VueMetrix Controllers - A Modern Approach

We live in a world where electronic devices of enormous power and capability can be held in the palm of your hand. Within your reach right now is probably a cell phone, a digital camera, a notebook computer, a GPS receiver, an eBook or an MP3 player. At VueMetrix we believe the technology and innovative thinking underlying these devices can be applied to a less familiar domain: the control of laser diodes and thermoelectric coolers (TECs).

The hallmarks of our designs are microprocessor control, switch-mode power conversion, and advanced circuits that help protect laser diodes against power-supply related failures. The result: small footprints, high electrical efficiency, rich feature sets, ease of interfacing — the highest possible value whatever the application.

It is our philosophy to avoid burdening our products with the “front panels” that are common on many instruments. Knobs, switches, buttons and small LCD displays may sometimes be convenient, but in most cases they provide a clumsy user interface at a significant cost. Instead we take advantage of our high level of microprocessor integration to control our systems entirely through electronic interfaces (RS-232, USB, or analog/digital signals). Our standard Windows program, WinVue, provides a comprehensive interface in a familiar Windows-style GUI. Its use is not required, however; all of the important operational functions are implemented at the controller level. The PC can be disconnected or WinVue can be replaced with a different program (our low-level command set is public). Our controller solves the critical control tasks, and from the many interfacing options you choose the one that is most convenient for your application.

All of our controllers feature a capability we call “Autostart.” On power up the controller automatically executes a start-up routine consisting of temperature regulation (or simple temperature bounds checking), followed by establishing the laser current/power at the value you selected. No PC or other external interface is needed.

We also are leaders in protecting your valuable laser diode against power-supply induced damage. This can occur, for example, in the case of an intermittent connection or a short in a string of serial diodes. Two of our products, MV-21 and MV-40, incorporate a special circuit called DiodeGuard™ that defends against such incidents. All of our laser diode controllers will monitor their output for over or under voltage conditions or for temperature anomalies.

Our convenient Development Kits contain everything you need to get started immediately, and for laboratory use are the most popular choice. We package our standard products in small chassis. These can be private labeled for OEM accounts. Many of our large customers prefer to buy only the unpackaged PC board and incorporate it into their system's mechanical design.

We frequently do custom products for specialized applications. Our experienced engineering team has been in the laser diode industry since its beginning, and has designed control systems for a wide range of products. Contact us with your requirements.

Please see our Product Selection Guide or the individual product datasheets for details and specifications. The product matrix page provides a summary of our entire product line and links to datasheets.