FLUIGENT F-OEM Modular Pressure and Flow Controller User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- FLUIGENT
Table of Contents
F-OEM Modular Pressure and Flow Controller
User Manual
INTRODUCTION
Our F-OEM offers our highest performance, efficiency, and widest pressure and flow rate ranges to support the most demanding industrial applications, including microfluidic and nanofluidic applications. It is a standalone, modular platform that will perform complex fluidic operations. The platform allows one to choose the number of pressure modules, valve modules, and flow sensors.
The F-OEM consists of the main platform – the integration board – that supports up to 8 modules: pressure modules (different ranges, push-pull) and switch modules (for valve integration).
Integration board
Precaution: Do not plug/unplug the modules or touch the switches while the
system is powered on. It can cause the system to work unstably. Moreover, the
options on the ption switch are only used at the system start.
The switches labeled prog should never be changed positions, as it can cause
the system to work unstably. If so, please contact the support for further
guidance.
The integration board is the main platform that supports the F-OEM modules.
The schematic below shows the main components of the board.
The board consists of the following elements:
a. 4 submodules ports (DB15 connectors) to welcome pressure and switch modules
b. Main USB port for PC connection and Fluigent software use (RS-232 version
on demand)
c. Hub for managing 2 USB 2.0 devices Full speed 12 Mb/s | Low-speed: 1.5 Mb/s
d. Extension board port extends up to 8 modules
e. External 24V and control or 5V, depending on the jumper’s position on
voltage selector
f. Update button
g. Power supply port to connect a 2-pin terminal block + wires (provided in
prototyping kit)
h. Options selector 1: default external control state | 2: default LED state
(both at system start)
I. LED output to connect a LED
k. Power up safety LED
If additional submodule ports are required, it is possible to connect an extension board (from 1 to 4 additional submodule ports) to the main module.
P/N: PRM-FOEM-XXXX
Pressure modules
The pressure modules consist of pneumatic and electronical submodules.
a. Pneumatic sub-module
The pneumatic sub-module consists of a manifold and pneumatic valve. Pressure
supply and output are connected using 4 mm OD pneumatic tubing.
Different types of pressure modules depending on the pressure ranges are
available. One can mix together different pressure ranges (see pressure range
adapt part).
| 
---|---
Control range| Required pressure supply range
---|---
7000 mbar| 7100 mbar
2000 mbar| 2100 mbar
1000 mbar| 1100 mbar
345 mbar
69 mbar| 150 mbar
25 mbar
-25 mbar| -800 mbar
-69 mbar
-345 mbar
-800 mbar
a. Electronical submodule
The electronical submodule consists of the input and output pressure sensors
(connected to the pneumatic sub-module), and the flow sensor port to support
Fluigent flow ensors. A flow sensor can directly be connected to the pressure
module. Flow sensor range: from 0 – 1.5 μL/ min to 0 – 5 mL/min (see our flow
sensor offer).
P/N: SWM-FORM-4
Switch modules
The switch module can be directly connected to the Integration board. It consists of 4xRJ45 ports, allowing to control up to 4 valves. It can for instance control the following levels:
- Fluent 2-X: 3-port/2-way microfluidic valve
- Fluent M-X: 11-port / 10-way microfluidic valve for injection or selection of up to 10 different fluids.
- Fluent L-X: 6-port/2 position microfluidic valve. It is designed for precise sample injection or fluid recirculation in cell culture applications.
Prototyping kit
All the necessary components to start right-away your operations. Consists of
the following elements: USB cable, domino and electrical wires, 4 mm and 6 mm
pneumatic tubing (4 m).
Summary
F-OEM components
Integration board [INT-FOEM-4]| Main electronic board. 4 slots for pressure
or switch modules. Extension slots available (INT-FOEM-EXT-X)
Pressure modules [PRM-FOEM-XXXX]| Pressure: 25 mbar (0.36 psi) / 69 mbar (0.9
psi) / 345 mbar (5 psi) / 1000 bar 14.5 psi) / 2000 mbar (29 psi) / 7000
mbar (101 psi)
Vacuum: -25 mbar (-0.36 psi) / -69 mbar (-0.9 psi) / -345 mbar (-5 psi) / -800
bar (11.6 psi)
“Push-Pull” pressure & vacuum module: -800 mbar (-11.6 psi) to 1000 mbar (14.5
psi)
Pressure regulator [PRG-FOEM] if modules with different pressure supplies are
needed
Switch modules [SWM-FOEM-4]| F-OEM Switch control 4 x RJ45 ports
(Optional) Prototyping kit [FOEM-PROTO-KIT]| USB cable, domino, electrical
wires, 4 mm and 6 mm pneumatic tubing (4m)
SETTING UP
Precaution: Peripherals/submodules should never be plugged or unplugged while the system is powered on. This could result in malfunctions or system failures. The power supply is the last step of the setup.
Pressure modules connection
Connecting the pressure
module to the integration board To connect the pressure module to the
integration board, simply connect the electronic sub-module to the DB15 ports
of the integration board (see picture below).
NOTE: make sure that the main board is powered off when plugging or
unplugging submodules, as it could result in malfunctions.
Pressure inputs and outputs
Connect the pressure inlet and outlet using 4 mm pneumatic tubing. For the
Push-Pull model, connect your vacuum supply with the additional 4 mm speed-fit
dedicated to the vacuum.
a. Connect one pressure source to several pressure modules.
If using several pressure modules, one can connect them together using a
manifold (we can provide you with manifolds with different types of connection
if required, contact us).
b. Using different pressure supply ranges
If one mixes pressure modules with different working input pressure (e.g.,
mixing a 0 – 69 mbar pressure module that requires 150 mbar pressure input,
and a 0 – 2000 bar pressure module that requires 2100 mbar pressure input),
one can use a pressure regulator.
Fluent can provide a pressure regulator with suitable fittings if necessary
(reference: PRG-FOEM).
| Control range | Required pressure supply range |
|---|---|
| 7000 mbar | 7100 mbar |
| 2000 mbar | 2100 mbar |
| 1000 mbar | 1100 mbar |
345 mbar
69 mbar| 150 mbar
25 mbar
-25 mbar| -800 mbar
-69 mbar
-345 mbar
-800 mbar
Connecting Fluigent flow sensors
To connect the pressure module to the integration board, simply connect the
electronic sub-module to the DB15 ports of the integration board (see picture
below).
Note: We recommend plugging or unplugging anything ONLY when the main
board is powered off. Not doing so could damage the equipment or result in
malfunctions.
Connecting third-party sensors
Third-party sensors can be connected using the USB 2.0 ports of the F-OEM.
Switch modules connection
To connect the switch module to the integration board, simply connect the
module to the DB15 ports of the integration board (see picture below).
Note: always plug or unplug submodules while the main board is powered off.
Connecting Fluigent microfluidic valves
If one wants to use microfluidic valves with the F-OEM, simply connect the
microfluidic valve directly to the F-OEM Switch module using the RJ-45 cable
of the valve. The system will automatically be detected by our software (SDK
and Oxygen)
Digital controlled output (5V or 24V)
NOTE: these are digital outputs, which means they only control ON and OFF
states. Always use the same group connector points. To use the following
functions, report to the appropriate section in the Fluigent Software
Development Kit user manual.
The two digital outputs available are mainly to serve two purposes:
Ext. is designed to control a 2 or 3 wire system (e.g., small pump, 24V valve
with power draw, ) using the main power feeding and a control voltage.
The main power is 24V, whereas the control can be 24 or 5V.
It is selected using the small jumper labeled “V ctrl” next to the terminal
block. Its default state can be changed using the first switch of the 4way
switch labeled “options”. Note that the 5V is currently limited
P8: Control an external LED. This port is 0-5V and 5 mA.
USB Peripherals & others
The FOEM platform is equipped with a 2.0 USB Hub that can handle 2 additional
peripherals, which will then be bundled along with the FOEM’s USB. There is no
recognition by the FOEM as it only passes the information through.
For setting up-regulation with Third-party sensors, please refer to the
appropriate section in the SDK manual.
The FAN labeled output is a constant 24V output. It cannot be turned off.
Power supply
Connect your power supply to a 2-pin PCB terminal block, which is connected to
the power supply port of the F-OEM integration board (a terminal block and the
red/blue electrical wires can be provided separately in the prototyping kit).
The LED between the second submodule port and the button (indicated as (k) on
the scheme of the INT-FOEM) should blink 3 times (indicating the system is
correctly started up. If not, disconnect the power supply right away and
contact the support).
NOTE: peripherals/submodules should never be plugged or unplugged while
the system is powered on. This could result in malfunctions or system
failures.
SOFTWARE
SDK (software development kit)
The F-OEM is fully supported by Fluigent SDK. It has been ported to the most
popular programming language within the instrumentation field (LabVIEW, C++,
C# .NET, Python, and MATLAB). This SDK merges all Fluigent pressure
controllers and sensor instruments and provides an advanced regulation loop. A
specific function has been implemented or the F-OEM, which allows setting a
digital output ON or OFF on a controller:
fgt_set_digitalOutput: see page 42 of the SDK user manual For all the
functions and the user manual, visit the following webpage:
https://github.com/Fluigent/fgt-SDK
OxyGEN
Fluent OxyGEN software supports the F-OEM and its submodules.
The F-OEM will be identified and the same level of features of our end-user
products is available.
For more information, visit the OxyGEN webpage available here:
https://www.fluigent.com/research/software-solutions/oxygen/
SPECIFICATIONS
Fluent OxyGEN software supports the F-OEM and its submodules. The F-OEM will be identified and the same level of features of our end-user products is available. For more information, visit the OxyGEN webpage available here:https://www.fluigent.com/research/software- solutions/oxygen/.
WARRANTY TERMS
Fluent warrants to Customer that for a period of one (1) year following delivery of the Product to the Customer, the Products, and the Software embedded, shall be free from defects in material or workmanship and shall substantially conform to Fluigent’s specifications for such Products and Software. For additional information, visit our “Terms & Conditions of Sale” webpage available on the following URL: https://www.fluigent.com/legal- notices/.
CONTACTS
Technical support
Still, have questions? E-mail us at:
support@fluigent.com
or call our technical support team directly
Fluent S.A.S. : +33 1 77 01 82 65
Fluent Inc. : +1 (978) 934 5283
Fluent GmbH : +49 3641 277 652
Interested in our products?
To view our complete product line along with application notes, please visit:
www.fluigent.com
For commercial requests, please e-mail us at:
sales@fluigent.com
VERSION
JUN. 2022
Documents / Resources
|
FLUIGENT F-OEM Modular Pressure and Flow
Controller
[pdf] User Manual
F-OEM, Modular Pressure and Flow Controller, F-OEM Modular Pressure and Flow
Controller
---|---
References
- Smart Microfluidics - Fluigent
- OxyGEN - Fluigent
- GitHub - Fluigent/fgt-SDK: Fluigent Software Developement Kit
- Terms & Conditions of Sale - Fluigent
- OxyGEN - Fluigent