© ICSPI Corp. 2007-2021
nGauge AFM User Manual 2.0
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Z Coarse
Controls the coarse Z tip position. Increasing this value retracts the tip
away from the sample, decreasing this value approaches the tip
towards the sample. This controls the AFM chip's integrated Z scanner
and should not be confused with the stage controls that raise or lower
the sample platform.
8.3.
Menu Button Advanced Controls
The Advanced Controls are not required for normal operation of the nGauge unit and should be
used by advanced users only.
To access the Advanced Controls, click on the button with three horizontal lines in the top right
of the screen.
Motor Controls
Controls the sample platform. Motor Speed adjusts how quickly the
platform moves.
Approach
makes the platform move up and
Retract
makes the platform go down, clicking either
Approach
or
Retract
takes a single step, while clicking and holding
Approach
or
Retract
moves the platform continuously.
PID Controller
Proportional is the proportional gain coefficient of the PI controller.
Integral is the integral gain coefficient of the PI controller. Setpoint is
the tip oscillation amplitude that the controller will try to maintain.
Enable/Disable turns the controller on or off.
DACs
Digital to Analog Converters (DACs) output analog voltages. These
voltages drive the X, Y, and Z actuators. The DAC controls allow you to
set the voltage level that is being applied to any of the actuators,
including the lateral actuators (X1, X2, Y1, Y2), the Coarse Z and Fine
Z, and the Leveling control (which is integrated into the Z actuator).
There is a conductive path to the AFM tip and the Tip control allows
you to set the tip voltage. All DACs range from 0-3.3V.
