AFM Workshop

Atomic Force Microscope Ebox

Includes all of the electronics required to drive an AFM stage, including a Z stepper motor, LL-AFM force sensor and an xyz piezo scanner. To access the functions of the electronic board, LabVIEW applications software is also included.

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Description

Atomic Force Microscope Ebox - Scanning Probe Microscope Controller

Model: CS-3230

AFM EboxThe Ebox is a versatile Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) controller that may be used for controlling almost any SPM stage or experiment. Associated with the Ebox is SPM control software written in LabVIEW; VI's for this software are available. All of the schematics for the Ebox are provided with the product.

All electronic connections to the Ebox are at the rear of the unit. Communication with the control computer is with a USB cable. There are two connectors at the rear of the Ebox: a 60 pin connector for driving a Scanning Probe Microscope stage, and a 50 pin cable for connections to external applications.

 

Download AFM EBox Datasheet

 

Architecture

The Ebox architecture allows for large dynamic-range, low-noise scanning. This is achieved with an analog feedback GPID circuit for Z axis control, and a microprocessor controlled XY scan function, both the Z and XY scan functions have 15 stages of gain. Images are captured with a 14 bit ADC which, when combined with the gain control, gives 22 bits of resolution in the XY and Z axis. The electronic controller operates independently of the control computer. Z axis signals are measured at 8 separate points.

ebox-architecture

 

Cables Signals

AFM EBox Cable Pin

 

Software

Commands are sent and received to the microprocessor (MCU) in the EBox via an 8 bit digital bus found on the NI USB 6009 board. Below is an example of the timing used for sending bits to the MCU. Receiving bits has a similar protocal.

ebox-mcu

TIME DESCRIPTION
1 Interface idle and ready
2 Host drives a byte into data bus
3 Host asserts handshake A
4 MCU see handshake A is high
5 MCU reads byte from bus
6 MCU asserts handshake B
7 MCU see handshake B is high
8 Host releases data bus
9 Host de-asserts handshake A
10 MCU sees handshake A is low
11 MCU de-asserts handshake B
12 Host sees handshake B is low, return to idle state
   Communication timing with the MCU

 

Each bit sent to the EBox controls a different function. Although LabVIEW is used for the AFMWorkshop command and control software, any language capable of transmitting bits thought the NI ADC card may be used. The EBox documentation package includes a detailed description of all the programmable functions.

Specifications

Connection USB

 

XY Scanning

DAC Number 2
DAC Bits 24
Feedback Control GPID
Frequency 7khz
Voltage Range 0-150V
Gain Control 4 Bits
Bandwidth > 200Hz

 

Control DAC

Number 2
Bits 14
Frequency 2 Khz

ADC

Number 8
Bits 14
Frequency 48 Khz

 

Amplitude Phase Detection

Frequency Range 2kHz-800kHz
Output Voltage 10 Vpp
Gain Control Yes

 

Z Feedback

Type Analog
Control GPID
Sample Hold Yes
Voltage Range 0-150V
Gain Control 4 Bits

 

 

ebox-blockdiagram

EBox Block Diagram

 

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