Clarity Hardware COLIBRICK A/D CONVERTER

Significance of the Topic

The increasing demand for precise and stable chromatographic data acquisition drives the development of high-resolution analog-to-digital converters. The Colibrick A/D Converter integrates seamlessly with Clarity chromatography software to deliver 24-bit, Delta-Sigma sampling, ensuring minimal signal distortion, reliable temperature stability and direct USB power. Such capabilities are critical for modern analytical laboratories focused on trace-level quantification, multi-detector setups and robust QA/QC workflows.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents an expert summary of the Colibrick A/D Converter manual (DataApex Ltd., 2024). It covers installation requirements, software integration with Clarity 4.0+, methodology for channel configuration, synchronization strategies, troubleshooting guidelines and performance specifications. The aim is to guide chromatographers in deploying Colibrick for diverse detectors and complex multi-instrument arrangements.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Colibrick employs a Delta-Sigma architecture with continuous integration, eliminating input signal losses and analog switch noise. Users can configure 1, 2 or 4 fully isolated differential channels, each selectable for unipolar or bipolar ranges (156.26 mV, 1 250 mV, 12 123 mV). Sampling rates from 6.25 Hz up to 480 Hz (depending on mains-frequency filter) balance peak resolution against data volume. Four TTL digital inputs support external start/stop triggers; eight TTL outputs (four with relay contacts) enable instrument synchronization and event control. Integration with Clarity software involves driver installation, system configuration of channel names, units conversion and method setup for acquisition and measurement parameters.

Main Results and Discussion

The manual demonstrates:

• Plug-and-play USB connectivity with hot-swap capability and direct PC power supply.
• Flexible channel assignment across multiple Clarity Instruments, allowing one Colibrick to feed several detectors or multiple Colibricks to serve a single instrument.
• Accurate external-start synchronization via digital I/O, reducing temporal offsets in multi-detector analyses.
• Real-time device monitoring and output control through Clarity’s Device Monitor and Event Table interfaces.
• Comprehensive troubleshooting workflows covering driver installation, operating-system restore, signal artifacts (drift, saturation, noise) and connectivity checks.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

Key advantages include:

• High dynamic range and low nonlinearity (<0.003%) for trace-level and preparative-scale detection.
• Continuous Delta-Sigma integration preventing data gaps and reducing file sizes.
• Isolated inputs and robust grounding to minimize electromagnetic interference.
• Integrated digital I/O for automated sample injection, valve control and instrument interlocks.
• Wide os compatibility (Windows 7 SP1 – 11) and flexible configuration via Clarity’s System Configuration.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include:

• Integration with cloud-based LIMS and AI-driven data analytics for real-time quality monitoring.
• Expanded multi-module networking for large-scale, multi-detector chromatographic platforms.
• Enhanced power-delivery standards (USB-PD) for portable or field-deployable chromatographic systems.
• Advanced firmware upgrades supporting higher sampling rates and on-board baseline correction.

Conclusion

The Colibrick A/D Converter represents a robust, industry-focused solution for high-precision chromatographic data acquisition. Its 24-bit resolution, flexible channel count, integrated digital I/O and seamless Clarity software integration address the needs of modern laboratories requiring accuracy, stability and automation. By following the provided installation, configuration and troubleshooting guidelines, analysts can maximize instrument uptime and data quality.

Reference

DataApex Ltd. Colibrick A/D Converter Manual, Code/Rev. M149/100A, Prague, Czech Republic, 2024-10-17.