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Sensapex uMx Software & SDK
The Sensapex uMx platform is the open-source software foundation for automating all Sensapex hardware. Built around a Python SDK and Ethernet control architecture with ultra-low latency, it enables researchers to script unified control of uMp micromanipulators, uMs microscopes, and uMc pressure controllers — from simple movement commands to fully automated patch clamp workflows via ACQ4 integration.
What is the Sensapex uMx Software & SDK?
The Sensapex uMx platform provides the software foundation for programming and automating all Sensapex hardware. At its core is the open-source Sensapex Software Development Kit (SDK), available on GitHub and offering Python drivers and application examples that let researchers control uMp micromanipulators, uMs microscopes, and uMc pressure controllers from a single, unified software interface.
Sensapex designed its entire hardware line with automation in mind: fully digital, Ethernet-based control with orders-of-magnitude lower latency than USB alternatives. The result is a platform where complex, multi-device automated experiments — from image-based pipette targeting to triggered pressure sequences — can be implemented with straightforward Python scripting. The uMx SDK also underpins the ACQ4 electrophysiology platform, which has a growing user community for automated patch clamp workflows.
Key Features
- Open-source Python SDK: The sensapex.py library is freely available on GitHub and provides complete API access to all Sensapex hardware. Python wrappers are included for rapid scripting without low-level protocol knowledge.
- Ethernet-based ultra-low latency: Sensapex’s proprietary control architecture communicates over standard Ethernet, delivering control latencies far shorter than USB or serial connections — critical for closed-loop and triggered automation.
- Unified control of all devices: A single SDK instance controls uMp manipulators, uMs stage and focus, and uMc pressure controllers in parallel, with fully synchronised multi-device command scheduling.
- Firmware update tool: The free Sensapex Firmware Update Tool keeps all uM hardware up to date via a simple Windows application — no technical expertise required.
- ACQ4 integration: Compatible with the ACQ4 open-source electrophysiology platform, enabling image-based automation, data acquisition, and analysis in a single environment.
- Extensible to any experiment: The SDK is language-agnostic at the network level; while Python is the primary interface, any language with network socket support can communicate with Sensapex hardware.
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Getting Started with the Sensapex SDK
Getting started with the Sensapex SDK is straightforward. Install the sensapex-py package from the Sensapex GitHub repository, connect your Sensapex hardware via Ethernet, and begin scripting device control in Python. A growing library of application examples covers common tasks including moving manipulators to absolute positions, triggering pressure pulses at defined times, and integrating hardware control into ACQ4 experiment workflows.
For labs new to the platform, the PC Connection Quick Guide walks through network configuration and initial connection testing. The Firmware Update Tool (available as a free Windows download) ensures all devices are running the latest firmware before programming begins.
Applications
- Custom automation of patch clamp workflows (seal formation, break-in, data acquisition)
- Image-based pipette targeting and sample navigation
- Multi-device synchronisation (manipulators, stage, pressure, imaging)
- Integration with ACQ4 for automated electrophysiology and data management
- Triggered pressure sequences for compound puffing and microinjection
- Firmware management and device configuration for all Sensapex uM products
Technical Specifications
| Catalog Number | uMx |
| SDK Language | Python (primary); any language via Ethernet socket |
| SDK Repository | github.com/sensapex/sensapex-py (open-source) |
| Communication Protocol | Proprietary over standard Ethernet (TCP/UDP) |
| Compatible Hardware | All Sensapex uMp, uMs, and uMc products |
| Operating System | Windows, Linux, macOS (Python SDK); Windows x64 (Firmware Tool) |
| Firmware Update Tool | Free Windows x64 application; updates all uM product firmware |
| ACQ4 Compatibility | Full integration via Sensapex device module |
| License | Open-source (see GitHub repository for license terms) |
Applications
- Automated patch clamp and electrophysiology workflows
- Multi-device closed-loop control (manipulators, microscope, pressure)
- Custom scripted experiment sequences and data acquisition
- Firmware management for all Sensapex uM hardware
Sensapex uMx Software Publications
The Sensapex SDK and its ACQ4 integration are cited in publications describing automated patch clamp systems, image-based cell targeting, and high-throughput electrophysiology workflows. Researchers across neuroscience and cell biology use the platform to implement custom closed-loop experiment automation.
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