MDT694 In Stock

The MDT694 by ThorLabs is a high-performance piezoelectric controller designed to drive piezo actuators with precision and low noise. The MDT694’s high voltage capabilities and manual and external control options make it ideal for a wide range of applications, including remote alignment of single-mode fiber couplers, remote positioning, Fabry-Perot etalons, and more.

One of the key features of the MDT694 is its precision 10-turn potentiometer, which allows for manual adjustment of the drive voltage over the full operating range. This feature enables hands-off control of the piezo, taking full advantage of the high resolution of the piezo element. Additionally, the MDT694 provides external control of the drive voltage by applying an analog voltage (from 0 to 10V) to the front panel BNC input. This voltage is multiplied by a gain of 15 V/V and summed with the manual control voltage, enabling users to integrate the controller into automated alignment systems.

The MDT694 also features a front-panel mounted LED digital readout for monitoring the high-voltage output, allowing for precise voltage adjustments with the OUTPUT ADJ knob. The output voltage can be manually controlled between 0 and 150 VDC, which can also be described as a DC offset voltage since it will be summed with the external input control and RS-232 control. The output bandwidth will be affected in three ways, including the maximum no load bandwidth, which is 40kHz at 150V due to the open loop gain of the output amplifier. The maximum bandwidth will increase as the output signal amplitude decreases and will be limited by the maximum current rating.

In addition to its manual and external control options, the MDT694 also allows for an optional computer interface card to be installed. The RS-232 serial interface port enables remote control and monitoring of the output voltage, which can be connected to a PC running an ASCII terminal emulator program to access the interactive menu. For experienced programmers, the serial interface can be incorporated into a user program developed on a serial port system. To ensure the longevity and performance of the MDT694, it is recommended to clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap detergent or isopropyl alcohol rather than a solvent-based cleaner.