Basic Liquid Crystal Controller Model D4010 and Model D4010HV
Contents
1. Basic Liquid Crystal Controller Model D4010 and Model D4010HV User Manual Revision 1 01 meadouwlark sptics polarization solutions Information in this document is subject to change without notice Meadowlark Optics may have patents patent applications trademarks copyrights or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from Meadowlark Optics the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents trademarks copyrights or other intellectual property Please contact Meadowlark Optics for a list of applicable patents trademarks and or copyrights Printed in the United States of America This document supports firmware versions 1 00 and 1 01 Copyright 2010 Meadowlark Optics Inc All rights reserved Basic Liquid Crystal Controller i meadoulark optics User Manual rev 1 01 polarization solutions Warranty Summary Meadowlark Optics Inc warrants its products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment If a product proves to be defective within the warranty period Meadowlark Optics will provide repair or replacement as described in the complete warranty policy Except as provided in this summary or the applicable Warranty Statement Meadowlark Optics Inc makes no warranty of any kind express or implied including but not limited to any2. 5 150 Hz 50 duty cycle 0 5 V maximum 0 5 150 Hz variable duty cycle allowable 13 meadowlark optics polarization solutions Appendix C Specifications for D4010HV Power Requirements Power Consumption Fuse Operating Environment Storage Environment External Dimensions W x D x H Weight 100 240 V ac 47 63 Hz 500 mA 10 W 250 V ac 2 A fast blow 0 C to 50 C 55 C to 100 C 7 0 x 5 0 x 3 0 in 2 10 Ibs 0 95 kg Output Voltage 40 V rms maximum Voltage Resolution Maximum Current Load Output Frequency Output DC Bias Internal Modulation Frequency External Modulation Input External Modulation Frequency Basic Liquid Crystal Controller User Manual rev 1 01 mV for lt 10 V output 10 mV for gt 10 V output 80 mA 13 kHz 10 Hz ac square wave 50 duty cycle 50 mV maximum 0 5 150 Hz 50 duty cycle 0 5 V maximum 0 5 150 Hz variable duty cycle allowable 14 meadowlark optics polarization solutions Appendix D Troubleshooting While every effort has been made to prevent system errors occasionally a system error is detected These errors are indicated with Err on Display 1 and a number from 1 5 is shown on Display 2 Potential error messages are listed below Error messages 1 4 Indicate processor level faults or failures Error message 5 Indicates dc offset above the specified limit This error will also trig
3. D4010HV Controller Set the Modulation Select Switch to EXTERNAL Turn both Voltage 1 and 2 controls clockwise until the maximum voltage has been obtained Choose the desired output voltage level via the Output Select Switch While watching the transmission through the cell and polarizers turn the appropriate Voltage control knob counterclockwise until minimum transmission is obtained if the LCVR cell does not have a compensator plate included completely clockwise will already be the minimum transmission Now use the Output Select Switch to select the other output voltage level Turn the appropriate Voltage control knob counterclockwise past the minimum transmission and continue turning until a maximum transmission is obtained The two Voltage controls are now set at the operating voltage range of the cell for variable attenuation The setup can be used as a variable attenuator using the selected Voltage control to adjust the amount of attenuation Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder Set up The Meadowlark Optics LCVR cell can also be used as a variable retarder the LCVA cell cannot As the voltage is increased by turning the Voltage control knob clockwise the retardance is decreased Using the voltages found in the above paragraph Using The D4010 Controller the transmission minimum corresponds to zero waves of retardance or very near zero if a compensator plate is not included and the transmission maximum is half wave retardance Modulation F
4. Optical Shutters SCS Series 3 Custom Swift LC devices contact a Meadowlark representative for information Basic Liquid Crystal Controller User Manual rev 1 01 2 meadowlark optics polarization solutions The D4010 controller described in this User Manual is designed to operate each of these liquid crystal device types Variable Retarders Variable Attenuators Polarization Rotators LC Shutters and custom LC devices The D4010HV controller described in this User Manual is designed to operate each of these Swift liquid crystal device types Swift Variable Retarders Swift Optical Shutters and custom Swift LC devices Single Channel Controller Please note that the D4010 and D4010HV are single channel controllers capable of driving any single liquid crystal device D4010 or Swift LC device D4010HV listed above To drive more than one liquid crystal device we recommend our Four Channel Digital Interface To drive more than one Swift liquid crystal device we recommend our Two Channel High Voltage Digital Interface Please contact Meadowlark Optics for additional information on our Four Channel Digital Interface or visit our website at www meadowlark com The Model D4010 Controller is designed to drive most nematic liquid crystal devices This Controller produces a 2 kHz AC square wave output voltage Voltage is continuously adjustable from 0 to 20 voltsrms Ina Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder the amplitude of the output voltag
5. Voltage Output 2 The valid frequency range for External Modulation is 0 5 to 150 Hz Output Connectors Connects the liquid crystal device being driven to the Controller For the D4010 output A is female for cables terminated with a male SMA connector Output B is also female for cables terminated with a male BNC connector For the D4010HV output A is a female Fakra connector for Swift LC devices Basic Liquid Crystal Controller H User vane i 1 01 7 meadouslark optics polarization solutions Operation Unpack the Basic Liquid Crystal Controller from its shipping container Check to ensure your shipment included the following items e Controller drive electronics box e DC power supply and power cord e SMA to SMB liquid crystal cable D4010 only not included with D4010HV e User Manual Once you have confirmed you received all the components listed above be sure to inspect each item carefully for any damage that may have occurred during shipment Contact Meadowlark Optics Inc immediately if any element of your Controller arrived with noticeable damage Connect the 12 V dc power supply to the appropriate connector on the back panel Turn the power switch to ON Connect the cable for a Meadowlark Optics liquid crystal device to the Output Connector on the back panel Set up the desired operation of the Controller after becoming familiar with the controls described in the following paragraphs Voltage 1 control knob Th
6. implied warranty obligation Service Assurance Meadowlark Optics Inc now offers Service Assurance to meet your needs If you have not already purchased Service Assurance for this product you may do so at any time during the product s initial one year warranty period Service Assurance provides Repair Protection and Calibration Services to meet your needs Repair Protection extends priority repair services beyond the product s warranty period You may purchase up to three years of Repair Protection Calibration Services provide annual calibration of your product recall assurance and notification of scheduled calibration Coverage begins upon registration You may order up to five years of Calibration Services Service Assurance Advantages e Costs less than a single repair or calibration e Eliminates unexpected service expenses e Avoids service delays For Information and Ordering For more information or to order Service Assurance please contact your local Meadowlark Optics Inc representative wai i meadowlark optics polarization solutions Table of Contents Warranty SUMMALY ccccseeeeeeeeneees ill General Safety Summiary 0086 1 Tarode Oee 2 Front Panel Layout ccccccceeeeee neers 5 Rear Panel Layout ccccccccceeeeee ees 7 OPO eE E 8 Liquid Crystal Device Operation 1 Appendix A Maintenance 6 12 Appendix B D4010 Specificatio
7. or damp conditions Never operate your Controller in an explosive atmosphere Always keep product surfaces clean and dry Basic Liquid Crystal Controller meadoulark aptics User Manual rev 1 01 polarization solutions Introduction Congratulations on purchasing a Meadowlark Optics Basic Liquid Crystal Controller This stand alone bench top driver is designed assembled and tested to provide you with years of trouble free Service Be sure to familiarize yourself with the contents of this User Manual While the operation of the Basic Liquid Crystal Controller is relatively straightforward understanding the recommended operating procedures will ensure your Controller operation is safe easy and effective Liquid Crystal Device Types For the D4010 Meadowlark Optics manufactures five liquid crystal LC device types 1 LC Variable Retarders compensated and uncompensated LRC and LVR Series 2 LC Variable Attenuators LV A Series 3 LC Polarization Rotators LPR Series 4 LC Shutters LCS Series 5 Custom LC optics contact a Meadowlark representative for information Each of our standard device types are available in one two and three inch mounts with clear aperture sizes from 0 37 to 1 60 inches diameter For the D4010HV Meadowlark Optics offers three Swift liquid crystal solutions featuring sub millisecond response times 1 Swift Variable Retarders compensated and uncompensated SRC and SVR Series 2 Swift
8. the spring loaded fuse holder will automatically eject the fuse cartridge for easy removal from the back panel 3 Remove the fuse from its cartridge Insert your new fuse into the reusable fuse cartridge Take care to prevent damage to the electrical connections 4 Insert the fuse cartridge into the fuse holder in the back panel of your Controller 5 While lightly pushing the fuse cartridge in rotate the cartridge clockwise a quarter turn using your standard tip screwdriver 6 Reconnect the 12 volt power supply to its back panel connection Plug the power supply into an appropriate electrical outlet Basic Liquid Crystal Controller User Manual rev 1 01 12 meadouwlark optics polarization solutions Appendix B Specifications for D4010 Power Requirements Power Consumption Fuse Operating Environment Storage Environment External Dimensions W x D x H Weight 100 240 V ac 47 63 Hz 500 mA 5 W 250 V ac 2 A fast blow 0 C to 50 C 55 C to 100 C 7 0 x 5 0 x 3 0 in 1 92 lbs 0 87 kg Output Voltage 20 V rms maximum Voltage Resolution Maximum Current Load Output Frequency Output DC Bias Internal Modulation Frequency External Modulation Input External Modulation Frequency Basic Liquid Crystal Controller User Manual rev 1 01 mV for lt 10 V output 10 mV for gt 10 V output 20 mA 2 kHz 5 Hz ac square wave 50 duty cycle 5 mV maximum 0
9. When the Controller is powered on the values will be restored and applied The power down saved values are independent of the values that are saved by pressing the Voltage 1 Voltage 2 and Internal Frequency control knobs Those values are also saved through power cycles and can be recalled at any time by briefly pressing the appropriate control knob The output of the Controller is grounded so precautions for chassis ground on the liquid crystal device are necessary If the liquid crystal device 1s to be grounded allow an electrical connection to ground to exist only at the liquid crystal device lead that is connected to the connector shells and cable shield Please feel free to contact Meadowlark Optics with any questions Basic Liquid Crystal Controller User Manual e 1 01 10 meadowlark optics polarization solutions Liquid Crystal Device Operation Liquid Crystal Variable Attenuator Set Up Place your Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder LCVR between crossed polarizers with its fast axis at 45 degrees with respect to the polarizers axes LCVRs without a housing will have its fast axis oriented perpendicular to the chord cuts on the glass substrates Connect the LCVR cell to the D4010 Controller and turn the unit on as described in the OPERATION section of this manual If a Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Variable Attenuator LCVA is being used the crossed polarizers are already mounted onto the cell Using the D4010 or
10. e controls the device retardance the attenuation in a Variable Attenuator or the angular rotation in a Polarization Rotator The Model D4010HV Controller is designed to drive the Swift LC devices sold by Meadowlark Optics This Controller produces a 13kHz AC square wave output voltage Voltage is continually adjustable from 0 to 40 volts rms In a Swift Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder the amplitude of the output voltage controls the device retardance or the state the Swift Optical Shutter Two voltage amplitudes can be set on the control panel switching between them can be controlled manually or automatically at a modulation frequency set by the user Modulation between amplitudes can also be controlled externally by any low voltage square wave or digital signal up to 5 volts Quick operation of a Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Cell can be obtained by reading the Liquid Crystal Device Operation section of this User Manual starting on page 11 Basic Liquid Crystal Controller 3 meadoulark aptics User Manual rev 1 01 polarization solutions Meadowlark Optics is interested in your comments and suggestions about this Controller and Manual Feel free to contact us meadoulark optics polarization solutions PO Box 1000 5964 Iris Parkway Frederick CO 80530 TEL 303 833 4333 FAX 303 833 4335 e mail mlo meadowlark com a Sa polarization solutions meadowlark gptics polarization solutions Internal Frequency Volta
11. eatures on the D4010 and D4010HV Controllers The Modulation Select Switch can be switched to INTERNAL and the Modulation Frequency Control will set the speed at which the D4010 modulates the LCVR or LCVA cell between the two voltages set by the two Voltage controls The Modulation Select Switch can be set to EXTERNAL to use the External Modulation Connector on the back of the controller to switch between the two voltage levels such as in syncing the transition to some external event The voltage level can also be switched by using the Pulse Button Swift Liquid Crystal Operation Swift LC operation is the same as standard LC operation a n ON oer polarization solutions Appendix A Maintenance Cleaning Periodically clean the outside of your D4010 Controller box with a soft cloth using a mild cleaning solution Do not allow the solution to seep into the controls Fuse Replacement Replacing the fuse on your D4010 Controller requires a few basic components and can be completed in just a few minutes Your Basic Liquid Crystal Controller has been designed to facilitate simple and easy fuse replacement Required materials A Standard tip blade screwdriver B 250 V ac 2 A fast blow fuse To replace the fuse follow these simple steps 1 Unplug the D4010 Controller Disconnect the 12 volt power supply from its back panel connection 2 Using a standard tip screwdriver rotate the fuse holder counterclockwise a quarter turn Note
12. ge 1 Voltage 1 oa SS f 4 N VA AN f f a i i j j Voltage 1 Output _ Internal Voltage 2 Voltage 2 External Basic Liquid Crystal Controller Model D4010 Figure 1 Model D4010 Controller front panel layout Voltage 1 and Voltage 2 controls The two voltage settings are each continuously adjustable Output voltages range from 0 to 20 volts rms for the Model D4010 and 0 to 40 volts rms for the Model 401OHV Two independent voltage levels can be tuned and saved Internal Frequency control Internal modulation frequency is continuously adjustable from 0 5 150 Hz Can be set and saved into memory Frequency Voltage 1 display Four digit seven segment green D4010 or red D4010HV light emitting diode LED display with wide viewing angle Displays Voltage Level 1 in volts or Internal Frequency in hertz Asa user makes an adjustment that parameter frequency or voltage is displayed on Frequency V oltage 1 display Voltage 2 display Four digit seven segment green D4010 or red D4010HV light emitting diode LED display with wide viewing angle Always displays Voltage Level 2 as set by the user Can be tuned and saved into memory joao aaa teak vp polarization solutions Internal External switch User selectable rocker allows a user to select either Internal or External drive frequency When Internal is selected the controller provides its own drive f
13. ger the red LED to illuminate Never operate your liquid crystal device with this excessive dc offset error Even small amounts of dc offset can cause permanent damage to your liquid crystal device When any error message 1s observed please contact your local Meadowlark Optics Inc representative to obtain a Return Materials Authorization RMA number to return your D4010 Controller for service and repair Appendix A Maintenance includes a description of the fuse replacement procedure Other than fuse replacement there are no user serviceable parts qomi atrata laa s Mpa UT apna polarization solutions
14. is control knob sets Voltage 1 by rotating the control knob and watching the display until the desired voltage is obtained displayed in volts Clockwise rotation will increase the voltage up to the maximum specified voltage while counter clockwise rotation will decrease the voltage down to a minimum of 0 volts The displayed voltage may be saved by pressing the control knob for approximately one second A brief flash on the display will indicate that the displayed voltage has been properly saved The saved voltage may then be recalled at any time by briefly pressing the control knob Voltage 2 control knob This control knob sets Voltage 2 by rotating the control knob and watching the display until the desired voltage is obtained displayed in volts Clockwise rotation will increase the voltage up to the maximum specified voltage while counter clockwise rotation will decrease the voltage down to a minimum of 0 volts The displayed voltage may be saved by pressing the control knob for approximately one second A brief flash on the display will indicate that the voltage has been properly saved The saved voltage may then be recalled at any time by briefly pressing the control knob Basic Liquid Crystal Controller 3 meadouwlark optics User Manual rev 1 01 polarization solutions Internal Frequency control knob Rotating this control knob sets the internal modulation frequency When the control is rotated the display that shows Voltage 1 will
15. logic signal from a function generator computer or other device The valid frequency range for External Modulation is 0 5 to 150 Hz Output Select switch This switch determines the voltage that will be output during each half cycle when modulating in either modulation mode If the Modulation Select Switch is set to INTERNAL during the first half of the internal modulation cycle the controller will output the voltage that is selected by the Output Select Switch During the second half of the internal modulation cycle the controller will output the OPPOSITE voltage that is selected by the Output Select Switch If the Modulation Select Switch is set to EXTERNAL a low level on the External Modulation Connector will cause the controller to output the voltage that is selected by the Output Select Switch A high level will cause the controller to output the OPPOSITE voltage that is selected by the Output Select Switch Output Pulse push button This button can be used to manually control modulation To use manual modulation set the Modulation Select Switch to EXTERNAL and the Output Select Switch to the desired output voltage Pressing the pulse button will switch to the other output voltage for as long as the button is held down Basic Liquid Crystal Controller 9 meadouwlark optics User Manual rev 1 01 polarization solutions Configuration Recall When the Controller is powered off the current voltages and modulation frequency are saved
16. ns 13 Appendix C D4010HV Specifications 14 Appendix D Troubleshooting 15 Basic Liquid Crystal Controller 7 meadoulark aptics User Manual rev 1 01 polarization solutions General Safety Summary Please review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any product connected to it To avoid potential hazards use this product only as specified Note that only qualified Meadowlark Optics Inc personnel should perform service procedures To Avoid Fire or Personal Injury When working with your controller and liquid crystal device always observe the following precautions Use the proper power cord and dc power supply included with your D4010 Controller Improper power cords are often the weak safety link in any electronics system Care and caution improves useful system life and safety Do not use your Meadowlark Optics Inc power cord for any other product Always ensure that your Basic Liquid Controller is properly connected to a grounded electrical outlet which will supply voltage as specified in Appendix B Specifications Do not operate your Basic Liquid Crystal Controller with its cover removed Use the proper fuse as specified in Appendix A Maintenance Always avoid exposed circuitry Do not operate your Basic Liquid Crystal Controller with suspected failures with either the Controller or Liquid Crystal Device Never operate your Controller in wet
17. requency Selecting External requires an External Modulation source is connected via the back panel External voltage level limited to 5 volts maximum Compatible External Modulation frequency ranges from 0 5 150 Hz maximum Output Select switch Determines the voltage level that will be output during each half cycle when modulating in both internal and external modulation modes Output Pulse button Pressing this button changes output voltage to the opposite of that selected on the Output Select Switch works only when the Modulation Select Switch is set to EXTERNAL Error light Red Error indicator light emitting diode LED illuminates when a Controller error has been detected Basic Liquid Crystal Controller H User vanes e 1 01 6 meadowlark optics polarization selutrions CE Made in USA External JENG Input Power 12 Figure 2 Model D4010 Controller rear panel layout Output CE Made in USA External Modulation LU Power Figure 3 Model D4010HV Controller rear panel layout Power Connector Input for the 12 volt dc power supply included Power Switch When the appropriate 12 volt power supply is connected the Power Switch turns the Controller on or off External Modulation Input Female BNC connector to accept external signals to control modulation frequency External Voltage input up to 2 5 V dc will select LC Voltage Output 1 and voltage input between 2 5 and 5 0 V dc will select LC
18. switch to displaying modulation frequency in hertz until either the Voltage 1 control is rotated or the Internal Frequency control knob has been idle for approximately three seconds Clockwise rotation will increase the internal modulation frequency up to a maximum of 150 Hz while counter clockwise rotation will decrease the internal modulation frequency down to a minimum of 0 5 Hz The displayed frequency may be saved by pressing the control knob for approximately one second A brief flash on the display will indicate that the frequency has been saved If Voltage 1 is being displayed the current internal modulation frequency may be displayed by briefly pressing the control knob If frequency is being displayed the saved frequency may be recalled by briefly pressing the control knob Modulation Select switch The Controller can modulate between the two voltages selected via the Output Level Controls The Modulation Select Switch determines whether modulation frequency is generated by the controller INTERNAL or an external device EXTERNAL If INTERNAL modulation is selected the output will be modulated between Voltage 1 and Voltage 2 at the frequency set by the Modulation Frequency Control To use an external device to control modulation frequency set the Modulation Select Switch to EXTERNAL and connect the external device to the External Modulation Connector on the back panel The incoming signal can be a square wave of 0 5 volts or a digital
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