ALPHA / OMEGA Universal Optical Test Platform

Dimension-Labs' FreeDesign intelligent instrument development platform offers a 1 chassis + N modules combination method, helping users to independently develop and build various types of test and measurement instruments and systems in a simple and efficient manner. FreeDesign can integrate multiple measurement modules into one, and complete the customized combination and integration of a large number of general test modules within a chassis the size of a PC host. It is a powerful development tool for shortening long-term investment and improving efficiency in scientific research systems and automated product testing.

FreeDesign offers high-performance, high-precision and high-freedom testing methods; it can meet the requirements of various testing scenarios and provide you with the broadest creative space.

• Develop test instruments and meters independently

• Industrial automation real-time production monitoring

• University research and laboratory research

Main features

• High compatibility

The FreeDesign intelligent instrument development platform is compatible with all the test modules of Dimension-Labs and all the subsequent developed modules based on the USB interface by users. It breaks through the limitations and adopts the standard USB protocol for communication, which is compatible with a wide range of test modules and can control the operation of all modules, truly achieving multi-functionality in one machine and normalization of the test system.

• High flexibility

The FreeDesign intelligent instrument development system adopts a modular design, allowing users to select and combine various types and quantities of measurement instrument modules as needed. This enables the FreeDesign system to meet the requirements of different applications.

• High reliability

The FreeDesign system features precise reliability and durability, and operates reliably in harsh environmental conditions. The internal cooling system and anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities of the chassis also help maintain stable performance and accurate measurement results.

• Research-level design

The FreeDesign case and modules adopt the professional research-level design by Dimension-Labs. From the internal system to the operation method, from the hardware design to the visual presentation, simplicity and efficiency are the core concepts that Dimension-Labs adheres to. For instance, the case is equipped with gravity sensing function, allowing it to be placed horizontally or vertically freely and still operate normally, achieving the ultimate in space utilization.

Main advantages

• Hardware architecture separation design

The platform adopts a hardware architecture design consisting of a core board, a backplane, and a functional test module. The core board and the functional test module communicate via standard USB protocol.

• Platform + modular design, supporting multiple applications and scalability.

Platform + modular design, compatible with various test modules, flexible configuration and easy expansion

• Hot-swappable

The chassis features built-in slot identification, power-on control functions, and supports hot swapping.

• There are various control methods.

The module control board offers multiple control interfaces such as USB, SPI and serial port.

• Control and Automation

The platform supports network and USB control, and enables multiple testing instruments to work collaboratively to form an automated testing system.

• Configuration and Performance

The OMEGA test platform adopts the Intel Skylake-U architecture and is equipped with a Core i5 CPU. The ALPHA test platform adopts the ARM+linux architecture, featuring a touch display, supporting key and touch control, and is flexible and convenient.

• Abundant slots

OMEGA offers 11 slots and up to 10 functional modules for control, while ALPHA provides two slots and two functional modules for control.

• Industrial Design

OMEGA adopts a standard 19-inch 3U chassis design, suitable for rack installation or desktop testing.

• Module power supply

The module supports 24V/2A power supply, which can provide 48W power support for the functional modules.

Product Introduction

The platform is the foundation of the FreeDesign intelligent instrument development system, used to install controllers and modules. The platform provides power and communication interfaces for intelligent instrument development, and has excellent heat dissipation performance. We offer two different specifications of platforms (including a simple version without an industrial control computer), with 2 slots and 11 slots respectively, which can meet various portable and desktop requirements of customers.

OMEGA case

Large-capacity intelligent instrument development chassis

This is a high-end and high-capacity chassis model launched by Dimension-Labs. It is equipped with high-performance processors of i5-6300U 2.4GHz and i7-6600U 2.6GHz (customizable). It also features 11 slots and 10 slots with expandable and programmable capabilities, and adopts the international standard 3U19" testing instrument development platform size.

OMEGA LITE Case

Large-capacity intelligent instrument development chassis

While maintaining the 10 functional module slots and the standard communication configuration, the processor and chipset have been removed. This enhances the user's development flexibility and cost-effectiveness, enabling the development of instruments that better meet the users' research and testing needs within the overall framework.

ALPHA Touchscreen

Development kit for miniaturized intelligent instruments

ALPHA is a compact and programmable dual-slot platform, featuring an ARM+Linux architecture. It is equipped with a 3.2" touch display, comes with a GUI, supports key and touch control, and enables quick, simple and accurate measurements without the need for additional PC or other control devices. The ALPHA case is internally equipped with a gravity sensor, supporting both landscape and portrait orientations. It is highly suitable for laboratory or small-scale automated production testing environments.

ALPHA LITE Compact Version

Development kit for miniaturized intelligent instruments

The basic communication PCB board is retained, facilitating users' customization for developing instruments and meters; the external panel without the touch screen allows for a larger editable area, enabling users to customize interfaces and modules.

Module

On the FreeDesign testing platform, users can utilize any functional modules that are compatible with the USB protocol and are packaged according to the specified size. You can either build the testing system using the existing modules provided by Dimension-Labs or design it independently. Dimension-Labs' module upgrade and optimization service will always be by your side. We have been persisting in innovation and development, optimizing existing modules and expanding new functions to meet the increasingly complex testing requirements and scenarios.

Customized chassis service

The Omega and Omega Lite models are both designed in accordance with the standard 3U 19" format, making them highly suitable for constructing large-scale test system work platforms. Users can customize the models according to their specific cabinet size requirements.

Module self-development

Based on the FreeDesign case, we recommend that users design the modules by using the single-slot/double-slot method for packaging. This way, while suitable for assembly combinations, the space of the case can be effectively utilized. The size of the single-slot/double-slot modules is: 265mm × 130mm × 35/70mm. If necessary, you can design modules occupying multiple slots according to the actual situation.

CONTROLLER software

The Omega series test chassis uses the OmegaController software to achieve the display and control of each module on the PC side. It enables the rapid data acquisition and processing of different functions of the modules in the PC software, and allows for quick interactive measurement with the user.

Customers can also refer to the algorithms provided by Dimension-Labs to incorporate customized or independently developed modules into the Omega-Controller operating system. Under the control of this operating system, they can carry out specific tasks such as development verification and production monitoring.

The Alpha series test chassis can also be operated through the AlphaController software on the PC to carry out test tasks. With this software, it is easy to establish connections between multiple test platforms and develop your intelligent testing system.

Cloud-based testing system

Build a cloud-based testing network for you, as if it were a future-like environment.

Based on the comprehensive development of 5G networks and cloud data, FreeDesign supports cloud testing functionality. Users only need to input the physical address of each device into the network system, log in using standard software, and then they can remotely control each testing instrument from thousands of miles away. The test data of the instruments can be uploaded to the cloud data storage center. Engineers can analyze and process this data on any computer connected to the private network, achieving cloud network interconnection of the testing equipment.

Models & Specifications