TLS Tunable Light Source. Operation Manual

Transcription

1 TLS Tunable Light Source Operation Manual January 16, 2007 General Photonics Corp. Ph: (909) Edison Ave. Fax: (909) Chino, CA USA Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 1 of 40

2 Table of Contents: Section 1. Specifications:... 3 Section 2. Overview:... 4 Section 3. Feature Description: Optical Features: Electrical Features:... 6 Section 4. Operation Instructions: Unpacking Front Panel Operation Front panel operation troubleshooting Testing and Characterization: Remote control and programming: RS-232 operation RS-232 connection Remote operation and commands RS-232 troubleshooting USB control Procedure for Installing USB VCP driver VCP Uninstall Procedure: TLS-101 USB Commands USB Troubleshooting: LabVIEW control programs Ethernet control GPIB control Section 5. Technical Support Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 2 of 40

3 Section 1. Specifications: Physical Features: Package Dimensions Standard 2U half-19 rack mount size 14 (L) 8.5 (W) 3.5 (H) Output Fiber Type PM or single mode fiber Fiber Connector Type FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC or SC/APC 1 Weight 7 lbs System Characteristics: Output power (at pigtail) /- 0.5 dbm Power deviation over band 0.3 to 0.5 db Frequency Range to196.1 THz (C band, 89channels, 50GHz spacing) Wavelength Range to nm (C Band) Number of Channels 89 channels (50GHz spacing) SMSR 40 to 45 db OSNR 50 to 55 db (0.1nm optical bandwidth) Polarization extinction ratio 20 db Return Loss -50 to -40 db Locked frequency accuracy -2.5 to +2.5 GHz Shuttered output suppression 250 to 1000 MHz Tuning Speed 20 ms Operating Temperature 0 to 70º C Storage Temperature -20 to 65ºC Front panel display 2-line LCD display Power Supply VAC, Hz or VAC, Hz PC Interface RS-232, USB, Ethernet, GPIB Note: 1. Per user specification at the time of ordering. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 3 of 40

4 Section 2. Overview: General Photonics TLS-101 is a High performance continuous wave (CW) tunable light source for use in the C-band window covering 1528 to 1563 nm. The TLS-101 is a low cost tunable laser source for daily test and measurement applications. The laser can be step-tuned across the C-band communication channels with a tuning resolution of 50 GHz in less than 20 ms. The internal wavelength locker assures that the wavelengths or frequencies of the output light are exactly on the ITU grid of the DWDM channels. Figure 1 Overview of TLS-101 The TLS-101 has four different operation modes: continuous scan mode, manual scan mode, single wavelength mode, and select wavelength mode,. In continuous scan mode, the output wavelength will continue to tune between the start channel and end channel, according to the user s speed setting. In manual scan mode, the wavelength changes when the user presses the ENTER key. In single wavelength mode, the instrument will output the fixed wavelength set by the user. In select wavelength mode, up to 40 different wavelengths, in any combination, may be stored and played back, from any start to any end wavelength. The TLS-101 comes with USB, RS-232, Ethernet, and GPIB communication ports for easy, flexible interface with computers and other instruments. In particular, the Ethernet port allows the instrument to be controlled remotely, from home, office or a hotel room when on travel. The TLS-101 is an ideal source for WDM component testing, sensor interrogation, optical coherence tomography (OCT), PMD and PDL characterization, and for use in general purpose test and measurement applications. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 4 of 40

5 Section 3. Feature Description: 3.1 Optical Features: The TLS-101 has one fiber connector on the front panel for the output optical beam. The output can be SM or PM depending on the option chosen when the instrument was ordered. The adapter is a universal connector interface (UCI), which features a male-type adapter top piece that can be removed for direct access to the ferrule end for routine cleaning and maintenance without removing the entire adapter from the panel. This feature helps avoid high insertion loss, high return loss and measurement instability caused by dirty or contaminated connectors. In addition, the TLS-101 s universal interchangeable adapter allows the end user to switch to ST, SC, or FC connectors without opening the instrument panel. Although the instrument is shipped with a customer specified fiber adapter, other interchangeable inserts can be purchased from General Photonics. For additional information on different input fiber adapter inserts, please contact General Photonics. External fiber connectors should be cleaned using industry standard cleaning methods before connection to the TLS-101. If this procedure is followed before each connection, the instrument s internal connector ferrule should not need regular cleaning. However, high insertion loss or measurement instability that does not improve after cleaning the external connectors may indicate that the instrument s internal connector ferrule needs to be cleaned. The connector ferrule is contained in a universal connector interface consisting of a front piece that connects to the external fiber connector, and a base piece that is mounted on the front panel of the instrument. To clean the connector ferrule, first, make sure that no external connector is connected to the universal connector interface. Then, using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two small screws connecting the front and back parts of the adapter, and carefully pull the front flange straight out. (Note: never remove the adapter base from the front panel). The ferrule end should now be exposed. Clean the ferrule using standard cleaning procedures (compressed air or a fresh lint-free tissue and alcohol). Care must be taken to avoid scratching the ferrule surface. Finally, replace the front flange (position it so that the key notch faces up, and the small alignment pin lines up with the hole in the base piece, before pushing it in) and the screws. It is generally recommended that the user prepare a patch cord fiber to avoid inside connector wear. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 5 of 40

6 3.2 Electrical Features: The TLS-101 system uses the standard wall electricity supply. The line voltage is factoryset at 110 VAC or 220 VAC per customer specification. Due to high voltage, the following safety precautions must be exercised during operation. The ground pin on the power supply cord must be connected to earth ground of the wall receptacle. Never touch the boards inside the package without proper insulation. The TLS-101 is not user serviceable and can be serviced by factory-authorized personnel. The front panel of the TLS-101 is shown in Figure 2. The power switch (Power), light source enable key, liquid crystal display (LCD), push button control pad, and output optical connector are mounted on the front panel. The AC power plug, fuse, and RS-232, USB, Ethernet, and GPIB interface connectors are mounted on the back panel, as shown in Figure 3. The TLS-101 includes RS-232, USB, Ethernet, and GPIB interfaces for external computer operation of the system. RS-232 and USB cables are provided for connection to a personal computer. A basic LabVIEW (National Instruments, control program is also provided. The remote control command list and instructions, USB driver installation instructions, and LabVIEW control program descriptions are listed in section 4.5. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 6 of 40

7 Figure 2. Front panel layout. Front panel description: LCD display: displays operation mode and parameters POWER: power on/off switch GREEN LED: power LED LIGHT: light source enable/disable key LIGHT OUTPUT: universal connector interface adapter for optical fiber output Keypad: push buttons for operation status control MODE: Select operation mode or parameter setup ENTER: Confirm or select displayed setting : Arrow keys: set parameters or move between setting options. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 7 of 40

8 Figure 3. Rear panel Rear panel description: USB: USB interface port RS-232: serial communication port Ethernet: Ethernet interface port GPIB: GPIB interface port Line: external AC supply input connector, 110 V or 220 V BNC: not used in TLS-101 : electrical ground connection Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 8 of 40

9 Section 4. Operation Instructions: Warning: Never look into the light source fiber connector when the light source is turned on. THE OUTPUT LIGHT FROM A HIGH POWER LASER IS HARMFUL TO HUMAN EYES. Please follow industry standard procedures when operating a high power laser source. The TLS-101 is designed for indoor use only. Avoid water condensation or liquid spills during TLS-101 storage and operation. 4.1 Unpacking Inspect TLS-101 for any physical damage due to shipping and transportation. Contact carrier if any damage is found. Check the packing list to see if any parts or accessories are missing. 4.2 Front Panel Operation Setup procedure is described below: 1. Make sure local AC voltage matches the AC voltage requirement of the TLS-101 system. If not, do not proceed. Contact General Photonics immediately. i. The base model uses VAC, 50/60Hz ii. The TLS-101 can also be configured to use VAC, 50/60Hz by user request at the time it is ordered. 2. Connect the power cord and plug it into the wall receptacle. Make sure the ground pin of the power cord is connected to earth ground. 3. Connect the output fiber to the output connector of the TLS-101. It is important to clean the fiber connector using industry standard procedures and to make sure that the connection is good. Make sure that the optical power source is off during connector cleaning. 4. Turn on the power supply, select operational mode and parameters (see next section) and turn the light enable key. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 9 of 40

10 When the instrument is first powered on, it will go through an initialization process. During this time, the LCD will display the following initialization screen: Note that the firmware version may vary. When initialization is complete, the LCD displays: The default operational mode is continuous scan mode. At this point, the user can use the up or down arrow keys to change the work mode, followed by the ENTER key to confirm the setting. The MODE key can be used to return to the menu to select other operational modes. Before the instrument is powered off, all settings that are currently being used, will be saved automatically as the default setting value for the next operation. Mode selection: General Photonics TLS-101, VER CONTINUOUS SCAN 2. MANUAL SCAN Press the MODE key to bring up the operational mode and basic parameter selection screens. The TLS-101 has 5 options available under its mode selection screens, with 2 options listed on each screen. When the MODE key is pressed, one of these screens will appear, with the current operation mode highlighted. The default operation mode is continuous scan mode or the mode used last. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to move between options, and the ENTER key to select the highlighted option. The mode selection screens are shown below. 1. CONTINUOUS SCAN 2. MANUAL SCAN 3. SINGLE WAVELENGTH 4. SELECT WAVELENGTH 5. SET GPIB ADDR Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 10 of 40

11 OPTION 1: Continuous Scan Mode When the ENTER key is first selected for continuous scan mode, the LCD displays: Start: 01 ( THz) λ: nm This is the initial starting channel setting screen. The top line shows the channel setting and the frequency of this channel, and the bottom line shows the wavelength of this channel at the time the MODE key was pressed. Use the arrow keys to set the desired channel number. The LEFT and RIGHT arrows move the cursor between digits, and the UP and DOWN arrows increment and decrement the active digit. Once the value is set, the ENTER key implements the setting. Then the LCD will display the screen for the next setting: End: 89 (196.10THz) λ: nm The first line shows the ending channel number and the frequency of this channel, and the bottom line shows the wavelength of the ending channel. Press the arrow key to set the desired channel number as described above. Pressing ENTER from the operation screen switches the display to the step length and dwell time setting screen: Step: 1x 50 = 50GHz Delay: 200 ms/step The step setting is displayed in the top line, and can be changed with the arrow keys, the bottom line displays the rate setting which is the dwelling time at each step. Pressing ENTER after completing the step setting and the cursor goes to the bottom line. At this time the rate value may be changed by arrow keys. Pressing the ENTER key again from the operation screen switches to the next setting screen: Trace: SAW Cycle: 50 Trace: SAW Cycle: 50 ENTER key to start In this screen there are still two parameters. Trace gives the option to set either the triangle or saw wave scanning mode. When the triangle wave is selected, the wavelengths follow the pattern traced out by the triangle waveform, which is a smooth up and down selection from the start to the end wavelength and back down, never stopping or skipping any wavelength. The saw waveform begins at the start wavelength and moves toward the Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 11 of 40

12 end wavelength, however when it reaches the end wavelength, it skips back to the start wavelength for another run. In this way a saw tooth waveform is traced out. Use the UP and DOWN keys to select the desired trace. Pressing the ENTER key after completing the selection and the cursor will go to the cycle setting. This is the number of runs that the system will make. User the arrow keys to change this setting. Then press ENTER again and the screen will display the indication information at the bottom line ENTER key to start If some setting needs to be modified at this point, press the MODE key, then repeat the operation as above. If all the settings are correct, then press the ENTER key to run. Then the screen will display the running information: (1) if no error screen, the current channel and wavelength will be shown. (2) the screen displays TLS is not ready, please try again!. It indicates that the tunable laser has not initialized, you should wait for a moment and press ENTER again. If the same information is still displayed, it may be that something is wrong with the tunable laser. Please consult with GENERAL PHOTONICS. (3)the screen displays Setting error!. This indicates that the difference between the start and the end channel is not a multiple of the step. You should press the MODE key to set the parameter again. Current Output CH: xx λ: xxxx.xx nm TLS is not ready, Please try again! Setting error! OPTION 2: Manual Scan Mode Manual scan mode allows the user to control the outputting channel. When Option 2 is first selected, the LCD will display: Start: 01 (191.70THz) λ: nm This is the initial starting channel setting screen. The top line shows the channel setting and the frequency of this channel, and the bottom line shows the wavelength of this channel at the time the MODE key was pressed. Use the arrow keys to set the desired channel number. The LEFT and RIGHT arrows move the cursor between digits, and the UP and DOWN arrows increment and decrement the active digit. Once the value is set, the ENTER key implements the setting. Then the LCD will display the screen for the next setting: Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 12 of 40

13 End: 89 (196.10THz) λ: nm The first line shows the ending channel number and the frequency of this channel, the bottom line shows the wavelength of ending channel. Press the arrow key to set the desired channel number as described above. Pressing ENTER from the operation screen switches the display to step length and dwell time setting screen: Step: 1x 50 = 50GHz The step setting is displayed in the top line, and can be changed with the arrow keys. Pressing ENTER key from the operation screen switches to the next setting screen: Trace: Triangle ENTER key to start Trace gives the option to set either the triangle or saw wave scanning mode. When the triangle wave is selected, the wavelengths follow the pattern traced out by the triangle waveform, which is a smooth up and down selection from the start to the end wavelength and back down, never stopping or skipping any wavelength. The saw waveform begins at the start wavelength and moves toward the end wavelength, however when it reaches the end wavelength, it skips back to the start wavelength for another run. In this way a saw tooth waveform is traced out. Use the UP and DOWN keys to select the desired trace. If some setting needs to be modified at this point, press the MODE key, then repeat the operation as above. If all the settings are correct, then press the ENTER key to run. Then the screen will display the running information: (1) if no error screen, the current channel and wavelength will be shown. (2) the screen displays TLS is not ready, please try again!. It indicates that the tunable laser has not initialized, you should wait for a moment and press ENTER again. If the same information is still displayed, it may be that something is wrong with the tunable laser. Please consult with GENERAL PHOTONICS. (3)the screen displays Setting error!. This indicates that the difference between the start and the end channel is not a multiple of the step. You should press the MODE key to set the parameter again. Current Output CH: xx λ: xxxx.xx nm TLS is not ready, Please try again! Setting error! Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 13 of 40

14 OPTION 3: Single Wavelength Mode Under fixed wavelength mode the instrument outputs the fixed channel according to user s setting. When Option 3 is first selected, the LCD displays: Set CH: 01(191.70THz) λ: nm This is the outputting channel setting screen. The top line shows the channel setting and the frequency of this channel, and the bottom line shows the wavelength of this channel at the time the MODE key was pressed. Use the arrow keys to set the desired channel number. Once the value is set, the ENTER key implements the setting. Then the instrument begins to output light, and the LCD will display the running information: (1) if no error the screen displays the current channel and wavelength will be shown. Press the MODE key to return to the mode selection screen. (2) the screen displays TLS is not ready, please try again!. It indicates that the tunable laser has not initialized and you should wait for a moment and press ENTER again. If the same information is still displayed, it may be that something is wrong with the tunable laser. Please consult with GENERAL PHOTONICS. Current Output CH: xx λ: xxxx.xx nm TLS is not ready, Please try again! OPTION 4: Select Wavelength Mode Select Wavelength Mode allows the user to input up to 40 wavelengths in any combination, to be stored and played back, from any start to any end wavelength. Coincidentally, these wavelengths are stored as channels and should not be confused with the channels that are also associated with the wavelengths. For further clarity, CH1 will not be referenced by the word channel, even though it is an abbreviation. Channel will be reserved for the wavelengths. When the ENTER key is first selected for Select Wavelength Mode, the LCD displays: CH1: 01 ( nm) key to continue Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 14 of 40

15 This is the first wavelength to be entered (CH1). The top line shows the channel setting and the wavelength of this channel. Use the arrow keys to set the desired channel number. The LEFT arrow key moves the cursor between digits, and the UP and DOWN arrows increment and decrement the active digit. The RIGHT arrow key is reserved for moving to CH2, CH3, etc. Then the LCD will display the screen for the next setting: CH2: 02 ( nm) key to continue Any channel can be chosen for CH2. In this manner, the laser can be made to sweep any wavelength pattern including holding for a period at a special wavelength by entering the same wavelength through many CH s. When the user is satisfied with the number of entries, or CH40 has been reached, pressing ENTER will take the user to the Delay screen: Pressing ENTER will start the scan loop which will go on infinitely unless interrupted by pressing MODE. OPTION 5: Set GPIB Address Delay: 200 ms/step Enter key to start Option 5 allows the user to set the instrument s GPIB address. When this option is selected, the LCD displays the current GPIB address information, as shown below: GPIB ADDR: 11 Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to change the GPIB address (range is 1-30), then press ENTER to confirm the setting. 4.3 Front panel operation troubleshooting 1. No light output: Make sure that the light enable key is in the on position. 2. Unstable light output: Make sure that the TLS-101 has been allowed to warm up for minutes when first powered on, or has been allowed minutes to stabilize if the operating temperature setting has been changed. 3. Optical output power lower than expected: Make sure that the output fiber connector type matches the TLS-101 s output fiber connector, and that all connectors and adapters are clean. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 15 of 40

16 4.4 Testing and Characterization: The TLS-101 can be serviced only by manufacturer-authorized personnel. There are no user serviceable components in this system. The performance of the TLS-101 can be evaluated using standard power meters and spectrum analyzers. 4.5 Remote control and programming: RS-232 operation RS-232 connection The RS-232 serial interface port allows the user to remotely control the TLS-101. Any program that supports RS-232 communication protocols can be used to send ASCII commands to the TLS-101 to remotely access the system. The accompanying LabVIEW program shows a programming example. The RS-232 connector on the rear panel of the TLS-101 is a DB9 male connector. Use a straight connection RS-232 cable to connect the TLS-101 to the RS-232 port of a computer. To ensure proper communication, use a serial cable with direct pin-to-pin connected wires (see Fig. 4) at both ends of the cable. GND RXD TXD Figure 4. RS-232 connector pin assignment on TLS-101 back panel Remote operation and commands General Photonics provides a test program for remote control of the TLS-101. The control software is included with the TLS-101 package. Installation and application procedures for the control software are described later in this section. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 16 of 40

17 If users write their own control programs, the following steps and commands are recommended for remote operation of the TLS-101 using the RS-232 communication port. 1. Connect the TLS-101 to the PC using the RS-232 straight cable (DB-9 female to female). 2. Turn the power switch on. 3. Open the correct remote port. 4. Referring to Table 1, the user can send a command string to the TLS-101 through the RS-232 port. There are many programming languages that support serial communications, including Visual Basic, LabVIEW, and C. RS-232 command notes: 1. RS-232 port uses asynchronous framing, 8 data bits, no parity bit, and 1 stop bit. 2. RS-232 baud rate: 9600 bps. 3. Only one command is allowed in each command string. Table 1 Remote control commands Note: The commands and responses listed in tables 1 and 2 are the same for all communication protocols: RS-232, USB, Ethernet, and GPIB. System commands Command Description Response: (Command acknowledgement, error code, or requested data) All responses start with * and end with # *IDN? Queries the TLS-101 identification. *IDN GP-TLS-101# *VER? Queries the TLS-101 Firmware Version *VER 1.0# (may vary) *IND ON/OFF# Enable/disable the indication of commands *E00#: OK when a response is given *E01#: undefined command *ADR nn# Set the GPIB address, nn is from 1 to 30 *E00#: OK *E01#: undefined command *E06#:parameter outside *ADR? Query the GPIB address *ADR 9# *E01#: undefined command *NOTE: Disabling the indication command may make some accompanying Labview programs not work. Basic optical value commands *POW? Return the power value and use the optimal *POW 2.55# unit. *REG hhhhhh? Query the register of TLA,hhhhhh is the register,data1 and data2. for example, if I want know the status of register 0x32,data1 The status of register is the response, hh hh hh hh. Refer to OIF-ITLA-MSA for the meaning of this data. is 0x00,data2 is 0x00, so the command is *TLS:REG ? *CHN nn# Sets the channel of laser source. nn=1~89 *E00#: OK *E01#: undefined command *E06#:parameter outside Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 17 of 40

18 *CHN? *FRQ? *WAV? *STA n# *STA? *SWP:MOD n# Returns the current channel number. This command is available for sweep mode Returns the current frequency of laser source Returns the current wavelength of laser source Switch the laser source on or off 0: laser off; 1: laser on ; 2: laser not available Queries the laser state. 0: laser off. 1: laser on Sets the sweep mode. 0: manual mode. 1: cycle mode. *CHN 12# *E01#: undefined command *STA 0#: laser off *STA 1#: laser on *STA 2#: laser not available *SWP:MOD? Query the current working mode *MOD 0/1# *SWP:CYC nnn# Sets the number of cycles for sweep mode, Cycle is 1-999, if cycle=0, the cycle will be *TLS:SWP:CYC nnn# *TLS:SWP:CYC INF# infinite (INF), namely continuous sweep *SWP:CYC? Returns the number of cycles *CYC 0#: cycle is infinite *TLS:SWP:DWE nnnn# Sets the dwell time for sweep mode Can only be used when sweep mode is under cycle mode; nnnn is ms *TLS:SWP:DWE 100# *SWP:DWE? *SWP:REP n# Returns the dwell time of the sweep mode Sets the repeat mode. N=0 or1 0: one way. Every stepped or continuous sweep cycle starts at the start wavelength of the sweep and ends at the stop wavelength of the sweep(saw wave) 1: Two way. Every odd stepped sweep cycle starts at the start wavelength of the sweep, and every even stepped sweep cycle starts at the stop wavelength of the sweep.(triangle wave) *SWP:REP? Returns the status of repeat mode. *0#; one way *1#: two way *SWP:BGN nn# Sets the start channel of a sweep. nn: 1~89 *TLS:SWP:BGN 0# *TLS:SWP:BGN 88# *SWP:BGN? Returns the start channel of the sweep *SWP:END nn# Sets the end channel of a sweep. nn 1~89 *SWP:END? *SWP:STE nn# *SWP:STE? *SWP:STA n# Returns the end channel of the sweep Sets the width of the sweep step. nn:1~88 Returns the channel step of the sweep Stops, starts, pauses and continues a channel sweep 0: stop 1:start 2: pause 3: continuous *E00#: OK *E01#: command error *E13#: parameter setting error, the starting and ending channel is not the multiple of the step size. *E14#: commands conflict, stop can be used under start or continuous, start can Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 18 of 40

19 *SWP:STA? *SWP:ssss# *RST# *WAV nn? *FRQ nn? *CHN:MAX? Returns the state of a sweep. 0: Sweep is not running; 1:Sweep is running ssss: next. Performs the next sweep step in stepped sweep if it is in manual sweep. Resets laser source Returns the wavelength of the channel nn. Returns the frequency of the channel nn Returns the number of the last channel be used under stop or pause, pause can be used under start or continuous; continuous can be used under pause. *E15#: TLS is not ready for output, and try again please. *E00#: OK *E01#: command error *E14#: commands conflict, this command only can be used in manual sweep. Table 2 Command Response Codes E00 E01 E02 E03 E04 E05 E06 E13 E14 E15 No error (Correct command received) Undefined Command Missing parameter Invalid syntax in command string String of characters too long (>buffer limit) Parameter has too many digits after the decimal point Parameter outside the allowed range Parameter setting error, the difference between start and end channel number is not the multiple of the step size. Commands conflict, stop can be used under start or continuous; start can be used under start or continuous; continuous can be used under pause. TLS is not ready for output, and try again please. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 19 of 40

20 RS-232 troubleshooting If a problem occurs during RS-232 control, please check the following: 1. Cable should be straight-wired: Select a straight-wired (pin-to-to pin wired) cable; 2. Verify active Com Port (COM1, COM2, etc.); 3. Verify Com Port settings: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity bits; 4. Check baud rate: must be 9600 bps; 5. Check commands: command should begin with * and end with # or? USB control Connect the instrument to the control computer using the provided USB cable Procedure for Installing USB VCP driver 1. Copy VCP driver from CD-ROM to your computer. 2. Turn on power supply and plug in USB cable; this should bring up the Found New Hardware Wizard : 3. Click Next : Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 20 of 40

21 4. Click Next : 5. Check Specify a location, then click Next : Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 21 of 40

22 6. Use Browse to locate the file directory where the VCP driver is. Click OK to proceed to the next screen: 7. Click Next : Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 22 of 40

23 8. Click Finish. This completes the first part of the installation, during which the USB to serial converter is installed. The second part consists of the installation of the serial port driver. This should follow automatically once the converter installation is completed: Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 23 of 40

24 9. Click Next : 10. Click Next : Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 24 of 40

25 11. Use Browse to locate the file directory where the VCP driver is. Click OK to proceed to the next screen: 12. Click Next : Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 25 of 40

26 13. Click Finish. Depending on the system software and the location of the driver, the sequence of screens between the found new hardware screen and the completion screen may be slightly different, but in all cases, the result will be the installation first of the USB serial converter and then the USB serial port. Once the installation of the serial port driver has been completed, confirm that the installation has been successful by looking under Device Manager on the System Properties screen: select Control Panel System Properties Hardware Device Manager, then Select View Device by type. The resulting screens are shown below. The device should have installed as a USB Serial Port (COMx) attached to USB High Speed Serial Converter. Note the port number that the device is using; it will need to be entered in the control program. The USB driver can drive more than one instrument, but the correct port number must be set in the control programs for each of the instruments. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 26 of 40

27 In this example, the USB device is connected to COM3. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 27 of 40

28 VCP Uninstall Procedure: Unplug device. Run Add/Remove Programs from Control Panel: Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 28 of 40

29 TLS-101 USB Commands For users who prefer to write their own control programs, the command list is the same as for RS-232 (see table 1 in section ) USB Troubleshooting: Sometimes, for unknown reasons, the USB Serial Port cannot be found in Device Manager. To troubleshoot this issue, run Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel, click FTDI USB Serial Converter Drivers, and then click the Change/Remove button. A warning window will tell you that you have to unplug the USB cable if you want to remove the drives. Unplug the USB cable, then press the Continue button. Restore the computer, and then run the VCP installation procedure again. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 29 of 40

30 4.5.3 LabVIEW control programs LabView control programs are provided for computer control of the TLS-101 through different control interfaces. Before running these programs, the user should determine whether the LabView developing environment is installed in the control computer. If the LabView environment (version 8.2 or above) is present, either the source code (vi) or the executable versions of the remote control programs can be used without installing further drivers. To control the ER meter through the USB port, the USB drivers need to be installed (see section 4.5.2) Note: For simple control of the instrument, it is often easier to use the executable versions of the program than the source code. However, the executable versions will not run properly while LabView is running. If using the executable versions of the program on a computer with LabView installed, the user should quit LabView before running them. If LabVIEW is not installed on the control computer, the user should set up the LabVIEW Run-Time engine by running the programs under \LVRunTimeEng_8.2 (on the CD-ROM), and install the driver program for VISA (used for RS-232, distributed by National Instruments) by running the program named Visa400runtime.exe (under the root directory). For USB control, the USB drivers also need to be installed (see section 4.5.2). For further details on Ethernet and GPIB control, see sections and 4.5.5, respectively. Once the necessary drivers and other setup parameters are in place, the executable programs in the application directory can be run. After the necessary drivers are installed, the programs (executable and/or source code) should be copied to the hard drive and run from there. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 30 of 40

31 Note: Always close the control program (and LabVIEW as well if using the VI version of the control program) before turning off the instrument. The control programs TLS_REMOTE.vi (source code) or TLS_REMOTE.exe (executable) are compatible with RS-232, USB and GPIB interfaces. The program will auto-sense which interface is being used and display the appropriate port configuration option. The control program interface is otherwise identical for RS-232, USB and GPIB control. Figure 5 Continuous scan mode Port number: Displays the selected port for the RS-232, USB or GPIB connection. If the selected port and the actual connection do not match, the program will not function correctly. Set the correct port number here. The port number can be determined from the Device Manager (see section 4.5.2) or from the Measurement & Automation program from National Instruments. Note that the port number cannot be set while the program is executing (trying to make a measurement). Stop the program first and choose the correct port if necessary. Notes: (a) ASRL1:INSTR is the same as COM1 for RS-232. (b) GPIB:XX:INSTR means the GPIB port with an address of XX. Once the port configuration is set, the program can be started by clicking the white arrow in the top left corner of the screen. The continuous scan mode screen allows the user to set the six parameter values. The default value may different from the data saved in the instrument, therefore make sure the desired data has been set successfully, and then click OK. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 31 of 40

32 The STOP button stops continuous scan mode operation. It may be necessary to press STOP twice if the first one fails to properly return the system to the MODE menu. Manual Scan Mode The manual scan mode control screen is shown below: Figure 6 Manual Scan Mode The manual scan mode screen allows the user to set the four parameter values to be maintained by typing in the boxes. Note that the default value may be different with the values saved in the instrument, therefore make sure the values have been set successfully, and then click OK. The STOP button stops this process. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 32 of 40

33 Single Wavelength Mode Figure 7 Fixed Wavelength Mode This screen is used to set the TLS-101 to fixed wavelength mode. The user selects the desired channel to be maintained by typing it in the box. Note that the default value may be different with the values saved in the instrument, therefore make sure the channel number has been set successfully, and then click OK. The STOP button disables the fixed wavelength output. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 33 of 40

34 Select Wavelength Mode Figure 8 Selected wavelength mode Under Select Wavelength Mode, the user inputs the desired channel in the box and presses OK. This will increment the number (previously identified as CH1, CH2 etc.). A correctly stored number will be given as an E00 response in the associated box. A sufficient time should be given to allow the computer to successfully communicate and store the value to the memory of the TLS. This time will differ with connection speed and interface type. A reasonably safe time frame may be about 1 sec. A value that is not stored correctly may show an error code of E06 which literally means value outside allowed range, but this may result if the information is sent too quickly to the device. If the TLS responds with a code other than E00, the Labview control program must be stopped and restarted. This is accomplished by pressing STOP, and pressing the right arrow key near the upper left corner of the window. The numbers will only increment, so if a change is desired to a previous entry, the program must be restarted. This will clear the program and begin again from the first number. The dwell time can also be changed by pressing SET as well. Once the user is satisfied with the programmed wavelengths, pressing OK will start the scan. Pressing STOP will terminate the scan and return to the mode selection menu. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 34 of 40

35 4.5.4 Ethernet control The TLS-101 includes a small server. The following steps describe how to use it. 1. Connect Instrument There are two connection configurations for Ethernet control: a) Connect the instrument directly to the PC, as shown in figure 9. b) Connect the instrument with a DHCP server (router or exchange server), as shown in figure 10. DHCP server PC TLS-101 PC TLS-101 Figure 9 Direct connection: TLS-101 to PC Figure 9 Connect TLS-101 with DHCP server 2. There are two ways of assigning the instrument an IP address: a) Static IP: the administrator assigns the instrument a fixed IP address. b) Dynamic IP: the DHCP server assigns the instrument an available address when requested. 3. Set Ethernet configuration and get IP address: Open the LabVIEW program (GP_SET_ETHERNET.vi or GP_SET_ETHERNET.exe) to set the Ethernet configuration. NOTE: This program was designed for an RS-232 interface, so the instrument should be connected to the computer via RS-232 before running it. Please see the instructions at the beginning of section for preparations to run an RS-232 LabView program. The program interface is shown below. a) To use a static IP configuration, click the fixed IP mode tab, as shown in figure 11. Set the 5 parameters shown in figure 11. They can be obtained from your network administrator. The default values are those shown in Fig. 11. Once the parameters are set, click the Set button to confirm. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 35 of 40

36 Figure 11 Fixed IP mode b) To use dynamic IP address assignment, click the DHCP MODE tab, as shown in figure 12. Click the OK button to confirm. Note: this is the default mode. Figure 12 Dynamic IP mode Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 36 of 40

37 After IP address configuration, select the GET IP ADDRESS tab to determine the IP address of the instrument, as shown in figure 13. Write down the IP address; it will be needed to access the TLS-101 s server. Figure 10 Get IP Address 4. Ethernet control of the TLS-101: Open the LabVIEW program (GP_TLS_ETHERNET.vi or GP_TLS_ETHERNET.exe) to control the instrument. The program interface is shown in figure 14. Input the IP address obtained in the previous step (see Fig. 13). If the GP_SET_ETHERNET program s static IP configuration was used, the Port number is the one set from that screen (see Fig. 11). The default value is 23. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 37 of 40

38 Figure 14 TLS-101 Ethernet Control Program From this point, the program interface is very similar to the RS-232, USB, and GPIB versions of the control program, with the same CONTINUOUS SCAN MODE, MANUAL SCAN MODE, SINGLE WAVELENGTH MODE, and SELECT WAVELENGTH tabs. See section for a more detailed description of the control program interface GPIB control Setting the GPIB address Each device on the GPIB must have a unique address, including the computer card. There are three methods to find the TLS-101 s current GPIB address: 1) Front panel: Press the MODE button and select option 5. The LCD will display the current GPIB address. 2) Other remote control interface: Send the command *ADR? over an RS-232 or USB connection. The TLS-101 will respond with the active GPIB address. 3) Use National Instruments Measurement & Automation Explorer software to query the address of the TLS-101. This will display all devices on the GPIB. Note: The TLS-101 s GPIB address is stored in nonvolatile memory, so when the instrument is powered down and then powered up again, the active GPIB address will be the last one set. The accompanying program entitled GP_GPIB_ADDRESS.vi or GP_GPIB_ADDRESS.exe may also be used to identify the GPIB port by querying the Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 38 of 40

39 instrument with a serial, or USB connection. The GPIB cable must also be plugged in. A screenshot of the program in action can be seen below. Figure 15 Querying the TLS-101 with the GP_GPIB_ADDRESS program using a serial connection GPIB Control Connect the instrument to the computer with a GPIB cable. After determining/setting the TLS-101 s GPIB address, select the corresponding port number in the corresponding box of the LabView control program (see section 4.5.3) and run the control program. In addition to using the provided control program, individual commands can be sent through the GPIB port. Enter the GPIB address in the communication program being used. The instrument will then be ready to receive commands. The command list is given in Table 1 at the beginning of section To ensure proper communication, use a GPIB cable that is fully compatible with the IEEE standard. All GPIB/IEEE 488 interface connections must be made before turning on the instruments. Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 39 of 40

40 Section 5. Technical Support General Photonics is committed to high quality standards and customer satisfaction. For any questions regarding the quality and use of the TLS-101, or future suggestions, please contact General Photonics Corporation at (909) (telephone) or (909) (fax), or by at General Photonics will respond to all customer questions within 24 hours during regular business hours. General Photonics can also be contacted by mail at: General Photonics 5228 Edison Avenue Chino, California USA Document #: GP-UM-TLS Page 40 of 40