Tag Archives: Viscoelastic

openQCM NEXT Tech Specs

openQCM Q^-1

Physical quantities: Frequency and Dissipation
Measurement mode: Simultaneous multi - overtones (up to 9th @ 5 MHZ)
Minimum Sampling time: ~ 125 ms for each harmonic
Frequency sensitivity: ± 1 Hz
Dissipation sensitivity: ~ 0.1 x 10-6

Nominal working range: 15 °C - 45 °C
Control direction: Heating and Cooling
TEC element: Peltier

Number of sensors: Single
Sensor frequencies: 5 MHz and 10 MHz
Blank diameter: 14mm
Contact electrodes: Wrapped (Single side contact)

Default Fluidic module material: Nichel electroplating Stainless steel (top cover exposed to the sample) , Flash chrome plating Aluminium (bottom)
Fluidic module window material: Quartz glass, Viton (FKM) oring and PTFE sealing
Heat sink material: Flash chrome plating Aluminium
Main case material: Aluminum 6061 and Nylon plastic PA2200
Main Dimension: (L x W x H): 20 x 8 x 4 cm
Fluidic module dimensions: (L x W x H): 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 cm
Weight: 260 g

Main electronics: USB 5VDC powered (cable included)
Peltier module: 5 VDC through 220/110 VAC adaptor (adaptor 220VAC - 5VDC USB included)

Control unit core: Teensy 4.0 based on ARM Cortex-M7 at 600 MHz, Float point math unit, 64 & 32 bits 1984K Flash, 1024K RAM (512K tightly coupled) 1K EEPROM (emulated)Stainless steel, aluminum
Programming language: C++ arduino - language based code

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openQCM NEXT Software

openQCM NEXT

The software user interface able to exploit all the functionality of openQCM NEXT

The openQCM NEXT software application is developed in Python an open source, object – oriented and suited for scientific application programming language. Python makes the software program easy to modify and develop for custom application.

DOWNLOAD Python Software 0.1.1a

Download the latest version of the openQCM NEXT python software version 0.1.1a 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

Under Contruction

DOWNLOAD TEENSY FIRMWARE

Download the latest version of the openQCM NEXT firmware version python 0.1.1a for Teensy 4.0 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 4.0 development board is in the heart of openQCM NEXT 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 NEXT is an open science hardware device and we encourage and support community participation in device development. openQCM NEXT source code will be availabale on github soon. join the community and contribute to the development of the openQCM NEXT python software

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openQCM NEXT Electronics

openQCM NEXT

A Network Analyzer QCM shield

As for the Q-1 the openQCM NEXT electronics 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.NEXT

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Teensy 4.0 inside its heart

openQCM Q^-1 is controlled by the powerful Teensy 4.0 (developed by Paul Stoffregen) , that mounts a ARM CortexM7 brings many powerful CPU features to a true real-time microcontroller platform. So, CPU performance is many times faster than typical 32 bit microcontrollers. The high clock speed drastically increase the ADC sampling time and the resolution of the measurements.

ACTIVE THERMAL CONTROL

Onboard the main electronics is mounted a miniaturised, safe and very high accuracy complete Peltier single-module controller: MTD415 (by Thorlabs). The MTD415T is a compact and highly integrated temperature controller optimized for use in high performance thermoelectric temperature control applications. The on-chip power stage and the thermal control loop circuitry minimize external components while maintaining high efficiency.

The output current is directly controlled to eliminate current surges. An adjustable TEC current limit provides the highest level of TEC protection. The MTD415T is operated from a single power supply and provides a bipolar ±1.5 A output by connecting the TEC to the output of a bipolar
power stage. True bipolar operation ensures temperature control without “dead zones” or other non linearities at low TEC current values. These TEC controllers deliver powers up to 6 W and a maximum TEC current of ±1.5 A.
The TEC controller supports a 10 kΩ thermistor, integrated in the Sensor Module of openQCM NEXT.

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openQCM NEXT Design

openQCM NEXT

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

OpenQCM NEXT design is the synthesis of all feedback received from the scientific community. We have come up with a characteristic bridge design, realised with the aim of maximising the thermal dissipation and electrical interferences of the electronics. The sensor module has been replaced with a custom heat sink, in which it is embedded a PTFE “slot”, housing the fluidic module. The fluidic module is the real holder of the quartz sensors, made to be a multi-purpose accessory

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SENSOR MODULE

The Sensor Module is designed to maximise electrical ad thermal performances of openQCM NEXT. Its main body is the effective heatsink of the system. All other mechanical components are totally embedded in the main body. We designed a PFTE slot that acts acontinuity thermal interface between cold and hot side of the Peltier element. The slot is further designed in order to have an effective plug and play mechanical and electrical connection of the fluidic module. All materials were carefully selected to ensure the broadest chemical compatibility with the samples to be analysed.

More than a simple holder

The fluidic module is the real core of openQCM NEXT. Composed of two metal parts: the lower part, made of electropolished aluminium will be in direct contact with the Peltier element, and the upper part, composed of Nickel electroplated stainless steel (or PTFE where the samples are particularly sensitive to interactions with metals). All other materials are specifically selected in order to have the widest range of chemical compatibility with your samples. The fluidic circuit is directly engraved inside the top cover of the module, in order to enhance thermalisation of the incoming fluid. Furthermore we inserted a silica glass window for visual or spectroscopic inspection. If you need for specific spectral bandwidth, silica window, can be easily removed, in order to be replaced with your own optical window. Furthermore the fluidic module is designed as a plug-ad-play accessory that can be easily unplugged for treatments “out of the device” (eg: ultrasonic bath, thermal baking etc.)

inlet and outlet

Inlet and outlet lines, enter in the measurement chamber with a
specific tilting angle, in order to reduce flow perturbation
effects on the baseline (eg.: peristaltic waves), mainly during the
pumping phase.

See below!

Just below the bottom quartz surface, a 10K thermistor monitors the internal temperature of the fluidic module. Electrical contact pads on its microPCB are produced by immersion gold technique.
This process, drastically reduce the oxidation effects and consequently a degradation of S/N
with the time.

a SIMPLE GESTURE FOR PIPETTING

The heatsink The system is designed to be tiltable and facilitate its use for pipetting.

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An exciting year

openQCM Sensor Module

Sensor Module

one HOSTING SPACE for all your sensors

With its innovative design we have made the sensor module compatible with a wide range of sensors and all the openQCM devices.

The sensor module is designed in order to mount both 14mm and 25.4 mm (1 inch) sensors and quartzes with different fundamental frequencies.

The sensor module can mount both a microfluidic window with tubing interfaces and an open window for pipetting samples directly on the sensor surface.

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microfluidic window

tubes hosting system

open window for pipetting

multi sensor hosting

Oring pressure regulation lever with magnetic counteraction

In order to host sensors with different thickness we designed a rotating mechanism that will provide a dual function. From one side it will be possible to regulate the cell height respect to the sensor surface. From the other hand it will be possible to fine-tuning the oring pressure above the quartz crystal surface. Our idea is to use a defined frequency shift as an indicator of the oring pressure upon the sensor.

Proximity electronics

The openQCM sensor module has a proximity electronics that ensure electrical connection with sensitive elements, using pogo-pins, and integrates an I2C temperature sensor characterized by a maximum resolution of 0.0625°C.

Dimensions: 66 x 50 x 26 mm
Weight: 43 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

Power Supply: 3V3
Typical operating current: 200 μA
T sensor: I2C

Frequency: from 1 to 25 MHz
Hosting diameter: 14 mm and 25.4 mm (1 inch)
Electrodes configuration: single side contact
Quartz sensors contacts: pogo-pin

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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 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.