Synrad 32-1 - Continuous Wave (CW) Operation; UC-2000 Universal Laser Controller

SYNRAD® 32-1 Operator’s Manual Version 2.2
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User I/O Connections
Technical Reference
To generate the correct analog voltage from a computer or PLC, a Digital-to-Analog (D/A or
DAC) card capable of generating 0 V (laser o) to 10 V (maximum laser power) must be in-
stalled. To generate the proper analog current, install a D/A card that can generate 4 mA (laser
o) to 20 mA (maximum power). Software able to control your analog output card is required
for both congurations.
UC-2000 Universal Laser Controller
SYNRAD® recommends using a UC-2000 Universal Laser Controller to generate tickle pulses
and Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signals to control the laser’s output power. The UC-2000
requires 15–50 VDC @ 35 mA, supplied from either its wall plug transformer or from the Aux-
iliary Power connector on the side of 32-1 lasers. Refer to the UC-2000 Laser Controller Opera-
tor’s Manual for information about UC-2000 operation.
To connect a UC-2000 Controller (available separately from SYNRAD), perform the following
steps:
1 Remove DC power from the laser. Fabricate a suitable DB-9 plug so Pin 3, PWM Positive,
connects to the center pin of the BNC and Pin 4, PWM Negative, connects to the shield.
2 If your system does not provide an enable input to the DB-9 plug, then jumper Pin 6,
remote keyswitch to Pin 7, remote keyswitch Out.
3 Connect the DB-9 plug to the DB-9 I/O connector on the rear of the laser.
4 Connect the miniature DC power plug on the UC-2000’s Power/Control cable to the min-
iature connector on the wall plug transformer cable.
5 Connect the mini-DIN connector on the other end of the UC-2000’s Power/Control cable
to the Laser connector on the UC-2000’s rear panel.
Continuous wave (CW) operation
In some applications, such as high speed marking or cutting, the time constant of the laser
and the PWM modulation causes a series of dots that may be visible on the marking surface
instead of a “clean” line. Operating the laser in CW mode will prevent this behavior from occur-
ring. To operate the laser in CW mode, a constant +5 VDC signal is applied to the PWM input(s)
of the laser. This constant voltage source forces the internal switching electronics to remain
on, providing continuous and uninterrupted laser output power.
For pure CW operation, a steady +5 V signal can be applied through this connector (a tickle
signal must be applied during laser-o periods). This input is optically-isolated from the chas-
sis and power supply ground circuit, but must not be subjected to common mode voltages
greater than ±50 VDC from chassis ground. The 32-1 laser has one PWM input that should
always be driven identically from the signal source by using a “Y” cable.