Prior Scientific ProScan III Manual page 76

ProScan® III Manual
Inverted Microscope - A microscope that views the object from below. The objectives
are underneath the stage.
Joystick - A device which allows manual movement of a motorized stage and focus
without using RS232 commands.
Legacy Commands - The set of RS232 commands that are common between the H127,
H128 and H130 Prior Motor Controllers. See also compatibility commands.
Linear Scales-See Encoders
MACRO - A set of commands that can be entered and started in a block by the use of
the MACRO command.
Mechanical Stage - The manually operated X,Y positioning table that comes as standard
with most microscopes.
Motorized Stage - An XY positioning table, typically mounted on a microscope that is
moved via stepper or servo motors and their corresponding controller.
Open Frame Stage - A stage that allows for transmitted illumination via holes in the X
and Y plates.
Open Loop System - A control system that has no means of comparing the output with
the input for control purposes. Open loop stage systems rely on the controller to send
the proper amount of pulses to the motor to achieve the required movement.
Plug & Play Facility - The ability of the Prior Scientific controller to recognize which
components/accessories are connected and to auto-configure itself to work when
powered up.
Part of the 'Demo Software'. Allows commands to be entered and
Prior Terminal –
acted upon.
Raster Pattern - A programmed movement where the stage moves a set number of
steps across a sample in the X axis and then moves back to its starting position before
moving in the Y axis.
RS-232 - A communication standard which specifies electrical, mechanical and functional
characteristics for serial binary communication circuits in a point to point link.
Commands from a computer's COM port travel to the controller via RS-232.
Serial Control - A type of information transfer where the bits are handled sequentially
Servo Motor - A motor that rotates due to the interaction of the stator field and
armature field. Servo motors require feedback loops, i.e. encoders.
Shutter - A device which can be opened or closed to enable or prevent the passage of
light between an illumination device and the microscope or between the microscope and a
detector such as a camera.
Snake Pattern - A programmed movement where the stage moves a set number of
steps across in the X axis and then moves in the Y axis. The stage then moves back to its
original X position. This movement is repeated until the complete area of interest has
been scanned, creating a snake-like pattern across the sample.
SOAK command - A set of commands which can be entered and started in a block.
These commands will be continuously performed in a loop until the "i" or "k" command is
entered or the power is cycled.
Solid Frame Stage - A stage where there is no path for transmitted illumination. i.e.
the stage plates are solid without holes in them.
Stage Travel - The overall length in X and Y that a stage can move.
Standard Commands - The set of commands in the Prior Scientific H130 which the
controller is allowed to queue. These commands are enabled by the "Comp,0" command.
Step Size - The movement in microns initiated by either the L,R,F,B,U or D command.
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd Version 1.12 June 2017 Page 74