Clarity Hardware COLIBRICK A/D CONVERTER

Significance of the Topic

The Colibrick A/D Converter is a 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital interface designed for integration with chromatographic and electrochemical detectors. In modern analytical chemistry, accurate digital acquisition of analog detector signals is vital for precise quantitation, reproducibility, and data integrity. External converters like Colibrick provide isolated, multi-channel inputs, digital I/O, and high stability, meeting diverse laboratory needs in chromatography research, quality control and industrial analytics.

Study Objectives and Overview

This manual describes installation, configuration and operation of the Colibrick converter with Clarity chromatography software (v4.0+). It aims to guide users through hardware assembly, software setup, method development, and troubleshooting, ensuring reliable data acquisition from one to four detector channels. Emphasis is placed on instrument integration, synchronization, and optimization of sample rate and range settings.

Instrumentation

• Colibrick A/D Converter: USB-powered 24-bit Delta-Sigma converter, 1–4 independent differential channels, 4 TTL digital inputs, 8 TTL outputs (4 with relay contacts).
• Clarity Software: Chromatography data station for acquisition, processing, and sequencing.
• Cables and Connectors: Standard INT7 37-pin D-sub connector, signal cables (3-wire), start (marker) RCA cables, digital output leads, USB cable.

Methodology

Installation involves standard Clarity software and automatic USB driver deployment. In Clarity’s System Configuration, users add the Colibrick module, assign channels to instruments, name signals, set units, define digital I/O names, and choose mains frequency suppression (50/60 Hz) to optimize sampling rates (6.25–480 sps). Method Setup includes acquisition parameters (range, sample rate, bipolar/unipolar mode, offset, signal inversion) and synchronization via digital input for external start/stop.

Main Results and Discussion

Colibrick’s delta-sigma architecture offers continuous integration with no signal loss, minimized switching noise, and inherent partial integration data, reducing host data load. Field tests confirm temperature stability, low non-linearity (<0.003 %), and crystal accuracy (50 ppm). Noise-free resolution ranges from 16 to 21 bits depending on range and sampling rate. Effective synchronization with digital inputs ensures accurate multi-detector alignment. Robust Clarity integration supports multiple Colibricks and instruments per station.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced data quality via high-resolution, low-noise acquisition.
• Flexible multi-channel support for multi-detector setups.
• Digital I/O facilitates autosampler and valve synchronization.
• Plug-and-play USB operation with hot-swap capability maximizes lab efficiency.
• Software-controlled range and sample rate optimize detection of narrow peaks versus data volume.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Emerging chromatographic methods demand even higher throughput and resolution. Future upgrades may include higher sampling rates, built-in data compression, and cloud-linked remote monitoring. Integration with machine learning for real-time peak identification and adaptive sampling holds promise. Expansion to portable and field-deployable platforms could enable on-site environmental or clinical testing.

Conclusion

The Colibrick A/D Converter, coupled with Clarity software, provides a versatile, high-precision solution for digital acquisition in chromatography. Its isolated multi-channel inputs, flexible digital I/O, and advanced delta-sigma conversion meet the demanding requirements of modern analytical laboratories, supporting accurate, reproducible results and streamlined workflows.

Reference

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