Informatique I

his course is designed for chemists who want to enhance their laboratory automation skills by learning how to use LabVIEW programming and Arduino-based instrumentation and control systems. It focuses on providing hands-on knowledge that enables chemists to build custom solutions for data acquisition, process control, and laboratory automation.

Course Outline:

1. Introduction to LabVIEW Programming:

   • Overview of LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) as a graphical programming environment used for data acquisition, analysis, and control.
   • Basic concepts: Front Panel, Block Diagram, and VIs (Virtual Instruments).
   • Creating and running simple LabVIEW programs for laboratory applications.

2. LabVIEW Data Acquisition (DAQ) Techniques:

   • Connecting sensors (e.g., pH sensors, temperature probes) and actuators (e.g., pumps, motors) to LabVIEW.
   • Understanding signal conditioning, analog-to-digital conversion, and data logging.
   • Using LabVIEW to automate data collection and real-time analysis.

3. Introduction to Arduino for Instrumentation:

   • Introduction to Arduino microcontroller and its role in laboratory automation.
   • Setting up and programming Arduino boards to interact with sensors and actuators.
   • Integrating Arduino with LabVIEW for extended capabilities in controlling experiments and acquiring data.

4. Hands-on Projects:

   • Building a simple pH measurement and control system.
   • Designing a temperature control system using LabVIEW and Arduino.
   • Automating a titration process with sensors and motor control.

5. Advanced Control and Automation:

   • Implementing closed-loop control systems using LabVIEW and Arduino (PID controllers).
   • Real-time monitoring of chemical reactions and automatic adjustments of parameters such as temperature, pH, and concentration.
   • Customizing control algorithms for specific chemical processes.

6. Integration and Customization:

   • Combining LabVIEW and Arduino with other lab equipment (e.g., spectrophotometers, gas chromatographs) for advanced experiments.
   • Developing custom LabVIEW interfaces for remote monitoring and control.
   • Creating and troubleshooting complex automation systems for research or production environments.

7. Practical Applications for Chemists:

   • Creating automated workflows for routine laboratory tasks.
   • Streamlining experimental data collection and analysis.
   • Enhancing reproducibility and precision in experiments.
   • Applying custom-built instrumentation solutions to chemical process control and optimization.

Learning Outcomes:

• Proficiency in using LabVIEW for automating data collection and instrument control.
• Ability to design, program, and implement Arduino-based systems for real-time monitoring and process control.
• Skills to develop custom instrumentation solutions tailored to the specific needs of a chemistry lab.
• A solid foundation in integrating hardware (sensors, actuators) with software (LabVIEW and Arduino) for effective laboratory automation.

Target Audience:

This course is ideal for chemists, lab technicians, and researchers who want to modernize their laboratory environment, automate routine tasks, and develop custom control systems to enhance their research. No prior programming experience is required, but a basic understanding of chemistry and laboratory practices is recommended.