PCI-1E

Port City Instruments, LLC | Wilmington, NC USA | +1-866-456-2488 | www.PortCityInstruments.com

TDLAS Controller Module

DESCRIPTION

The PCI-1E controller is designed to drive the external inputs of commercial laser controllers such as those from Arroyo Instruments, ILX, Stanford Research, and Eblana Photonics. It provides a variable-amplitude, continuous voltage ramp (linear or quadratic) with superimposed variable-amplitude sine wave for performing direct absorption or second harmonic (2f) spectroscopy.

Laser scan waveform generation and 2f demodulation are all-digital (FPGA-based) for reliable and stable phase relationships and minimum temperature drift. An onboard flash stores all waveform and demodulator parameters, which are setup via a PC/USB interface and GUI. The voltage output signal from an external detector preamp is processed to produce both direct transmission and second harmonic (2f) spectra. Synchronous trigger outputs (LVTTL) are provided for synchronizing external data acquisition systems.

Pressure and temperature (NTC thermistor) sensor inputs and conditioning circuitry allow monitoring of environmental parameters along with the spectra for further processing to extract gas concentrations, or to measure spectral line parameters such as line strengths and broadening coefficients. Sensor inputs and outputs are via separate 9-pin Dsub connectors on the rear of the unit.

Laser sweep rates are adjustable over the 0.1 Hz to 100 Hz range (10 ms to 10 s per sweep). Also available is a compatible data acquisition and display module (PCI-1C) for real-time spectrum monitoring and recording. Combined with a laser current and TEC controller, the PCI-1E and PCI-1C modules provide a complete system for direct absorption and 2f spectroscopy using VCSEL, DFB, ICL and Quantum Cascade lasers.

FEATURES

Output: 0 - 8V ramp, linear or quadratic waveform, programmable amplitude and period

1f Modulation: 31.4 KHz, 0 - 2V amplitude (p-t-p)

2f Demodulation: 62.8 KHz (all digital within FPGA)

Sweep Rate: 0.1 Hz to 100 Hz

Ext. Preamp Input: 0 - 10V range, 5K input impedance

Temperature Sensor Inputs: NTC thermistors (3)

Pressure Sensor Input: 0 - 5V input range. Stable 5.0V reference provided for ratiometric sensors.

Programming Interface: PC via USB and GUI

Dimensions: 8.5"W x 9.5"D x 3.0"H

Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.2 kg)

Power: +5 VDC, <0.4 A

The PCI-1E outputs are compatible with any data acquisition system capable of receiving 0-5V analog inputs. Our PCI-1C module is cable-compatible with the PCI-1E and can be used for spectrum acquisition and display on a Windows™ PC. Real-time spectra are displayed in an upper graph window. Spectra can be averaged, “captured” into the lower plot window for further investigation (zooming, panning, etc.) or saved to disk files.

The PCI-1C module is a separate unit that is also compatible with the PCI-FPGA-1A OEM controller board. See www.portcityinstruments.com for more information on the PCI-1C data acquisition module, and pricing.

PCI-1E PROGRAMMING GUI

Laser scan and 2f demodulator parameters are defined using a PC/USB interface and GUI. Adjustable parameters include the laser scan waveform (linear ramp, or a quadratic to correct for laser scan nonlinearities), 2f demodulator gain and phase, 1f frequency (limited range), 1f amplitude, scan period, and 2f offset voltage. Nonvolatile flash stores parameters between power cycles.

A compatible data acquisition and display module (part number PCI-1C) is available for spectrum acquisition and real-time display, spectrum averaging and storage, and other functions, or any I/O system capable of 0-5V input signals can be used.

ORDERING INFORMATION

Part Number: PCI-1E (PCI-1C)Phone: 866-456-2488Web: www.portcityinstruments.comPurchase Orders: Contact us for details. Visa/Mastercard/Amex/Discover

Port City Instruments, LLC | Wilmington, NC USA | +1-866-456-2488 | www.PortCityInstruments.com

PCI-1E TDLAS Controller Module

PCI-1C

PCI-1C Data Acquisition/Display Module

PCI-1C USER INTERFACE

PCI-1E PROGRAMMING GUI