Electron Microscope Image Digitiser Kit with Arduino Mega
Electron Microscope Image Digitiser Kit with Arduino Mega — Turn an Analog SEM into a Full-Frame Digital Imager
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Old scanning electron microscopes still produce crisp analog images, but manual XY navigation and film-based recording limit their utility in modern labs. This kit swaps the manual stage for Arduino-controlled scanning coils and replaces the photographic film with a digital TFT display. You will build a complete digitising front-end that captures secondary electron signals, syncs pixel clock with real‑time RTC, and saves 240×320 bitmap images directly to microSD.
What You'll Build
A retrofit controller board that generates precision ramp signals for SEM scanning coils via dual MCP4725 DACs, reads the secondary electron detector output through an ADS1115 16‑bit ADC, and reconstructs a real‑time image on a 2.4‑inch TFT ILI9341. The system timestamps each frame using a DS3231 RTC and stores the bitmaps on a microSD module for immediate analysis. The entire assembly fits on a stack of PCB prototype boards, powered and programmed by the Arduino Mega 2560.
What You'll Learn
- Interface a 16‑bit ADC (ADS1115) for low‑noise analog signal digitisation from a secondary electron detector.
- Generate linear voltage ramps using dual MCP4725 I²C DACs to drive X‑Y scanning coils.
- Implement real‑time image reconstruction and display on an ILI9341 TFT from sequential ADC readings.
- Build an integrated data‑logging system using the DS3231 RTC and a microSD mass storage module.
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | 1 |
| ADS1115 ADC | 1 |
| MCP4725 DAC | 2 |
| LM358 Op‑Amp | 4 |
| 2.4in TFT ILI9341 | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| 100kΩ Resistors | 10 |
| 100nF Capacitors | 15 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 5 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre‑tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step‑by‑step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3‑5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is designed for B.Tech ECE/EEE undergraduates, research scholars upgrading legacy lab equipment, and participants in Smart India Hackathon hardware tracks. It is equally suited for faculty setting up an instrumentation lab at IITs, NITs, VIT, or BITS Pilani, and for hobbyists with access to a vintage SEM. A solid understanding of analog circuit design and Arduino programming is essential.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box or reach out on WhatsApp. The AI companion knows every component and wiring detail, and our team is available to help with troubleshooting.
Do I need access to a real scanning electron microscope to test this kit?
Yes, the final integration requires an analog SEM with external scanning coil inputs and a secondary electron detector output. A bench power supply and signal generator can simulate signals during development, but validation needs the actual microscope.
Is the high‑voltage section of the SEM modified by this kit?
No, the kit interfaces only with low‑voltage scanning coil inputs (typically ±10V) and the 0‑5V/0‑10V secondary electron signal. It does not alter the SEM’s electron optics or high‑voltage circuits. Always follow your institution’s safety protocols.
How is the image resolution determined?
The TFT renders a 240×320 pixel image, but the effective resolution depends on your scanning ramp step size and the ADC sampling rate. With the ADS1115’s 860 SPS and proper timing, you can capture a 128×128 or 256×256 pixel frame in a few seconds.
Scanning coil controller replaces manual XY on SEM. ADS1115 digitises secondary electron signal. Image on TFT.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Mega 2560
- ADS1115 ADC
- MCP4725 DAC x2
- LM358 Op-Amp x4
- 2.4in TFT ILI9341
- DS3231 RTC
- MicroSD Module
- 100kΩ Resistors x10
- 100nF Caps x15
- PCB Prototype Board x5
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items