Close-up photograph of openQCM Q-1 Shield. Detail of the electronics
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A NETWORK ANALYZER QCM SHIELD

The openQCM Q-1 electronic is mainly comprised of a network analyzer, which conducts a passive examination of the quartz sensor by oscillating near its resonance frequency.

The actuation signal is generated via the AD9851 DDS/DAC frequency synthesizer, and the resultant output signal is detected by the AD8302 gain and phase detector. This component is capable of quantifying both the gain across the quartz crystal and the phase difference between the actuation and output signals.

The analysis of the gain curve facilitates the sensor’s characterization by allowing concurrent measurement of resonance frequency and quality factor. A significant advantage of this measurement approach is its ability to assess quartz sensor parameters independently, mitigating potential interference from external circuitry.

Photo of the openQCM Q-1 Shield with a black background

simultaneous frequency, dissipation and phase measurements

openQCM Q-1 is based on AD8302 RF/IF Gain and Phase Detector which is a fully integrated system for measuring gain/loss trought quartz sensor and phase difference between actuation and sensor reaponse.

integrated digital potentiometer

It is possible to tune the amplitude of the actuation signal using an I2C potentiometer. The use of a digital potentiometer allows you to programmatically change the signal input according to the measurement conditions.

I2C capability for easy sensors integration

The new shield has the capability to integrate different peripherals, for your own custom projects, using the standard i2c communication protocol. We used the I2C capabilities for the Temperature sensor, integrated in the new openQCM Fluidic Cell.

Expansion pinout for custom shields

The openQCM Q-1 shield has a lot of added lines exploiting all the functionalities of the microcontroller: 6 I/O and PWM channels, 1 physical UART, 2 ADC input, I2C lines, 2 I/O lines connected to the output connector.

USB for mechanical and electrical interfacing

We have chosen to mount a standard USB 3.0 connector for linking the main electronics to the external measuring cell. This way you can easily getand install the same connection system for your custom modules. We have not forgotten to give you the possibility to mount SMA connectors as well.

plug & play device

With a simple micro USB cable you can power and communicate with your device

THE CORE OF THE ELECTRONIC
The updated openQCM Q-1 now features the powerful Teensy 4.0, a 32-bit Arduino-compatible board powered by a 600 MHz ARM Cortex-M7 processor. This upgrade significantly enhances the ADC sampling rate and measurement resolution, ideal for more complex research projects. The incorporation of Teensy 4.0 extends openQCM's capabilities, opening up vast possibilities for research extensions.

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