Disclosed is a timing generator including a frequency generator for generating an output signal, and circuitry for providing a nominal parameter setting value to the frequency generator for setting a nominal value of a parameter of the output signal, such as frequency, delay time andor pulse width. In a disclosed apparatus, rapid thermal processing is carried out when the residual oxygen detected by a residual oxygen detector does not exceed a predetermined tolerance level. The precision stage is positioned at least partially over the at least one magnet, and has a first set of coils. A first winding of the second non-isolated inductor is connected in series with a first winding of the first non-isolated inductor. The gateway is configured for connection to an external network. In selection of probes for use in bacterial identification, the base sequences of nucleic acids and the base sequences of probes are displayed with icons, and correlations among the base sequences of the nucleic acids and the base sequences of the probes are displayed with connective lines connecting the respective icons.