MF-PID Quad PID/PLL Controller

The MF-PID option consists of 4 configurable PID (proportional - integral - derivative) controllers. These controllers take a variety of different measurement data as the input quantity and they can provide fast feedback to a number of instrument parameters or analog output channels. Seamlessly integrated with the lock-in amplifier, the programmable PIDs enable operation in a wide range of applications such as the setup of phase-locked loops (PLLs) for the phase synchronization of two lasers, CEO stabilization and advanced AFM modes. The LabOne® PID Advisor helps to quickly find suitable parameters and displays step-responses and transfer functions to support in-depth understanding of the setup. During operation, the Auto-tune feature varies control parameters to minimize residual PID error.

EUR 5,200.00
Get Quote

MF-PID Key Features

  • 4 independent PID controllers with PLL capability
  • LabOne PID Advisor with multiple DUT models, transfer function and step-response display, adjustable target bandwidth
  • Auto-tune to minimize the residual PID error 
  • 50 kHz maximum loop filter bandwidth
  • ±1024 π phase-unwrap for demodulator Θ data
  • Low pass filter for derivative branch

MF-PID Upgrade and Compatibility

  • Can be upgraded in the field, no hardware changes required
  • Compatible with all other MF options

MF-PID Applications

  • Laser frequency stabilization, fiber-noise cancelation
  • Optical phase-locked loop, e.g. carrier envelope offset stabilization (CEO)
  • Advanced AFM modes, e.g. Kelvin-Probe, Tip Protection
  • MEMS measurements, e.g. gyroscope and resonator control
  • Nano-mechanical oscillators

MF-PID Functional Diagram

Phase-locked loop (PLL) mode

One important application of the PID controllers is the phase coherent synchronization of an oscillator - the phase-locked loop or PLL. In the most simple case a modulated signal is provided to the lock-in amplifier and the PLL serves to recover and track the frequency of the signal. One PID would then take the phase information from one of the demodulators as an input and provide feedback to the frequency of one of the internal oscillators. It is important to know that this principle can also be reversed and the good phase noise properties of the internal oscillators can, for example, be transferred to an external setup such as a laser system.

The optional phase unwrapping in PLL mode extends the input range to ±1024π, meaning a reliable feedback at start-up and robust operation throughout.

PID Advisor, Auto-tune and automatic Set-point Toggle

While the PID Advisor and the Auto-tune feature allow for easy and convenient setup of control loops even for the inexperienced user, the LabOne toolset provides all means to characterize the achieved performance. The Plotter visualizes PID error and PID output in the time domain and shows a histogram of the data, the SW Trigger can be used to record step responses when the PID set point is changed manually or automatically in toggle mode. These step-responses can directly be compared to the model functions of the PID Advisor to refine the parameters. The integrated Spectrum Analyzer displays the frequency domain data of the control loop signals to see "servo-bumps" and potential noise sources and the Sweeper enables characterization of transfer functions to gather a thorough understanding of the entire setup.

AFM Tip Protection with the Threshold Unit

The MF Threshold Unit can be used in combination with the PID controllers. In addition to tracking demodulator amplitude and phase values, PID errors, PID shifts and PID output signals can also be monitored by the Threshold Unit. Whenever any of these signals leaves the adjustable safety corridors for a defined amount of time, logical outputs can be generated in order to take action and avoid damage on the setup. Tip protection in AFM applications is a typical example where this functionality is successfully used.

MF-PID Specifications

Configuration 4 PID controllers with PLL capability
PID input parameters X, Y, R, and Theta from demodulator, auxiliary inputs 1 and 2, auxiliary outputs 1 to 4
PID output parameters Amplitude of signal outputs, signal output offset, internal oscillator frequencies, auxiliary outputs 1 to 4, demodulator phase offsets
Maximum PID bandwidth up to 50 kHz
PID minimum propagation delay 2.5 µs (Signal Input to Signal Output)
PID Advisor DUT models All pass, Low pass 1st order, Low pass 2nd order, VCO/laser setup, resonator frequency, resonator amplitude, internal PLL
PID Advisor graphical display options Bode magnitude, Bode phase, step-response, impulse-response; closed loop and open loop
Setpoint toggle rate 64 mHz to 1 MHz
PID data streaming PID error, PID shift and PID output values can be streamed at an adjustable rate, synchronized with demodulator data
PLL frequency range 1 to 500 kHz; 1 to 5 MHz, requires MF-F5M option
PLL bandwidth up to 50 kHz
Phase unwrap range ±1024 π

call +41 44 515 04 10
or leave us a message.