Tag Archives: Quartz Crystal Microbalance

openQCM Q-1 Tech Specs

openQCM Q^-1

Dimensions: 143.1 x 66.8 x 26 mm
Weight: 50 g
Case Material: Nylon

Materials: PMMA or PTFE
Other materials: upon request
14 mm internal volume: 50 µL
25.4 mm internal volume: 200 µL (above the sensor)
O-ring: FKM

Materials: PMMA or PTFE
Other materials: upon request
Sample volume: range from 10 μl to 100 μl
O-ring: FKM

Standard Quartz Frequencies: 5 MHz and 10 MHz
Maximum Quartz Frequency: compatible with DDS Frequency output range (50 MHz)
Hosting diameter: 14 mm and 25.4 mm (1 inch)
Electrodes configuration: single side contact
Quartz sensors contacts: pogo-pin
Overtones Capability: YES (see measurement specs)

Frequency Monitoring: YES
Frequency Resolution: 1 Hz (minimum)
Dissipation Monitoring: YES
Dissipation Resolution: 10^-6 (minimum)
Overtones Analyses: YES
Overtones for 5 MHz quartz: up to 9^th overtone
Overtones for 10 MHz quartz: up to 5^th overtone
Measurement Mode: air, static liquid and flow liquid

Power Supply: 5 VDC
Electrical Connection: USB

AD9851 - DDS/DAC Synthesizer
DDS Frequency Output Range: DC to 51 MHz
DDS Clock Rate: 120 MHz
DDS Voltage Supply: 3.3 VDC
AD8302: RF/IF Gain and Phase Detector
Input Frequency Range: 0 - 2700 MHz
Gain Measurement Range: ± 30 dB
Phase Measurement Range: ± 90 Degree
Supply Voltages: from 2.7 V – 5.5 V
AD5252 Dual 256-Pos Digital Potentiometer
Resistance: 1 kOhm
I2C-compatible serial interface
Single supply 2.7 V to 5.5 V

Teensy 3.6 dev board
Processor: MK66FX1M0VMD18
Core: Cortex-M4F
Rated Speed: 180 MHz
Digital I/O: 58 pins
Voltage Input: 3V3 only (not 5VDC tolerant)
Analog Input: 25 pins
Analog Bits Usable Resolution 13 Bits
USB Communication
I2C Communications: 4 Pins
Serials UART: 6
Programming Language: Arduino Compatible

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openQCM by https://openqcm.com is licensesd under a Creative Commons

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openQCM Tech Specs

openQCM Wi2 Software

openQCM Wi2

Just connect the device and launch your application

The software interface provides all the necessary information to monitor in real time the frequency variations of the QCM in a fully automatic way. The software allows you to uniquely identify the device connected to the COM port, so you can simultaneously plug multiple devices to your PC. The experimental data can be stored in a data file for post-processing and custom analysis.

DowNload software

Download the latest version of the openQCM Wi2 software version 1.1 developed in java programming language

INSTALlation GUIDE

Windows OS

– Download and unzip openQCM_Wi2_v1-app.zip
– Open the unzipped folder and launch openQCM_Wi2_v1.exe application
– For windows there is a driver stand-alone installer here

Mac OS

– Download and install the latest version of Java Runtime Environment version 8u* for Mac OSX x64

– Download and unzip openQCM_Wi2_v1-macOS.zip
– Browse to openQCM Wi2 directory and open the folder …/RXTX-lib-natives
– Copy RXTXcomm.jar and librxtxSerial.jnilib and paste into /Library/Java/Extensions directory
– Open the terminal and type the commands below by replacing username with your proﬁle user name

export DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH=/Library/Java/Extensions
sudo mkdir /var/lock
sudo dscl . -append /groups/_uucp GroupMembership username
sudo chgrp uucp /var/lock
sudo chmod 775 /var/lock

– browse to openQCM Wi2 directory run openQCM_Wi2_v1.jar java application

Arduino-based code the easiest way to program your device

The Teensy 3.2 development board is fully compatible with the development environment based on arduino programming language. Take advantage of the simplicity of coding and the endless resources shared by the community for programming your scientific device. Based on FreqCount library developed by Paul Stoffregen the computing capability of the 180 MHz Cortex-M4F microcontroller allows frequencies up to 65 MHz to be measured.

DOWNLOAD TEENSY FIRMWARE

Donwload the latest version of the openQCM Wi2 firmware for Teensy 3.2 development board

Contribute to openscience community development

openQCM Wi2 is an open science hardware device and we encourage and support community participation in device development. The openQCM Wi2 source code is availabale on github. join the community and contribute to the development of the openQCM Wi2 software experimental data can be stored in a data file for post-processing and custom analysis.

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openQCM by https://openqcm.com is licensesd under a Creative Commons

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openQCM Q-1 Software

openQCM Q^-1

Real time Frequency and Dissipation Monitoring

Measuring frequency, phase and monitoring dissipation based on the analysis of the Lorentian resonance curve of the quartz. The software drives the DDS synth to passively stimulate the quartz crystal around its resonance frequencies and it acquires the amplitude raw data from the gain / phase comparator. The real-time acquisition of the resonance curve enables frequency and dissipation monitoring in real time.

DOWNLOAD Python Software 2.1

Download the latest version of the openQCM Q^-1python software version 2.1 developed in python programming language. You can download a stand alone executable application for Windows OS 64 bit or download the Python source-code for any platforms.

Python source-code INSTALlation GUIDE

Windows OS (only for not executable version)

– Download and unzip openQCM_Q-1_py_v2.1.zip
– Download and install the latest version of Anaconda3 for Python 3.7 version Anaconda3-5.3.0 (depending on your operating system)

– open Anaconda Prompt and type commands:

conda install pyqtgraph pyserial
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
python -m pip install --upgrade h5py
pip install progressbar

– make executable and launch app.py python application

browse to openQCM python directory ...\openQCM_Q-1_py_v2.1\OPENQCM\ 
right click on app.py file > open with > choose another app in this PC 
browse to Anaconda3 directory on your PC C:\Users\[your_user_name]\Anaconda3
select python.exe executable file 
double click on app.py file

Driver

– For windows there is a driver stand-alone installer here

for more info please read the user guide1

DOWNLOAD TEENSY FIRMWARE

Download the latest version of the openQCM Q^-1 firmware version python 2.1 for Teensy 3.6 development board

Arduino-based code the easiest way to program your device

Make open science by taking advantage of one the most popular and active community for collective research. The Teensy 3.6 development board is in the heart of openQCM Q-1 device and it is programmed using Arduino – based language. The main features of the microcontroller are the DDS synthesizer control, the voltage reading of the phase – gain comparator output through the ADC channels and raw data serial communication These advanced functionalities are made easier by the use of the arduino programming language.

Contribute to openscience community development

openQCM Q^-1 is an open science hardware device and we encourage and support community participation in device development. The openQCM Wi2 source code is availabale on github. join the community and contribute to the development of the openQCM Wi2 software

experimental data can be stored in a data file for post-processing and custom analysis.

openQCM – Powered by Novaetech S.r.l

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openQCM by https://openqcm.com is licensesd under a Creative Commons

Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

openQCM Wi2 Electronics

openQCM Wi2

More resolution and stability

openQCM Wi2 exploits the potentiality and simplicity of the Teensy microcontoller, an arduino compatible development board equipped with a 32 bit ARM processor. The electronic circuit is based on a high precision quartz crystal oscillator which automatically tracks in the frequency changes. The new openQCM Wi2 electronics is now capable of measuring frequency up to 65 MHz, allowing you to use a wide range of quartz sensors with different sensitivities

The core of the electronic

The SN74LVC1GX04 is designed for creating a crystal oscillator circuit with a buffered square-wave output. According to Pierce’s oscillator topology, the first inverter is used as a linear amplifier for crystal oscillator and the last three inverters guarantees a fast edge square-wave at the output.

The Teensy 3.2 Microcontroller

Frequency is measured using the library FreqCount, which counts the number of pulses during a fixed time using the microprocessor hardware timer. This procedure works very well at high frequencies, because many cycles can be counted during gate interval. Typical gate time interval is set to 1 second. Teeny 3.2 is capable to measure frequency from 1 kHz up to 65 MHz.

Optional Wi-Fi module

Thanks to the integration of the add-on module based on ESP8266 you can add internet to openQCM Wi2 device. ESP8266 module is an highly-integrated 80 MHz Wi-Fi microcontroller operating both as an access point and as a client. It has a TCP/IP stack with DNS support giving to the Teensy microcontroller Wi-Fi ability. This add-on module will give you the ability to monitor your experiment through any mobile device connected to your network.

Soon

openQCM – Powered by Novaetech S.r.l

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openQCM by https://openqcm.com is licensesd under a Creative Commons

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openQCM Wi2 Design

openQCM Wi2

More space for your developments

As with the openQCM Q-1, the openQCM Wi2 has been also designed with modularity in mind. Our idea is based on the assumption that it is much more efficient to have the possibility of using a single fluid module for all devices. The case of the main module is a perfect fitting of the electronics inside it. In addition, space has been provided to accommodate the optional Wi-Fi module or an extension PCB board that the researcher could design himself.

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One cell for all devices And SENSORS

The new openQCM fluidic cell module was born after more than three years of confrontation with the scientific community and is the synthesis of the most important needs we have experienced:

– pogo-pin sensor contacts;
– multi quartz dimension compatibility;
– multi-frequency housing compatibility;
– fine regulation of O-ring; pressure;
– Integrated temperature sensor;
– magnetic backreaction to sealing;

openQCM – Powered by Novaetech S.r.l

COOKIES & PRIVACY POLICY

openQCM by https://openqcm.com is licensesd under a Creative Commons

Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

FAQ – openQCM Wi2

FAQ Menu

Design and Hardware

Which is the diameter of the inlet – outlet holes of the window cell?

The openQCM window cell has two holes for tubing connection in application with liquids. If you look closely at openQCM cell window, you can see that the holes are slightly different. One of them is larger than the other. The dimensions of the of the inlet and outlet holes are the following:

Inlet dimensions – larger hole
ID = 0.9 mm
OD = 1.8 mm
Outlet dimensions – smaller hole
ID = 0.6 mm
OD = 1.6 mm

The precision machining is mainly due to the CNC milling machine that we used for making the window cell.

openQCM window cell inlet – outlet holes

Which is the best kind of tubing for application with liquids ?

We generally use Tygon® 2375-C high-purity tubing, manufacturer Saint-Gobain part number AJK00002. You can find the tubing technical specifications here

The tubing feautures chemical resistance, clarity and flexibility. They are also unaffected by acids, bases, ketons, slats and alcohols

Which is the best outer and inner diameter of tubing ?

You should use tubing whose outer diameter is OD = 3.2 mm and internal diameter is ID = 1.6 mm.

If you are using openQCM with a peristaltic pump we suggest to use a smaller tube for the one in the peristaltic pump, for example Tygon tubung ID = 0.51 mm. Actually you can reduce the frequency fluctuations by reducing the tube diameter in the peristaltic pump.

Can I use openQCM with a peristaltic pump ?

Yes of course you can ! openQCM is very effective in application with flowing liquids.
You can use the peristaltic liquid pump designed by Adafruit product id:1150. It works quite fine with openQCM. You should use an external power supply at 12VDC and connect inlet – outlet tubing for flowing the sample into the openQCM measurement chamber.

What is the material of the 3D printed openQCM case ?

The openQCM 3D printed case is made in Nylon strong and flexible plastic. This material is very adaptable, it is dishwasher safe and heatproof to 80℃ / 176℉ degrees. You can find the material datasheet here and design guidelines here

What is the thermal properties of the openQCM hardware case ?

The openQCM hardware case is 3D-printed using Nylon material. It is heatproof to 80°C and higher temperatures may significantly change material properties. The case material datasheet is available at this link

The window cell is made in Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Plexiglas trade name. The melting point is about 150° C, also you need to pay attention to the coefficient of thermal expansion which is roughly αV = (5–10)×10−5 K−1

The couple of O-rings in the measurement chamber is made in Silicone temperature range -60 to +200°C RS Stock No.527-9790 Brand RS Mfr. Part No.BS011 SIL70 The O-ring datasheet is available at this link

Electronics

What is the temperature range of the Arduino and openQCM shield ?

It is recommended to use the Arduino board and the openQCM shield in the working temperature range -40°C to 85°.

Where does exactly the I2C T Sensor measures the temperature

The I2C T sensor actually measures the temperature inside the openQCM device. In fact the sensor is embedded in the openQCM shield inside the hardware case, between the arduino micro and quartz crystal sensor. It is important to monitoring the temperature because the quartz sensor frequency depends on the variations in temperature.

Frequency behaviour

Why my frequency baseline are drifiting sometime?

Commonly, in a well set system the drifts are negligible.

In any way, the drift can occur for a number of different reasons.
The most common cause is due to temperature variations. For this reason openQCM mounts a temperature sensor, by which it is possible to verify in real time experimental thermal conditions.

General Questions

Is openQCM to all effects an high quality scientific instrument?

Absolutely yes! Despite openQCM is a low-cost device its accuracy and stability is fully comparable with most common scientific devices today present in the market.

openQCM is designed by a research team with years of experience in the mass sensors development. As matter of fact, openQCM team collaborate at calibration of QCMs onboard the ESA-ROSETTA space mission and developed a lot of scientific qcm and MEMS devices for space, biology, electrochemistry applications, etc.

Can I use openQCM in air or vacuum?

openQCM is a Quartz Crystal Microbalance whose design was conceived for use in air, in liquid and in vacuum. If you want to use the device in gaseous environment it is sufficient to remove the magnetic sealing chamber. So you will be able to use openQCM without further modification.

Can I use openQCM for educational purposes?

The high affordable cost and its easy of use makes openQCM the best choice for educational purposes. For degree student or for every level of school, this Quartz Crystal Microbalance device will increase the learning experience.

Software

The Arduino COM port is not recongnized. What should I do ?

You should update the Arduino driver. You can download the Arduino driver at this link drivers-arduinoIDE-1.0.6-x86.zip Unzip the folder and install the drivers.

Windows 8 OS driver digitally signed known issue
Sometimes Arduino is not recognized by Windows 8, because the driver is not digitally signed. In this case you should follow this tutorial.

I can’t upload the Arduino firmware. What should I do ?

Firstly you should verify that the Arduino driver is correctly installed on your computer.
If the Arduino driver is ok, in order to upload the openQCM arduino skecth you should add the external library FreqCount developed by Paul Stoffregen. Download the FreqCount library at this link and follow the Arduino guide Installing Additional Arduino Libraries in order to install the library.

Is openQCM software cross-platform ?

Yes it is. openQCM application software runs on the most common operating system Windows, Mac and Linux. For more info please follow the installation guide

General Questions

Is openQCM to all effects an high quality scientific instrument?

Absolutely yes! Despite openQCM is a low-cost device its accuracy and stability is fully comparable with most common scientific devices today present in the market.

Can I use openQCM in air or vacuum?

Can I use openQCM for educational purposes?

openQCM – Powered by Novaetech S.r.l

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openQCM by https://openqcm.com is licensesd under a Creative Commons

Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

About openQCM Wi2

openQCM Wi2

Exploiting the power of simplicity in high accuracy scientific measurements

openQCM Wi2 is the new OSH instrument based on Quartz Crystal Microbalance. As well as improving performance and extending the possibilities of use, Wi2 is the unique IoT scientific device using an optional ESP8266 Wi-Fi module that allows you to monitor your experiments anywhere in your lab network.

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STOP WALKING AROUND THE LAB

by choosing to integrate the optional Wi-Fi connection module to openQCM Wi2 you can now control your experiment remotely, within your network.
Not only can you control your experiment with your smartphone or tablet, but you can also solve any problems related to the integration of your instrument in special testing conditions or otherwise unreachable environments.

One measuring cell for all devices

The new openQCM fluidic cell module was born after more than three years of confrontation with the scientific community and is the synthesis of the most important needs we have experienced:

– pogo-pin sensor contacts;
– multi quartz dimension compatibility;
– multi-frequency housing compatibility;
– fine regulation of O-ring pressure;
– Integrated temperature sensor;
– magnetic backreaction to sealing;

An entire laboratory in one hand

Every detail has been studied to simplify the experimental activities of the researcher. Modularity, multi-sensor hosting, optional wireless connection for control of intra-network measurements.

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Increase your range of sensitivity

Thanks to its new Teensy microcontroller, openQCM Wi2 is now capable of measuring frequencies up to 25 MHz, allowing you to use a wide range of quartz sensors with different sensitivities.

openQCM – Powered by Novaetech S.r.l

COOKIES & PRIVACY POLICY

openQCM by https://openqcm.com is licensesd under a Creative Commons

Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

openQCM Q-1 Design

openQCM Q^-1

We have kept in mind thermal performances by designing each mechanical component of openQCM NEXT from scratch

A new concept design of Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring, that takes into account the wider research needs.

We designed the device into separate modules: a main electronic unit and a fluidic cell module. Starting from today, you will be able to independently modify one of the subsystems without the need to change the whole device.

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One simple gesture to mount it

The main electronics case is composed of 2 elements produced in 3D printing. With an innovative slot locking system, 2 simple screws are sufficient to ensure compactness and protection for the electronics. An ergonomic design ensures maximum handling for an instrument that was born to be portable.

One cell for all devices

The new openQCM fluidic cell module was born after more than three years of confrontation with the scientific community and is the synthesis of the most important needs we have experienced:

– pogo-pin sensor contacts;
– multi quartz dimension compatibility;
– multi-frequency housing compatibility;
– fine regulation of O-ring; pressure;
– Integrated temperature sensor;
– magnetic backreaction to sealing;

openQCM – Powered by Novaetech S.r.l

COOKIES & PRIVACY POLICY

openQCM by https://openqcm.com is licensesd under a Creative Commons

Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

openQCM Q-1 Electronics

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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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.

openQCM – Powered by Novaetech S.r.l

COOKIES & PRIVACY POLICY

openQCM by https://openqcm.com is licensesd under a Creative Commons

Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Case Dimension & Materials

Fluidic window

Open Window

Quartzes Compatibility

Measurement Specifications

Electrical

Electronic

Microcontroller

Just connect the device and launch your application

DowNload software

INSTALlation GUIDE

Arduino-based code the easiest way to program your device

DOWNLOAD TEENSY FIRMWARE

Contribute to openscience community development

Real time Frequency and Dissipation Monitoring

DOWNLOAD Python Software 2.1

Python source-code INSTALlation GUIDE

DOWNLOAD TEENSY FIRMWARE

Arduino-based code the easiest way to program your device

Contribute to openscience community development

More resolution and stability

The core of the electronic

The Teensy 3.2 Microcontroller

Optional Wi-Fi module

More space for your developments

One cell for all devices And SENSORS

FAQ Menu

Design and Hardware

Electronics

Frequency behaviour

General Questions

Software

General Questions

Exploiting the power of simplicity in high accuracy scientific measurements

STOP WALKING AROUND THE LAB

One measuring cell for all devices

An entire laboratory in one hand

Increase your range of sensitivity

a truly scientific instrument

powerful microcontroller

pogo-pin contacts

high modularity

fully open hardware

Wi-Fi scientific instrument

multi sensor hosting

plug & play

We have kept in mind thermal performances by designing each mechanical component of openQCM NEXT from scratch

One cell for all devices

A Network Analyzer QCM shield

simultaneous frequency, dissipation and phase measurements

integrated digital potentiometer

I2C capability for easy sensors integration

Expansion slot for custom shields

USB for mechanical and electrical interfacing

plug & play device

Teensy 3.6 inside its heart.