Clarity Hardware ZEBRICK

Importance of Topic

The reliable control of HPLC pump flow and gradient composition is essential for reproducible separations, method development and high-throughput analytics in pharmaceutical, environmental and food testing laboratories. The Zebrick converter extends the capabilities of the Clarity chromatography software by providing high-resolution voltage and frequency outputs for pump drive signals, as well as auxiliary digital I/O for external process control.

Objectives and Overview

This document summarizes the design, configuration and operation of the Zebrick converter, highlighting its integration with Clarity software to steer up to four analog-driven or four frequency-driven pumps. Key aims include outlining installation steps, software setup, method creation for gradient and auxiliary pump control, and real-time device monitoring.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Zebrick hardware features:

• Four 16-bit DAC channels (±10 V range) for voltage-controlled pumps
• Four 28-bit DDS frequency outputs (0–100 kHz) for frequency-controlled pumps
• Eight TTL digital inputs and eight TTL/relay outputs for external triggers and status signals
• USB interface for plug-and-play integration on Windows 7–10

Software configuration steps in Clarity:

1. Install Clarity and connect Zebrick to a free USB port.
2. In System Configuration, add the Zebrick module under LC Control.
3. Assign individual voltage or frequency channels to specific LC instrument tabs.
4. Define pump names, auxiliary mode settings and stop-signal polarity in the Zebrick setup dialog.

Main Results and Discussion

Once configured, users can build gradient tables with up to four mobile-phase components, set time-based flow profiles, and visualize composition and flow trajectories in real time. Auxiliary pumps operate independently via a simplified LC panel, supporting idle flow, purge and stop commands. The Device Monitor allows manual flow overrides, purge operations and digital output control. Built-in safeguards limit maximum flow changes to protect pumps from sudden command spikes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Zebrick converter enhances laboratory automation by:

• Enabling simultaneous analog and frequency pump control within a single software platform
• Supporting sophisticated gradient profiles with up to four solvents and dynamic standby/idle states
• Offering real-time device monitoring, manual overrides and event-driven pump stops
• Protecting pumps via configurable maximum flow-change limits and programmable stop inputs

These capabilities support routine QC, method development, kinetic studies and automated sample sequences.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Future developments may integrate pressure feedback loops, adaptive gradient optimization via machine learning, cloud-based remote monitoring and telemetry, as well as tighter coupling with autosamplers, detectors and sample-tracking systems. Expansion of digital‐twin models and API extensions could enable next-generation method development and digital laboratory workflows.

Conclusion

The Zebrick converter represents a flexible and high-precision solution for LC pump control within the Clarity software ecosystem. Its dual voltage/frequency outputs, digital I/O, and advanced gradient management address the evolving demands of modern analytical workflows, from routine QA/QC to complex method development.

Instrument Used

Zebrick hardware by DataApex Ltd. including four 16-bit DACs, four 28-bit DDS frequency outputs, eight digital inputs and eight digital outputs. Integrated with Clarity chromatography station software.

Reference

DataApex Ltd. Zebrick Converter Manual, Revision M206/90B, February 2024.