Computer Control System in a Laboratory Setting

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Advantages
Design
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Computer control system is an approach that is used to control and monitor specific parameters of substances within laboratory settings remotely. The elements of a control system include two important parts; data acquisition instruments that enable monitoring of desired parameters and microcontrollers intelligent instruments that are essential for controlling the desired parameters (Hebert, 2007). In this paper we are going to briefly discuss the functioning system of one control system used in regulating temperatures for liquid substances among other variables in a laboratory setting; the iControl system.

Advantages

The advantages of using iControl systems within laboratory settings are many and numerous; most important is the fact it enables control and monitoring of key variables in a laboratory environment that might pose risk where hazardous substances are involved (Hebert, 2007). In addition, the iControl system enables monitoring and control of parameters over long duration of time thereby saving on costs associated with personnel that would have been required to achieve the same objective (Hebert, 2007). Another advantage includes the consistency of data collection and overall data quality that is detailed and well organized since it is computer generated (Hebert, 2007). Finally, automatic remote control and monitoring of parameters saves on time and effort that would be required by personnel to physically implement desired changes (Hebert, 2007).

Design

IControl is an advanced microcontroller system that is installed in a PC and capable of controlling and monitoring laboratory parameters wirelessly on a 400 MHz signal. In this case the iControl system is designed to control and monitor temperature variables of a hazardous liquid within a laboratory environment as well as other parameters such as smoke and light. The iControl software is run by Labview program that enables the system to function at the desired level, monitor parameters and control processes (Sparkfun.com, 2010). The essential components of an iControl design system are two microcontrollers, sensors, peltier heater/cooler, H-bridge, and Analog to Digital (ADC) converters.

The type of microcontrollers used for this project is the ATMEGA328 model manufactured by Atmel, each with its own function; one is for data acquisition and the other is for adjusting desired parameters to function appropriately (Hudson, 2006). There are three sensors installed in the iControll system to measure the key parameters by detecting changes on specific variables of interest which in this case includes temperature, smoke and light intensity. The temperature variable is measured by LM334 sensor model which is essentially a Zener diode that is configured to operate at temperature range of -40⁰C and 100⁰C (Hudson, 2006).

The fire detection component is another type of a sensor that detects the presence of smoke to trigger a fire alarm through the ADC relay component then to a buzzer that alerts personnel through sound. Finally, the light parameter is monitored by a third sensor, a LDR component that functions in the same way as the smoke sensor (Projects.net, 2010). The ADC component is for converting the sensors output data which is inform of analog to digital format that can be analyzed by the Labview program. The peltier heating and cooling element functions by initiating cooling or heating processes achieved through a H-bridge driver based on the prevailing temperature conditions and the desired temperature level (PeltierInfo.com, 2010).

Other components of an iControl system include control module and control loop that are used to transmit control commands, RF communication system, LCD and a buzzer. The RF wireless communication system is an Amplitude Shift Keying device that is set at 433 MHz which is able to transmit and receive data (JayCar.com, 2010). All the processes of the iControl system are facilitated by the Labview software program that enables the actual monitoring and control of laboratory parameters remotely.

Conclusion

The iControl system project was successfully completed and a trial operation set up to determine how well it will function under laboratory settings. The Labview program was able to accurately capture and record the temperature, light and smoke variables as desired. To determine the effectiveness of the iControl at specific temperatures, the monitoring and control system were calibrated to maintain the temperature of the liquid at 35⁰C, beyond this temperature the peltier component switched from heating to cooling mode in order to maintain the temperature at 35⁰C. The LED output signals of smoke and light functioned by lighting when tested by introducing smoke and light in the laboratory environment. Finally, the process of data capture and transmission of information was determined to occur instantly routed by the two transmitters as desired. As such the iControl system project was certified as successful having been tested and determined to function as designed in a way that would control liquid temperatures and monitor the effects of smoke and light intensity within laboratory settings.