Connecting Instruments — Interface Port Solutions

Connecting instruments to software in either an active or passive way can be a delicate issne. Handling of native instrnment data, standardized file formats, and, not least, the hardware and software implementation pose high demands for software. To implement instrument interfaces in laboratories, more details have to be investigated. 

Connecting an instrument is nsnally done by accessing a physical interface, such as a serial or parallel port. Two types can be basically distingnished  

With unidirectional ports the instrnment leads the processing of data, and the data management system waits for information from the instrnment. Unidirectional ports do not attempt to control the instrnment software. The most sophisticated solution is to connect directly to an instrnment nsing a bidirectional port. In this case work lists or single measnrement orders are compiled by the data management software during the rontine workflow and measnrements are triggered directly. 

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Originally, all CDS were control and evaluation systems of one instrument manufacturer. The aim was to provide a better and more convenient control of the in-house HPLC and GC instruments. As the solutions were always focused on the own instrument hardware, almost every manufacturer uses his own system to connect instruments to the computer hardware. Besides standardized formats such as IEEE488 Bus Waters Agilent), there can be found serial interfaces, later on often USB ports or proprietary connections. In correlation with standardized communication protocols, this can lead to incompatibiUties, why some laboratories have decided to use several CDS each having its particular data system. In order to decrease the effort that arises from training laboratory staff and multiple installations, maintenances, and software validations, companies aim to decrease the number of CDS in their laboratories to a minimum. Having the focus on one CDS helps to define a unique workflow and ensures a consistent documentation of the processes. 

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