Vektrex-developed Control Panel Software Application is a comprehensive easy-to-use software application that is used to Connect, Configure and Control a SpikeSafe Current Source or Source Measure Unit, and Monitor either at your desk or remotely. Control Panel brings users a seamless experience by communicating with one SpikeSafe single or multi-source channel module. All SpikeSafe operating modes applicable to your pulsed source or source measure unit are available when using Vektrex-developed Control Panel Software Application. Learn More About SpikeSafe Operating Modes
Control Panel allows users to control their SpikeSafe, providing ultimate capability over your current source. Control Panel has various features that simplify virtually any load testing process. The application can set source current and compliance voltage. With the simple interface and remarkably easy-to-use settings, Control Panel can apply settings to a single or multiple-source channel module. Control Panel focuses on providing users proper testing consistency and ease of use with features that allow you to save presets, letting you save and recall all current source settings.
Set-Up and Configuration
Start using your SpikeSafe immediately with Control Panel’s easy connection and configuration abilities. Simply input the IP address associated with your Current Source and set your desired voltage and current.
From there, choose between any of the 50+ Vektrex SpikeSafe Current Source modes supported by your device and begin your pulsing to see just what your LEDs and VCSELs are capable of.
Control Panel makes it easy to continue to monitor your LEDs and VCSELs over time with the click of a button. The Control Panel software application will help simplify training and the process of getting to know the specifics of your SpikeSafe.
Control Panel and Vf
Measuring and viewing forward voltage (Vf) is important for many applications. With the enhanced Control Panel software application, view device forward voltage and heating over the pulse. Visualizing the pulse shape achieves an important goal – ensuring an ideal pulse shape for your application. Pulse shape is key to measurement repeatability. Visualizing the pulse shape will confirm the load tuning to avoid overshoot and compensate for cable impedance.
Vektrex’s easy-to-use Control Panel software application provides turn-key control of SpikeSafe current sources, SMU, and optional high speed spectrometers. This software pairing provides familiar LED and laser diode source/measure capabilities – with the added benefit of high-speed sampling, pulse visualization, and light measurement.
Control Panel and IV Curves
Modern day source measure units that supply short precise current pulses enable true constant-temperature I-V plots to be generated quickly and easily.
The Control Panel Software Application makes it possible to generate an IV Curve with your SpikeSafe Source Measure Unit without any additional equipment, programming or sequence code.
Easily validate vendor IV Curves to ensure your product development and research efforts are efficient. Visit our blog to learn more about using a fast precise pulsed SMU to improve high-power IV characterization and for a step-by-step video guide of how to generate an IV curve in Control Panel using the SpikeSafe SMU.
Quickly Develop Custom Testing Applications
SpikeSafe Series current sources include a text based SCPI API accessed via standard ethernet connection. Once connected via Ethernet, Control Panel uses the SCPI interface to control the Spikesafe (send and receive commands) and monitor the device (query and receive status updates). When SCPI logging is enabled, all SCPI commands corresponding to user actions are logged.
Custom software development is simplified by viewing and cutting/pasting the SCPI commands and sequences. Control Panel also includes the “Enable SCPI Logging” button for retrieving your settings and saving them to the desktop. The Control Panel software application will help simplify training and the process of getting to know the specifics of your SpikeSafe.
Control Panel and Light
Control Panel can be integrated with SpecWin Pro by Instrument Systems when using the CAS Spectrometer. SpecWin Pro makes light testing easier and simple, by integrating inputs and controls. SpecWin Pro provides the highest degree of functionality for the operation of Instrument Systems spectrometers. Integrated with Control Panel and SpikeSafe SMU, SpecWin Pro offers a complete solution for your testing needs.
Transient Protection
Vektrex designed Performance Series Current Sources offer Spike Safe Transient Response. This Transient Response limits device damage when failures occur. Typical Constant voltage sources run in constant current mode. For example, a 1000% Current Spike, which can happen with typical constant voltage sources, will kill your devices. Other current sources with low capacitance are similarly prone to killing your devices from even a 400% current spike.
Spike Safe Current Sources provide features such as providing options to configure over current threshold and rapid voltage change detection. Spike Safe digitally-controlled current sources with fast protection drastically limit damage from current spikes and protect your LED, VCSEL and LIDAR devices during testing.
Control Panel and Junction Temperature
With Control Panel and Vektrex SMU with optional hardware integrated BIAS or measurement source, it is possible to measure junction temperature and view data never before seen. Check out the Junction Temperature Measurement Toolkit.
Load Tuning
To achieve good rise and fall times with minimal overshoot, Spike Safe Current Sources include programmable compensation settings that can be set to accommodate a variety of load conditions. The ‘Load Impedance’ setting, accessed through the Control Panel Software Application, adjusts for cable length and load impedance.
The ‘Rise Time’ setting, also accessed through the Control Panel Software Application, controls the speed of the pulse rise and fall and shapes the rising edge. Slower settings provide slower, more controlled edges. These features make testing simple and safe.