• Created : 
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  • Category :  Agilent Knowledge Portal
  • Entry Type :  Article
  • Product Type :  Analytical LC Systems Preparative LC Systems
  • Component :  LC Column Compartments LC Detectors LC Fraction Collectors LC Injectors and Sample Thermostats LC Pumps LC Valves
  • Product Name :  1100 Series LC System 1200 Series LC System 1260 Infinity II Bio-Inert LC System 1260 Infinity II LC System 1260 Infinity II Prime Bio LC System 1260 Infinity III Bio-Inert LC System 1260 Infinity III LC System 1260 Infinity III Prime Bio LC System 1260 Infinity III Prime LC System 1260 Infinity LC System 1260 Infinity II Prime LC System 1290 Infinity II Bio LC System 1290 Infinity II LC System 1290 Infinity III Bio LC System 1290 Infinity III LC System 1290 Infinity LC System
  • Task :  Best Practices Installation
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Considerations when Combining LC Modules of Different Series

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent LC Systems

Issue

While it is possible to combine modules from different HPLC series such as 1100, 1200, 1260 or 1290 series to create a functioning LC system, there are some important topics to consider.

 

Resolution 

When combining instruments of different series there are several firmware, hardware, software, and operating scale considerations.

Firmware

Agilent releases LC firmware in sets for modules, which have been tested for interoperability. A set typically covers a range of firmware revisions, e.g. A/B/C/D.07.xx with variable values for xx.

All modules must belong to the same firmware set (the first number group after the letter), otherwise the modules will not communicate with each other or be detected by the acquisition software. For example, you cannot mix B.05.xx with A.06.xx. You can, however, configure modules with B.06.xx with A.06.xx. Therefore, it may be necessary to modify the firmware (either upgrade or downgrade) to be compatible. 

The following table will assist you in understanding firmware platforms.

Firmware Platform Comment
A The oldest platform. Compatible modules have a LAN port slot and may have GPIB communication (obsolete). Has 8-bit configuration switches and two CAN1 ports. Will not be able to host modules with C firmware unless there is a G1369C LAN card installed2.
B These modules have a more recent generation mainboard with on board LAN. They have 8-bit configuration switches and two CAN ports. They can act as hosts for modules with C versions firmware
C These modules cannot fully operate on their own unless they are paired with modules with either B or D firmware versions. They are often referred to as Hosted2 modules. They have two CAN ports and 2-bit configuration switches. 
D They are the latest mainboard generation modules. These modules have on board LAN and 6-bit configuration switches and two CAN ports. They can act as hosts for modules with C firmware with a maximum of three C modules per host.

1 CAN stands for Common Area Network. The modules communicate to each other via this port when connected with a CAN cable.
2 Hosted modules will need to have either a module with B or D firmware to work. They can work with modules with A firmware as well, but a G1369C LAN must be used (the G1369A/B or older LAN cards will not work). Contact Agilent support for guidance.

System pressure

Different series have different pressure limits. The 1100 series modules were rated for 400 bar maximum pressure, whereas the 1290 is rated for 1300 bar. So, if a 1100 series autosampler is swapped into a 1290 system, the maximum pressure will be reduced to 400 bar. During system configuration, the maximum system pressure will be set to maximum pressure of the module with the lowest rated pressure. This setting is applicable not only to modules, but to peripherals as well, such as valves.

Note:  There are some instances where a pressure reduction can occur even though all modules are from the same series. For example, a 1290 system is rated at 1300 bar but if the 900 µL injection head is installed, the pressure will be limited to 400 bar.

Chromatography Data System (CDS)

For a CDS to communicate and control a module, it requires module drivers. Older CDS may not have the correct drivers for newer modules. In that case, it is necessary to upgrade the CDS to control the newly created system.

It is easier to add older series modules to a system with newer CDS. The older modules may require firmware updates to be compatible.

Agilent support will assist you with module, firmware, and CDS compatibilities.

Module operating scale

Make sure that all modules are within the same operating scale. Do not combine analytical, micro, nano, and preparatory modules together.

If you move an analytical pump to a preparative system, the flow will be limited to the maximum flow rate of that pump. If a preparative pump is added to an analytical system, it can work but chromatography will suffer as the pump will not mix as thoroughly as the analytical resulting in noisy baseline among other issues. If you attempt to deliver solvent at analytical flows through micro or nano capillaries, the pressure will be too high.

 

  
Tips: To learn more about Agilent Firmware, see the document Agilent LC Firmware Background Information on Agilent.com

 

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