Newport Corporation has introduced its Conex family of affordable, compact, photonics control instruments. The product family features three new devices that connect easily via USB plug-and-play technology and allow simple, but highly functional PC-computer control solutions. Multiple units can be connected to a single USB port and for Conex-PSD9 and Conex-IOD models, the USB port also powers the modules, eliminating the need for additional power supplies and/or cables. The intuitive LabView-based utility program software provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for each module. A comprehensive set of LabView VIs (virtual instruments) are also available.
Three models are initially introduced. The first, the Conex-CC motor controller/driver is a very compact, low-cost motor controller/driver for Newport's low-power DC servo motor stages or actuators. The Conex-PSD9, a position-sensing detector, provides accurate XY position information of laser beams and is ideally suited for laser beam stabilisation, laser tracking and general beam diagnostics. The third, the Conex-IOD, is a highly versatile, general purpose I/O module that works with many third party devices and features both digital input/outputs and 12-bit analog input/output interfaces.
Newport states that its Conex photonics instruments are easy-to-use and are suitable for tasks that require an affordable solution when the use of a computer-controlled system is specified.