vDAQ

The vDAQ is a comprehensive data acquisition and control system tailored for high-performance microscope applications. It simplifies complex microscope wiring configurations by integrating a card and breakout box, removing the need for additional DAQ hardware. This platform supports galvos, resonant scanners, Pockels cells, piezo objective positioners, stages, and shutters, and more. It is optimized for use with ScanImage software, allowing seamless integration and control.

Powered by a Xilinx Kintex UltraScale FPGA, the vDAQ offers high-speed real-time processing and closed-loop experiment management. It includes 4 GB of onboard DDR3 DRAM and uses a PCI Express Gen. 3 x4 interface, delivering up to 4 GB/s data throughput. The vDAQ accommodates various signal digitization needs, with configurations available in Standard and High-Speed models.

Key Benefits

• Advanced real-time image processing and photon counting capabilities
• Integration supports both 2P and 3P imaging, suitable for complex behavioral experiments
• Simplified wiring via a single breakout box for analog and digital IO’s
• Cost-effective solution offering high-performance features

The High-Speed vDAQ configuration caters to the most demanding applications, featuring two PMT channels with sampling up to 2.7GHz. It excels in time-correlated single photon counting, allowing operations like sub-nanosecond dead time, simultaneous photocurrent integration, and advanced time demultiplexing.

The vDAQ supports up to four PMT channels with addressable features such as synchronization to laser clocks and multiple analog and digital IO capabilities. This includes high-speed analog inputs with adjustable ranges and optional filtering, precision analog outputs, and comprehensive digital IO lines—all accessible via BNC connectors on the breakout accessory.

An onboard clock synthesis module ensures synchronization with external clocks, and the tool’s high flexibility allows for synchronization compatibility with any clock source. The vDAQ requires a desktop PC with a PCI Express x8 slot and runs on Microsoft Windows 11.

Ultimately, the vDAQ stands as a robust, flexible, and integral part of modern microscope systems, bringing efficiency and precision to a wide array of scientific applications.