Hello PJRC forum! I just joined
I have a new project, and I'm considering using the Teensy 3.6. I don't have much experience with microcontrollers... could I get some help with feasibility/planning/design?
The project is to build a scientific instrument that sorts cells/particles based on fluorescence, detected using a microscope. These particles are suspended in liquid and are flowing rapidly through the optical path (0.1 to 1 kHz), where they get excited by a laser and emit fluorescence. The fluorescence is then picked up by three photon multiplier tubes (PMTs).
The Teensy picks up the signals from three PMTs, performs some analysis, and then decides whether that particle should be sorted or not. If the particle is not sorted, nothing happens. If the particle is sorted, the Teensy should output a waveform which is sent to a high-voltage amplifier (output up to 1 kV, max freq. 100 kHz). The HVA signal diverts the particles in mid-flow, performing the sorting action. (If you're curious how this works, the phenomenon is called "dielectrophoresis".)
A second job for the Teensy is to communicate with a computer via USB, with two purposes. First, the operator needs to be able to visualize the signal from the PMTs in real-time, or near real-time. Second, the operator needs to transfer to the Teensy the parameters required for sorting (thresholds, etc... more on this later) and those defining the output waveform (which is sent to the HVA).
Lastly, the third job for the Teensy is to control the gain of the PMTs (with a control voltage of 0.5 to max 1.1 V), which is again defined by the operator on the computer.
How does this sound so far?
Here are some key performance parameters:
- particles are sensed at a frequency of 0.1-1 kHz.
- the output from the PMTs is just a voltage, 0-5V. The sampling rate should be above 50 kHz (I think up to 500 kHz is ideal).
- the output signal to the HVA needs some flexibilty; it could be anything from 0.1-100 kHz, depending on the particles (since dielectrophoresis is frequency dependent). The HVA in put is 0 to +/- 10 V DC or peak AC.
- The operator should be able to visualize the signal waveform from the PMTs over a period of 10-50 ms.
OK, I think that's long enough for a first post.. I'll put together a follow-up with more details soon. As a first set of questions:
- Does this project look feasible with the Teensy 3.6?
- What method for communication with the computer should I use? (USB Serial or USB Raw HID?)
- Any other thoughts, questions, comments?
Many thanks!!
I have a new project, and I'm considering using the Teensy 3.6. I don't have much experience with microcontrollers... could I get some help with feasibility/planning/design?
The project is to build a scientific instrument that sorts cells/particles based on fluorescence, detected using a microscope. These particles are suspended in liquid and are flowing rapidly through the optical path (0.1 to 1 kHz), where they get excited by a laser and emit fluorescence. The fluorescence is then picked up by three photon multiplier tubes (PMTs).
The Teensy picks up the signals from three PMTs, performs some analysis, and then decides whether that particle should be sorted or not. If the particle is not sorted, nothing happens. If the particle is sorted, the Teensy should output a waveform which is sent to a high-voltage amplifier (output up to 1 kV, max freq. 100 kHz). The HVA signal diverts the particles in mid-flow, performing the sorting action. (If you're curious how this works, the phenomenon is called "dielectrophoresis".)
A second job for the Teensy is to communicate with a computer via USB, with two purposes. First, the operator needs to be able to visualize the signal from the PMTs in real-time, or near real-time. Second, the operator needs to transfer to the Teensy the parameters required for sorting (thresholds, etc... more on this later) and those defining the output waveform (which is sent to the HVA).
Lastly, the third job for the Teensy is to control the gain of the PMTs (with a control voltage of 0.5 to max 1.1 V), which is again defined by the operator on the computer.
How does this sound so far?
Here are some key performance parameters:
- particles are sensed at a frequency of 0.1-1 kHz.
- the output from the PMTs is just a voltage, 0-5V. The sampling rate should be above 50 kHz (I think up to 500 kHz is ideal).
- the output signal to the HVA needs some flexibilty; it could be anything from 0.1-100 kHz, depending on the particles (since dielectrophoresis is frequency dependent). The HVA in put is 0 to +/- 10 V DC or peak AC.
- The operator should be able to visualize the signal waveform from the PMTs over a period of 10-50 ms.
OK, I think that's long enough for a first post.. I'll put together a follow-up with more details soon. As a first set of questions:
- Does this project look feasible with the Teensy 3.6?
- What method for communication with the computer should I use? (USB Serial or USB Raw HID?)
- Any other thoughts, questions, comments?
Many thanks!!