Agilent LC & CE Drivers 3.5 SR1

Importance of the topic

Liquid chromatography (LC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) systems are central to modern analytical workflows in pharmaceuticals, environmental testing and biochemical research. Reliable instrument drivers ensure seamless communication between hardware modules and data processing software, enabling precise control, reproducibility and streamlined method development across diverse laboratory environments.

Objectives and overview of the article

This release note covers the key updates, compatibility information and installation guidelines for Agilent LC & CE Drivers version 3.5 SR1. It summarizes enhancements to module functionality, supported platforms, required firmware levels and practical steps for deployment in chromatographic data systems (CDSs).

Methodology and instrumentation used

The preparation of this release involved extensive testing of driver interactions with various operating systems, Agilent chromatographic modules and common CDS packages. Key elements include:

• Re-verification of communication with detectors, pumps, samplers and valve drives.
• Re-enablement of ICC column assignment for the G7130A Infinity Integrated Column Compartment.
• Compatibility checks on Windows Server 2012 R2/2016, Windows 10 and Windows 11 platforms.
• Localized driver builds in English, Chinese, Japanese and Brazilian Portuguese.
• Cross-validation with OpenLab CDS, ChemStation, EZChrom and MassHunter Acquisition.

Main results and discussion

Version 3.5 SR1 delivers no new features but focuses on stability and reactivation of previously disabled functionality. The central achievement is the restored column assignment capability in the G7130A module. A comprehensive compatibility matrix documents:

• Supported operating systems and recommended display settings.
• Compatible CDS versions and language editions.
• Minimum and recommended firmware revisions for over 100 LC and CE modules across architecture sets A, B, C and D.

Installation has been streamlined via MSI installers for OpenLab and MassHunter workflows, with clear guidance on firmware prerequisites and update sequences. Documentation bundles including Software Status Bulletin (SSB) and Software Release Bulletin (SRB) provide defect fix details and workarounds.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

Laboratories gain several advantages from this driver release:

• Enhanced reliability in complex multi-module configurations.
• Extended support for modern operating systems and default font settings.
• Improved integration with popular CDS platforms, reducing downtime.
• Clear upgrade paths for firmware and driver maintenance.

These improvements translate into faster method setup, reduced troubleshooting and consistent data acquisition across different Agilent instrument generations.

Future trends and opportunities

Looking ahead, instrument control software will evolve to support cloud-based updates, deeper integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and real-time diagnostics via IoT connectivity. Enhanced driver modularity could simplify addition of new detectors and microfluidic components. Further localization and AI-driven configuration assistants may streamline setup for global users.

Conclusion

Agilent LC & CE Drivers 3.5 SR1 represent a focused maintenance release that reinforces core functionality and compatibility. By reactivating critical features and providing clear installation guidance, this update supports reliable operation of LC/CE systems in regulated and research environments.

Instrumentation Used

The development and testing of this driver release involved:

• Agilent LC & CE Drivers 3.5 SR1 software package
• Agilent 1100/1200/1260/1290 Infinity and 7100 CE modules
• OpenLab CDS (v2.5–2.7), OpenLab CDS ChemStation, EZChrom Edition and MassHunter Acquisition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2, 2016, Windows 10/11
• Firmware sets A.07.x, B.07.x, C.07.x and D.07.x as recommended per module.