Overview

The RaPo is a modular software tool for real-time control (positioning and data acquisition) of wide range of custom laboratory devices primarily in the field of material and biomedicine research. The software allows single- or multi-axial loading, testing unser controlled ambient conditions and simulation of physiological processes. All these experimental procedures may be combined with optical or X-ray imaging.

The software os capable of high-precision measurement with sampling rate up to 500Hz. The positioning precision is up to 50nm. The outpur data are contained in an ASCII based text file.

The software tool is based on an open-source project LinuxCNC. The control software is written in Python programming language and uses the LinuxCNC Python Interface to communicate with LinuxCNC internals through Python. For Graphical User Interface (GUI) development, a Qt framework in cooperation with PyQt binding for Python was used.

RaPo graphical user interface

Functionality

Multi-channel data acquisition, various types of sensors

• load cells
• thermometers
• acoustic sensors
• high-resolution CCD cameras, X-ray data

Experimental procedures

• linear loading
• custom functions from sampled data

Controlled sample environment

• sample temperature controlled by circulating medium¹
• controlled flow rate of the fluid
• preserving, stimulating and aggressive media²
• fluid flow controlled using a pump driven by DC motor

Real-time plor of the obtained data

Programmable scriptiong interface through Python (for creating complex and fully automated experimental methods)

1. heating and cooling platforms for operation in 0-80°C
2. simulated body fluid, purified water, corrosive fluids, etc.

Application

The software used for the overall control of the laboratory X-ray micro tomograph with integrated in-situ loading stage for mechanical testing under controlled ambient conditions.