Summary:	Adapter for Elveflow devices
Author:	Miles Chaillié
License:	BSD
Platforms:	Windows
Since version:	Nightly build 2025-01-31
Currently available devices:	Ob1 MK4, Mux Wire, Mux Distribution

Elveflow - Micro-Manager

Elveflow Microfluidic Devices

This document describes the configuration and operation of the OB1 MK4, MUX Wire, and MUX Distribution devices for Micro-Manager.

1️⃣ General UART Configuration and Communication Workflow

All devices communicate via UART with the following settings:

Parameter	OB1 MK4	MUX Wire	MUX Distribution
Baudrate	`115200`	`115200`	`9600`
Byte Size	8	8	8
Parity	N	N	N
Stop Bits	1	1	1

If you want to communicate with the device without using an already implemented method :

Command Header
- Commands starts with this character <
Command Type
- Using the device’s UART documentation as a reference, select one of the 5 character long key words that corresponds to a specific command.
Command Formatting
- The command type is always accompanied by a following character, either ? (GET) or ! (SET) suffixes.
Parameters
- Some commands need parameters following the command formatting.
- Written as :1:2:3:, each number corresponds to a parameter.
- Refer to UART documentation delivered with your device.
Sending Commands
- Sent via UART with a newline (\n) termination.
Receiving Responses
- Reads serial input and updates the Response property.
- The response should start with a >.

For example, you coud send the following command to an OB1 MK4 pressure controller : <PRESS!:0:100\n. It would change the pressure of the first channel to 100 mbar.

2️⃣ OB1 MK4 Pressure Controller

OB1 MK4

📝 Overview

The OB1 MK4 Pressure Controller by Elveflow is the most advanced pressure controller for microfluidics. It provides ultra-fast, high-precision pressure control, making it ideal for droplet generation, cell biology research, and other microfluidic applications.

✨ Key Features

Fast Response Time: Pressure is adjusted in milliseconds.
Multi-Channel Configuration: Up to four independent pressure channels.
Vacuum & Pressure Control: Supports positive and negative pressure.
Customizable: Various pressure ranges and modules available.

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Number of Pressure Channels	Up to 4
Pressure Stability	Depends on the pressure range of each selected channel. See table of specifications.
Max Pressure	8000 mbar (configurable)
Vacuum Support	Yes
Flow Rate Stability	Optimized for ultra-low flow rates

The OB1 MK4 can be configured with different pressure modules, depending on your needs:

Module	Pressure Range
0-200 mbar	0 to 2.9 psi
0-2000 mbar	0 to 29 psi
0-8000 mbar	0 to 116 psi
-900 to 1000 mbar	-13 to 14.5 psi
-900 to 6000 mbar	-13 to 87 psi

🔄 Firmware Compatibility

Parameter	Value
OLDEST_COMPATIBILITY	1.4.1

🔬 Applications

The OB1 MK4 is widely used in:

Microfluidic flow control
Droplet generation
Lab-on-a-chip experiments
Cell sorting and manipulation
Biomedical research

🔗 Associated Products

✔️ Advantages

Precise pressure and flow control
Ultra-fast response, ideal for droplet generation
Compatible with other Elveflow instruments

📌 Notes: For more details, visit 🌐Elveflow – Microfluidic Products.

🛠 Micro-Manager Properties

Property	Description
`IsGet`	Boolean to send a command in set or get mode
`Command`	Key word defining the type of command
`Parameters`	Parameter(s) set in the command
`Response`	Stored response from the device after a command has been sent
`RegulatorValue0`	Pressure read by regulator of 1st channel
`RegulatorValue1`	Pressure read by regulator of 2nd channel
`RegulatorValue2`	Pressure read by regulator of 3rd channel
`RegulatorValue3`	Pressure read by regulator of 4th channel
`SensorValue0`	Sensor measurement on 1st channel
`SensorValue1`	Sensor measurement on 2nd channel
`SensorValue2`	Sensor measurement on 3rd channel
`SensorValue3`	Sensor measurement on 4th channel
`PressureSetpoint0`	Target pressure of regulator of 1st channel
`PressureSetpoint1`	Target pressure of regulator of 2nd channel
`PressureSetpoint2`	Target pressure of regulator of 3rd channel
`PressureSetpoint3`	Target pressure of regulator of 4th channel
`TriggerIn`	Current value of input trigger (logical state 0-1)
`TriggerOut`	Current value of output trigger (logical state 0-1)
`TimerOn`	Flag to enable or disable timer looping on every value

🛠 Micro-Manager Available Method

Available method	Trigger	Description
`OnIsGet`	IsGet (bool)	Set next command sent to set or get
`OnCommand`	Command (str)	Construct and send UART cmd
`OnPressureSetpoint0`	PressureSetpoint0 (int)	Set target pressure of 1st channel
`OnPressureSetpoint1`	PressureSetpoint1 (int)	Set target pressure of 2nd channel
`OnPressureSetpoint2`	PressureSetpoint2 (int)	Set target pressure of 3rd channel
`OnPressureSetpoint3`	PressureSetpoint3 (int)	Set target pressure of 4th channel
`OnTrigger`	TriggerOut (bool)	Set value of output trigger
`OnStart`	TimerOn (bool)	Enable timer to start

🛠 Micro-Manager Script Example

// Get list of devices 
mmcorej.StrVector devices = mmc.getLoadedDevices();

// Display list
print("");
for (int i = 0; i < devices.size(); i++) {
    String device = devices.get(i);
    print("Device : " + device);
}

// Setup UART command
int is_get_cmd = 1; //"To set : 0 / To get : 1"
String device_name = "OB1_MK4";
String command = "<PINGA";
String parameters = ""; // "" if no parameter needed

// Send UART command
// -- First set IsGet and Parameters
mmc.setProperty(device_name, "IsGet", is_get_cmd);
mmc.setProperty(device_name, "Parameters", parameters);
// -- Then specify the command
mmc.setProperty(device_name, "Command", command); // It will send the completed UART command right after

// Display answer
String response = mmc.getProperty(device_name, "Response");
print("Device answer : " + response);

3️⃣ MUX Wire - Microfluidic Valve Control System

MUX Wire

📝 Overview

The Valve Controller by Elveflow is a high-speed microfluidic valve control system designed for precise and automated fluid control in microfluidic experiments. It enables fast switching between fluidic pathways, making it an essential tool for dynamic fluid regulation.

✨ Key Features

High-Speed Valve Switching: Optimized for rapid and precise fluid control.
Multiple Valve Control: Can operate multiple microfluidic valves simultaneously.
Software-Controlled Operation: Integrates with Elveflow Smart Interface and third-party software.
Compact & Modular Design: Easily integrates into microfluidic setups.

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Number of Valves	8
Valve Actuation	Electrical (solenoid-based)
Control Options	Software-controlled
Power Supply	External power adapter

🔬 Applications

The Valve Controller is widely used in:

Microfluidic routing and sample injection
Lab-on-a-chip experiments
Droplet microfluidics
Automated fluidic assays

🔗 Associated Products

OB1 MK4 - Pressure Controller
Mux Distribution - Fluidic Multiplexer
Elveflow Flow Sensors (MFS, MPS, BFS)
Elveflow Smart Interface Software
Custom Microfluidic Chips & Accessories

✔️ Advantages

Individual or simultaneous valve control
No cross-contamination due to low internal volume and no dead volume
Easy control via computer for automation
Works with advanced microfluidic setups

📌 Notes: For more details, visit 🌐Elveflow – Microfluidic Products.

🛠 Micro-Manager Properties

Property	Description
`IsGet`	Boolean to send a command in set or get mode
`Command`	Key word defining the type of command
`Parameters`	Parameter(s) set in the command
`Response`	Stored response from the device after a command has been sent
`Type0`	Type of valve on 1st channel
`Type1`	Type of valve on 2nd channel
`Type2`	Type of valve on 3rd channel
`Type3`	Type of valve on 4th channel
`Type4`	Type of valve on 5th channel
`Type5`	Type of valve on 6th channel
`Type6`	Type of valve on 7th channel
`Type7`	Type of valve on 8th channel
`Status0`	Status of valve on 1st channel
`Status1`	Status of valve on 2nd channel
`Status2`	Status of valve on 3rd channel
`Status3`	Status of valve on 4th channel
`Status4`	Status of valve on 5th channel
`Status5`	Status of valve on 6th channel
`Status6`	Status of valve on 7th channel
`Status7`	Status of valve on 8th channel
`Master0`	Control mode of valve on 1st channel
`Master1`	Control mode of valve on 2nd channel
`Master2`	Control mode of valve on 3rd channel
`Master3`	Control mode of valve on 4th channel
`Master4`	Control mode of valve on 5th channel
`Master5`	Control mode of valve on 6th channel
`Master6`	Control mode of valve on 7th channel
`Master7`	Control mode of valve on 8th channel
`TriggerIn`	Current value of input trigger (logical state 0-1)
`TriggerOut`	Current value of output trigger (logical state 0-1)
`TimerOn`	Flag to enable or disable timer looping on every value

📌 Notes: Master variabes provide information about the valve’s usage mode:

Master = 0 : valve state to 0, not activated and not blocked
Master = 1 : valve manually activated with push button
Master = 2 : valve activated with ESI

🛠 Micro-Manager Available Method

Available method	Trigger	Description
`OnIsGet`	IsGet (bool)	Set next command sent to set or get
`OnCommand`	Command (str)	Construct and send UART cmd
`OnTrigger`	TriggerOut (bool)	Set value of output trigger
`OnStart`	TimerOn (bool)	Enable timer to start

🛠 Micro-Manager Script Example

// Get list of devices 
mmcorej.StrVector devices = mmc.getLoadedDevices();

// Display list
print("");
for (int i = 0; i < devices.size(); i++) {
    String device = devices.get(i);
    print("Device : " + device);
}

// Setup UART command
int is_get_cmd = 1; //"To set : 0 / To get : 1"
String device_name = "MUX_WIRE";
String command = "<PING_";
String parameters = ""; // "" if no parameter needed

// Send UART command
// -- First set IsGet and Parameters
mmc.setProperty(device_name, "IsGet", is_get_cmd);
mmc.setProperty(device_name, "Parameters", parameters);
// -- Then specify the command
mmc.setProperty(device_name, "Command", command); // It will send the completed UART command right after

// Display answer
String response = mmc.getProperty(device_name, "Response");
print("Device answer : " + response);

4️⃣ MUX Distribution - Microfluidic Multiplexer

MUX Distribution

📝 Overview

The MUX Distribution by Elveflow is a microfluidic multiplexer that allows precise and automated fluid switching. It is used to distribute multiple fluids into a single outlet or direct a single fluid to multiple outlets, making it essential for automated microfluidic experiments.

✨ Key Features

Automated Fluid Distribution: Switching between multiple fluid sources.
High Precision & No Dead Volume: Designed for microfluidic applications.
Remote Control via Software: Compatible with Elveflow Smart Interface and third-party software.
Compatible with OB1 & Other Controllers: Works with the OB1 MK4 Pressure Controller and other fluidic devices.

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Number of Channels	13 (1 to 12)
Actuation	Rotary Valve
Internal Volume	3.5 µL at minimal
Control Options	Software-controlled
Power Supply	External power adapter

🔬 Applications

The MUX Distribution is widely used in:

Automated fluid injections
Chemical and biological assays
Lab-on-a-chip experiments
Cell culture and drug testing
Sequential sample injections

🔗 Associated Products

OB1 MK4 - Pressure Controller
Elveflow Flow Sensors (MFS, MPS, BFS)
Elveflow Smart Interface Software
Custom Microfluidic Chips & Accessories

✔️ Advantages

Can operate in both directions for maximum flexibility
Compatible with continuous or pulsed flow rates
Minimal internal volume and no dead volume

📌 Notes: For more details, visit 🌐Elveflow – Microfluidic Products.

🛠 Micro-Manager Properties

Property	Description
`Pos`	Store target position
`Response`	Store response from the device after a command has been sent

🛠 Micro-Manager Available Method

Available method	Trigger	Description
`GoToPos`	Direction (str)	Construct and send UART cmd

🛠 Micro-Manager Script Example

// Get list of devices 
mmcorej.StrVector devices = mmc.getLoadedDevices();

// Display list
print("");
for (int i = 0; i < devices.size(); i++) {
    String device = devices.get(i);
    print("Device : " + device);
}

// Setup UART command
String device_name = "MUX_DISTRIB";
int target_pos = 10; //[1 to 12]

// Send UART command
mmc.setProperty(device_name, "Pos", target_pos); // It will trigger the function (GoToPos) to send completed UART command that move device to the target position using the shortest path

For more details, visit 🌐Elveflow – Microfluidic Products.

μManager Documentation

Elveflow

Page contents

Elveflow - Micro-Manager

1️⃣ General UART Configuration and Communication Workflow

2️⃣ OB1 MK4 Pressure Controller

📝 Overview

✨ Key Features

⚙️ Technical Specifications

🔄 Firmware Compatibility

🔬 Applications

🔗 Associated Products

✔️ Advantages

🛠 Micro-Manager Properties

🛠 Micro-Manager Available Method

🛠 Micro-Manager Script Example

3️⃣ MUX Wire - Microfluidic Valve Control System

📝 Overview

✨ Key Features

⚙️ Technical Specifications

🔬 Applications

🔗 Associated Products

✔️ Advantages

🛠 Micro-Manager Properties

🛠 Micro-Manager Available Method

🛠 Micro-Manager Script Example

4️⃣ MUX Distribution - Microfluidic Multiplexer

📝 Overview

✨ Key Features

⚙️ Technical Specifications

🔬 Applications

🔗 Associated Products

✔️ Advantages

🛠 Micro-Manager Properties

🛠 Micro-Manager Available Method

🛠 Micro-Manager Script Example