Hardware Configurations

Computers. A certain number of personal computers are necessary for report generation and regulatory submission preparation. In addition, these may be useful for record keeping, depending on the type of stability information system that the company chooses to use. Alternatively, if the information system is intended to be accessible (read only) to many users, it may be more efficient to develop a local area network of mini-computers. The size of the database will help determine the nature of the software/hardware configuration used for this function. 

Smaller diameter probes reduce sample volumes from 500 to 600 pi typical with a 5 mm probe down to 120-160 pi with a 3 mm tube. By reducing the sample volume, the relative concentration of the sample can be correspondingly increased for non-solubility limited samples. This dramatically reduces data acquisition times when more abundant samples are available or sample quantity requirements when dealing with scarce samples. At present, the smallest commercially available NMR tubes have a diameter of 1.0 mm and allow the acquisition of heteronuclear shift correlation experiments on samples as small as 1 pg of material, for example in the case of the small drug molecule, ibu-profen [5]. In addition to conventional tube-based NMR probes, there are also a number of other types of small volume NMR probes and flow probes commercially available [6]. Here again, the primary application of these probes is the reduction of sample requirements to facilitate the structural characterization of mass limited samples. Overall, many probe options are available to optimize the NMR hardware configuration for the type and amount of sample, its solubility, the nucleus to be detected as well as the type and number of experiments to be run. 

Aside from the basic components of the spectrometer as mentioned above, there are many optional accessories that should be considered for establishing an appropriate NMR hardware configuration. Variable... 

However, each of these requires a different hardware configuration, and therefore specific tuning of the instrument, before use. It is not possible to switch between these modes during the same experimental run. 

Figure 3. Hardware configuration used with AIMS.

OPTIONS (6) (Basis 2-laboratory system, 4 chromatographs per laboratory located in two separate buildings, 500 feet apart with comparable hardware configuration)... 

Configuration management—to ensure system software and hardware configuration and versions are controlled by authorized personnel... 

Hardware configuration diagrams must be retained as part of the qualification documentation. This is especially important in certain laboratory and shop floor situations where the computer hardware is essential to the operation of the equipment. 

High-level diagram of the system hardware configuration (if applicable)... 

Record the model, version number, and serial number where available of preassembled hardware. Retain hardware data sheets and other supplier specification material. Document hardware configuration details. Verify installation and performance of hardware components. 

System description of hardware and change control procedures This covers how the hardware components will be maintained (equivalent to the hardware configuration log) with the procedure to be adopted when the system configuration is changed. 

Software diagnostics reports containing memory partitioning information, disk fragmentation summaries, directory stmctures, version identification, patch and driver file verification, hardware configuration reports, etc. 

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