Control system of flow cytometer
By cascading laser emitters, laser receiver modules, analog signal processing modules, analog-to-digital converter modules, and liquid circuit control modules, the problem of inaccurate laser emitter and liquid circuit control in flow cytometer control systems has been solved, achieving more efficient and accurate signal acquisition and lower energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422777435.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-13
AI Technical Summary
The existing control system of flow cytometers cannot control the laser emitter and liquid circuit in a timely and accurate manner, resulting in inaccurate signal acquisition.
The system employs a cascaded laser transmitter, laser receiver module, analog signal processing module, analog-to-digital converter module, FPGA module, and liquid circuit control module. The FPGA module controls the laser transmitter and liquid circuit system to ensure synchronous operation.
It achieves precise control of the laser emitter and liquid circuit, improves the speed and accuracy of signal acquisition, reduces energy consumption, and meets the requirements of green and sustainable development.
Smart Images
Figure CN223500856U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cell instrument technology, and more specifically, to a control system for a flow cytometer. Background Technology
[0002] Flow cytometry is a highly sensitive, high-throughput analysis and sorting technology based on flow cytometry of specimen cells. It has been widely applied in numerous fields, including clinical medicine, specimen cell biology, immunology, and other related fields, and its demand continues to expand. Currently, the development of flow cytometry control systems in China is still in its initial stages. Many flow cytometry control systems are developed through reverse engineering of foreign instruments, and there is no truly domestically developed flow cytometry control system technology. Based on this research and development need, the circuit system of a flow cytometry control system includes a liquid path control system, a signal acquisition system, and a lower-level communication board.
[0003] Flow cytometry is an advanced laboratory instrument used to perform flow cytometry on specimens. Flow cytometers use multiple laser beams and optical lenses to analyze suspended specimen cells individually and in high throughput, measuring and analyzing optical properties such as the scattering of emitted light and the fluorescence emitted by the cells, thus obtaining corresponding data for application in pathological analysis and other work. Flow cytometry is a specimen cell analysis technique implemented using a flow cytometer. Based on optical principles, it provides information on various aspects of specimen cells, including quantity, size, shape, phenotype, and fluorescent markers. Therefore, the control system of a flow cytometer, as a tool for implementing flow cytometry, provides efficient and multi-parameter specimen cell analysis capabilities and is widely used in the life sciences.
[0004] However, traditional flow cytometer control systems rely on microcontroller chips for signal acquisition. The control of the fluidization system in a flow cytometer requires ensuring the quantity of cells and fluorescent markers in the suspension sample. Therefore, electronic valves, peristaltic pumps, and compressor pumps in the fluidization system must be simultaneously turned on or off at a given time. While current embedded control chips offer extremely high operating speeds, they still cannot guarantee the simultaneous control of multiple modules in the fluidization system.
[0005] The prior art provides a data acquisition system for a flow cytometer control system, comprising a data acquisition module, an FPGA module, and an MCU module connected in sequence. The FPGA module controls the data acquisition module to acquire eight channels of cell pulse electrical signals from the specimen, and sequentially reads the eight channels of cell pulse electrical signals from the data acquisition module to identify the peak value, width, and area of each channel of cell pulse electrical signal. When the MCU module receives a control signal sent by the FPGA module, it reads the identification results from the FPGA module and sends them to a host computer.
[0006] However, existing technologies have the problem of not being able to control the laser emitter and liquid circuit in a timely and accurate manner. Therefore, how to design a control system for a flow cytometer is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content
[0007] To address the problem of the inability to control the laser emitter and liquid circuit in a timely and accurate manner in the prior art, this invention provides a control system for a flow cytometer that is easy to maintain.
[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives of this utility model, the technical solution adopted is as follows:
[0009] A control system for a flow cytometer includes a cascaded laser emitter, a laser receiver module, an analog signal processing module, an analog-to-digital converter module, an FPGA module, and a fluid circuit control module; the laser emitter is also connected to the FPGA module.
[0010] Preferably, the laser receiving module includes an FSC module for collecting forward-scattered light and an SSC module for collecting side-scattered light; the receiving ends of the FSC module and the SSC module are connected to the laser transmitter; and the transmitting ends of the FSC module and the SSC module are connected to the analog signal processing module.
[0011] Furthermore, the analog signal processing module includes a cascaded multi-channel analog switch and a programmable amplifier circuit; the laser receiving module is connected to the receiving end of the multi-channel analog switch; the output end of the programmable amplifier circuit is connected to the analog-to-digital converter module; and the output end of the analog-to-digital converter module is connected to the FPGA module.
[0012] Furthermore, the FPGA module includes a first FPGA control module, a second FPGA control module, and a third FPGA control module; the first FPGA control module and the second FPGA control module are interconnected; the second FPGA control module and the third FPGA control module are interconnected; the input terminal of the first FPGA control module is connected to the output terminal of the analog-to-digital conversion module; and the third FPGA control module is connected to the laser emitter and the liquid circuit control module.
[0013] Furthermore, the analog-to-digital conversion module is specifically an ADC system; the input terminal of the ADC system is electrically connected to the output terminal of the analog-to-digital conversion module, and the output terminal of the ADC system is connected to the first FPGA control module.
[0014] Furthermore, the second FPGA control module is also connected to a host computer.
[0015] Furthermore, the liquid circuit control module includes several miniature vacuum pumps, peristaltic pumps, miniature two-way diaphragm isolation valves, and miniature isolation diaphragm solenoid valves installed in several liquid circuits of the flow cytometer; the miniature vacuum pumps, peristaltic pumps, miniature two-way diaphragm isolation valves, and miniature isolation diaphragm solenoid valves are all connected to the third FPGA control module.
[0016] Furthermore, the third FPGA control module controls the miniature vacuum pump and peristaltic pump by generating PWM signals.
[0017] Furthermore, the third FPGA control module uses MOS transistors to control a miniature two-way diaphragm isolation valve and a miniature isolation diaphragm solenoid valve.
[0018] Furthermore, the third FPGA control module controls the switching, modulation, and multiplication of the laser emitter through a driving circuit.
[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0020] This invention discloses a novel control system for a flow cytometer, comprising a cascaded laser emitter, a laser receiver module, an analog signal processing module, an analog-to-digital converter module, an FPGA module, and a fluid path control module. The laser emitter is also connected to the FPGA module. This connection enables the control of rapid cell flow through a microfluidic chip in the fluid path, laser illumination, and PMT (Polymer Transducer) acquisition of fluorescence signals from the flowing cells. The signals are then processed and transmitted to a host computer. Therefore, this invention solves the problem of timely and accurate control of the laser emitter and fluid path in existing technologies and is easy to maintain. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system modules of the control system of this flow cytometer.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an FPGA module.
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first FPGA control module.
[0024] Figure 4 This is a connection diagram of the second FPGA control module. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0026] Example 1
[0027] like Figure 1As shown, a control system for a flow cytometer includes a cascaded laser emitter, a laser receiver module, an analog signal processing module, an analog-to-digital converter module, an FPGA module, and a fluid circuit control module; the laser emitter is also connected to the FPGA module.
[0028] In this embodiment, the liquid flow control module is responsible for controlling the liquid flow rate of the flow cytometer's control system, including controlling the micro vacuum pump, peristaltic pump, micro two-way diaphragm isolation valve, and micro isolation diaphragm solenoid valve, as well as collecting the liquid flow rate.
[0029] In this embodiment, the laser emitter is responsible for controlling the optical path of the flow cytometer's control system, ensuring that the optical path illuminates after the liquid path. The laser receiving module collects the fluorescence signal and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal.
[0030] In this embodiment, the analog signal processing module is responsible for processing the optical signal after it is converted into a current signal. It performs a series of processes such as IV conversion, filtering, programmable control, and differential output on the current signal to improve the accuracy and gain of the signal.
[0031] In this embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter module is responsible for converting analog signals into digital signals.
[0032] In one specific embodiment, the laser receiving module includes an FSC module for collecting forward-scattered light and an SSC module for collecting side-scattered light; the receiving ends of the FSC module and the SSC module are connected to the laser transmitter; and the transmitting ends of the FSC module and the SSC module are connected to the analog signal processing module.
[0033] In one specific embodiment, the analog signal processing module includes a cascaded multi-channel analog switch and a programmable amplifier circuit; the laser receiving module is connected to the receiving end of the multi-channel analog switch; the output end of the programmable amplifier circuit is connected to the analog-to-digital converter module; and the output end of the analog-to-digital converter module is connected to the FPGA module.
[0034] In this embodiment, the signals output by the FSC module and the SSC module pass through their respective IV circuits, filter circuits and are connected to the multiplexer analog switch in sequence; the signals output by the multiplexer analog switch are input to the program-controlled amplifier circuit through the filter circuit, and its differential analog output is used as the output of the signal processing module.
[0035] Example 2
[0036] like Figure 2As shown, the FPGA module includes a first FPGA control module, a second FPGA control module, and a third FPGA control module; the first FPGA control module and the second FPGA control module are interconnected; the second FPGA control module and the third FPGA control module are interconnected; the input terminal of the first FPGA control module is connected to the output terminal of the analog-to-digital conversion module; and the third FPGA control module is connected to the laser emitter and the liquid circuit control module.
[0037] In this embodiment, the first FPGA control module, the second FPGA control module, and the third FPGA control module all adopt Xilinx.
[0038] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the analog-to-digital conversion module is specifically an ADC system; the input terminal of the ADC system is electrically connected to the output terminal of the analog-to-digital conversion module, and the output terminal of the ADC system is connected to the first FPGA control module.
[0039] In this embodiment, after the differential analog input is fed into the ADC system, it passes through a filter and then enters the ADC conversion chip. The ADC conversion chip operates based on the sampling clock of the clock chip and the reference voltage provided by the common-mode voltage. It is connected to the first FPGA control module via a data bus, converting the analog signal into a digital signal for input to the first FPGA control module. The signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and sampling rate of the ADC are key considerations in the design, directly affecting the accuracy of the final measurement results. This analog-to-digital conversion circuit design uses the AD9262 as the conversion chip. The AD9262 has a conversion accuracy of 16 bits, can acquire analog variations of approximately 0.000015, and a maximum sampling rate of 160 MSPS, allowing for acquisition once every 6.25 × 10⁻⁹ seconds. It can acquire cell throughput greater than 10,000 / s.
[0040] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second FPGA control module is also connected to a host computer. In this embodiment, the host computer is a PC, and a high-speed data acquisition system based on USB is designed, with the second FPGA control module as the core of the logic control. The USB 2.0 interface enables a high-speed data acquisition system for data transmission with the PC, which not only allows for convenient connection between the data acquisition part and the PC, but also ensures a high transmission rate and a suitable cost-performance ratio. The ideal maximum transmission speed of USB 2.0 is 60MB / s, and the actual transmission rate is higher than 25MB / s, with accurate data transmission. This is suitable for information transmission between the host and host computers in the control system of a flow cytometer.
[0041] In this embodiment, the first FPGA control module is responsible for acquiring fluorescent digital signals, filtering and storing the digital signals converted by the ADC through FIFO and FIR filters, and then sending them to the second FPGA control module and finally to the host computer. The second FPGA control module is responsible for controlling the third FPGA control module and the first FPGA control module. On the one hand, it receives control commands from the host computer for the FPGA control module and feeds back the fluid flow rate to the host computer in real time. On the other hand, it receives signals acquired by the FPGA and feeds them back to the PC in real time.
[0042] Example 3
[0043] More specifically, the liquid circuit control module includes several miniature vacuum pumps, peristaltic pumps, miniature two-way diaphragm isolation valves, and miniature isolation diaphragm solenoid valves installed in several liquid circuits of the flow cytometer; the miniature vacuum pumps, peristaltic pumps, miniature two-way diaphragm isolation valves, and miniature isolation diaphragm solenoid valves are all connected to the third FPGA control module.
[0044] In one specific embodiment, the third FPGA control module controls the miniature vacuum liquid pump and the peristaltic pump by generating PWM signals.
[0045] In this embodiment, the FPGA uses PWM to control the flow rate of the liquid path and DIR to control the direction of the liquid path.
[0046] In one specific embodiment, the third FPGA control module uses a MOS transistor to control a miniature two-way diaphragm isolation valve and a miniature isolation diaphragm solenoid valve.
[0047] In one specific embodiment, the third FPGA control module controls the switching, modulation, and multiplication of the laser emitter through a driving circuit.
[0048] In this embodiment, the control system of this flow cytometer controls the liquid path system and the optical path system, including controlling the peristaltic pump, vacuum pump, solenoid valve and isolation valve of the liquid path system, controlling the laser emitter and laser multiplication of the optical path system to ensure that the laser hits the cells in the liquid path, acquiring the signal system, collecting, storing and transmitting the signals converted from FSC and SSC to ensure that they are cell signals, and implementing the communication between the upper and lower computer, receiving instructions from the upper computer and providing feedback to the upper computer and sending the acquired data.
[0049] In this embodiment, by introducing advanced control and acquisition methods, the speed and accuracy of the flow cytometer control system are significantly improved. Compared to traditional technologies, which only address the signal acquisition method of the flow cytometer control system without a unified structure for liquid path control and signal acquisition, this structure effectively solves the overall circuit structure problem of the flow cytometer control system from control to acquisition, accelerating the research of flow cytometer control systems. One lower-level machine controls two main controllers, ensuring that the optical path, liquid path, and signal acquisition system are not amplified by timing interference, resulting in significant research benefits. Data shows that the acquisition speed is approximately 15% faster than traditional technologies, making the flow cytometer control system more efficient and accurate in detection. The optimized design of this cell analyzer makes the flow cytometer control system more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly during operation. Compared to previous technologies, the new circuit structure reduces energy consumption and environmental impact. This aligns with society's pursuit of green and sustainable development and is beneficial to maintaining ecological balance. This cell analyzer performs liquid path and optical path control and signal acquisition more precisely in steps. Compared to traditional technologies, the new circuit structure accelerates acquisition speed and improves accuracy.
[0050] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A control system for a flow cytometer, characterized in that: It includes a cascaded laser emitter, a laser receiver module, an analog signal processing module, an analog-to-digital converter module, an FPGA module, and a liquid circuit control module; the laser emitter is also connected to the FPGA module.
2. The control system for the flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser receiving module includes an FSC module for collecting forward-scattered light and an SSC module for collecting side-scattered light; the receiving ends of the FSC module and the SSC module are connected to the laser transmitter; the transmitting ends of the FSC module and the SSC module are connected to the analog signal processing module.
3. The control system for the flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The analog signal processing module includes a cascaded multi-channel analog switch and a programmable amplifier circuit; the laser receiving module is connected to the receiving end of the multi-channel analog switch; the output end of the programmable amplifier circuit is connected to the analog-to-digital converter module; and the output end of the analog-to-digital converter module is connected to the FPGA module.
4. The control system for the flow cytometer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The FPGA module includes a first FPGA control module, a second FPGA control module, and a third FPGA control module; the first FPGA control module and the second FPGA control module are interconnected; the second FPGA control module and the third FPGA control module are interconnected; the input terminal of the first FPGA control module is connected to the output terminal of the analog-to-digital conversion module; and the third FPGA control module is connected to the laser emitter and the liquid circuit control module.
5. The control system for the flow cytometer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The analog-to-digital conversion module is specifically an ADC system; the input terminal of the ADC system is electrically connected to the output terminal of the analog-to-digital conversion module, and the output terminal of the ADC system is connected to the first FPGA control module.
6. The control system for the flow cytometer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second FPGA control module is also connected to the host computer.
7. The control system for the flow cytometer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fluid control module includes several miniature vacuum pumps, peristaltic pumps, miniature two-way diaphragm isolation valves, and miniature isolation diaphragm solenoid valves installed in several fluid paths of the flow cytometer; the miniature vacuum pumps, peristaltic pumps, miniature two-way diaphragm isolation valves, and miniature isolation diaphragm solenoid valves are all connected to the third FPGA control module.
8. The control system for the flow cytometer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The third FPGA control module controls the miniature vacuum pump and peristaltic pump by generating PWM signals.
9. The control system for the flow cytometer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The third FPGA control module uses MOS transistors to control a miniature two-way diaphragm isolation valve and a miniature isolation diaphragm solenoid valve.
10. The control system for the flow cytometer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The third FPGA control module controls the switching, modulation, and multiplication of the laser emitter through a drive circuit.