openQCM Q-1
A Network Analyzer QCM shield
The openQCM Q-1 electronic mainly consists of a network analyzer that passively interrogates the quartz sensor by sweeping around its resonance frequency.
The actuation signal is generated using the AD9851 DDS/DAC frequency synthesizer and the output signal is read by AD8302 gain and phase detector, which can measure both the magnitude ratio (gain) across the quartz crystal and the phase difference between the actuation and output signals. The analysis of the gain curve allows the characterization of the sensor by measuring simultaneously the resonance frequency and quality factor. The main advantage of the scheme of measurement is the possibility to measure quartz sensor parameters in isolation without external circuity influences.
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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 slot 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
Teensy 3.6 inside its heart.
openQCM Q-1 mounts the powerful Teensy 3.6 ( developed by Paul Stoffregen) , a 32 bit Arduino compatible board using a 180 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 with Floating Point Unit. The high clock speed and the 32-bit technology drastically increase the ADC sampling time and the resolution of the measurements. This isa more advanced board which is well suited for more complex projects, also thanks to its micro SD card port mounted onboard.
openQCM has now unlimited extension possibilities for the Research.