U-XRTC Real-Time Controller
The U-XRTC real-time controller offers high-precision real-time hardware control for complex, time-critical live-cell experiments and laser-based imaging systems.
Integrated into the IXplore™ IX85 Spin series of confocal spinning disk microscopes, the U-XRTC provides precise control of laser lines and synchronized coordination of excitation, camera exposure, and mechanical components.
With sub-microsecond timing, precision, and parallel execution, it eliminates PC-induced delays and ensures accurate triggering and intensity control. By minimizing idle times and unnecessary illumination, the U-XRTC enables faster experiments, improved reproducibility, reduced phototoxicity, and higher cell viability.
Compatible with TTL- and analog-controlled devices, including laser combiners, LED systems, piezo stages, shutters, filter wheels, and scientific cameras.
U-XRTC Real-Time Controller
Precision in Sync with Your Experiment
When timing defines data quality, every microsecond counts.
The U-XRTC real-time controller acts as the conductor of your advanced microscopy system, ensuring each device is coordinated with microsecond accuracy. With a CPU board that executes experimental sequences in real time and independent of the host PC, the U-XRTC enables:
- Timing precision below 1 µs
- True parallel control of multiple third-party devices
- Deterministic experiment execution
- Elimination of communication bottlenecks
For live-cell and quantitative experiments, this translates into improved reproducibility, more reliable quantification, reduced bleaching, lower phototoxicity, and higher cell viability.
Precise timing and synchronized device control—even at the highest speeds—reduce unnecessary illumination and ensure that exposure occurs only when required.
Compared to conventional USB control (blue), the U-XRTC (gray) real-time controller reduces effective sample illumination time by up to 25X, minimizing photodamage while maintaining experimental speed.
Future-Ready Platform for Advanced Microscopy
The U-XRTC is designed for cutting-edge microscopy environments requiring flexible hardware integration, such as the IXplore™ IX85 Spin series. Additional hardware like cellFRAP, filter wheels, and shutters are easily connected, configured, and controlled using cellSens™ software.
Connectivity includes:
- Up to 20 digital output ports (TTL) for synchronized triggering of light sources, shutters, cameras, and external devices
- Up to 16 analog output ports for light intensity modulation or precise piezo positioning
- Up to 8 digital input ports for handshake control or external trigger synchronization
This architecture supports seamless integration of both Evident and third-party hardware components.
The combination of deterministic hardware control and intuitive software setup enables complex multi-device experiments without increasing operational complexity.
Simplified Experiment Setup and Execution
The U-XRTC is fully integrated into cellSens software and controlled through the Graphical Experiment Manager (GEM). This seamless integration supports:
- Direct configuration of connected devices
- Visual experiment sequencing
- One-click execution of complex workflows
- Centralized hardware management
High-Performance Imaging Across Applications
By enabling high temporal resolution without compromising biological integrity, the U-XRTC is ideal for:
- FRAP and photoactivation experiments
- High-speed spinning disk imaging
- Fast Z-stack acquisition with piezo stages
- Optogenetics with precise light timing
- Multi-device synchronized acquisition setups
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