Determining if a Communication Issue is Due to an LC Module Hardware Failure

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent Analytical HPLC Modules

Issues 
Verifying that the nature of a Communication Issue is caused by an LC Module Failure.

Resolution

When a user launches the Chromatography Data System (CDS) and it connects to the LC system, all icons will appear green once turned on (Figure 1). If the CDS fails to connect to the HPLC system, all icons will be gray and cannot be turned on (Figure 2). In some instances, it may be that only a single module fails to connect, then only that module will be grayed out (Figure 3).

There are many reasons for communication failure, some of the more common issues are:

• Modules are not powered on.
• Wall power outlets are not working.
• Communication cards in the PC and/or Hosting LC module are defective.
• Incorrect IP addresses in either the PC or LC card or both.
• Not using a CrossOver cable between the PC and HPLC card, or it is defective.
• Defective CAN cables between modules.
• Incorrect system configuration in the CDS.
• Modules are not daisy chained with the CAN cables, which creates a closed loop.  
• Failure of a module hardware. 

Figure 1: System connected

Figure 2: System not connected

           

Figure 3: Sampler not connected

Recognizing when an LC module error is the cause of a communication failure.

• On all Agilent modules, there are 2 LEDs that indicate the module status (Figure 4) (LED Status Indicator).

                   
  
  Figure 4. Module LEDs
  1. Power LED, 2. Model and serial number label, 3. Status LED

• When an Agilent module is powered on, the Status light will rapidly change colors. The color changes can vary depending on the HPLC series (1100, 1200, 1260, 1290). 
  • For example, the 1290 Infinity II series will cycle through red>orange>green>off (no color)>orange. All modules within the same series will follow the same sequence of color changes. 
  • If a module does not follow that sequence, it could be a strong indication that there is a module hardware failure. If there are no color changes (remains blank) when the module is powered on, then it could be the module electronics.
  • If the module is the one where the LAN cable is connected, then all the icons will be gray. If the module is not the one with the LAN card, then only that module will be gray.

Contact your local Agilent Support representative for further assistance.

Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent Infinity1260 or 1290 LC System using OpenLab CDS Software:  Agilent 1260 Infinity LC Systems with OpenLab CDS Agilent 1290 Infinity Systems with OpenLab CDS e-learning paths available from Agilent education