The Lambda HPX-L5 is a high-power LED illumination or light source device. The purpose
of the system is to be an illuminator for microscopes. No other use is recommended.
This instrument is designed for use in a laboratory environment. It is not intended, nor
should it be used in human experimentation or applied to humans in any way. This is not a
medical device.
Unless otherwise indicated in this manual or by Sutter Instrument Technical Support for
reconfiguration, do not open or attempt to repair the instrument.
Do not allow unauthorized and/or untrained operative to use this device.
Any misuse will be the sole responsibility of the user/owner and Sutter Instrument Company
assumes no implied or inferred liability for direct or consequential damages from this
instrument if it is operated or used in any way other than for which it is designed.
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Electrical
3
Operate the Lambda HPX-L5 using 110 – 240 VAC., 50-60 Hz line voltage. This
instrument is designed for use in a laboratory environment that has low electrical noise
and mechanical vibration. Surge suppression is recommended at all times.
Fuse Replacement: Replace only with the same type and rating:
2 Amp, 250V, 5 x 20mm, Time Delay fuse (EIC 60127-2)
(Example: Bussmann GDC-2A or S506-2A (RoHS))
A spare fuse is located in the power input module.
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury
Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the system’s
power adapter to a grounded/earthed outlet (3-prong). This is required to protect you
from injury in the event that an electrical hazard occurs.
Do not disassemble the system. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Electromagnetic Interference
To comply with FDA and CE electromagnetic immunity and interference standards; and to
reduce the electromagnetic coupling between this and other equipment in your lab always
use the type and length of interconnect cables provided with the unit for the interconnection
of its components (see the Technical Specifications appendix for more details).
Operational
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
Operate only in a location where there is a free flow of fresh air on all sides.
NEVER ALLOW THE FREE FLOW OF AIR TO BE RESTRICTED.
This instrument is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (Pollution Degree
I) that is free from mechanical vibrations, electrical noise and transients.
DO NOT CONNECT OR DISCONNECT THE LQUID LIGHT GUIDE BETWEEN
THE HPX-L5 AND MICROSCOPE ADAPTER (OR THE ADAPTER FROM THE
MICROSCOPE) WHILE POWER IS ON.
Operate this instrument only according to the instructions included in this manual.
Do not operate if there is any obvious damage to any part of the instrument.
Do not operate this instrument near flammable materials. The use of any hazardous
materials with this instrument is not recommended and, if undertaken, is done so at the
users’ own risk.
Do not operate if there is any obvious damage to any part of the instrument.
Avoiding Physical Injury while Powered up and Emitting Light
DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE OUTPUT OF THE LIGHT
APERTURE OF THE HIGH-POWER LED IN THE CONTROLLER,
THE CONNECTED LIQUID LIGHT GUIDE, OR THE ATTACHED
MICROSCOPE ADAPTER! Always direct the output of the light
aperture into the microscope using the appropriate adapters,
directed away from anyone’s eyes, and not directed toward any
reflective surface.
WARNING
INFRARED AND ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION: The infrared and ultraviolet
radiation generated by this lamp can cause significant skin burns and eye damage.
Other
Retain the original packaging for future transport of the instrument.
Sutter Instrument reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.
This device is intended only for research purposes.
Avoiding Physical Injury while Powered up and Emitting Light ......................................................4
Other ........................................................................................................................................................4
APPENDIX C. FUSE REPLACEMENT.............................................................................................25
APPENDIX D. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................27
INDEX ....................................................................................................................................................29
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. Lambda HPX-L5 indicators, controls, and connectors...................................................... 7
Figure 1-1. Lambda HPX-L5 indicators, controls, and connectors.
The Lambda HPX-L5 is liquid light guide coupled version of the Lambda HPX high-output
LED light source (illuminator). The liquid light guide allows for LED cooling via an internal
heatsink with a whisper fan, thus requiring less maintenance than the liquid-cooled directmount version. Designed around a single 90W 3mm LED die, the Lambda HPX-L5 provides
light output comparable to a 150W xenon arc lamp when using the same liquid light guide.
The Lambda HPX-L5 is optimized for coupling to an optional 5mm liquid light guide, and offthe-shelf microscope adapter. The HPX is expected to retain 95% of its original output at
5,000 hours, and 80% after 10,000 hours.
Because LEDs exhibit color shift with current change, the Lambda HPX was designed to dim
the LED using either PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) or current control. PWM control is
generally preferred for most applications as it allows the LED to run cooler. PWM switching
is at 28 KHz, high enough for use with most high speed cameras. For those with applications
intolerant of any pulsed output, dimming via current control is also available. PWM and
Current control are conveniently monitored and manually controlled via the display and
control knobs on the front panel of the MPX-L5. Integral shuttering time is 10 microseconds
to turn on and off. TTL input and output allows for triggering from either software or
directly from another device such as a camera or digital I/O board. PWM can also be
controlled externally via analog input. Active temperature monitoring insures that the LED
life is maximized.
Light output is in the visible spectrum from 400-729 nm. Special order units are available
with 630, 530, 460, and 405 nm wavelength specific LEDs. A two-channel system with any
combination of wavelengths can be configured by combining a Lambda HPX and Lambda
TLED/TLED+.
1.3 Technical Support
Sutter Instrument Company at no charge provides unlimited technical support to our
customers. Our technical support staff is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00
PM (Pacific Time) at (415) 883-0128. You may also e-mail your queries to info@sutter.com.
Furthermore, as this manual is currently under construction, if there are any areas that you
feel should be covered in detail we would like to hear from you.
The Lambda HPX and associated hardware comes packed in a single carton. The following is
a list of the components found there. If you believe that any of these components are missing
or show obvious signs of damage from shipping, please contact the factory.
1. Controller cabinet with factory-installed high-power LED assembly, control circuitry, and
power supply.
2. Power Cord
3. Manual
4. Adapter
5. One or more additional High-Power LED Assemblies containing different wavelength
LEDs, if ordered.
6. Small Zeiss female dovetail
7. Liquid Light Guide dovetail with C-mount extension
9
8. Liquid Light Guide (if ordered)
9. Microscope adapters (if ordered)
2.2 Installation Instructions
1. Turn power switch to OFF (“0”) position.
2. Plug power cable into the mains outlet.
3. In the typical application, the collimated light output of the Lambda HPX-L5 is focused
onto the input end of a liquid light guide. The lamp’s integral cold mirror allows the beam
to be focused without danger to the light guide.
The liquid light guide has a black “end sleeve” preinstalled over the brass ferrule on each
end. The two ends of the light guide are identical. The end sleeves are designed to slide
into the mounting flanges on the input and output lens tubes.
The lens tube on the input end of the light guide comes with the guide and looks like that
shown in the figure. The end sleeve slides into one end of the tube while the other end
holds a UV-grade, fused-silica lens system (25.4 mm diameter, 33 mm focal length). The
position of the sleeve in the tube can be later adjusted to optimize the light output from
the light guide.
The lens tube slides into the dovetail tube. The dovetail tube is used to fasten the light
guide and lens tube to the mating female adapter mounted either directly at the output of
the lamp or at the output of a filter wheel (location and control external to the Lambda
HPX-L5).
The output lens system, at the opposite end of the light guide determines the
characteristics of the output light. The output lens, lens tube, and mounting hardware
are integral parts of the microscope adapter system when ordered for the liquid light
guide. In many cases, the output parts are nearly identical to the input parts.
The output lens functions to recollimate the beam. By correctly positioning the light
guide sleeve in the output lens tube, the light guide output can be collimated (focused at
infinity). This is most easily done by shining the light (preferably filtered to remove UV)
at a uniform surface at least ten feet away and adjusting the position of the end of the
light guide to a point where the light casts a well-focused circle on the distant surface. At
10 feet, this circle will be about 6 inches in diameter, have sharp edges, be uniform, and
be quite brilliant if unfiltered.
The output lens tube is installed into one or more adapter pieces that mechanically and
optically couple the light into the microscope. In external adapters, the adapter system
mounts in place of the manufacturer’s lamp house typically on the back of the
microscope. In internal adapters, the adapter system is integral to the microscope, and
the output lens is positioned inside the microscope as close as possible to the back of the
filter cube-dichroic mirror assembly. This arrangement makes the most efficient use of
the collimated output beam.
Refer to documentation included with the individual microscope adapter for further
installation instructions particular to the adapter.
CAUTION: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LIGHT GUIDE HAS A MINIMUM-
BENDING RADIUS OF 40 MM (ABOUT 1.6 INCHES).
4. The Analog-IN and/or TTL-IN connections can be made to an external signaling source at
stage if desired.
Once all connections have been verified, the system is ready to be turned on.
LIGHT GUIDE! The output of the light or the light guide should be
directed into the microscope using the appropriate adapters, directed
away from anyone’s eyes, and not directed toward any reflective
surface.
WARNING: DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE
11
2.3 Configuring Input and Output TTL Logic
Input and output TTL logic is configured using the first three switches of the four-switch
DIP bank located on the control board inside the controller cabinet. To access the DIP switch
bank, remove left-side panel (left-side while viewing the front panel) by unscrewing the six
screws.
Figure 2-2. Lambda HPX-series left-side panel removed for access to configuration DIP switches.
While viewing the left side of the cabinet, the location of the DIP switch bank on the
vertically-mounted control board as shown in the following figure.
Figure 2-3. Configuration DIP switch bank as viewed head on and top-down.
The switches on the DIP bank are numbered 1 through 4 left to right. The definitions of
these switches and their positions are described in the following paragraphs and are
summarized in the table that follows.
2.3.1 TTL IN to TTL OUT Logic (Switch 1)
DIP Switch 1 determines the TTL OUT logic as synchronized with TTL IN.
When ON (default), the state of TTL OUT is the same as that of TTL IN
(i.e., when TTL IN goes low
also goes high
).
, TTL OUT also goes low; when TTL IN goes high, TTL OUT
When OFF, the state of TTL OUT is the inverse of that of TTL IN
(i.e., when TTL IN goes low
then goes low
).
, TTL OUT then goes high; when TTL IN goes high, TTL OUT
2.3.2 LED On/Off State Control by TTL IN (Switch 2)
DIP Switch 2 determines how the state at TTL IN determines the on/off state of the lamp
when the LED Control Switch is in the TTL position.
When ON, TTL IN going HIGH turns the LED on; TTL IN going LOW turns the LED off.
When OFF (default), TTL IN going LOW turns the LED on; TTL IN going HIGH turns the
LED off.
2.3.3 LED On/Off State while Transitioning Between LED Switch Positions ON and TTL
(Switch 3)
DIP Switch 3 determines the on/off state of the lamp when switching between manually
adjustable and TTL modes (from the LED switch’s ON or OFF position to TTL).
When ON (default), lamp turns on
When OFF, lamp turns off
.
.
After switching from manual control to TTL, TTL control of the lamp’s on/off state resumes
on the next transition of logic state at TTL IN.
Note that because the OFF position of the LED switch is located in between ON and TTL,
the lamp turns off while traversing the OFF position when switching from ON to TTL.
The position of DIP Switch 4 informs the control board’s firmware of the specific Lambda
HPX model it is controlling. This witch must be ON (Lambda HPX-L5 ( air-cooled lamp with
liquid light guide)).
ON* Lamp turns on (Notes 1 and 2) 3 Lamp state when switching
from manual control to TTL
OFF Lamp turns off (Note 1)
ON* Lambda HPX-L5 4 Lambda HPX model-specific
operation (Note 3)
OFF Lambda HPX
“*” = Default
NOTE 1: After switching from manual mode (LED switch position ON or OFF) to TTL mode
(LED switch position TTL), TTL control of the lamp’s on/off state will resume with the next
change of logic state at TTL IN.
NOTE 2: While using the LED switch to switch from ON to TTL, the lamp turns off while
transitioning through the OFF position (the OFF position is located in between ON and
TTL).
NOTE 3: Switch 4 must be ON for proper operation of the Lambda HPX-L5 (forced aircooled lamp with liquid light guide).
This chapter describes the operation of the Lambda HPX-L5. The locations of the individual
indicators, controls, and connectors are indicated in the following figure.
15
Figure 3-1. Locations of individual indicators, controls, and connectors on the Lambda HPX-L5 controller.
3.1 Indicators
3.1.1 Status Display
Displays intensity as a percentage and current level in terms of amperes.
This is a three-position toggle switch that is used to manually turn the LED on, off, or
activate TTL switching through the TTL-IN BNC connector.
ON: Manually turns on the LED for manual control.
OFF: The intensity of the LED is controlled via voltage range of 0-5 VDC applied to
ANALOG-IN.
TTL: LED on/off state is controlled by TTL triggering (via TTL-IN). Note that remote analog
control (via ANALOG-IN) is turned off when using TTL-IN.
3.2.3 ANALOG-IN Control Switch
Selects between LED dimming control through the ANALOG-IN BNC connector (REMOTE)
or manually using the INTENSITY (PWM) control knob (LOC-1).
REMOTE: Allows for the dimmed state of the LED to be controlled by a voltage (0 – 5 VDC)
applied to ANALOG-IN. The LED Control Switch must be set to OFF in order for dimming
via analog remote input to function properly. When controlling the LED’s dimmed state in
this mode, the status display turns blue.
LOC-1: Allows the INTENSITY (PWM) knob to control the dimmed state of the LED. For the
INTENSITY (PWM) knob to be effective, the LED Control Switch must be set to ON or TTL.
3.2.4 INTENSITY (PWM) Control Knob
Intensity (PWM) Knob: This knob dims the LED via Pulse Width Modulation. In essence, the
LED is being switched at 30KHz. This is the preferable mode of dimming for most
applications, as the LED will run cooler, and exhibit no color shift in the special output as the
light is dimmed. For the INTENSITY (PWM) knob to be effective, the LED Control Switch
must be set to ON or TTL.
The control of the intensity via PWM can also be controlled externally by connecting a 0-5
VDC source to ANALOG-IN connector. This external control is enabled by turning the
ANALOG-IN switch to the LOC-1 position and the LED switch to either ON or TTL. Note
that when PWM intensity control is set up for external control, the INTENSITY (PWM)
knob is disabled.
3.2.5 CURRENT Control Knob
Current Knob: Dims LED by adjusting the current delivered to the LED. Current control
may cause color shift in the LED’s spectral output. However, current-controlled dimming
may be preferable in situations involving the use of ultra high-speed cameras. For the
CURRENT knob to be effective, the LED Control Switch must be set to ON or TTL.
Note that the CURRENT knob is functional regardless of the positions of the LED and
ANALOG-IN switches, and manual or external state of intensity via PWM (manually
adjusting INTENSITY (PWM) knob or applying 0-5 VDC on ANALOG-IN input).
Provides the interface between the high-power LED (mounted inside the cabinet immediately
behind the connector) and the liquid light guide for which this connector is designed to
accommodate.
3.3.2 ANALOG-IN BNC Connector
An analog input from 0-5v controls intensity through PWM dimming.
3.3.3 TTL-IN BNC Connector
Allows for the control of the LED like a shutter. When the LED switch is in the TTL
position, TTL-IN is gated low, which keeps the LED in the OFF state. Once TTL-IN receives
a high signal, the LED turns on for the duration that TTL-IN is held high.
3.3.4 TTL-OUT BNC Connector
Outputs a triggering signal for external software. When the LED is off, TTL-OUT is high;
when the LED is on, TTL-OUT is held low the duration that the LED is on.
3.4 Fault Conditions
The Lambda HPX-L5 is equipped with a temperature monitor to maximize the life of the
LED. Should a fault occur, the screen turns red and the lamp is automatically turned off. If
the screen turns red, and the text is unchanged, the LED temperature has exceeded its safe
operating temperature. If the corner of the screen displays “Fan” when turning red, it means
that the fan has failed, and is no longer turning.
Routine cleaning of the Lambda HPX-L5 system is required to prevent excessive dust
accumulations. Wipe all exterior surfaces with a dry, soft, cotton cloth.
Periodically inspect all cables ensuring that all connections are made well and connectors are
evenly seated.
Sutter Instrument Company limits the warranty on this instrument to repair and
replacement of defective components for two years from date of shipment, provided the
instrument has been operated in accordance with the instructions outlined in this
manual.
Abuse, misuse, or unauthorized repairs will void this warranty.
Warranty work will be performed only at the factory.
The cost of shipment both ways is paid for by Sutter Instrument during the first three
months this warranty is in effect, after which the cost is the responsibility of the
customer.
The limited warranty is as stated above and no implied or inferred liability for direct or
consequential damages is intended.
An extended warranty for up to three additional years can be purchased at the time of
ordering, or until the original warranty expires. For pricing and other information, please
contact Sutter Instrument.
In the event that the controller fails to power up when the power switch is turned on, check
the line power fuses to see if either or both have blown. The fuses are located in the fuse
holder on the power entry module on the back of the controller. To remove the fuse holder
first unplug the power cord from the power entry module. Press down on the lever that is
located just above the fuse holder and below the power receptacle, and pry the holder straight
out of the power entry module.
Figure 4-1. Power entry module and fuse location on the rear panel of the Lambda HPX-L5 controller.
The fuse holder holds two fuses. Both fuses are of the same type and rating. If either fuse is
blown, it is recommended that both fuses be replaced.
The type and rating of both fuses are as follows:
5 x 20 mm glass tube, Time Delay (IEC 60127-2, Sheet III)
T2A, 250V
(Examples: Bussmann GDC-2A. GMC-2A or S506-2-R (RoHS); or