Reference Terms

Below you’ll find a list of common reference terms that we use to define our products and explain technical information. Additionally, use the menu to the right to select a reference term you’re looking for. While this list is extensive, it may not cover everything. For any additional questions regarding our terminology or products in general, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Aperture Size

A shutter’s opening or aperture is specified in millimeters o(mm). Vincent Associates provides a number of aperture sizes, ranging from 2mm (primarily for laser systems) to 90mm (primarily for astronomy/telescopy).

Bi-Stable

Bi-stable shutters do not require power to hold the shutter blades in the active state—Power is only required to change the state of the shutter blades (fully opened, fully closed). With that in mind, bi-stable devices do not have a default state. These devices are controlled with an H Bridge type driver, which allows reversing the voltage to change the state of the device. Typical H Bridge type drivers are the VDM1000, VDM1000B and the ED12DSS.

Blade Options

Vincent Associates offers various types of shutter blade coatings and materials, each suitable for certain applications. Our standard shutter blade options are: Teflon (T), AiSiO (Z), and AlMgF₂ (ZM). In addition, PtIr (P) blades come standard on the XRS series x-ray shutters.

The following blade types can be ordered online:

• “T” – Black Teflon® over a stainless steel substrate
• “Z” – AlSiO coating over a BeCu substrate (Exclusive to the LS/ES6 Series)
• “ZM” – AlMgF₂ coating over a BeCu substrate
• “P” – PtIr (Exclusive to the XRS Series)
• “C” – Carbon impregnated PET (polyethylene terephthalate)

Please see our Blade Options page for more information.

Closing Bounce

Closing bounce is the maximum distance the blades will travel after the shutter has returned to the closed position. The amount specified is a percentage of the shutter’s specific aperture diameter.

Closing Time

Closing time is the maximum time it takes for the shutter blades to close from a fully-open position after the being activated.

Driver Compatibility

For use with VED24 or D880C (CS, VS, LS, and XRS Series)

The VED24/D880C compatibility option (“E”) should be added for customers wishing to operate CS, VS, LS, or XRS Series shutters with either the VED24 driver or D880C driver. When using the VED24 or D880C, certain modifications to these shutters may be required to allow for proper operation.

For use with VCM-D1 (CS, VS, LS, and XRS Series)

The VDM-D1 compatibility option should be added for customers wishing to operate CS, VS, LS, or XRS Series shutters with the VCM-D1 driver. When using the VCM-D1, certain modifications to these shutters may be required to allow for proper operation.

For use with VED24 (NS Series)

The VED24 compatibility (“VED”) option should be added for customers wishing to operate select NS Series shutters with the VED24 driver. When using the VED24, certain modifications to the NS Series bi-stable shutters are required to allow for proper operation.

For use with ED12DSS (NS Series)

The ED12DSS compatibility (“ED”) option should be added for customers wishing to operate select NS Series shutters with the ED12DSS driver. When using the ED12DSS, certain modifications to the NS Series bi-stable shutters are required to allow for proper operation.

For use with VDM1000 (NS Series)

The VDM1000B compatibility option should be added for customers wishing to operate select NS Series shutters with the VDM1000 driver (discontinued). When using the VDM1000, certain modifications to the NS Series bi-stable shutters may be required to allow for proper operation.

Electronic Synchronization

The electronic synchronization system provides a feedback signal (through the driver utilized) after the shutter transfers to the open state. For many Uniblitz shutters, the system incorporates an infrared emitting diode, an infrared sensitive detecting transistor, and an interrupting vane. The vane is attached to the shutter so as to block the light path between the emitter and detector in the closed position. When the shutter transfers to the 80% open position, the vane is removed from the infrared light path, allowing the emitter to switch the detector to the active state. The NS, DSS and TS series incorporate a Hall Effect Proximity sensor and a sensing magnet. When the magnet activates the sensor, the shutter is set to be at an 80% open position.

Encapsulated Coil – For use in Vacuum

The encapsulated coil (“EC” option in a part number) should be added to devices that are to be used in vacuum applications, and/or where the standard actuator coil provided may not be suitable. Vacuum levels up to 10-5 Torr have been utilized with this option. Additionally, further modifications are made to a shutter device to make it suitable for use in a vacuum: Material substitutions, and the special cleaning of components within the shutter assembly prior to assembly. For more information regarding these modifications, or for questions on lower vacuum requirements, contact us.

Housing

Unhoused

The unhoused style is the basic configuration of the shutter and is best suited for OEM applications.

Housed

The #2 or #3 housing styles allow for a number of mounting configurations. A 1/4-20 threaded hole is provided for post mounting. An optical external thread (rear side) and a number of threaded and/or clearance holes can be interfaced directly into your application or fitted with a variety of specific mounting options. See the mounting specifications of the series specified for particular mounting options provided. If you need a particular mounting option that is not in our standard list, please contact us.

Lifetime

A shutter’s lifetime is rated in “cycles.” One cycle is a full open and full closure of the shutter blades. Typical expected lifetime for most standard Uniblitz shutters is about 1,000,000 cycles, however certain modifications can substantially increase expected lifetimes.

Minimum Exposure Time (MET)

The minimum timing required to allow the shutter to fully open and then fully close – to complete one full operational cycle. This timing pulse, due to the dynamic operation of the shutter, will provide the fastest open and close timing. The timing specified at the MET will also change depending on the driver type used. The shutter timing, at the MET, is shown as typical or average, and the max value the shutter will provide. The open time is more consistent since the device is powered open and returns closed by spring.

Mount

A shutter housing enables a “Mount” option to be selected. From the “Mount” dropdown list provided in the Part Builder, choose “No Mount” or the specific mount to be added to your selected shutter device. For more information on which mount to choose, browse our Mounting Systems or contact us. Be advised: Some mounts, such as some associated with the VS14, VS25, and VS35, alter the overall outline of the shutter device. Please review the technical drawings for more information.

Normally Open

Normally open shutter devices remain open without power, and close when activated. Of course, this only applies to uni-stable shutter devices, since bi-stable shutter devices do not require power to hold the shutter blades in the open or closed state. The standard configuration for Uniblitz uni-stable shutter devices is “normally closed,” but most of them can be configured as normally open by special order. Please contact us for more information regarding this special option.

Opening Bounce

Opening bounce is the maximum distance the blades will travel back into the aperture after they have traveled to the fully opened position. The amount specified is a percentage of the shutter’s specific aperture diameter.

Opening Time

Opening time is the time it takes for the shutter blades to travel from the fully closed position to the open position. In shutter specifications, opening time is often referred to as the “transfer time on opening.” This specification shouldn’t be confused with “total opening time,” which is measured from the point at which the exposure pulse signal (used to open the shutter) is received by the driver.

R3 High Temperature

The “R3” high temperature option is a modification to a shutter which helps to minimize the effects of high ambient temperatures that could otherwise affect standard shutter operation.

As of April 2016, the R3 high temperature option is automatically included when purchasing a VS series shutter with AlMgF₂, or “ZM,” coated blades. Additionally, LS series shutters will no longer have a standard “R3” option.

RoHS Compliance

RoHS Compliance indicates that the materials in the shutter, driver, or accessory comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (or RoHS), which was adopted in February 2003 by the European Union. Previously, the “NL” option had to be be included in shutter part numbers to ensure that the shutter device meets these standards if required by the purchaser. But as of March 2016, all Uniblitz products are RoHS compliant by default. No additional options or modifications are necessary to ensure that a Uniblitz shutter, driver, or accessory meets RoHS standards.

Typical Exposure Time (TET)

The exposure time provided to the driver where, as you increase the exposure pulse in one msec increments, the shutter output (or the A-G time) will change in one msec increments. However, exposure times between the MET and the TET are certainly possible, be advised, the shutter’s A-G time may not change linearly until the TET is reached. This, of course, is based on tolerances in the shutter’s components, adjustments, environment, driver type, in specific customer specified drivers, etc. The timing specified at the TET is listed in a typical or average value and the max value the shutter will achieve with the driver specified. There are a number of driver types that can be utilized, however, and the driver used will change the timing profile. Therefore, if you plan to use a driver that is of an alternate design for your specific application, please contact us to make sure the shutter is calibrated to your specific driver.

Uni-Stable

Uni-stable shutters require power to hold the shutter blades in the active state, which is often the “open” state. A lower hold voltage is utilized to hold the device active once a higher voltage is used to initially activate the device. These devices will return to their default state if power is lost. The standard state is “normally closed,” so the blades will open when activated. If power is lost, the blades will return to the closed position. In most applications, shutters can be configured for normally open operation (available by special order).