Open Lab Automation

Open Lab Automation is an open-source suite for automated electrical measurements, designed for hobbyists, makers, and lab enthusiasts. The frontend is a modern Python (PyQt5) graphical interface for instrument configuration and control, while the C backend ensures fast, direct communication with instruments via USB, LAN, GPIB, or serial.

Note: This software is under active development. Features and stability may change, and some parts may be incomplete or experimental.

Main Features

• Instrument Management

  • Add, configure, and manage instruments using a flexible JSON library (Instruments_LIB/instruments_lib.json).
  • Three-level selection: type → series → model, with dynamic options.
  • Support for power supplies, dataloggers, oscilloscopes, and electronic loads.
  • Detailed configuration of channels/slots, variables, attenuation, measurement type, per-channel enable/disable.
  • Guided VISA address composition for each interface (LXI, GPIB, USB, RS232, ...).
  • Edit already-inserted instruments and manage channel selection.
  • Fully translatable interface (Italian, English, French, Spanish, German).

• Project Management

  • Create and manage measurement projects with associated configuration files (.json, .inst, .eff, .was).
  • Advanced naming options for files and instances.
  • Dedicated editors for instruments, efficiency, and oscilloscope settings.

• Backend Communication

  • C backend for efficient, direct communication with instruments.
  • Designed to be easily extendable to new instruments and protocols.

Project Structure

• Frontend: Python (PyQt5)
• Backend: C
• Instrument Library: JSON (Instruments_LIB/instruments_lib.json)

Requirements

• Python 3.7+
• PyQt5
• GCC (for backend compilation)

File List and Description

• frontend/main.py — Main Python GUI application (PyQt5), instrument/project management dialogs.
• backend/backend.c — C backend for low-level instrument communication.
• Instruments_LIB/instruments_lib.json — Instrument library (JSON structure for all supported instruments).
• frontend/lang/it.json, en.json, fr.json, es.json, de.json — Translations for the GUI.
• README.md — This documentation file.
• LICENSE — License information.
• Open-Lab-Automation.code-workspace — VS Code workspace settings.
• docs/ — Documentation and instrument manuals.

Disclaimer

This software is provided for hobbyist and non-professional use only.

The authors and contributors of Open Lab Automation accept no responsibility for damage to persons, property, or equipment resulting from the use of this software. Use at your own risk. The software is provided "as is", without any express or implied warranty. It is not intended for professional, industrial, or safety-critical use.

License

See the LICENSE file for details.