US20040068511A1 - Software enabled control for systems with luminent devices - Google Patents
Software enabled control for systems with luminent devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040068511A1 US20040068511A1 US10/679,553 US67955303A US2004068511A1 US 20040068511 A1 US20040068511 A1 US 20040068511A1 US 67955303 A US67955303 A US 67955303A US 2004068511 A1 US2004068511 A1 US 2004068511A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- luminent
- control system
- configuration
- host computer
- software enabled
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000013178 mathematical model Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000012512 characterization method Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007619 statistical method Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008033 biological extinction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01S—DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT; DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IN WAVE RANGES OTHER THAN OPTICAL
- H01S5/00—Semiconductor lasers
- H01S5/06—Arrangements for controlling the laser output parameters, e.g. by operating on the active medium
- H01S5/068—Stabilisation of laser output parameters
- H01S5/0683—Stabilisation of laser output parameters by monitoring the optical output parameters
- H01S5/06832—Stabilising during amplitude modulation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/001—Measuring interference from external sources to, or emission from, the device under test, e.g. EMC, EMI, EMP or ESD testing
- G01R31/002—Measuring interference from external sources to, or emission from, the device under test, e.g. EMC, EMI, EMP or ESD testing where the device under test is an electronic circuit
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01S—DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT; DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IN WAVE RANGES OTHER THAN OPTICAL
- H01S5/00—Semiconductor lasers
- H01S5/06—Arrangements for controlling the laser output parameters, e.g. by operating on the active medium
- H01S5/068—Stabilisation of laser output parameters
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01S—DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT; DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IN WAVE RANGES OTHER THAN OPTICAL
- H01S5/00—Semiconductor lasers
- H01S5/06—Arrangements for controlling the laser output parameters, e.g. by operating on the active medium
- H01S5/068—Stabilisation of laser output parameters
- H01S5/06804—Stabilisation of laser output parameters by monitoring an external parameter, e.g. temperature
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
- H04B10/60—Receivers
- H04B10/66—Non-coherent receivers, e.g. using direct detection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R1/00—Details of instruments or arrangements of the types included in groups G01R5/00 - G01R13/00 and G01R31/00
- G01R1/02—General constructional details
- G01R1/06—Measuring leads; Measuring probes
- G01R1/067—Measuring probes
- G01R1/07—Non contact-making probes
- G01R1/071—Non contact-making probes containing electro-optic elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01S—DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT; DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IN WAVE RANGES OTHER THAN OPTICAL
- H01S5/00—Semiconductor lasers
- H01S5/06—Arrangements for controlling the laser output parameters, e.g. by operating on the active medium
- H01S5/0617—Arrangements for controlling the laser output parameters, e.g. by operating on the active medium using memorised or pre-programmed laser characteristics
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01S—DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT; DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IN WAVE RANGES OTHER THAN OPTICAL
- H01S5/00—Semiconductor lasers
- H01S5/06—Arrangements for controlling the laser output parameters, e.g. by operating on the active medium
- H01S5/068—Stabilisation of laser output parameters
- H01S5/06812—Stabilisation of laser output parameters by monitoring or fixing the threshold current or other specific points of the L-I or V-I characteristics
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01S—DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT; DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IN WAVE RANGES OTHER THAN OPTICAL
- H01S5/00—Semiconductor lasers
- H01S5/06—Arrangements for controlling the laser output parameters, e.g. by operating on the active medium
- H01S5/068—Stabilisation of laser output parameters
- H01S5/06825—Protecting the laser, e.g. during switch-on/off, detection of malfunctioning or degradation
Definitions
- the invention relates to methods used to control a system containing a luminent device.
- Possible luminent devices can be, but are not limited to, a laser, a light emitting diode, and a cold cathode fluorescent light.
- the invention teaches methods for control that rely on mathematical models that can be configured dynamically in order to satisfy the requirements for any luminent device.
- a Host processor carries out the configuration.
- Software enabled control is a method that allows dynamic configuration of the operation of a control system.
- the configuration can be done in a factory calibration or while the system is running in the field under the communication with a Host computer.
- the Host computer may communicate through a serial or parallel I/O.
- the control system has an expert system with built-in mathematical models and intelligence for the system with luminent devices, once the software enabled control system has been configured and given set points for desired target performance, it will regulate performance of the system with a luminent device in a manner that does not require intervention of the Host computer.
- the configuration database is generally not available to the user to ensure the system containing a luminent device is not accidentally changed.
- the Host computer may be allowed access to portions of the Configuration database in order to modify the operation of the system.
- the system contains performance optimization monitors based on predetermined criteria. The results of the monitors are available to the user or a Host computer through one of the available I/Os.
- An advantage of the present invention is that it allows flexibility to address various luminent devices using the same software architecture and similar algorithms. Thus, maximum leverage of code can be achieved.
- control system can be configured to address a specific luminent device allowing for compensation of manufacturing.
- control system can be configured to reside in a mixed signal microcontroller an ASIC or any other type of computer.
- FIG. 1 is a System Configuration Method for a software enabled control system for luminent devices.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a Software Enabled Control System for luminent devices.
- FIG. 3 is a Servo Control for a Luminent Device
- FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the Configuration Database.
- Software Enabled Control System is a system that is reconfigurable and uses embedded intelligence and decision-making to control hardware or mathematical objects used in a luminent system;
- FIG. 1 illustrates a system configuration method 100 for a Software Enabled Control System 106 .
- the method 100 consists of a Host computer 101 used for configuration of the Control System 106 .
- the Host computer can also be part of a larger system. Some examples of larger systems are a network, a liquid crystal display unit, or system containing one or more lasers.
- the Host computer 101 contains a Configuration Database 102 .
- the Configuration Database 102 contains information necessary to configure the control system 106 .
- the Configuration Database 102 information is sent to the control system by means of a Host computer I/O 103 , which can be serial or parallel. Data is sent to a Controller 104 .
- the Controller is the hardware where the software enabled control system resides.
- the Controller 104 may contain processing functions, embedded programs, analog signal acquisition, and analog or digital I/Os.
- the database information 102 is placed in a Configuration Memory 105 , which may be part of the Controller 104 but can also be an additional unit, such as a permanent storage unit consisting of optical or electrical storage technology.
- the Host Computer 101 retrieves configuration data from a database and places the appropriate information into the Configuration Memory 105 , which is part of the Software Enabled Control System 106 .
- the control system 106 then is able to apply control in the most optimal manner to the luminent system under control.
- Examples of data in the Configuration Database 102 are parameters for embedded equations, firing voltage for a fluorescent lamp, and information regarding electronic circuit connections.
- the Software Enabled Control System 106 is able to operate on its own without any assistance from the Host Computer 101 in the most optimal manner.
- the Controller 104 is connected to the Luminent Device System 107 by means of General Purpose I/Os 108 . These I/Os consist of digital input and output signals and analog inputs.
- the General Purpose I/Os 108 are used to obtain feedback information, and to issue control directions.
- the Luminent Device System 107 contains luminent devices and a variety of hardware used to produce light of various types. Examples of luminent devices are laser diodes, gas lasers, LEDs, and Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lights (CCFLs).
- the Luminent Device System 107 may also consist of sensors, electronic drivers, electro-optical devices, and special purpose integrated circuits. The reader will appreciate that the Luminent Device System 107 can be any device or system circuit that has the objective of generating light of any form.
- the Software Enabled Control System 106 is a software or firmware engine with embedded processes, algorithms, and special agents with an expert system. The engine is provided with specific details regarding the System 106 with Luminent Devices 107 by the data in the Configuration Memory 105 . Once the Software Enabled Control System 106 is given the specific configuration information, it will operate independently to effectively control any luminent device.
- FIG. 2 illustrates one of the numerous possible architectures for the Software Enabled Control System 106 .
- the Software Enabled Control System 106 consists of an Operating System 201 , which directs the operation of the various programs and the assignment of system resources.
- the Operating System 201 provides the flexibility to connect a variety of programs to be used by the control system in a modular fashion.
- a System Configuration 202 is a database, which contains the information necessary to set the specific modes of operation of the Control System 106 and also contains multiple mathematical models for the Luminent Device System 107 .
- the Luminent System Controls 203 consist of a set of programs used to carry out controls of specific devices within the Luminent Device System 107 .
- the Luminent System Controls 203 contain mathematical models and rules which are modified depending on the information set in the system configuration.
- the Host Communication Interface 204 is a program used to communicate with a Host Computer. Communication may be done through a serial I/O or a parallel I/O using a specific Serial I/O Driver 205 or Parallel I/O driver 206 respectively. Numerous protocols can be utilized. Examples of these protocols are 12C and RS232. The choice of the protocol for communication with the Host Computer is made by a selection in the system configuration.
- the Analog I/O Drivers 207 are a set of programs that determine how the Control System 106 interacts with analog devices used in the Luminent Device System 107 .
- the Analog I/O Drivers 207 may control analog to digital converters, or digital to analog converters.
- An Analog Signal Calibrator 208 is a software module used to process the input or output signal from the analog interfaces to the hardware in order to obtain precision data.
- the Analog Signal Calibrator 208 will contain an equation for each of the inputs. The equations may be linear or nonlinear and allow the program to apply corrections to the incoming analog data in order to obtain a high level of precision in the measurement.
- the parameters m and b specific for the sensor will reside in the System Configuration 202 and will be loaded by the Host Computer 101 either at the factory or in the field where the Host 101 is part of a larger system.
- the Expert System for Luminent Device Automatic Characterization 209 is a program, which characterizes the specific luminent device in a system. Due to manufacturing variations, a luminent device will exhibit variations in performance as determined by the specification parameters. An example of luminent device parameter variation is found in a control system for the Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lights. Each lamp will generally have a different strike voltage (voltage needed to first turn on a fluorescent lamp). In the case of a laser control system, each laser will have a different threshold and slope efficiency.
- the Expert System for Luminent Device Automatic Characterization 209 will utilize the analog inputs and outputs to collect data when the system is powered up. The data collected is analyzed with mathematical and statistical tools to obtain a performance profile for the specific part.
- the performance profile is used to update model equations which in turn are used in conjunction with Luminent Device Controls 203 to drive the luminent device in the correct manner to obtain acceptable performance.
- the Expert System for Luminent Device Automatic Characterization 209 is initialized with the selection of an algorithm used to obtain the characteristic profile. Selection is carried out through a flag that is set in the System Configuration 202 .
- Luminent Device Controls 203 consist of a set of algorithms used to drive a luminent device.
- the control algorithms may be servo controls, or other type of controls.
- the Luminent Device Controls 203 are initialized for the specific luminent device with parameters in the System Configuration 202 .
- the System Configuration 202 will store the damping coefficient and the servo gains used for the servo control of the luminent device.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a model for servo control of the lamp output.
- Luminent Device Controls 210 are a set of programs used to control the operation of the luminent device. These programs may consist of servo controllers or another type of control programs. Some other programs in the Luminent Device Controls 210 are the result of a characterization of the luminent device. The characterization is then rendered to a model, which resides in the Luminent Device Controls 210 . The System Configuration 202 then determines how the model is applied. As an example, consider the performance of a laser diode over temperature. The slope efficiency (output power per current into the laser), threshold current, and wavelength vary in accordance to generally nonlinear relationships versus temperature.
- the parameters are initialized in accordance with data in the System Configuration 202 , thereby allowing the customization of the control for a specific unit.
- the objective of the Luminent Device Controls 203 is to obtain a set point for any performance parameter of a luminent device.
- An embodiment of the Luminent Device Controls 210 is a servo control system. Servo systems have traditionally been used in motion control applications. This invention uses servos to solve problems with for luminent devices.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a Servo Control for a Luminent Device 300 .
- the System 106 will continuously operate in a manner that will automatically adjust an Output 307 to the value of the set point 301 .
- the Output 307 is any controlled variable of a luminent device 306 . Examples of controlled variables are luminance of a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp or, the wavelength, power, or current of a laser.
- An error 303 corresponds to the difference between the set point and the measured value of the Output 307 as given by a Feedback 302 .
- a Servo Controller 304 is a control process that determines the best way to drive the luminent device 306 in order to maximize the speed at which the Set Point of the control variable is achieved in a smooth and stable manner.
- the Servo Control for a Luminent Device 300 also consists of one or more Sensors 308 that measure the Output 307 . Once the Output 307 is measured, the signal is digitized with an A/D converter 309 and may be processed with a Signal Processor 310 to maximize signal to noise ratio.
- Servo controls offer numerous advantages. Since there is a continuous monitoring and adjustment of the Output 307 , the result is very precise.
- the various elements of the block diagram can be calibrated to a high degree of precision with appropriate parameters in the System Configuration 202 .
- the various blocks of the servo can be configured to address the control of any controlled variable.
- FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a Configuration Database 400 used for a laser control system.
- Column 401 displays examples of the diversity of parameters that the database contains.
- Parameters such as Laser Servo Gain, Servo Damping Coefficient, Measured Feedback, and Set Point for Extinction Ratio modify the performance of a feedback control system.
- the Overload detector and Eye Safety Shutdown settings modify operation of built-in programs.
- Threshold Detector Result and Temperature are results from measurements, which continually change while the Software Enabled Control System 106 is running and will generally be assigned to RAM locations.
- Flag for Selection of Laser Control Program selects from various programs for laser control the best match to the application.
- Scaling Factors for Drivers, Analog input 1 sensor offset, and Analog input 1 sensor gain relate to calibration of a sensor input and allow the use a variety of hardware platforms. Temperature coefficient for slope efficiency and the Exponential for Threshold equation modify mathematical models for laser characteristics in order to customize the control to a specific device. More than one model of temperature compensation can be made available depending on the specific laser. The specific compensation is chosen with the Flag to select the type of temperature compensation. The TEC set point and Wavelength set point are used to set the target values for servos used in wavelength tuning applications. The System resolution entry in the Configuration database 400 allows the use of A/D and D/A converters with 16, 12, 10, 8 or less bits of resolution. The Receiver gain setting is used to control the gain of an amplifier used in an optical receiver.
- Column 402 is the symbol for the parameter in the database.
- the Value 403 of the parameter in the Configuration Database 400 is loaded through a data path 404 , which uses a serial or parallel I/O.
- the data is provided by a Host computer 101 in the factory or in a field installation for a system or product.
- the software enabled control system contains built-in intelligence to regulate performance of the system with luminent devices. Once the system has been configured, it is independent of the Host computer 101 .
- the Software Enabled Control System 106 is capable of generating its own diagnostics with built-in data monitors. One of these monitors is a Servo data log.
- the objective of the Servo data log function is to record the information of the critical parameters that determine servo performance. Whenever a servo loop is executed, the values of several servo variables are recorded in RAM. Examples of stored variables in the servo performance monitor are:
- the System 106 has predetermined criteria in the Configuration database 400 used to check results of the servo operation.
- the criteria can be degree of stability of the controlled variable.
- All of the information obtained from the operation of the software enabled control system 106 is dynamically updated. This information includes performance measures, digital I/O port and analog I/O port status.
- the information can be made available to the Host computer 101 to inform the status of performance gages. Examples of gages are the percent of life remaining for the luminent device or any other failure mechanisms encountered that may warrant part replacement.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Optical Communication System (AREA)
- Feedback Control In General (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation in part patent for pending application for the Electro-Optic System Controller and method of operation Ser. No. 09/724, 692. This utility patent is also filed based on Provisional Application No. 60/457, 095 titled Software Enabled Control System for Electro-Optic Device.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to methods used to control a system containing a luminent device. Possible luminent devices can be, but are not limited to, a laser, a light emitting diode, and a cold cathode fluorescent light. The invention teaches methods for control that rely on mathematical models that can be configured dynamically in order to satisfy the requirements for any luminent device. A Host processor carries out the configuration.
- 2. Description of the Prior Related Art
- Present approaches use a variety of solutions. Existing control approaches for luminent device systems are generally based on specific analog or digital circuits to implement functions. The specific nature of these control approaches renders them inflexible and unable to change when the luminent device is changed, or with changing environmental conditions, situations in the field, or with the type of application. Changes to address different conditions need to be carried out with a laborious and time-consuming process of design and characterization. In the specific case of laser controls, some existing control systems utilize a variety of methods in circuit form or programmed in a processor. These methods are dependent on some form of control dependent on a specific algorithm. The prior art methods rely on an external characterization of the laser. These methods also are fixed for a specific laser. Many prior art methods also rely on elaborate and hardware-oriented implementations used to address the specific application. Any adaptations or changes to these controls also require laborious redesign and operation cannot easily be changed in the field as the luminent device ages.
- Software enabled control is a method that allows dynamic configuration of the operation of a control system. The configuration can be done in a factory calibration or while the system is running in the field under the communication with a Host computer. The Host computer may communicate through a serial or parallel I/O. Because the control system has an expert system with built-in mathematical models and intelligence for the system with luminent devices, once the software enabled control system has been configured and given set points for desired target performance, it will regulate performance of the system with a luminent device in a manner that does not require intervention of the Host computer. The configuration database is generally not available to the user to ensure the system containing a luminent device is not accidentally changed. For some applications, the Host computer may be allowed access to portions of the Configuration database in order to modify the operation of the system. The system contains performance optimization monitors based on predetermined criteria. The results of the monitors are available to the user or a Host computer through one of the available I/Os.
- An advantage of the present invention is that it allows flexibility to address various luminent devices using the same software architecture and similar algorithms. Thus, maximum leverage of code can be achieved.
- Another advantage of the invention is that the control system can be configured to address a specific luminent device allowing for compensation of manufacturing.
- Another advantage of the invention is that it is hardware agnostic. The control system can be configured to reside in a mixed signal microcontroller an ASIC or any other type of computer.
- Yet another advantage of the software-enabled control is that models can be dynamically changed in light of changing environmental conditions.
- FIG. 1 is a System Configuration Method for a software enabled control system for luminent devices.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a Software Enabled Control System for luminent devices.
- FIG. 3 is a Servo Control for a Luminent Device, and
- FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the Configuration Database.
- There are four elements, which are part the Software Enabled Control for Systems with Luminent Devices. These elements are:
- 1. System configuration method;
- 2. Software Enabled Control System is a system that is reconfigurable and uses embedded intelligence and decision-making to control hardware or mathematical objects used in a luminent system;
- 3. A configuration database; and
- 4. Dynamic performance optimization.
- System Configuration Method
- FIG. 1 illustrates a
system configuration method 100 for a Software EnabledControl System 106. Themethod 100 consists of aHost computer 101 used for configuration of theControl System 106. The Host computer can also be part of a larger system. Some examples of larger systems are a network, a liquid crystal display unit, or system containing one or more lasers. TheHost computer 101 contains aConfiguration Database 102. TheConfiguration Database 102 contains information necessary to configure thecontrol system 106. Some examples of the type of information in theConfiguration Database 102 are: Parameters used in a servo loop control algorithm, gain and offset scaling, and calibration factors for sensors used in the luminent device system, dynamic adjustments of wavelength for a laser, or selection of a control or calibration equation product. TheConfiguration Database 102 information is sent to the control system by means of a Host computer I/O 103, which can be serial or parallel. Data is sent to aController 104. The Controller is the hardware where the software enabled control system resides. TheController 104 may contain processing functions, embedded programs, analog signal acquisition, and analog or digital I/Os. Thedatabase information 102 is placed in aConfiguration Memory 105, which may be part of theController 104 but can also be an additional unit, such as a permanent storage unit consisting of optical or electrical storage technology. To create a new application, theHost Computer 101 retrieves configuration data from a database and places the appropriate information into theConfiguration Memory 105, which is part of the Software EnabledControl System 106. By changing the information in theConfiguration Database 102, thecontrol system 106 then is able to apply control in the most optimal manner to the luminent system under control. Examples of data in theConfiguration Database 102 are parameters for embedded equations, firing voltage for a fluorescent lamp, and information regarding electronic circuit connections. - Once the configuration is complete, the Software Enabled
Control System 106 is able to operate on its own without any assistance from theHost Computer 101 in the most optimal manner. - The
Controller 104 is connected to theLuminent Device System 107 by means of General Purpose I/Os 108. These I/Os consist of digital input and output signals and analog inputs. The General Purpose I/Os 108 are used to obtain feedback information, and to issue control directions. TheLuminent Device System 107 contains luminent devices and a variety of hardware used to produce light of various types. Examples of luminent devices are laser diodes, gas lasers, LEDs, and Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lights (CCFLs). - The
Luminent Device System 107 may also consist of sensors, electronic drivers, electro-optical devices, and special purpose integrated circuits. The reader will appreciate that theLuminent Device System 107 can be any device or system circuit that has the objective of generating light of any form. - Software Enabled Control System
- The Software Enabled
Control System 106 is a software or firmware engine with embedded processes, algorithms, and special agents with an expert system. The engine is provided with specific details regarding theSystem 106 withLuminent Devices 107 by the data in theConfiguration Memory 105. Once the Software EnabledControl System 106 is given the specific configuration information, it will operate independently to effectively control any luminent device. - FIG. 2 illustrates one of the numerous possible architectures for the Software Enabled
Control System 106. The Software EnabledControl System 106 consists of anOperating System 201, which directs the operation of the various programs and the assignment of system resources. TheOperating System 201 provides the flexibility to connect a variety of programs to be used by the control system in a modular fashion. ASystem Configuration 202 is a database, which contains the information necessary to set the specific modes of operation of theControl System 106 and also contains multiple mathematical models for theLuminent Device System 107. TheLuminent System Controls 203 consist of a set of programs used to carry out controls of specific devices within theLuminent Device System 107. Examples of these type of programs are laser driver controls, pulse width modulators used to control cold cathode fluorescent lamps, laser wavelength tuner controls, and thermoelectric cooler controls. TheLuminent System Controls 203 contain mathematical models and rules which are modified depending on the information set in the system configuration. TheHost Communication Interface 204 is a program used to communicate with a Host Computer. Communication may be done through a serial I/O or a parallel I/O using a specific Serial I/O Driver 205 or Parallel I/O driver 206 respectively. Numerous protocols can be utilized. Examples of these protocols are 12C and RS232. The choice of the protocol for communication with the Host Computer is made by a selection in the system configuration. - The Analog I/
O Drivers 207 are a set of programs that determine how theControl System 106 interacts with analog devices used in theLuminent Device System 107. In a specific embodiment of a hardware implementation, the Analog I/O Drivers 207 may control analog to digital converters, or digital to analog converters. AnAnalog Signal Calibrator 208 is a software module used to process the input or output signal from the analog interfaces to the hardware in order to obtain precision data. For example, regarding analog inputs, theAnalog Signal Calibrator 208 will contain an equation for each of the inputs. The equations may be linear or nonlinear and allow the program to apply corrections to the incoming analog data in order to obtain a high level of precision in the measurement. If a specific analog input behaves in a linear manner, the correction equations will be an equation of the form y=mx+b. The parameters m and b specific for the sensor will reside in theSystem Configuration 202 and will be loaded by theHost Computer 101 either at the factory or in the field where theHost 101 is part of a larger system. - The Expert System for Luminent
Device Automatic Characterization 209 is a program, which characterizes the specific luminent device in a system. Due to manufacturing variations, a luminent device will exhibit variations in performance as determined by the specification parameters. An example of luminent device parameter variation is found in a control system for the Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lights. Each lamp will generally have a different strike voltage (voltage needed to first turn on a fluorescent lamp). In the case of a laser control system, each laser will have a different threshold and slope efficiency. The Expert System for LuminentDevice Automatic Characterization 209 will utilize the analog inputs and outputs to collect data when the system is powered up. The data collected is analyzed with mathematical and statistical tools to obtain a performance profile for the specific part. The performance profile is used to update model equations which in turn are used in conjunction withLuminent Device Controls 203 to drive the luminent device in the correct manner to obtain acceptable performance. The Expert System for LuminentDevice Automatic Characterization 209 is initialized with the selection of an algorithm used to obtain the characteristic profile. Selection is carried out through a flag that is set in theSystem Configuration 202. -
Luminent Device Controls 203 consist of a set of algorithms used to drive a luminent device. The control algorithms may be servo controls, or other type of controls. TheLuminent Device Controls 203 are initialized for the specific luminent device with parameters in theSystem Configuration 202. For example, in the case of a servo type of control, theSystem Configuration 202 will store the damping coefficient and the servo gains used for the servo control of the luminent device. - FIG. 3 illustrates a model for servo control of the lamp output.
Luminent Device Controls 210 are a set of programs used to control the operation of the luminent device. These programs may consist of servo controllers or another type of control programs. Some other programs in theLuminent Device Controls 210 are the result of a characterization of the luminent device. The characterization is then rendered to a model, which resides in theLuminent Device Controls 210. TheSystem Configuration 202 then determines how the model is applied. As an example, consider the performance of a laser diode over temperature. The slope efficiency (output power per current into the laser), threshold current, and wavelength vary in accordance to generally nonlinear relationships versus temperature. These relationships can be rendered into a formula with parameters. The parameters are initialized in accordance with data in theSystem Configuration 202, thereby allowing the customization of the control for a specific unit. The objective of theLuminent Device Controls 203 is to obtain a set point for any performance parameter of a luminent device. - An embodiment of the
Luminent Device Controls 210 is a servo control system. Servo systems have traditionally been used in motion control applications. This invention uses servos to solve problems with for luminent devices. - FIG. 3 illustrates a Servo Control for a
Luminent Device 300. Starting with aset point 301, theSystem 106 will continuously operate in a manner that will automatically adjust anOutput 307 to the value of theset point 301. TheOutput 307 is any controlled variable of aluminent device 306. Examples of controlled variables are luminance of a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp or, the wavelength, power, or current of a laser. Anerror 303 corresponds to the difference between the set point and the measured value of theOutput 307 as given by aFeedback 302. AServo Controller 304 is a control process that determines the best way to drive theluminent device 306 in order to maximize the speed at which the Set Point of the control variable is achieved in a smooth and stable manner. The Servo Control for aLuminent Device 300 also consists of one ormore Sensors 308 that measure theOutput 307. Once theOutput 307 is measured, the signal is digitized with an A/D converter 309 and may be processed with aSignal Processor 310 to maximize signal to noise ratio. - Servo controls offer numerous advantages. Since there is a continuous monitoring and adjustment of the
Output 307, the result is very precise. The various elements of the block diagram can be calibrated to a high degree of precision with appropriate parameters in theSystem Configuration 202. In addition, the various blocks of the servo can be configured to address the control of any controlled variable. - Configuration Database
- FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a
Configuration Database 400 used for a laser control system.Column 401 displays examples of the diversity of parameters that the database contains. Parameters such as Laser Servo Gain, Servo Damping Coefficient, Measured Feedback, and Set Point for Extinction Ratio modify the performance of a feedback control system. The Overload detector and Eye Safety Shutdown settings modify operation of built-in programs. Threshold Detector Result and Temperature are results from measurements, which continually change while the Software EnabledControl System 106 is running and will generally be assigned to RAM locations. Flag for Selection of Laser Control Program selects from various programs for laser control the best match to the application. Scaling Factors for Drivers,Analog input 1 sensor offset, andAnalog input 1 sensor gain relate to calibration of a sensor input and allow the use a variety of hardware platforms. Temperature coefficient for slope efficiency and the Exponential for Threshold equation modify mathematical models for laser characteristics in order to customize the control to a specific device. More than one model of temperature compensation can be made available depending on the specific laser. The specific compensation is chosen with the Flag to select the type of temperature compensation. The TEC set point and Wavelength set point are used to set the target values for servos used in wavelength tuning applications. The System resolution entry in theConfiguration database 400 allows the use of A/D and D/A converters with 16, 12, 10, 8 or less bits of resolution. The Receiver gain setting is used to control the gain of an amplifier used in an optical receiver.Column 402 is the symbol for the parameter in the database. TheValue 403 of the parameter in theConfiguration Database 400 is loaded through adata path 404, which uses a serial or parallel I/O. The data is provided by aHost computer 101 in the factory or in a field installation for a system or product. - Dynamic Performance Optimization
- The software enabled control system contains built-in intelligence to regulate performance of the system with luminent devices. Once the system has been configured, it is independent of the
Host computer 101. The Software EnabledControl System 106 is capable of generating its own diagnostics with built-in data monitors. One of these monitors is a Servo data log. The objective of the Servo data log function is to record the information of the critical parameters that determine servo performance. Whenever a servo loop is executed, the values of several servo variables are recorded in RAM. Examples of stored variables in the servo performance monitor are: - PM. (Measured feedback),
- Err (loop error),
- PS (set point),
- PCONT (Servo control value), and
- Drive (Driver input to modify variable)
- The
System 106 has predetermined criteria in theConfiguration database 400 used to check results of the servo operation. The criteria can be degree of stability of the controlled variable. All of the information obtained from the operation of the software enabledcontrol system 106 is dynamically updated. This information includes performance measures, digital I/O port and analog I/O port status. The information can be made available to theHost computer 101 to inform the status of performance gages. Examples of gages are the percent of life remaining for the luminent device or any other failure mechanisms encountered that may warrant part replacement.
Claims (10)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/679,553 US20040068511A1 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2003-10-06 | Software enabled control for systems with luminent devices |
US11/397,651 US7185815B2 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2006-04-04 | Device for controlling multiple types of electroluminescent devices |
US11/537,504 US7850083B2 (en) | 1999-12-24 | 2006-09-29 | Digital control system for an electro-optical device |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/724,692 US6629638B1 (en) | 1997-12-11 | 2000-11-28 | Electro-optic system controller and method of operation |
US45709503P | 2003-03-24 | 2003-03-24 | |
US10/679,553 US20040068511A1 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2003-10-06 | Software enabled control for systems with luminent devices |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/724,692 Continuation-In-Part US6629638B1 (en) | 1997-12-11 | 2000-11-28 | Electro-optic system controller and method of operation |
US09/724,692 Continuation US6629638B1 (en) | 1997-12-11 | 2000-11-28 | Electro-optic system controller and method of operation |
Related Child Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/512,931 Continuation-In-Part US7154924B2 (en) | 1999-12-24 | 2003-01-13 | Method for configuring a laser operating system |
US11/397,651 Continuation-In-Part US7185815B2 (en) | 1999-12-24 | 2006-04-04 | Device for controlling multiple types of electroluminescent devices |
US11/397,651 Continuation US7185815B2 (en) | 1999-12-24 | 2006-04-04 | Device for controlling multiple types of electroluminescent devices |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040068511A1 true US20040068511A1 (en) | 2004-04-08 |
Family
ID=36814690
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/679,553 Abandoned US20040068511A1 (en) | 1999-12-24 | 2003-10-06 | Software enabled control for systems with luminent devices |
US11/397,651 Expired - Fee Related US7185815B2 (en) | 1999-12-24 | 2006-04-04 | Device for controlling multiple types of electroluminescent devices |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/397,651 Expired - Fee Related US7185815B2 (en) | 1999-12-24 | 2006-04-04 | Device for controlling multiple types of electroluminescent devices |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20040068511A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050099144A1 (en) * | 2003-02-06 | 2005-05-12 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling visual enhancement of luminent devices |
WO2005048659A2 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-05-26 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for optimizing power efficiency in light emitting device arrays |
WO2005051051A2 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-06-02 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling visual enhancement of lighting devices |
US20060181228A1 (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2006-08-17 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Device for controlling drive current for an electroluminescent device array with amplitude shift modulation |
US20070222400A1 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2007-09-27 | Jorge Sanchez-Olea | Method and apparatus for equalizing current in a fluorescent lamp array |
CN115085804A (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2022-09-20 | 青岛海信宽带多媒体技术有限公司 | Optical module and received optical power calculation method |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11894658B2 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2024-02-06 | Vixar, Inc. | Power monitoring approach for VCSELS and VCSEL arrays |
CN111868487A (en) * | 2018-03-20 | 2020-10-30 | 维克萨股份有限公司 | Eye-safe optical module |
US11609845B2 (en) * | 2019-05-28 | 2023-03-21 | Oracle International Corporation | Configurable memory device connected to a microprocessor |
US11632170B2 (en) * | 2020-06-04 | 2023-04-18 | Arista Networks, Inc. | Laser diode health monitoring |
US20230048659A1 (en) * | 2021-08-13 | 2023-02-16 | Macom Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. | Configurable optical driver |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5721579A (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 1998-02-24 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Light intensity controlling apparatus and image forming apparatus therewith |
US5850370A (en) * | 1989-09-01 | 1998-12-15 | Quantronix, Inc. | Laser-based dimensioning system |
US20050030744A1 (en) * | 1999-11-18 | 2005-02-10 | Color Kinetics, Incorporated | Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating illumination conditions |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3013533A1 (en) * | 1980-04-08 | 1981-10-15 | Siemens Ag | CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT WITH A LASER DIODE FOR TRANSMITTING MESSAGE SIGNALS VIA A LIGHT WAVE GUIDE |
US6836493B2 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2004-12-28 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. | Laser initialization in firmware controlled optical transceiver |
-
2003
- 2003-10-06 US US10/679,553 patent/US20040068511A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-04-04 US US11/397,651 patent/US7185815B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5850370A (en) * | 1989-09-01 | 1998-12-15 | Quantronix, Inc. | Laser-based dimensioning system |
US5721579A (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 1998-02-24 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Light intensity controlling apparatus and image forming apparatus therewith |
US20050030744A1 (en) * | 1999-11-18 | 2005-02-10 | Color Kinetics, Incorporated | Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating illumination conditions |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050099144A1 (en) * | 2003-02-06 | 2005-05-12 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling visual enhancement of luminent devices |
US7151345B2 (en) | 2003-02-06 | 2006-12-19 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling visual enhancement of luminent devices |
WO2005048659A2 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-05-26 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for optimizing power efficiency in light emitting device arrays |
WO2005051051A2 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-06-02 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling visual enhancement of lighting devices |
US20050116662A1 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-06-02 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for optimizing power efficiency in light emitting device arrays |
WO2005048659A3 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-09-15 | Ceyx Technologies Inc | Method and apparatus for optimizing power efficiency in light emitting device arrays |
WO2005051051A3 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-09-15 | Ceyx Technologies Inc | Method and apparatus for controlling visual enhancement of lighting devices |
US7151346B2 (en) | 2003-11-06 | 2006-12-19 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for optimizing power efficiency in light emitting device arrays |
US20070222400A1 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2007-09-27 | Jorge Sanchez-Olea | Method and apparatus for equalizing current in a fluorescent lamp array |
US20060181228A1 (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2006-08-17 | Ceyx Technologies, Inc. | Device for controlling drive current for an electroluminescent device array with amplitude shift modulation |
CN115085804A (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2022-09-20 | 青岛海信宽带多媒体技术有限公司 | Optical module and received optical power calculation method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7185815B2 (en) | 2007-03-06 |
US20060180667A1 (en) | 2006-08-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7949025B2 (en) | Laser optics integrated control system and method of operation | |
US7639952B2 (en) | Calculation of laser slope efficiency in an optical transceiver module | |
US20040068511A1 (en) | Software enabled control for systems with luminent devices | |
US20060189511A1 (en) | Method for cytoprotection through mdm2 and hdm2 inhibition | |
US6836493B2 (en) | Laser initialization in firmware controlled optical transceiver | |
US7850083B2 (en) | Digital control system for an electro-optical device | |
US7106768B2 (en) | Laser light generator control circuit and laser light generator control method | |
US6885684B2 (en) | Laser control circuit and laser module | |
US7366214B2 (en) | Diode-pumped solid-state laser with self-maintained multi-dimensional optimization | |
US10727950B2 (en) | Method of controlling optical transmitter operable for pulse-amplitude modulation signal | |
GB2398945A (en) | Optical transceiver controlled by priority ordered task code modules | |
JP5011805B2 (en) | Optical transmitter | |
JPH06209290A (en) | Optical subsystem | |
US8861559B2 (en) | Method to drive semiconductor laser diode | |
US20070127530A1 (en) | Laser control | |
US20030174746A1 (en) | System for controlling power, wavelength and extinction ratio in optical sources, and computer program product therefor | |
EP1472764B1 (en) | Method of configuring a laser operating system | |
US11705968B2 (en) | Adjustment device and adjusting method for stabilizing optical characteristic parameters | |
EP1509977B1 (en) | Techniques for biasing lasers | |
CN114628991A (en) | Tunable semiconductor laser driving device | |
US6600147B2 (en) | Optical power source controller with control input approximation | |
US20030025972A1 (en) | Multi-channel laser driver with individually programmable channels | |
CA2504691A1 (en) | Age compensation in optoelectronic modules with integrated temperature control | |
CN115398759B (en) | Laser system, related method and device | |
US20030113058A1 (en) | Control system for dynamic gain equalization filter |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SILICON VALLEY BANK, CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:CEYX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019910/0725 Effective date: 20070831 Owner name: SILICON VALLEY BANK,CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:CEYX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019910/0725 Effective date: 20070831 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SHEPERD VENTURES II. L.P., AS COLLATERAL AGENT, CA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CEYX TECHNOLOGIES, INC;REEL/FRAME:021006/0476 Effective date: 20070913 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CEYX TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE;ASSIGNOR:SILICON VALLEY BANK;REEL/FRAME:021547/0775 Effective date: 20080909 Owner name: CEYX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE;ASSIGNOR:SILICON VALLEY BANK;REEL/FRAME:021547/0775 Effective date: 20080909 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TECEY SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KG, LLC, DELAWARE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CEYX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021741/0441 Effective date: 20080829 |