MULEX
The MULEX Multi-room Expansion Card is intended to simplify the implementation and operation of interlock systems when combining multiple laser-controlled areas. MULEX advances in:
- Space Utilization
- Room Security
- Easy System Access
- Can accommodate up to five LCA
Description
Controller for Multi-room Interlock Systems
Many large laboratories use laser guards or curtains to divide a single large room into multiple smaller areas. The Multi-room Laboratory Expansion (MULEX) System allows these segmented labs to operate independently or be joined into a single laser-controlled area—ensuring flexible, safe, and compliant laser operations.
Lasermet’s MULEX system can accommodate up to five laser-controlled areas or interlock controllers and can be stacked along with other expansion cards for Lasermet’s Interlock Controller.
System Functions
The MULEX system operates in two main modes: Labs Joined Mode and Labs Separated Mode.
Labs Joined Mode
In Labs Joined Mode, the dividers between the laboratory areas are open, effectively transforming the space into a single large laser-controlled area. In this configuration, the master Interlock® Controller (ICS-9) takes full control of the system. All slave ICS units are automatically armed when the master is armed, creating a unified system.
Importantly, the slave units cannot be armed independently. If any ICS—master or slave—is disarmed, the entire system will trip, immediately disabling laser operation to ensure maximum safety.
Additionally, if one of the slave ICS units encounters a fault, it will register an expansion fault on the master ICS, preventing the system from being armed altogether. To clearly indicate the mode of operation, a mini sign is displayed reading “LABS JOINED” in amber.
Labs Separate Mode
On the other hand, Labs Separated Mode is activated when the laser-safe dividers are closed, allowing each lab area to function independently. In this setup, every room has its own ICS, which can be armed or disarmed without affecting the others. This ensures that multiple experiments can take place simultaneously in separate areas without interference.
A fault in one area does not impact the rest of the system, making this mode ideal for shared lab environments with multiple research teams.
To switch between these two configurations, the MULEX Mode Selector Switch is used. This switch ensures that the control logic of the system matches the physical setup of the lab—whether operating as a single space or multiple separate rooms. To indicate the mode of operation, a mini sign is displayed reading “LABS SEPARATED” in amber.
Enhance your MULEX Setup
LED Mini Sign
A compact wall-mounted indicator that provides a clear visual status of the lab configuration or system mode.
IS-MECH-2 Interlock Switch
A mechanical interlock switch designed to detect whether a curtain is securely closed, ensuring safe system operation before laser activation.
MULEX Mode Selector Switch
To switch between configurations – ‘Labs Joined’ and ‘Labs Separated’, the MULEX Mode Selector Switch is used. This switch ensures that the control logic of the system matches the physical setup of the lab—whether operating as a single space or multiple separate rooms.
