Real-life Pro-Data Upgrade Case Study 4 – Fluorescence Polarisation measurements

This SX18 instrument was installed in 1996. The instrument is used in a number of absorbance and fluorescence modes but was upgraded at the same time as purchasing a fluorescence polarisation accessory. Based on the original single channel instrument shown in the picture below, an additional photometric unit would have been required to carry out FP measurements. The Pro-Data upgrade features a dual-channel PMT module fitted to the Electronics Unit as standard and is therefore also the cost effective solution to equipping an instrument with FP capability in addition to the various performance benefits offered.

The improvements to the instrument hardware performance are directly linked to the new data acquisition electronics. On the old instrument, data acquisition via a single 12 bit A/D converter from the two photometric channels was multiplexed and not truly simultaneous. The Pro-Data upgrade features a dual channel PMT module as standard for measurement of two simultaneous signals (absorbance and fluorescence, dual fluorescence signals or fluorescence and light scattering). Each channel is equipped with a dedicated 16 bit A/D converter providing true simultaneous dual channel acquisition. The dual channel PMT module is a fundamental component for fluorescence polarisation measurements.

The 16 bit A/D converter combined with automatic gain control provides a marginal signal to noise benefit for absorbance and fluorescence data for upgraded instruments. More helpful to the user during setting up the instrument control software is the elimination of the manual A/D range software control and signal offset control that these features provide.

Pre-1996 instruments featured non-amplified PMT detectors unless subsequently upgraded. This instrument featured one non-amplified photometric channel and a non-amplified absorbance and fluorescence detector. The electronic circuitry upgrade of the detectors carried out as standard with the Pro-Data upgrade ensures the latest sensitivity detection from each detector.

The new electronics configuration greatly simplifies the instrument cabling. On this instrument, the total number of cables was reduced from 12 to just 5.

Other example installations.

• Example 1 - SX17 Upgrade.
• Example 2 - Photodiode array and glove-box installation.
• Example 3 - Dual Channel Fluorescence.
• Example 4 - Fluorescence Polarisation.

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