Bioptechs' Temperature Control Algorithm Explained

Bioptechs' Temperature Control System Algorithm

The temperature of devices controlled by Bioptechs controllers stays within 0.1 degree of setpoint 80% - 90% of the time and goes as far as 0.2 degrees C from setpoint during the remaining 10% - 20% of the time while correction is occurring within the control loop. Therefore, although it only last for a few seconds, the total thermal drift is 0.2 degrees C after reaching setpoint.

The reason for this is the following:
To prevent overshoot the output of the control circuit ramps down as the device reaches setpoint and reduces a percentage of the energy when setpoint is reached. The control resolution is 0.1 degree C. The target regulation is to hold the temperature within 0.1 degree C. However, given outside forces and entropy the temperature of the device can drift more than 0.1 degree C. That event triggers the circuitry to go into corrective mode. That is why we say 80% - 90% of the time the temperature is within 0.1 degree C of setpoint.

Reference Information

Industry Standard Thickness for Coverslip Glass:

#00 = 0.060 - 0.080              #2 = 0.170 - 0.250
#0 = 0.080 - 0.120                #3 = 0.280 - 0.320
#1 = 0.130 - 0.170                #4 = 0.380 - 0.420
#1.5 = 0.160 - 0.190             #5 = 0.500 - 0.600

Microscope Stage Types:

Single plate stage is defined by a thick metal plate that uses a separate mechanical specimen translator to slide the specimen on the surface of the stage. Friction occurs between the specimen and surface of the stage. The specimen sometimes is placed into an adapter plate.

Triple plate stage is made of three individual plates; bearing mounted, to eliminate friction between the plates. The specimen is placed in or on the top plate and both the specimen and the top plate move together. This is a premium stage with the best X, Y, Z stability.

Motorized Stages are usually of the triple plate type and provide automation and superior repeatability.