Communicating with AMF Microfluidic Components using Arduino

This technical note provides a comprehensive guide for integrating Arduino with AMF’s microfluidic components, like our RVM rotary valve. By leveraging communication protocols like I2C, users can effectively control these components for precise liquid handling tasks. This guide is tailored for researchers, engineers, and enthusiasts aiming to incorporate AMF’s devices into automated setups.

Why use Arduino for microfluidics?

Arduino offers a flexible, affordable, and widely supported platform for controlling microfluidic systems. Its open-source hardware and extensive library ecosystem simplify the process of communicating with AMF’s components, such as the RVM rotary valve. By using Arduino, you can:

• Achieve precision: Control complex microfluidic setups with high accuracy.
• Automate workflows: Programmatically manage liquid routing and dispensing tasks.
• Reduce costs: Utilize cost-effective hardware without compromising on functionality.
• Integrate easily: Leverage Arduino’s compatibility with I2C and other protocols to seamlessly connect with AMF components.

Whether you’re exploring microfluidics for research, prototyping, or industrial applications, Arduino provides the ideal combination of simplicity and capability to get started with microfluidic automation.

Requirements

To get started, you will need:

• Arduino Board (e.g., Arduino Uno, Mega, or similar)
• AMF Microfluidic Components (e.g., RVM Rotary Valve)
• I2C custom cable (see our I2C documentation for proper wiring)
• External Power Supply
• AMF’s I2C Command Set Documentation
• Arduino IDE for programming

Definitions

• I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit): A protocol that enables multiple devices to communicate using two lines: SCL (clock) and SDA (data).
• GND (Ground): Common voltage reference essential for communication.

Setting Up Communication with Arduino

RVM Rotary Valve

The RVM rotary valve allows precise fluid routing by connecting one input to multiple outputs. It uses a stepper motor for precise control and supports I2C communication.

I2C Communication Setup:

• Connect the RVM’s I2C pins (SCL, SDA, and GND) to the corresponding pins on the Arduino board.
• Ensure the RVM’s I2C address matches your configuration (default: 0x64).

Code Example:

#include // include Arduino Wire library
#define AMF_ADDRESS 0x64
void setup() {
Wire.begin();
Serial.begin(9600); // initialize serial communication
byte valve_status;
Serial.println("Valve initialization");
Wire.beginTransmission(AMF_ADDRESS); // start I2C communication with the valve
Wire.write(0x51); // valve command register
Wire.write(0x10); // homing
Wire.endTransmission(false);
Wire.endTransmission();
delay(5000); // wait until the valve is homed
Wire.beginTransmission(AMF_ADDRESS);
Wire.write(0x50); // valve status
Wire.endTransmission(false);
Wire.requestFrom(AMF_ADDRESS, 1, false);
valve_status = Wire.read();
Wire.endTransmission();
if (valve_status) //if the value is different than 0, an error occured
{
Serial.print("Valve error: ");
Serial.println(valve_status); // print the character
}
else
{
Serial.println("Valve homed");
}
}
void loop() {
}

Debugging with Arduino:

• Use the Arduino Serial Monitor to check responses from the valve.

Communication Tips

• Check address: Ensure I2C addresses match between Arduino and the AMF device.
• Error handling: Implement error-handling routines to manage communication failures.
• Cable length: Avoid using a cable longer than 20 cm between the I2C master (Arduino) and the I2C slave (RVM)

Example Applications

• Fluid routing (RVM): Switch between reagents automatically during experiments.

By integrating Arduino with AMF microfluidic components, users can achieve versatile and precise control for a variety of liquid handling tasks. Whether for routing fluids with the RVM rotary valve, the combination of Arduino’s flexibility and AMF’s precision ensures robust solutions for microfluidics applications.
Feel free to reach out to AMF for further details on communication protocol examples and custom integration support.