Scanning Impedance Microscope Kit with Arduino Mega + Stepper Motor
Map PCB Impedance at the Trace Level with the Arduino Mega Scanning Impedance Microscope Kit
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
You'll assemble a precision scanning microscope that measures local impedance across a PCB with a 50µm tip, generating a heatmap that pinpoints micro-shorts, cracked traces, and contamination invisible to multimeters. Ideal for failure analysis in advanced prototyping and repair.
What You'll Build
A fully automated scanning stage with two NEMA 17 steppers, a signal chain generating a 1 kHz excitation via AD9833 and measuring response with ADS1115, all controlled by Arduino Mega. The onboard 2.4" TFT displays a live impedance map as the probe raster-scans the surface.
What You'll Learn
- Precision analog signal conditioning with op-amps (LM358) for low-current impedance measurement
- Stepper motor motion control and microstepping via A4988 drivers and CNC shield
- Generating and acquiring AC signals with AD9833 DDS and ADS1115 16-bit ADC
- Data visualization on TFT displays and mapping 2D spatial data
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | x1 |
| AD9833 Signal Gen | x1 |
| ADS1115 ADC | x1 |
| NEMA 17 Stepper | x2 |
| A4988 Driver | x2 |
| CNC Shield V3 | x1 |
| LM358 Op-Amp | x2 |
| 2.4in TFT ILI9341 | x1 |
| 100kΩ Resistors | x5 |
| 100nF Caps | x15 |
| PCB Prototype Board | x4 |
| 12V 3A PSU | x1 |
| Soldering Iron | x1 |
| Solder Wire | x1 |
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
Designed for B.Tech ECE/EEE final-year students, M.Tech researchers in VLSI/failure analysis, and advanced makers building their own lab instruments. Perfect for Smart India Hackathon teams developing automated PCB testing tools, and IIT/NIT/VIT/BITS project groups needing precision diagnostics.
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?
Our AI companion, accessible via QR code, has step-by-step guidance for this exact kit, covering calibration of the 50µm tip and noise reduction. You can also reach us on WhatsApp for human support.
What PCB features can this microscope detect?
It can locate hairline cracks, micro-shorts, contaminated traces, and via failures down to 50µm resolution, far beyond a typical multimeter's capability.
Do I need prior experience with impedance spectroscopy?
No, the kit's build instructions and AI guide introduce the fundamentals. However, comfort with soldering and Arduino coding will help.
Is the 50µm tip included, and how do I prepare a probe?
The kit includes components to construct the tip from a tungsten wire, with sharpening instructions provided. Pre-sharpened probes can be sourced separately if desired.
50µm tip scans PCB surface. AD9833 + ADS1115 measures local impedance map to locate fault at trace level.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Mega 2560
- AD9833 Signal Gen
- ADS1115 ADC
- NEMA 17 Stepper x2
- A4988 Driver x2
- CNC Shield V3
- LM358 Op-Amp x2
- 2.4in TFT ILI9341
- 100kΩ Resistors x5
- 100nF Caps x15
- PCB Prototype Board x4
- 12V 3A PSU
- 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.
Other projects you can build
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