M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 i WARRANTY The Gentec-EO PC M-LINK has a one-year warranty (from date of shipment) against material and/or workmanship defects, when used under normal operating conditions. The warranty does not cover damages related to battery leakage or misuse. Gentec-EO Inc. will repair or replace at Gentec-EO Inc.’s option, any M-LINK that proves to be defective during the warranty period, except in the case of product misuse.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 ii SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use the PC M-LINK with the M-LINK if the device or the detector looks damaged, or if you suspect that the M-LINK is not operating properly. Appropriate installation must be done for water-cooled and fan-cooled detectors. Refer to the specific instructions for more information. The user must wait for a while before handling these detectors after power is applied.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS WARRANTY ............................................................................................................................................................. I CLAIMS ................................................................................................................................................................... I SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................................................................
M-LINK User’s Manual 3.2.2 3.2.2.1 3.2.2.2 3.2.3 3.2.3.1 3.2.3.2 3.2.3.3 3.2.3.4 3.2.3.5 3.2.4 3.2.4.1 3.2.5 3.2.6 4. Revision 3.0 iv Running PC M-LINK ..............................................................................................................................24 Start the PC M-LINK.......................................................................................................................................... 24 Exit the PC M-LINK program ....................................
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 v LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIG 1.1 PC M-LINK USER’S INTERFACE............................................................................................................ 1 FIG. 1-2 M-LINK CONNECTORS (USB SIDE) ..................................................................................................... 5 FIG. 1-3 M-LINK CONNECTORS (DB-15 SIDE) .................................................................................................. 5 FIG.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 1 1. THE M-LINK SINGLE CHANNEL LASER POWER/ENERGY METER 1.1 Introduction To obtain full performance from the M-LINK and the PC M-LINK, we recommend that you read this manual carefully. The PC M-LINK software transforms your PC screen into a large M-LINK screen enabling you to control and see your information from a distance and transfer data to a PC for sophisticated data analysis.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 2 Unpacking Each Gentec-EO M-LINK is thoroughly tested and calibrated prior to shipment. Visually inspect every M-LINK unit after removing it from the shipping containers. If you see any damage, retain all packaging materials and shipping receipts. Any damage claim should be made promptly to the transportation company. Notify the nearest Gentec-EO representative concerning the claim, so that any repair or replacement can be arranged as soon as possible.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 3 Energy meter specifications Energy Range Energy Scales 30 fJ to 30 kJ [2] 300fJ, 1 pJ, 3 pJ, 10 pJ, 30 pJ, 300pJ, 1 nJ, 3 nJ, 10 nJ, 30 nJ, 100nJ, 300nJ, 1 uJ, 3 uJ,10uJ, 30uJ, 100µJ, 300µJ, 1mJ, 3mJ, 10mJ, 30mJ (photo diode head) Energy Scales [2] 3mJ, 10mJ, 30mJ, 100mJ, 300mJ, 1J, 3J, 10J, 30J, 100J, 300J, 1kJ, 3kJ, 10kJ, 30kJ (thermal head) Resolution (digital) [2] Current scale/3000 [3] 1.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 4 General Specifications Digital Display Display Rate PC 3 Hz numeric display 3 Hz bar graph display and needle display Scope Data Displays User input correction factors Analog Output 500 divisions Real time, Scope, Averaging, Statistics, Digital tuning needle, Setup 1 multipliers and 1 offsets (7 digits floating point) amplified signal of the head: 0 – 1.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 5 1.3 Connector Descriptions Fig. 1-2 M-LINK Connectors (USB side) Fig. 1-3 M-LINK Connectors (DB-15 side) . 1- USB INTERFACE CONNECTOR: This interface allows remote control and data transfers between the M-LINK and a computer that has a USB communication port. 2- External trigger: The Input connector is a Female BNC. The External trigger is TTL compatible. The monitor detects a trigger on the rising or falling side of the external trigger signal.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 For Example: A QE12SP-S-MT has a 20 s rise time. The External trigger must be 25 s before or 19 s after the laser pulse. Fig. 1-4 Accurate external trigger zone A QE12SP-S-MB has a 400 s rise time. The External trigger must be 80 s before or 80 s after the laser pulse.
M-LINK User’s Manual 3- Revision 3.0 7 Status LED: The LED will turn on if the M-LINK is under power. The LED will flash if the head is not connected. 4- Analog-out: The analog output of the M-LINK is the amplified signal from the detector head, that the ADC sees. For power heads, the output = Vmeasured/Current scale * 1.832 + Voff Volts. It is recommended to block off any optical power, make a zero offset and note the V off (Voff is around 0.626V), it is not anticipated.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 8 The supported head are equipped with an “intelligent” DB-15 male connector that mates directly with the DB-15 female connector. They do not require an adaptor. Energy detector heads prior to version 4 have a BNC connector. Contact your vendor for a hardware upgrade. WARNING: This DB-15 connector, though similar to that of the former TPM-310 and TPM-330 monitors, is incompatible with the power detector heads of PS-310 Series Version 1 and PS-330 Series Version 1.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 9 1- Install the power or energy detector head on its optical stand. 2- Turn the M-LINK off (unplug it) and connect a supported head to the M-LINK using the Detector INPUT DB15. 3- The M-LINK reads the head when a new one is connected. Power down is not required but you need to restart the application. 4- To avoid any information loss, be sure not to insert a head while the M-LINK is being poweredup or while you send the Reset Device command.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 10 16- The PC M-LINK will automatically detect the M-LINK com port, if it fails, select the correct COM Port (see section 3.2.3.2) and click Reconnect. You should see values pertaining to the current settings on the PC M-LINK. 2.2 USER INTERFACE 2.2.1 Start the PC M-LINK software on the PC. Click Start / Programs /GENTEC-EO/ PC M-LINK Software. 2.2.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 11 2.2.4 The Wattmeter Setup Window Fig. 1-5 The Wattmeter Setup Window 2.2.4.1 The Measurement In Power mode The Current value is updated at 3Hz. When you change the scale, the acquisition and all display modes stop for a few milliseconds. In Energy mode The Current value is updated at 3Hz. But all data in the statistics are updated at up to 1 kHz in real time. Single shot measurement is always Valid.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 12 When you change the scale, the acquisition and all display modes will stop for a few milliseconds. To measure higher repetition rates it is possible to use the “Turbo Mode”. Simply go to the “Acquisition Mode” menu on the upper right corner of the window. Select “Turbo Mode. When using the “Turbo Mode” only the statistics Window is available. It is possible to do statistics on a small batch size. It is also possible to log data in the “Turbo Mode”. 2.2.4.
M-LINK User’s Manual 2.2.4.6 Revision 3.0 13 Firmware The firmware version of your M-LINK. 2.2.4.7 Model and S/N The head name and serial number. 2.2.4.8 Min Lambda & Max Lambda The available minimum and maximum wavelengths of the head (in nanometer). 2.2.4.9 AREA The default Area is 0.707e-1. You have to enter the area of your head manually. Activate the Area 2 Correction in order to have your measurement in J/cm . 2.2.4.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 14 2.2.4.11 Update Firmware. The M-LINK has the ability to update its firmware. Step #1: Download the new firmware in the Downloads section on the Gentec-EO web site. Step #2 Select “LOAD NEW FIRMWARE FILE” in the Upgrade Firmware utility, Select the file you have just downloaded. Step #3 Select “Update firmware”, we recommend not to make anything on your computer while the M-LINK is updating for about 5 minutes. If you have a laptop, connect the external power supply.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 15 2.2.4.15 Display You can Select the Display mode of your choice. The possible display modes are: Statistics, Graphic, Histogram, Setup and Needle. 2.2.5 The statistics display Click on Start to begin the statistics. The Batch Size is the number of measurements the statistics analyses. Select Continuous if you want to collect statistics continually. If the statistics In Range LED goes red, one of the points went out of range and the statistics values may be incorrect.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 16 2.2.6 The Noise Suppression The M-LINK has a special proprietary algorithm that can lower the noise induced error when reading low level energy, or energy readings of any level with noise present. This feature greatly reduces the effect of noise on the peak to peak measurement in Joulemeter or Radiometer mode. To activate this special function, select the number of sampling size that you want to use.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 2.2.7 The Histogram The number of Bins is the number of vertical lines in the Histogram. To restart the histogram, press Clear Data. Fig.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 18 2.2.8 The Scope Display The Plot Size number is the number of points before the graph gets refreshed. The Auto Reset will Retrace a new graph automatically after 100 measurements, if the Auto Reset is not On, the graph will stop and show the last 100 points. Fig.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 19 2.2.9 The Scope Settings 2.2.9.1 Time: The is the Scale Lock button to toggle autoscaling for each scale. The is the Autoscale button to adjust the scale to reflect the data you wire to the graph or chart. The is the Scale Format button to configure the format, precision and mapping mode, set the visibility of the scale and scale label, and specify the grid color. 2.2.9.2 Power or Energy: The is the Scale Lock button to toggle autoscaling for each scale.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 20 2.2.10 Averaging The Averaging will use the number entered in the Setup Menu. The way to operate it is the same as the histogram display. This is a bar and line plot. The min is a white bar plot, the max is a blue bar plot, and the mean is a yellow line plot. Each set of bars represent the min, max, and mean of the statistical batch.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 21 2.2.11 The Needle The RESET button resets the Needle Minimum (in black) and Maximum (in red). The Needle Scale enables you to use the Minimum and the Maximum as the Needle Min and Max values. The Show Ramp option enables a green, orange and red rainbow on the Needle scale. Fig.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 22 2.2.12 Detecting missing laser pulses. The M-LINK detects the missing laser pulses using the External Trigger and the Histogram Display. Step 1: Connect the External trigger of your Laser to the External trigger of the M-LINK using the BNC connector. Step 2: Select the External trigger from the Status Window. Step 3: Select the Histogram Display in the Display Menu.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 23 2.2.13 Recommended PC Basic functions work well on PCs dated 2004 and later. If you want to measure higher than 800 kHz, you have to use a computer with Dual Core or better and working on WinXP. If you want to be sure to capture all points and you have a laser frequency above 800 Hz, do not run other programs at the same time. The supported operating systems are Windows XP, Vista and 7.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 24 3. Installation and communication 3.1 Installation The M-LINK is not required for the PC M-LINK software installation. Do not plug the M-LINK into your PC until the PC M-LINK software has been installed because the installer loads the required USB drivers. Ensure that the M-LINK is connected to the USB port when you are ready to run the PC M-LINK software.
M-LINK User’s Manual 3.2.3.2 Revision 3.0 25 Verify COM Port To verify the USB installation and find the COM port number click: Start → Settings → Control Panel → System → Device Manager Scroll down to Ports (COM & LPT) and SINGLE click that line. One of the options should be USB-to-Serial (COM#) Note the COM port number. You need it for the next step. You may use any serial communications software that you are familiar with.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 26 host sends it a character. The routine assumes the sent character was a carriage return. Based on the actual value of the received character the instrument determines the baud rate of the host PC and resets its baud rate to match. It then sends the discovered baud rate to the host PC. The instrument can be forced to the Autobaud state at any time by sending a com break. A com break is an empty bit frame.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 27 With the exception noted above, the host software should wait for an instrument reply before executing a subsequent command or query. VER Queries the Firmware Version. No arguments are used. Example. Send: verCRLF Reply: 1.03CRLF RNG Sets or Queries the instrument range Example. Send rng27CRLF sets the range to index 27, the 30mW or 30mJ range. See table below for ranges versus indices rngCRLF queries the current range.
M-LINK User’s Manual STR Revision 3.0 Starts or stops the data flow. Example. Send str1CRLF The M-LINK sends data to the com port. Data is sent at the pulse rate for Energy, at the chop rate for Radiometers, and at 10Hz for Power. Send str0CRLF M-LINK stops sending data and replies Ok. Data is the hexadecimal data string. See the note below for how to decode this value. MAX Query only. Returns the maximum range index for the head in use. Example Send maxCRLF Reply 27CRLF MIN Query only.
M-LINK User’s Manual ZRO Revision 3.0 Command only. Sets the DC offset of the signal to the desired value. Example Send zroCRLF Reply 27,2350,655CRLF The values used are for example only. 655 counts represent 400mV of offset. All heads use this value, except Radiometers which use 2048 counts, or 1.25V. 0 counts is 0V, 4095 counts is 2.5V. The reply is Range Index, Offset DAC code, ADC counts. If Auto Range is enabled, all ranges will be zeroed.
M-LINK User’s Manual POL Revision 3.0 Sets the external trigger polarity for energy or radiometric measurement Example Send pol1CRLF Trigger polarity is rising edge. Send pol0CRLF Trigger polarity is falling edge. PRB Query only. Returns the head connected flag. If no head is present the command does not reply. This allows the control software to periodically poll for a head connection. Example Send prbCRLF Reply NCRLF N = 1, head is connected. No reply means no head is connected. AUT Command only.
M-LINK User’s Manual CUR Revision 3.0 Query only. Returns the current measurement. The argument is 1 for Energy Heads, Radiometric Heads, or Radiometer heads in Energy mode, and 0 for all others. Example Send cur1CRLF Reply DataCRLF Data is in a hexadecimal data string. See the note below: Data Format used by M-LINK for how to decode this value. AVG Sets or Queries the sampling size of the noise suppression. Example Send avg16CRLF sets sampling size to 16 pulses, M-LINK replies Ok.
M-LINK User’s Manual WAV Revision 3.0 Sets the wavelength. Send Wav1064CRLF sets the wavelength to 1064 nm, M-LINK replies with the following: Min range, max range, current range, corrections active CRLF Corrections active is 1 if wavelength correction is active, 0 if they are not. If the wave command is sent with no argument or if the argument is outside the wave correction table, M-LINK returns ERR CRLF.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 33 3.2.6 Data Format in Energy Mode The M-LINK sends 7 bytes in Energy Mode. The data is terminated by a carriage return, so a carriage return must not be sent inadvertently. As M-LINK is building the data byte, it checks to see if the byte is a carriage return. If it is, it decrements it by one and sets a bit in a byte called the correction byte. The correction byte is structured so that it is always an even value, therefore it can never be a carriage return.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 34 Bit7 set, the ADC returned 4095 Counts, ambiguous data Mask off the upper 12 bits, shift them right by 44 bits. The value is 0xA71, or 2673 counts. Mask of the next 8 bits and shift the 36 bits to the right. The value is 0x1F, or range index 31. Mask of the next 20 bits and shift the 16 bits to the right. The value is x01EC2, or 7874 period counts. Mask off the next 8 bits and shift 8 bits to the right. The value is 0x00, so there are no errors or corrections.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 35 Mask of the next 8 bits and shift the 36 bits to the right. The value is 0x1F, or range index 31. Mask of the next 20 bits and shift the 16 bits to the right. The value is x0FED2, or 65234 period counts. Mask off the next 8 bits and shift 8 bits to the right. The value is 0x40, so there are no errors but bit 5 is set so we will add 1 to byte 6, making it 0x0D. This means the pulse data is 0x0D1, or 209 counts.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 36 4. MAINTENANCE 4.1 USB installation for the M-LINK The M-LINK has a USB type B port. When it is connected to a PC it emulates a standard serial port. It has a simple interface so that it is easy to design software for. The M-LINK can only function using the USB port power.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 37 5. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Application of Council Directive(s): 2004/108/EC EMC Directive Manufacturer’s Name: Manufacturer’s Address: Gentec Electro Optics, Inc. 445 St-Jean Baptiste, suite 160 (Québec), Canada G2E 5N7 European Representative's Name: Representative’s Address: Laser Components S.A.S. 45 bis Route des Gardes 92190 Meudon (France) Laser Power/Energy Meter M-LINK Type of Equipment: Model No.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 38 6. APPENDIX A 6.1 Attenuator/Diffuser Calibration Procedure 6.1.1 Introduction: These “Attenuator/Diffusers” must be user calibrated for wavelengths other than the calibration wavelength (typically 1.064µm). The calibration procedure is relatively easy. First measure without the attenuator, then with the attenuator. The ratio of these measurements will be your correction. 6.1.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 39 The correction multiplier for the M-LINK and an Oscilloscope is calculated: Tf Reading without attenuator Reading with attenuator (no unit) Use this calibration factor for the “Attenuator/Diffuser” at the wavelength established in Step 1.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.0 40 7. APPENDIX B 7.1 Recycling and Separation Procedure. This section is used by the recycling center when the monitor is at the end of its life. calibration seal or opening the monitor will void the M-LINK warranty. The complete Monitor contains: 1 Monitor 1 USB cable 1 Instruction manual 1 Calibration certificate 1 Software cdrom 7.2 Separation: Paper: Manual and certificate Aluminums: Monitor enclosure. Printed circuit board: inside the monitor. 7.
M-LINK User’s Manual Revision 3.
