Thermo Scientific UCI-100, Operating Instructions Manual, Page: 11 / 62

Universal Chromatography Interfaces
UCI-50 and UCI-100
Operating Instructions Page 5
2 Overview
2.1 Unit Description
In chromatographic systems, the most different interface types are required for data
acquisition and device control. The UCI provides these different interfaces and makes
them available to the chromatography server. In this way, virtually any chromatography
device can be used with Chromeleon.
• Chromatographic detectors convert signals, for example, absorption or conductivity, into
electric voltage. However, as a computer can process only digital information, electric
voltage must be converted into digital data. If the detector itself is not capable of
performing this conversion, an analog/digital converter is required.
The autoranging A/D with 25-bit dynamic resolution of the UCI provides accurate,
reliable measurement of large and small peaks in the same chromatographic run.
• The fast data collection rate (100 Hz) and high channel stability ensure faithful
representation of narrow peaks, such as those typical with gas chromatography (GC) and
capillary electrophoresis.
• The front panel LEDs visualize the detector signal levels that are currently applied to the
analog inputs (voltage levels), the TTL and relay states, and the activity of the computer
communication ports.
• Four independent RS-232 interfaces allow simultaneous control of up to four
chromatography modules.
• The (16-bit) BCD inputs of the UCI allow BCD-enabled autosamplers to communicate to
Chromeleon the position of the vial from which the injection was performed.
• Eight potential-free relay outputs and eight TTL inputs support communication with all
kinds of chromatography devices.
• Data transmission between the UCI and Chromeleon is by using either the integrated
USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or the LAN interface (Ethernet).
• Self-test and automatic online calibration make adjustments and maintenance
unnecessary.
2.2 UCI Configurations
The UCI is available in the following configurations:
UCI Description Part No.
UCI-100 Universal Chromatography Interface, 8 channels 5911.0010
UCI-50 Universal Chromatography Interface, 2 channels 5911.0005