Atomic Force Microscope Ebox
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Atomic Force Microscope Ebox - Scanning Probe Microscope Controller
Model: CS-3230
The 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.
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.
Cables Signals
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.
| 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 Block Diagram
