Command list for Vue-MV controllers

adcth?

Read cathode voltage A/D converter

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

adi?

Read current A/D

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)

adlt?

Read primary temperature A/D

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

adp?

Read laser power A/D

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

adtcpu?

Reads the CPU temperature A/D converter

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

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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

adv?

Read laser voltage A/D

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

advin?

Read input voltage A/D

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

adviv?

Report last valid current A/D reading

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

apc?

Get amps per count

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

as

Enable/disable Autostart

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

as0

Abort Autostart

Aborts the Autostart regardless of its current state. Allows control of the unit using all the other commands.

as1

Restart Autostart

Begins the Autostart procedure as if the unit was just turned on.

as?

Return the power-on Autostart setting

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

asc

Set Autostart cold temperature threshold

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

asc?

Get Autostart cold temperature threshold

Returns the "cold" temperature limit for Autostart operation. Below this temperature the controller enters a special warm-up state.

Return type: float

ascdrh

Set the CDRH compliance state of Autostart

Sets the safety time delay (CDRH) compliance mode of Autostart. A non-zero argument turns the feature on.

Argument type: int range: 0-1

ascdrh?

Get the CDRH compliance state of Autostart

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

ash

Set Autostart hot temperature threshold

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

ash?

Get Autostart hot temperature threshold

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

asi

Set Autostart operating current

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

asi?

Get Autostart operating current

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

asiclr

Enable/disable automatic interlock clear

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

asiclr?

Get the enable/disable state of the automatic interlock clearfeature

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

asm

Set Autostart regulation mode

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

asm?

Get Autostart regulation mode

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

asp

Set Autostart operating power

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

asp?

Get Autostart operating power

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

ast?

Get the current Autostart state

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

aswcw

Enable/disable the Autostart CW warmup feature

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

aswcw?

Is the Autostart CW warmup feature enabled?

Returns the state of the "Autostart warm-up CW feature." See the aswcw command.

Return type: int range: 0-1

aswi

Set the Autostart warmup current

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

aswi?

Get the Autostart warmup current

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

c?

Get operating mode

Returns the control mode of the laser, either "i" or "c", indicating constant current mode or constant power mode, respectively.

Return type: string

cf

Clear fault

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.

cfg?

Get configuration

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

ci

Enter constant current mode

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.

cp

Enter constant power mode

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.

cp?

Get light loop status

Return type: int range: 0-1

do?

Return the current offset

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

f?

Get operating fault

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

hrs?

Get system operating hours

Returns the total system operating hours.

Return type: float

i

Set laser amps

Sets the laser current in amps.

Argument type: float

i?

Get laser amps

Reads the laser current in amps.

Return type: float

ia?

Read current

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

iadcoff?

Get current ADC offset

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

imdac?

Get light regulation/current limit DAC

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

ioff

Enable/disable external current offset

Enables or disables the external analog current control feature.

Argument type: int range: 0-1

ioff?

Is external current offset enabled?

Returns the state of the external analog current control feature.

Return type: int range: 0-1

is?

Get current set point

Returns the constant current set point in amps. In constant current mode this is equivalent to i?.

Return type: float

isysmax?

Get system maximum current

Returns the allowed system maximum current (in amps). A factory setting.

Return type: float

l0

Disable laser

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.

l1

Enable laser

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.

l?

Get laser enable state

Return type: int

ldac?

Get current DAC

Returns the last value written to the current control DAC.

Return type: int range: 0-4095

limax

Set maximum laser amps

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

limax?

Get maximum laser amps

Returns the maximum allowed laser current. See "limax" for further information.

Return type: float

lpmax

Set maximum laser watts

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

lpmax?

Get maximum laser watts

Returns the maximum allowed laser power during constant power mode. See "lpmax" for further information.

Return type: float

lse

Set the laser slope efficiency

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

lse?

Get the laser slope efficiency

Gets the laser slope efficiency in amps/watt.

Return type: float

lth

Set the laser diode threshold

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

lth?

Get the laser diode threshold

Gets the laser diode threshold in amps.

Return type: float

p

Set laser watts

Sets the laser power in watts.

Return type: float

pa?

Read watts

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

pl

Enable/disable pulsing

Sets the pulse enable state, either enabled (1) or disabled (0, CW operation).

Argument type: int range: 0-1

pl?

Is pulsing enabled?

Returns the pulse enable state, either enabled (1) or disabled (0, CW operation).

Return type: int range: 0-1

plapc?

Get pulsed amps per count

Returns the amps/count calibration constant used in pulsed mode. This is set at the factory.

Return type: float

pldo?

Get pulsed calibration offset

Returns the offset calibration constant used in pulsed mode.

Return type: int

plm

Set internal/external pulsing

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

plm?

Get external/internal pulsing

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

plpt?

Get true pulse period

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

plrr

Set repetition rate

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

plrr?

Get repetition rate

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

plrrm?

Get maximum repetition rate

Returns the maximum allowed repetition rate, which is system type dependent. This is set at the factory.

Return type: float

plw

Set pulse width

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

plw?

Get pulse width

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

plwt?

Get true pulse width

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

prod?

Get product name

Returns a string describing the product type.

Return type: str

ps?

Get power set point

Returns the constant power mode set point in watts. In constant current mode, this command is equivalent to p?.

Return type: float

r?

MV: Is current ramping? TEC: Is drive at rail?

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

ren

Enable/disable current ramp

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.

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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

ren?

Is current ramp enabled?

Returns the state of the current ramp (enabled or disabled).

Return type: int range: 0-1

sn?

Get serial number

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

t0?

Read temperature at Thermistor 0

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

t0a

Set thermistor A coefficient

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

t0a?

Get thermistor A coefficient

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

t0b

Set thermistor B coefficient

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

t0b?

Get thermistor B coefficient

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

t0c

Set thermistor C coefficient

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

t0c?

Get thermistor C coefficient

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

t0cold

Set cold temperature threshold

Sets the "cold" operating limit in degrees C below which the laser output is disabled.

Argument type: float

t0cold?

Get cold temperature threshold

Gets the "cold" operating limit in degrees C below which the laser output is disabled.

Return type: float

t0d

Set thermistor D coefficient/Set thermistor defaults

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

t0d?

Get thermistor D coefficient

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

t0en

Enable/disable temperature checking (most products) or enable/disable temperature servo (TEC)

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

t0en?

Is temperature checking enabled?

Returns the enable/disable state of the laser temperature checking.

Return type: int range: 0-1

t0hot

Set hot temperature threshold

Sets the "hot" operating limit in degrees C above which the laser output is disabled.

Argument type: float

t0hot?

Get hot temperature threshold

Gets the "hot" operating limit in degrees C below which the laser output is disabled.

Return type: float

t0v?

Returns measured voltage on Thermistor 0 input

Returns the measured voltage the first thermistor (t0) input. This voltage is converted to temperature according to the thermistor calibration.

Return type: float

tcpu?

Get CPU temperature

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

te

Talk enable unconditionally

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.

v?

Read laser voltage

Reads the calibrated laser voltage and returns the result.

Return type: float

ver?

Get firmware version

Returns the firmware version number.

Return type: int

voff?

Get voltage offset factor

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

wpv

Set watts per volt

Sets the calibration constant for laser power readings. This value is stored in non-volatile memory.

Argument type: float

wpv?

Get watts per volt

Returns the calibration constant for laser power readings.

Return type: float