PerkinElmer CLARUS 590 GC, User Manual

Page: 194 / 284

194 . Clarus 590 GC User’s Guide
Matching Detector Signals w ith Your Integrator
The following procedure should be followed if you are operating your detector near the minimal detectable
quantity level. This will ensure that the integrator is not filtering the signal coming from the Clarus GC. The
purpose of attenuation when an integrator is attached and configured is to assure that the GC output is
above the noise level of the integrator.
Normally, attenuation for an integrator need only be performed once. To obtain the most satisfactory
results, it is recommended that attenuation be carried out under actual operating conditions prior to
running your first sample.
The greater the attenuation, the smaller the degree of detector signal amplification. Attenuation of an
integrator can be thought of as a two-step process:
1. Observe the integrator noise at an attenuation of 64:
2. Gradually decrease the attenuation (for example, to 16 or until the noise level increases):
A table listing attenuation vs. the maximum detector signal producing a 1-V output to an integrator
is provided in the Clarus GC Hardware Guide, Maintenance chapter, section “Practical Hints.”
To change an attenuation value:
1. From the System Status screen touch the icon correcponding to your detector.
2. In the tab page touch the Atten field and use drop down menu to change the value.