Starpoint Adaptive Optics

Data Sheet

Semi-Custom Drive Amplifier Solutions

Overview

Deformable mirrors have a wide range of drive requirements. The numerous permutations of channel count, drive voltage, drive current and frequency response mean that a semi-custom drive amplifier solution is often the best way to meet an individual requirement.

Starpoint offers a range of configuration options built around a portfolio of proven design elements. This combines demonstrated performance with the ability to meet one-off customer requirements.

The drive amplifier systems were Starpoint's first product offering. The early systems used technology licenced from the University of Durham, and provide a mature design with a proven record of reliable operation.

These systems can offer a simple, opto-isolated differential parallel data interface, a standard DAC format, and a user-specified high voltage amplifier stage. Enclosure options include 19" sub-racks. Channel counts are typically between 100 and 250, but much larger configurations can be provided.

System Specification

The spec. sheet presented here is given as an example of an available configuration.


	Common Digital Interface Card
	Data Format	16-bit Parallel Data; Data Strobe; Frame Sync.
	Electrical Format	RS-422 compatible; differential; opto-isolated.
	Data Transfer Rate	4 × 10⁶ samples / second
	Board Form Factor	Eurocard; 6U, 4HP (0.8") wide
	Common D-to-A Converter Card
	No. of DAC channels per board	32
	DAC Resolution	13 bits
	Board Form Factor	Eurocard; 6U, 4HP (0.8") wide
	High Voltage Amplifier Board
	No. of HV channels per board	30
	Output Voltage Range	-215V to +215V
	Output Drive Current (max.)	4mA
	Signal Bandwidth	1kHz @ -3dB corner
	Actuator Load Capacitance	6 nF
	Quiescent Power (max.)	1.4W / channel
	HV Amplifier Board Form Factor	Eurocard; 6U, 10HP (2.0") wide
	System Characteristics
	No. of drive channels in system	228
	No. of HV Amplifier boards in system	8
	Enclosure Dimensions	2 × 6U, 19" sub-racks.

The system listed here is of the type in use on the NAOMI common-user adaptive optics facility on the 4.2m William Herschel Telescope (right), where it has operated since the summer of 2000.

(Photo courtesy of the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes, La Palma.)