technical reference
312
Synrad
Series 48Series 48
Series 48Series 48
Series 48 operator’s manual
Controlling laser power
Table 3-2 PWM Command signal levels
Laser State Vmin Nominal Vmax
Beam Off
(Logic low) 0.0 VDC 0.0 VDC +0.5 VDC
Beam On
(Logic high) +3.5 VDC +5.0 VDC +10 VDC
Analog voltage or analog current control
Although Series 48 lasers cannot be controlled directly by analog voltage or current signals, this type of
control is possible when using the UC-2000 Controller. The Controller is connected normally to the
laser and analog voltage or current signals sent to the UC-2000’s ANV/C connector then control both
gating and power.
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 off) to 10 V (maximum laser power) must be installed. To generate the
proper analog current, install a D/A card that can generate 4 mA (laser off) to 20 mA (maximum power).
Software able to control your analog output card is required for both configurations.
The UC-2000 Controller can also be commanded remotely through the UC-2000’s RS-232 serial port.
User-developed software can send operating mode, lase, setup, and PWM percentage commands as well
as poll the Controller for its current operating status. Refer to the UC-2000 Laser Controller Operator’s
Manual for further information about REMOTE operation.
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 occurring.
To operate the laser in CW mode, a constant +5 VDC signal is applied to the CTRL input(s) of the laser.
This constant voltage source forces the internal switching electronics to remain on, providing continuous
and uninterrupted laser output power.
Note: When operating in CW mode, laser power output cannot be adjusted. If you require an adjust-
able output power level, refer to the Pulse width modulation (PWM) section for information
regarding high frequency operation.
Gated operation
In many marking and cutting applications, the laser is required to pulse, or gate, on and off in synchroni-
zation with an external control signal (typically from a computer or function generator operating in the
range from DC to 1 kHz). To pulse or gate the laser, connect a signal providing TTL-level pulses to the
Gate connector on the rear panel of the UC-2000.
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