Agilent ICF Support Layer for Waters CDS Release Notes – Revision 4.2

Significance of the Topic

The Agilent ICF Support Layer for Waters CDS (WICF) provides a critical bridge between Agilent instrumentation and Waters Empower chromatographic data systems. By enabling robust, vendor-agnostic control within a single software environment, it simplifies workflow integration in regulated laboratories, enhances data traceability, and reduces the complexity of multi-vendor installations.

Objectives and Study Overview

This summary outlines the key enhancements, compatibility requirements, and operational considerations introduced in WICF Release 4.2. It highlights new functionalities, system prerequisites, resolved and known issues, and guidance for method migration and validation to support seamless deployment in analytical laboratories.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The WICF 4.2 release consolidates software and firmware components to deliver comprehensive instrument support:

• Software components: Agilent ICF Support Layer for Waters CDS 4.2; Agilent Instrument Control Framework 3.4.49; Agilent LC Drivers 3.9.56; GC Drivers 4.3.235; HS Drivers 4.3.117; Agilent ELSD Drivers 1.8.61; Agilent Software Verification Tool 6.3.4.1.
• Chromatographic Data System: Waters Empower 3 (FR4 through 3.9.01) on Windows 10/11 or Server 2016/2019 with .NET 4.8.
• LC instrumentation: Infinity II/III and 1200/1260 series pumps, autosamplers, detectors (DAD, FLD, RID, ELSD) and column thermostats.
• GC instrumentation: Agilent 8890, 8860, Intuvo 9000, 7890 and legacy 6890/6850 series with inlets (PTV, split/splitless) and detectors (FID, TCD, ECD, NPD, FPD, SCD).
• Headspace sampling: G1888A, 7697A, 8697 and 8697 XL samplers.

Main Results and Discussion

Key advances in WICF 4.2 include:

• Enhanced logging framework: configurable log levels (basic, medium, verbose), automatic log rotation, centralized storage under ProgramData.
• New hardware support: Infinity III Solvent Level Sensing module (G7175A) for automatic solvent monitoring; final release to support G1888A headspace sampler.
• Safety improvements: removal of insecure XML deserialization; separation of method resolution for instrument and pretreatment.
• Usability refinements: relocation of GC keypad lock to method settings, improved error handling and support for multiple processes to optimize throughput.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integrated platform offers:

• Unified control of Agilent LC, GC, and HS modules within Empower, reducing training and validation efforts.
• Streamlined method migration and resolution between instruments and driver versions.
• Robust compliance support with software verification tools, digital signatures, and recommended validation practices.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Expected developments include:

• Expanded support for emerging modules and detectors in InfinityLab portfolios.
• tighter integration with cloud-based data management and remote diagnostics.
• Enhanced cybersecurity measures and automated compliance reporting.

Conclusion

Agilent WICF 4.2 delivers significant improvements in logging, hardware compatibility, and safety, while preserving backward compatibility and easing regulatory validation. It consolidates instrument control for diverse Agilent platforms into Waters Empower, supporting high-throughput, multi-vendor laboratory environments.

References

• Agilent ICF Support Layer for Waters CDS Release Notes, Revision 4.2, July 2025.
• Agilent Instrument Control Framework Version 3.4.49 Documentation.
• Waters Empower 3 Software Documentation.