2
Functional Description
Mass Spectrometer
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TSQ Quantum XLS and TSQ Quantum GC User Guide
Thermo Scientific
A second proportional valve allows the forepump to evacuate the Q2 collision cell of argon
and waste gasses when CID is turned off. The mass spectrometer automatically opens and
closes the collision gas evacuation valve, depending on whether Q2 is acting as an ion
transmission device or a collision cell.
Calibration Compound and CI Reagent Gas Flow Control
The calibration compound gas flow control valve controls the flow of calibration compound
gas into the ion source, via the transfer line. The calibration gas flow can be either high or low.
Normally low flow is used, but high flow might be necessary for negative ion CI calibration.
The CI gas flow control valve controls the flow of chemical ionization reagent gas into the ion
source, via the transfer line. The maximum CI gas flow rate is about 4 mL/min, depending on
the gas.
Electronic Assemblies
The electronic assemblies that control the operation of the mass spectrometer are distributed
among various PCBs and other modules located in the tower, in the embedded computer, and
on or around the vacuum manifold of the mass spectrometer.
The Power Entry Module provides mass spectrometer power control, a contact closure
interface, vent valve control, an Ethernet 100 base-T connection from the System Control
PCB to the data system PC, a mechanical pump failure protection circuit (linked to vent valve
control), a system reset button, status LEDs, and service ports. The right-side power panel,
shown in
on
, is part of the Power Entry Module.
The Power Entry Module accepts line power, filters it, and provides it to various components
of the mass spectrometer. The Power Module includes the following components:
• Main power circuit breaker switch
• Surge suppressor
• Line filter
• Electronics service switch
• Vacuum service switch
The “brains” of the TSQ Quantum XLS and TSQ Quantum GC mass spectrometers are the
System Control PCB. The System Control PCB and embedded computer include the
following:
• PowerPC processor
• Serial Peripheral Interconnect (SPI) bus
• I/O coprocessor
• Super Harvard Architecture Computer (Sharc) bus
