PyQDInstrument

Python driver for the Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS®) cryostat.

Requirements

• IronPython
• PPMS C# library from here

Usage

• Run the QDInstrument_Server.exe program on the PPMS control PC.
• Copy the QDInstrument.DLL file to the IronPython DLL folder.
• Open an IronPython console on a measurement PC (Windows) that can access the control PC's port on which the server can be contacted.
• Add PyQDInstrument to the pythonpath or add an pqi\__init__.py file with

import sys
sys.path.append(r'C:\<my_directory>\PyQDInstrument')
from PyQDInstrument import *

Because Windows frequently has \Users (or similar) in the path, the above directory string should be a raw string (hence the r) to keep from getting accidental unicode parsing errors (\u is the unicode escape).

• Then start a QDInstrument server:

import pqi
pqi.run_server(HOST, PORT, PPMS_IP, PPMS_PORT)

you can find the PPMS_PORT in the QDInstrument_Server.exe program.

• Open your favorite Python distribution on a (remote) PC/Mac and run e.g.

import PyQDInstrument as pqi
ppms = pqi.RemotePPMS(HOST, PORT)
#get temperature
ppms.temperature
#set temperature
ppms.temperature_rate = 20
ppms.temperature = 200

...etcetera. Attributes represent the system control parameters:

• temperature: get/set the system temperature.
• temperature_rate: get/set the temperature ramp rate. Default = 10.
• temperature_approach: get/set the temperature ramp method. Options are: 'FastSettle' (default), 'NoOverShoot'.
• field: get/set the system magnetic field.
• field_rate: get/set the field ramp rate. Default = 100.
• field_approach: get/set the field ramp method. Options are: 'Linear' (default), 'NoOverShoot', 'Oscillate'.
• field_mode: get/set the field ramp mode. Options are: 'Persistent' (default), 'Driven'.
• temperature_status: get the temperature status message.
• field_status: get the field status message.
• chamber: get the chamber status message.
• map##: get the value of a map item (20-29).

Or, if you really wish, connect to the socket via your own data acquisition software. Send string commands to the socket in the form "temperature" or "temperature = 200".

Pull requests are welcome.

Have fun!