Instrument module format

Hardware
platform

Mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces for third-party instrument modules.

Use instruments individually over USB-C or Ethernet, or combine them in a seven-slot desktop rack with a shared touchscreen.

Hardware specification

01 / Hardware

Hardware specification

A common module format for individual instruments and complete bench configurations.

The Modular Bench 2U format is specific to this platform; check mechanical interfaces when using another rack.
ParameterSpecificationDetail
Module format2UModular Bench format
Rack capacity7 module positionsSmall desktop rack
Power inputUSB-CModule power input
Control interfacesUSB-C / EthernetHost control and data transfer
User interfaceShared touchscreenShared module display and controls
Module APIShared APIDiscovery and instrument control

02 / Openness

Source release policy

Software features and access
01At platform release

The platform

The platform release includes the format specification, enclosure designs, module interfaces and a reference module. Third-party modules can use open or closed designs.

02Open source

Software, firmware & gateware

Software, firmware and FPGA gateware are open source. All software features are available across devices, with no paid feature unlocks. Licence terms accompany each source package.

03Staged release

Instrument hardware

Schematics, parts lists and documentation are released at shipment. Full production files follow at the next revision or after 18 months, whichever comes first.

Discontinuation and closure

Full production files are released if an instrument is discontinued or the company ceases operating.