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Fast-switching & Communication
There are a number of ways to control precisExcite® remotely. For applications requiring fast-switching (microseconds) of wavelengths and short pulse excitation, TTL control is required. A current list is below. A SDK (Software Development Kit) is available on request.
- TTL Control
- precisExcite® PC Software Control Package
- precisExcite® Interface Package
- Interface using USB connection
- Integration with Imaging software packages (See Software Compatibility)
1. precisExcite® TTL Control
Direct control over excitation wavelengths can be achieved through direct communication to the microprocessor within the main unit. This is achieved by sending a user-generated TTL pulse to the Parallel TTL Port. Intensity values are set using the unit's control POD. TTL pulse switches each wavelength On or Off.
TTL control is measured in microseconds. Precise response times have been recorded and are shown below.
Using precisExcite under TTL control means that switching is achieved in around 300 microseconds. The combination of short pulses and the high intensity of CoolLED’s LAMs is particularly attractive for Live Cell imaging applications.
2. precisExcite® PC Software Control Package
This package provides a graphical software interface and drives the main unit through software instructions
The power levels for the various wavelengths are set by the sliders and the individual wavelengths are switched on and off by checking the appropriate 'On' box.
Controlling the 'on time' or exposure time can be achieved using the Pulse feature. The pulse width can be preset from milliseconds to hundreds of hours. The pulse can be triggered by checking of the 'Pulse' box (see Figure above).
An additional option is to run a pre-defined script which will run a sequence of wavelengths and power settings. There are also interactive stop/start and loop options. A series of example scripts are provided and the user can quickly learn how to define their own routines to meet their specific application requirements.
3. precisExcite® Interface Package
This package allows the user to operate precisExcite® using their own Application Controls, either through the precisExcite® PC Software Control Package, or directly to the main unit. In order to offer as much flexibility as possible, there are three methods of control interface provided.
- User's applications programmes (e.g. Visual Basic, C++) can interface with the precisExcite® DLL Enabler using .dll files and drive the precisExcite® unit using a TCP/IP protocol through the Ethernet interface.>
- User's applications programmes can send Script commands to the precisExcite PC Software Control Package using the precisExcite® DDE Enabler and .dde files and drive the precisExcite® unit using a TCP/IP protocol through the Ethernet interface.
- User's application can send Simple Textual Instructions directly to the main unit using the TCP/IP protocol through the Ethernet interface.
4. precisExcite® USB Interface
A fully-configured USB connection is fitted to the rear of the main unit. This allows full remote automation of the precisExcite unit with wavelength selection and intensity selected through the USB.
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