On systems equipped with DiodeGuard, a value between 320 and 450 indicates that DiodeGuard is armed and working. On such controllers this signal is monitored by the system firmware for proper operation. This signal is not meaningful during pulsed operation or under external control.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
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)
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 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
When pulsing is disabled, this command is identical to "adv?". When pulsing is enabled, the value returned by this command reflects the last laser voltage A/D converter reading obtained that was considered valid for fault diagnostic purposes. Since the A/D converter is read asynchronously with the laser pulses, "valid" is defined as sufficiently long after the rising edge of the laser current triggered. When the pulse width is short this value may not change. This is for internal diagnostic purposes only.
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 "cold" temperature limit for Autostart operation. Below this temperature the controller enters a special warm-up state, where the current is set to the value of the last "aswi" command.
Argument type: float
Returns the "cold" temperature limit for Autostart operation. Below this temperature the controller enters a special warm-up state.
Return type: float
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 "hot" temperature limit for Autostart operation. Above this temperature the controller temporarily shuts off the laser, and enters a special cool-down state where it waits for the temperature to return to a safe level.
Argument type: float
Returns the "hot" temperature limit for Autostart operation. Above this temperature the controller temporarily shuts off the laser, and enters a special cool-down state where it waits for the temperature to return to a safe level.
Return type: float
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 state of automatic clear interlock feature. If this is enabled (1) and the controller is operating in autostart mode, an interlock fault will be cleared automatically as soon as the fault condition is removed. If this is disabled (0), then an interlock fault must be cleared by sending the clear fault command ("cf") before laser operation can resume.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Gets the state of automatic clear interlock feature. If this is enabled (1) and the controller is operating in autostart mode, an interlock fault will be cleared automatically as soon as the fault condition is removed. If this is disabled (0), then an interlock fault must be cleared by sending the clear fault command ("cf") before laser operation can resume.
Return type: int range: 0-1
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 "Autostart warm-up CW feature." When this feature is enabled and the Autostart enters its warm-up state, the laser will automatically switch to CW operation, regardless of the previous state of the pulsing logic. The state of the pulsing logic will be restored when warm-up is finished.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns the state of the "Autostart warm-up CW feature." See the aswcw command.
Return type: int range: 0-1
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.
Returns configuration data. On MV systems this returns the system type as follows: 0 = MV-12, 1 = MV-15, 2 = MV-21, 3 = MV-40. On other products this command is reserved for future use.
Return type: int range: 0-3
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
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 laser current as measured by the controller, regardless of whether the system is in constant power (when supported) or constant current mode. In constant current mode, or when the system is off, measurement errors may cause the returned value to differ slightly from the current set point. This value is uncalibrated and is only suitable for diagnostic purposes.
If the system supports constant power operation and it is enabled, this command is equivalent to i?.
Return type: float
Returns a small integer value which is used to correct for a small offset between the current ADC reading and the actual current.
Return type: int
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
Returns the allowed system maximum current (in amps). A factory setting.
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
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 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
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
Returns the amps/count calibration constant used in pulsed mode. This is set at the factory.
Return type: float
Returns the offset calibration constant used in pulsed mode.
Return type: int
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
MV: Returns 1 when the current is ramping, o if it is not. If the ramp function is enabled (ren command) and a current change is requested (i command), this query can be used to determine when the controller finishes the current change procedure. If current ramping is disabled, this command always returns o. TEC: Returns 1 when the drive is at the rail, i.e., when an increase in drive level would cause an over current condition, an over voltage condition, or an output power over limit condition.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Enables/disables the current ramp.
On HV systems this works as follows: when disabled, the current attains the set point as fast as the hardware will allow. When enabled, there is a software current ramp, the rate of which is determined by the argument to the "raps" command.
.On MV systems: when disabled, the current attains the set point as fast as the hardware will allow. When enabled, the progress of the ramp is determined by the requirements of the DiodeGuard circuit; the current ramp rate is sufficiently slow that DiodeGuard remains locked and active at all times.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns the state of the current ramp (enabled or disabled).
Return type: int range: 0-1
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 "a" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Argument type: float
Reads the "a" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
Sets the "b" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Argument type: float
Reads the "b" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
Sets the "c" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Argument type: float
Reads the "c" coefficient of thermistor #0. 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
On MV and HC systems, sets the "d" coefficient of thermistor #0 (requires a floating point argument). For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".
On DPSS systems, this command sets the default coefficients for thermistor 0. This command takes no argument.
Argument type: float
Reads the "d" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
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
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.
Reads the calibrated laser voltage and returns the result.
Return type: float
Returns the firmware version number.
Return type: int
Returns a small floating point value that is used to correct for a voltage-dependent offset between the actual current the command signal.
Return type: float
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