REVOLON TEM Scan Controller
REVOLON TEM Scan Controller with open access and Python sample code
The REVOLON TEM Scan Controller defines new benchmarks with open access, high-performance functions, free scan patterns and compatibility with all major TEM models.
The TEM Scan Controller is an integrated unit with scan generator and image aquisition. It was developed by us as a high-performance digital image scanning system precisely for the requirements of transmission electron microscopes and is specifically prepared for researchers, developers or SMEs that require independent equipment or technique development in TEM.
✅ designed for, and tested, on all major TEM manufacturer external scan interfaces
✅ sample code is provided for Python, C and C#
✅ Full hardware control with the API documentation over conventional image scans, pixel map scans and hardware syncronisation with 4D STEM detectors and imaging cameras
✅ analog channels for conventional BF, HAADF and similar detectors
✅ digital channels for pulse processors.
A new standard in STEM control

free microscopy
Unrestricted beam access with Python code

fast scanning
Highest speed for in-situ STEM

flexible control
Best 4D STEM synchronization
Function highlights
- Additional digital 16-bit magnification, 10-bit scan shift and 360º scan rotation
- Built-in 1…50,000 kHz clock generator, with free running or synchronized scans
- Advanced 20-bit digital lock-in amplification on the 1 MHz analog input
- Optional GHz digital inputs with adjustable thresholds for ultrafast electron counting
Frequently asked questions
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How to set triggers/synchronisation between a pixelated camera and the REVOLON?
Use the DIGITAL I/O connector/interface of the REVOLON. There are a lot of digital signals on that connector, but for a TEM camera the relevant signals are PixelClock and PixelSync. Typically, the scan controller is master and the camera slave, as the scan controller also has to deal with more complicated flyback procedures at the end of lines and frames.
PixelClock output goes high when the scan controller holds the beam stable on the sample for acquisition. Duration/length of the PixelClock is configurable, generally 100 ns is sufficient. This should be used to trigger a new frame acquisition in your camera. The scan controller will acquire/digitize TEM video signals starting from this time as well, which could be BF, HAADF or other signals. There is also an optional hold time, which will wait for a fixed period (to match the camera reset time) before our signal acquisition/digitization starts.
PixelSync input can be used to stop the beam from moving until input is received. This can be connected to an end of frame output from your camera to make sure that the scan does not progress to the next pixel until your acquisition is finished. It is optional, as scan acquisition time and frame acquisition time can be configured to match in value.
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Does REVOLON control the scan coils?
Yes, REVOLON does control the scan coils through the TEM external scan interface for third parties. This is a low voltage analog interface with signals for scan X, scan Y, video and so on. This interface is analogue because of the speeds required for scanning, and the complex logic of the scan patterns used. These low voltage scan signals go to the scan amplifier of the TEM, which amplifies them to the high currents required for scan coils, and also adds scan rotation and magnification control.
Control & data
- LAN or USB2
Signal inputs
- 4x 12-bit 100 MHz analog (A1…A4)
- 4x 12-bit 100 MHz analog (B1…B4) (B is not simultaneous with A)
- 4x, 8x or 16x 12-bit 5 MHz MICS amplified analog (M1…M16)
- 12x 16-bit or 6x 32-bit TTL 100 MHz digital (D1…D12)
- 1x 20-bit 1 MHz analog (L1, see Preamp interface)
Scan outputs
- ±2.2V…±7.5 or ±0.65…±2.2V balanced X, Y scan signals (SCAN OUT)
- ±3.5…±12 V X, Y scan signals (ANALOG I/O)
- Gnd., 5V or 15 V external bank/scan (ANALOG I/O)
- Automatic scan switch for daisy-chain (SCAN IN and ANALOG I/O)
Synchronization
- 3x TTL scan Frame, Line and Pixel inputs
- 1x TTL scan Pause/Resume input
- 3x TTL scan Frame, Line and Pixel outputs
- 1x TTL Device Clock output
- 1x TTL Beam Blanker output
Scan generator
- 10 ns … 10 s pixel acquisition time (10 ns steps)
- 10 ns … 10 s pixel set and hold times (enumerated list)
- 1…65,635 pixels width and height
- 0…360° digital scan rotation
- 0…256× frame average
- 0…50× line average
- 0…255 frame count
- Mains frequency synchronization
Image scan modes
- Normal (sawtooth, flyback)
- Sub-pixel (one or revolving)
- Chopped
- Wobble (A+, B-)
Pixel map
- 16 MPixel pixel list size (4k x 4k image scan equivalent)
- Individual set and hold times per pixel
- Individual Pixel, Line and Frame triggers per pixel
Adjustments & amplification
- -1.25...1.25 V 16-bit signal offset (A1…A4 or B1…B4)
- -22...26 dB signal gain (A1…A4 or B1…B4)
- -1…1 V 16-bit MICS signal input offset (M1…M16)
- 1…1,800× MICS signal gain (M1….M16)
- -1…1 V 16-bit MICS signal output offset (M1…M16)
- 3.4 MHz…34 Hz MICS low-pass filter (M1…M16)
- -2...2 V 10-bit scan offset (SCAN OUT and ANALOG I/O)
- 3.5...12× scan gain (SCAN OUT and ANALOG I/O)
- -2...2 V 16-bit scan shift (ANALOG I/O)
- 0…65,635× scan shift and magnification (ANALOG I/O)
Pre-amp interface
- 1…4,095 digital gain
- 1...50,000 kHz TTL clock output
- Free, Pixel, Line and Frame clock modes
Ultrahigh speed electron counting (optional)
- 2x 16-bit 1 GHz analog inputs (ECL1, ECL2)
- 2x threshold levels outputs
Touch display
- Scan status overview
- Installed options list
- Scan detailed information
- LAN connection settings
Housing
- 19-inch rack-mountable
Parts and cables
- REVOLON scan controller unit: Standard 1x
- TEM scan cables:
- Standard 2x SCAN OUT (for TFS and JEOL external scan interfaces)
- Standard 2x SCAN IN (for TFS and JEOL external scan interfaces)
- Signal cable: Standard 4x VIDEO IN (for 100 MHz analog inputs, A1…A4)
- Control cable: Standard 1x USB
- Mains power cable: Standard 1x
- USB flash drive: Standard 1x
Software packages
- Driver: PE USB for Windows
- Software Development toolkit (SDK):
- Windows and Linux control libraries
- Library API documentation
- Python sample code
- Software:
- Scan Control
- Microscope Data
Weight and dimensions
- REVOLON scan controller unit: typ. 30 × 9.2 × 48.1 cm, typ. 4 kg
- Shipping: typ. 36 × 32 × 60 cm, typ. 5 kg
Site requirements
- Power:
- 1× mains 105/240 VAC single phase 50/60 Hz
- On the same Gnd. as the microscope
- TEM connections:
- 1× external scan interface (daisy-chain configuration supported)
- 1× minimum video signal
- Space: Controller should be placed in a TEM rack
- PC/Laptop:
- Intel Core i3 minimum
- 1× minimum USB 2.0
- Network is recommended for remote support
- Display: 1,280 × 1,024 minimum resolution