Project Files
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Molecular Characterization
Detector
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The
Precision Detectors PD2000 family of molecular characterization
detectors measures absolute values of molecular weights,
sizes, and shapes. Typical applications are polymers, proteins,
antibodies, polysacchrides and other macromolecules used
in the plastics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and food
industries. The PD2000 series is available in single angle,
dual angle and high temperature versions with or without
dynamic light scattering (DLS) capabilities. The high performance
cell design provides exceptionally accurate measurements
for a broad range of molecules from less than 1000 daltons
up to 106 daltons for most samples, and to 107 daltons for
certain proteins and polymers. |
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System Overview
Bolton Engineering, Inc. worked with the client to specify
and design a modular instrument platform using a set of
flexible function-specific boards. The client created different
instruments by combining boards in various configurations.
Each board supported a variety of I/O options, allowing
products to be further customized for specific applications:
- Medium-power semiconductor Laser Driver board supporting
both common-anode and common-cathode laser diodes.
- Eight-channel low-noise 16-bit data acquisition system,
with 8-bit input programmable range offset (providing
20-bit effective resolution). Board also included four
16-bit programmable analog outputs, and a variety of programmable
digital inputs and outputs.
- DSP-based single- and double-channel correlator board.
- Low-noise power supply board.
The system requirements were specified at the start, but
individual boards were designed incrementally, to meet the
clients’ product introduction and cash flow requirements.
Results
- System exceeded all performance specifications.
- Boards completed on-time and on-budget.
- Implemented several useful “for free” features.
- Beat client product cost targets by 20%.
Project Scope
Bolton Engineering wrote the specification, designed the
schematics, designed programmable logic, obtained vendor
quotes, developed the circuit boards, constructed prototype
boards, wrote diagnostic software in ‘C’, wrote
driver code in assembly code and ‘C’, debugged
the system, and assisted with regulatory certifications.
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Consumer and Computer
