Reads the current sense A/D and returns the result. Normally this is the laser current, but on the TEC controller it senses the TEC current. On products that have multiple current sensors (HC and HCV), this command returns the sum of the individual sensor readings. In such cases the maximum returned value is 4095 * the number of sensors. See commands adi1? and adi2? (HC and HCV), and adi3? and adi4? (HCV).
Return type: int range: 0-4095 (but see description)
Returns the reading on the external current control ADC.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Reads the primary temperature A/D converter and returns the result. The conversion of this result to temperature is calibration dependent, but the result in degrees C can be always be obtained in a system-independent manner by the t0? command.
Return type: int range: 0-65535
Reads the laser power A/D converter and returns the result. Conversion of this number to power is dependent on calibration, which is a customer setting. The calibrated power can be read by means of the p? and pa? commands.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Reads the CPU temperature analog/digital converter channel. On HV, MV-21 and MV-40 systems this command reads a thermistor mounted on the control board, and the temperature conversion formula used is:
degreesC = -counts * 2.5 / 4095 * 42.9019 + 79.26541
On LV-15 and LV-30 this command reads a thermistor mounted on the control board, and the conversion formula is:
degreesC = 109.5628 - 98.0553V + 42.0291V2 - 7.7364V3, where V = 3.3 * counts / 4095
On TEC controllers this command reads a temperature monitor built into the CPU and the conversion formula is:
degreesC = 359.117 - (counts * 3.0 / 4095) / 0.00435
On other products this reads a signal internal to the CPU chip, and the temperature conversion formula is:
degreesC = (0.650 - (counts * 2.5 / 4095)) * 500.0 + 25.0
On all products the tcpu? command performs the correct conversion and returns a result in degrees C.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Reads a A/D converter that senses an internal signal related to the TEC current. For factory diagnostics only.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Reads the laser voltage A/D converter and returns the result. The conversion of this result to voltage is system-dependent. The command v? always returns the properly scaled laser voltage.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Reads an A/D converter that senses the input voltage. The number returned is proportional to input voltage, but the conversoin factor of counts to volts is product-dependent.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Returns the current calibration constant in amps per DAC count. This is set at the factory and cannot be changed in the field. On the TEC controller this command has no meaning and is present only for compatibility.
Return type: float
Sets the state of the Autostart power-on enable feature. When this feature is enabled, Autostart will run each time the power supply is turned on.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Aborts the Autostart regardless of its current state. Allows control of the unit using all the other commands.
Begins the Autostart procedure as if the unit was just turned on.
Returns 1 if Autostart is programmed to run the next time the controller is turned on, 0 if it is not.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the safety time delay (CDRH) compliance mode of Autostart. A non-zero argument turns the feature on.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns the safety time delay (CDRH) compliance mode of Autostart. A return value of 1 indicates that the feature is on.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the value of the current (in Amps) that Autostart will use as a final operating state. On systems where constant power operation is available, this value is ignored if Autostart is set to constant power (see the asm and asm? commands). Regardless of whether Autostart is in constant current or constant power mode, the value sent by this command is stored in nonvolatile memory and retained by the controller until it is changed by a subsequent asi command.
Argument type: float
Returns the value of the current (in Amps) that Autostart will use as a final operating state. On systems where constant power operation is available, this value is ignored if Autostart is set to constant power (see the asm and asm? commands).
Return type: float
Sets the final operating mode of Autostart, either constant current or constant power. On systems that do not support constant power, this command is not available. An argument of 0 sets constant current mode, 1 sets constant power.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns the final operating mode of Autostart, either constant current or constant power. On systems that do not support constant power, this command is not available. An argument of 0 indicates constant current mode, 1 indicates constant power.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the final operating power in Autostart mode. On products that do not support constant power operation, this command is unavailable. This value is irrelevent when Autostart is set to constant current operation (see the asm and asm? commands). Regardless of whether Autostart is in constant current or constant power mode, the value sent by this command is stored in nonvolatile memory and retained by the controller until it is changed by a subsequent asp command.
Argument type: float
Returns the final operating power in Autostart mode. On products that do not support constant power operation, this command is unavailable. This value is irrelevent when Autostart is set to constant current operation (see the asm and asm? commands).
Return type: float
Returns the state of the Autostart. The reply is a small integer whose meaning varies from one product to another. Consult the product manual for the list of Autostart states for your specific product.
Return type: int
Sets the value of the Autostart warmup delay. This sets the minimum length of time, in seconds, that Autostart will wait at the warmup current (see aswi and aswi?). This time may be extended to wait for temperature stabilization.
Argument type: float
Returns the value of the Autostart warmup delay. This is the minimum length of time, in seconds, that Autostart will wait at the warmup current (see aswi and aswi?). This time may be extended to wait for temperature stabilization.
Return type: float
Sets the value of the Autostart warmup current. This sets the laser diode current, in amps, that will be used during the warmup period.
Argument type: float
Returns the value of the Autostart warmup current. This is the laser diode current, in amps, that will be used during the warmup period.
Return type: float
Returns the control mode of the laser, either "i" or "c", indicating constant current mode or constant power mode, respectively.
Return type: string
Clears any active fault. If the laser was shut down because of a fault condition, this command will allow it to operate again. A Laser On command (l1) is required to resume laser operation.
Causes the laser to enter constant current mode at the last measured value of operating current. If the laser is disabled when this command is issued, it will turn on in constant current mode in response to a subsequent "l1" command.
Causes the laser to enter constant power mode at the last measured value of output power. If the laser is disabled when this command is issued, it will turn on in constant power mode in response to a subsequent "l1" command. On systems that do not support constant power operation, this command is unavailable.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Disables the use of Verhoeff checksums in all subsequent communications. Checksums are disabled by default on system power-up. Note that the Verhoeff algorithm does not permit negative numbers.
Enables the use of Verhoeff checksums in all subsequent communications. Checksums are disabled by default on system power-up. This is an obsolete feature of some controllers and its use is deprecated.
Returns the size of the current offset in counts. This is part of the current calibration. It is factory set and can not be changed by the user.
Return type: int
Returns a small integer indicating the presence of a system fault. A zero return indicates that the system is working properly. A non-zero return indicates that the system has shut off the laser because of a fault condition. The meaning of the fault code varies from one product to another.
Return type: int
Returns the total system operating hours.
Return type: float
Sets the laser current in amps.
Argument type: float
Reads the laser current in amps.
Return type: float
Returns the last value written to the DAC1. On early DPSS systems this value limits the output of the hardware constant power servo. On MV systems this is a hardware current limit used in external control mode. On most systems it is set to a value of 4095 when the laser in on. It is controlled automatically by firmware and cannot be set directly by the end user.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Enables or disables the external analog current control feature.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns the state of the external analog current control feature.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Returns the constant current set point in amps. In constant current mode this is equivalent to i?.
Return type: float
Turns the laser off. The operating current (if in constant current mode), or the light power (if in constant power mode) is saved in volatile memory. When the "laser on (l1)" command is issued the laser will restart at the stored setting.
Turns the laser on at the last current or light power setting. When the controller is first powered on, the operating conditions default to current control at 0.0 amps.
Return type: int
Returns the last value written to the current control DAC.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Sets the maximum allowed laser current in amps. This command allows the user to set the current ceiling for a particular laser device. The value must be less than or equal to the system maximum current. This value is stored in non-volatile memory, and will remain in effect until the next "limax" command is issued.
Argument type: float
Returns the maximum allowed laser current. See "limax" for further information.
Return type: float
Sets the maximum allowed laser power during constant power mode. This command allows the user to set the power ceiling for a particular laser device. This value is stored in non-volatile memory, and will remain in effect until the next "lpmax" command is issued. The controller refers to this value only when processing a "p" command. In constant current operation this limit will not protect the laser against excessive current. For that purpose use the "limax" command.
Argument type: float
Returns the maximum allowed laser power during constant power mode. See "lpmax" for further information.
Return type: float
Sets the laser slope efficiency in amps/watt. This plays a role in the operation of the firmware-based constant power mode. This number is stored in flash memory.
Argument type: float
Gets the laser slope efficiency in amps/watt.
Return type: float
Available only on systems with one or more temperature servos. Returns a number proportional to the change in the primary temperature versus time.
Return type: float
Sets the delta, or offset, coefficient of the primary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Argument type: float
Returns the delta, or offset, coefficient of the primary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
Sets the slope coefficient of the primary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Argument type: float
Returns the slope coefficient of the primary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
Returns the value of the primary TEC drive signal, scaled from 0-30000 such that 30000 corresponds to maximum heating, 0 corresponds to maximum cooling, and 15000 corresponds to the resting state (neither heating nor cooling).
Return type: int range: 0-30000
An argument of 1 engages the primary temperature servo at the last known value of the set point. An argument of 0 disengages the primary temperature servo, and forces the TEC drive to the neutral position (neither heating nor cooling).
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Sets the laser diode threshold in amps. This plays a role in the operation of the firmware-based constant power mode. This number is stored in flash memory.
Argument type: float
Gets the laser diode threshold in amps.
Return type: float
Sets the TEC operating limit on a scale where 15000 is full scale (0% to 100%). The factory-set default is 15000.
Argument type: int range: 0-15000
Queries the TEC operating limit on a scale where 15000 is full scale (0% to 100%). The factory-set default is 15000.
Return type: int range: 0-15000
Returns a small integer indicating the state of the primary temperature servo. A returned value greater than 100 indicates a fault condition, which will cause the laser to be shut off.
Return type: int
Returns the primary temperature set point in degrees C.
Return type: float
Returns 1 if the primary TEC driver chip has shut off, 0 if it's OK. A shutoff is usually caused by the driver chip exceeding its rated operating temperature.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the laser power in watts.
Return type: float
Returns the laser power as measured by the controller, regardless of whether the system is in constant power or constant current mode. In constant power mode, measurement errors may cause the returned value to differ slightly from the power set point. In constant current mode, this command is equivalent to p?.
Return type: float
Enable or disable the "pulse counting" feature. LV: If this is enabled and the controller is set to pulsed mode, the controller begins to count pulses as soon as the laser is turned on. When the count is reached (see "pcn" command) the laser is shut off. It is also possible to terminate pulse counting with a falling edge applied to the trigger pin; to enable this feature use the "pcf" command. HCT: If this is enabled and the controller is set to internal pulsed mode, this feature takes control when the "pcs" (pulse count start) command is received. The controller will produce a pre-programmed number of output pulses and then shut off. See the "pcl" command which sets the pulse count, and the "pcd" command which sets a delay before the first pulse.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Gets the enable/disable state of the pulse counting feature.
Return type: int range: 0-1
In "pulse counting" mode, sets a delay between the receipt of the laser on command and the first pulse. Units are milliseconds.
Argument type: int range: 0-65535
Return type: int range: 0-65535
Sets the number of pulses that will be produced in "pulse counting" mode before the laser will be shut off.
Argument type: int range: 0-65535
Return type: int range: 0-65535
See the pc command for a full explanation.
A true (1) return indicates that pulse counting is currently in progress; false (0) indicates that it is not.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the pulse enable state, either enabled (1) or disabled (0, CW operation).
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns the pulse enable state, either enabled (1) or disabled (0, CW operation).
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the pulse mode. 0 selects internal operation wherein the pulse repetition rate and pulse width are set by the controller. 1 selects external operation wherein an applied logic signal determines the repetition rate and pulse width.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns the pulse mode. 0 indicates internal operation wherein the pulse repetition rate and pulse width are set by the controller. 1 indicates external operation wherein an applied logic signal determines the repetition rate and pulse width.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Returns the true pulse period. Accounts for the fact that the pulse period and pulse length must sometimes be rounded off due to limited precision of the timing hardware.
Return type: int
Sets the pulse repetition rate in pulses per second. Applies to internal pulse mode only. The upper limit of the repetition rate varies from one product to another, and can be determined with the plrrm? command.
Argument type: float
Returns the pulse repetition rate in pulses per second. The value is only meaningful in internal mode, although the command always returns the last set value.
Return type: float
Returns the maximum allowed repetition rate, which is system type dependent. This is set at the factory.
Return type: float
Sets the pulse width in seconds. Applies only to internal mode. The maximum possible value is the inverse of the repetition rate (plrr/plrr? commands).
Argument type: float
Returns the pulse width in seconds. The value is only meaningful in internal mode, although this command always returns the last set value.
Return type: float
Returns the true pulse width. Accounts for the fact that the pulse period and pulse length must sometimes be rounded off due to limited precision of the timing hardware.
Return type: int
Returns a string describing the product type.
Return type: str
Returns the constant power mode set point in watts. In constant current mode, this command is equivalent to p?.
Return type: float
Returns the system's serial number, a 32-bit unsigned integer. This is set at the factory and cannot be changed in the field.
Return type: int
Measures the signal on thermistor input 0, converts it to a temperature using the previously stored thermistor calibration constants, and returns the result in degrees C. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
Sets the "cold" operating limit in degrees C below which the laser output is disabled.
Argument type: float
Gets the "cold" operating limit in degrees C below which the laser output is disabled.
Return type: float
Sets the TEC drive on a scale where 0 = maximum cooling, 15000 = no cooling or heating, 30000 = maximum heating. Issuing this command will have the effect of disengaging the temperature servo, so the temperature of the load will no longer be regulated.
Argument type: int range: 0-30000
Gets the TEC drive on a scale where 0 = maximum cooling, 15000 = no cooling or heating, 30000 = maximum heating. This command will always return the value of the TEC drive at the moment and has no effect on the servo.
Return type: int range: 0-30000
On most products: Enables/disables temperature checking of the laser based on the value of thermistor #0. If this feature is enabled, a fault is produced when the laser temperature falls above a maximum value (set by t0hot) or below a minimum (set by t0cold).
On TEC controllers this command engages/disengages the temperature servo, i.e., enables/disables active control of the load temperature.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns the enable/disable state of the laser temperature checking.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the "hot" operating limit in degrees C above which the laser output is disabled.
Argument type: float
Gets the "hot" operating limit in degrees C below which the laser output is disabled.
Return type: float
Sets the intercept calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the temperature reported for an observed voltage of 0.0V. The value is stored in non-volatile memory. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement". On newer MV and MV systems this command is replaced by t0a, t0b, t0c and t0d.
Argument type: float
On most products: Returns the intercept calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the temperature reported for an observed voltage of 0.0V. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement". On newer MV and MV systems this command is replaced by t0a?, t0b?, t0c? and t0d?.
On TEC controllers this command has a completely different meaning: get the TEC current in amps. A negative value indicates cooling and a positive value indicates heating.
Return type: float
Returns the TEC current in amps.
Return type: float
Sets the lock window in degrees C. This is the amount that the actual temperature can differ from the set point and still be considered "locked." When the temperature has remained within this window for ten seconds the servo state is defined as "locked."
Argument type: float
Returns the lock window in degrees C.
Return type: float
Sets the slope calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the change in reported temperature for a 1.0V change in the measured voltage. The value is stored in non-volatile memory. Since this value is typically negative, checksums must be disabled when transmitting this command. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement". On newer MV and MV systems this command is replaced by t0a, t0b, t0c and t0d.
Argument type: float
On most products, returns the slope calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the change in reported temperature for a 1.0V change in the measured voltage. The value is stored in non-volatile memory. Since this value is typically negative, checksums must be disabled when transmitting this command. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement". On newer MV and MV systems this command is replaced by t0a?, t0b?, t0c? and t0d?.
On TEC controllers this command returns the servo state, an integer. The returned values have the following meanings:
Return type: float (int on TEC)
Returns the measured voltage the first thermistor (t0) input. This voltage is converted to temperature according to the thermistor calibration.
Return type: float
Returns the temperature of the CPU chip in degrees C. A temperature reading greater than 65 degrees will shut off the system with a fault.
Return type: float
Activates any controller receiving the message. This is only relevant for systems that utilize RS-485 communication, and on other systems is retained for compatibility.
Activates the controller whose local address matches the argument, and deactivates any other controller receiving the message. This command is used to select one controller in a multiple-controller environment. This is used for controllers communicating by RS-485, and is otherwise retained for compatibility.
Argument type: int range: 0-65535
Activates the controller whose serial number matches the argument, a 32-bit unsigned integer, and deactivates any other controller receiving the message. This command is used to select one controller in a multiple-controller environment. This is used for controllers communicating by RS-485, and is otherwise retained for compatibility.
Argument type: int
Sets the primary temperature set point to the argument, in degrees C. This does not close the temperature control loop (see iten).
Argument type: float
Returns the measured (actual) primary temperature. Use ltsp to get the primary temperature set point.
Return type: float
Enters the VueMetrix firmware loader. This command should not be issued under any circumstances by user-written software.
Reads the calibrated laser voltage and returns the result.
Return type: float
Returns the firmware version number.
Return type: int
Sets the calibration constant for laser power readings. This value is stored in non-volatile memory.
Argument type: float
Returns the calibration constant for laser power readings.
Return type: float
Enables or disables external modulation. When this is enabled the laser is turned on and off using an external TTL input.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Gets the state of the external modulation feature.
Return type: int range: 0-1