Advancing Scientific Innovation

Client:

Oxford Instruments

Project:

Apollo X-Ray Detection System

Goal:

Create a next-generation electronics platform to control advanced electron detectors and X-ray analysis systems while significantly improving data processing capabilities.

Results

Represents a 95% reduction in experiment duration

More efficient use of researcher time and laboratory resources

Supports real-time data visualisation and interpretation

Enables seamless integration with existing laboratory systems

Massively enhanced processing power

Challenge

Oxford Instruments needed to modernise their electron microscopy and X-ray analysis systems, moving from 16-bit microcontrollers and FireWire to a more powerful and flexible architecture. The solution needed to handle dramatically increased data rates while maintaining precision and reliability.

Our Solution

We co-developed with Oxford Instruments a sophisticated electronics control system that:

Manages multiple X-ray detectors simultaneously

Processes over 1 million X-rays per second per channel

Controls four detectors from a single unit

Reduces scanning time from 11 hours to 30 minutes

Enables high-speed data acquisition

Features modular system architecture

Provides seamless integration with existing systems

Supports future expandability and updates

User Benefits

Dramatically reduced experiment times (11 hours to 30 minutes)

Higher-resolution X-ray mapping

More detailed sample analysis

Improved research productivity

Real-time data visualisation

Enhanced experimental accuracy

Multiple detector support

Streamlined workflow

Technical Solution

Rufilla’s innovative design approach included:

Custom Linux platform implementation

Advanced driver development for detector control

High-speed data acquisition system

Multi-channel processing architecture

Custom board support package

Real-time data analysis capabilities

Sophisticated signal processing

Integrated testing framework

Automated calibration systems

Scalable system architecture

What does this mean for you?

While these solutions were developed for smart energy applications, the underlying technologies and approaches can be adapted to solve similar challenges across various industries. Here's how this technology could transform your sector: