controller's key switch is in the off position.
The laser temperature sensor reported a reading indicating that the laser is too hot.
The voltage across the laser diode exceeds the controller's specification. This can be caused by an open in the laser output circuit.
The laser temperature sensor reported a reading indicating that the laser is too cold. Condensation on optical surfaces may occur under these conditions.
The voltage across the laser diode is less than the controller's specification. This can be caused by a short in the laser output circuit.
The light loop (constant power regulation) is enabled, the controller is producing the maximum allowed output current, and the desired light power cannot be achieved.
The total output power to the laser (current times voltage) exceeds the controller's specification.
On TEC controllers fdesc? returns “Max output exceeded x.x” where x.x is a floating point number.
On LV controllers fdesc? returns “Output > xW (x.xxx)” where x is a whole number and x.xxx is a floating point number.
The transistor that produces the laser current is too hot. This indicates a problem with air flow around the unit, or an ambient temperature that is too high.
The output voltage has exceeded the contrller's limit. On TEC controllers this is 98% of the input voltage.
fdesc? returns “Output over voltage x.xxx” where x.xxx is a floating point number.
An internal fault. Report this fault to VueMetrix and return the controller for factory repair.
An internal fault. Report this fault to VueMetrix and return the controller for factory repair.
A temperature servo has reported a fault condition. Commands are available to determine further information (see product-specific command lists).