The CX3000B is a PCB level controller powered by DC source and delivering custom power waveform to the inductive load shutter. Features motion dampening via magnetic forces. Small footprint, high performance at low cost.

OBSOLETE
See newer model CX4000B

Mechanical Drawing
Note: 3-D solid model available upon request (Solidworks or .stp file)

Electrical Drive Data

General Description: PCB level controller powered by DC source and delivering custom power waveform to the inductive load shutter. Features motion dampening via magnetic forces. Small footprint, high performance at low cost. Intended Use: Where switching performance is needed, especially on larger aperture shutters, providing performance rarely achieved on user-built circuits. Can drive all safety/process shutters and many modulation shutters. Calibration: Unit is factory set via trim-pots for use with a particular shutter model, and in the case of large optic shutters, calibrated additionally for gravity affects. Label on product denotes mating shutter model. Shutter Compatibility: Nearly all of our shutters can be driven with the CX3000B, with exception of the LS200, LS500, LS055, and some custom items. With higher performance shutters, the ultimate switching and repetition rate specs usually are compromised due to lower voltages used by the CX3000B. OEM Considerations: The small package integrates well into OEM machines. The nominal 24 VDC supply is common to many machines. Custom headers for input and output can be specified. Electrical Safety Issues:The elimination of AC voltages makes electrical safety certification in systems much easier. Nominal voltage in use is 24 VDC. Input Drive Signal & Connections: The input control signal can be TTL to 24 VDC. Positive polarity opens the shutter. The current path is a 3.3 K Ohm limiting resistor through an opto-isolater LED with a 1 V drop. Users should make sure the control signal can source appropriate current. For TTL this is about 1 mA. For 24 V, such as from a PLC, the current would be about 7 mA. Polarity markings shown on mechanical drawing page. Output Power and Connections: The output power is an inductive load waveform. Nominally 24 V is applied to the load for timed period of 1 to 50 msec, then PWM activity lowers the hold voltage to a long term level, typically 5-15 V. The shutter inductor is not part of the switching circuit, only an inductive load. Power–Up Considerations: The user’s power supply should be able to surge current into the CX3000B capacitor bank on power up conditions. In operation, surge current to the shutter load comes from the capacitor bank. If the available power supply is of minimal current rating, a soft start buffer should be considered. Input pads for power are spaced at 5 mm, with hole diameter of .065 inches. Line Voltage Considerations: Not applicable for this model. • Nominal Power Source, 24-28 VDC • Fusing , Not on CX3000B • Auxiliary Voltage Available, N/A • Physical Mounting , Four Clearance Holes – 0.150” dia. • Size , 5.05 x 2.70 x 1.10 high (varies w/app.) • Weight, 4 Oz Operational Connections and Procedures 1) Mount PCB with minimum 0.25 inch standoffs on board bottom. Keep standoff, washer, and screw head diameters within limits to avoid contacting traces on board. 2) Connect DC Power source. Build in fusing or surge control buffering if desired. 3) Attach signal source to header. 4) Attach shutter wires to Output header. Make sure shutter is thermally mounted. 5) Turn on power to DC Power source, apply input signal, shutter will be driven open.

Controllers for Laser Shutters Tutorial
The controller product line provides the source of electrical power to open and close the laser shutter. We offer a choice of AC line connection or DC supplied voltage to operate the controller. Controllers are calibrated and labeled for a particular model of shutter.

The shutter cable plugs into the controller receptacle. A signal source, such as a pulse generator or microprocessor output, is plugged into the BNC connector or screw terminal. Internally, DC power waveforms are generated and sent to the shutter whenever the input signal is high.

Controllers also provide a manual toggle switch or terminals for such connection, to allow the shutter to be controlled manually. Safety Interlock models offer additional output connections for shutter position sensor electronics.

The controller and shutter are very similar to a common amplifier and speaker system. The controller, as an amplifier, sends waveforms of inductive load power, and the shutter, as a speaker, is the inductive load receiving the electrical power. When the two are closely matched for the application, the performance of the design is maximized.

Simple DC circuits can be used to drive most electro-mechanical devices, including laser shutters. But when performance becomes demanding, the design features of the controller are tailored for the intended applications.

Models have design emphasis on one or more of the following features: rapid switching speeds, high repetition rates, exposure repeatability and jitter control, low shutter heat dissipation, shock/vibration/acoustic noise control, safety interlocking, and special OEM considerations.

The internal circuits vary greatly as performance features are combined. It is very important to choose the proper controller to assure maximum performance from the laser shutter.

The controllers are simple to use. After plug or wiring connections are made, simply apply the control signal. Whenever the signal is high (3-12 VDC), the shutter is opened. When the signal goes low, the shutter closes. The input is resistive, at about 3 K Ohms. Your signal source must be able to source the required current, typically 1 mA at TTL voltages.

Safety interlock models offer additional circuitry to read the Position Sensors built into the laser shutter. Either TTL totem pole outputs or mechanical microswitch contacts are accessed at the rear panel of the safety interlock controller models. These outputs toggle between hi/low (open/close) as the shutters cycle. The signals are useful for driving computer safety systems, amplified door lighting systems, LED displays, and processing software.

Other safety interlock features include a reset button, requiring acknowledgement of an interlock breach, and an interlock continuity connection, typically used with switches on laboratory doors or curtains.

When selecting a controller, first choose between a modulation type or safety interlock type, then review the features that match your application.

Below is an example of a simple Capacitor Discharge Circuit. It is very simple, but robust and low cost. All of our safety interlock shutters can be driven with this circuit as well as with our controller models. Modulation shutters typically cannot use this circuit due to recharging limitations.