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miniFRAME - Compact Microscopy Core

The miniFRAME (also called Inner Cube) is a compact, removable optical engine designed for the FRAME microscope system. It combines a Raspberry Pi computing hub with ESP32-based control electronics to create a coordinated microscopy platform.

System Architecture​

The miniFRAME integrates multiple components into a unified system:

  • Raspberry Pi: Central compute and networking hub
  • ESP32 UC2 Board: Low-level motion control, illumination, and sensor feedback
  • Cameras: USB3 industrial cameras (HIK, Daheng) or Raspberry Pi CSI cameras
  • Motor Drivers: TMC2209 or similar for precise positioning
  • Illumination: LED matrices and optional laser sources

Hardware Coordination​

Modern microscopy requires more than just optics—it needs synchronized control of:

  • Motorized axes (Z, XY, XYZ positioning)
  • LEDs and lasers for illumination
  • Cameras and sensors for detection
  • Controllers for timing and synchronization
  • Automated workflows and long-term experiments

The miniFRAME uses the Raspberry Pi as the central hub to coordinate all these components, enabling time-synchronized experiments via ImSwitch software.

What You'll Learn​

  • Integration of Raspberry Pi with ESP32 control electronics
  • Time-synchronized microscopy experiments
  • Motorized stage control and coordination
  • LED matrix illumination patterns
  • Camera integration and triggering
  • Software orchestration with ImSwitch
  • Modular microscopy system design

Experiments in this Section​

  • miniFRAME DPC Module - Differential Phase Contrast imaging with the miniFRAME system
  • miniFRAME Software - Software setup and configuration

Key Features​

Hardware Integration​

  • Unified power system (12V to 5V conversion)
  • USB3 connectivity for cameras
  • CAN bus for distributed control
  • PWM control for illumination

Software Coordination​

  • ImSwitch for coordinated control
  • Reproducible experimental workflows
  • Automated imaging sequences
  • Long-term time-lapse capabilities

Connection Architecture​

Raspberry Pi (Central Hub)
    ├── USB → ESP32 UC2 Board
    │           ├── Motor Drivers (TMC2209)
    │           ├── LED Matrices (via CAN bus)
    │           └── Laser Control (PWM)
    └── USB3 → Camera(s)

The ESP32 board is powered by 12V and provides 5V/3A to the Raspberry Pi via DC-DC converter, creating an integrated power solution.

Applications​

  • Differential Phase Contrast (DPC) microscopy
  • Automated multi-position imaging
  • Time-lapse experiments
  • Fluorescence microscopy with synchronized illumination
  • Portable research microscopy
  • Educational microscopy systems

Modular Design​

The miniFRAME can operate:

  • As a standalone system
  • Integrated into the full FRAME microscope
  • With different optical configurations
  • As a testbed for new microscopy techniques

Perfect for researchers who need a compact, coordinated microscopy system with professional capabilities!