Metrohm Autolab 8 Series User manual

Insert new module for the Autolab 8-Series
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INSERT NEW MODULE FOR THE
AUTOLAB 8-SERIES
Editorial
Metrohm Autolab B.V.
Kanaalweg 29 G, 3526 KM Utrecht
The Netherlands
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.metrohm-autolab.com
© Copyright 2011 Metrohm Autolab

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Table of Contents
1 – Introduction............................................................................................................3
2 – Overview table loose modules ................................................................................4
3 – Opening the Autolab cabinet..................................................................................5
4 – How to insert the new module(s)............................................................................8
5 – Analog bus overview ............................................................................................10
6 – Analog bus adjustments for the FRA2 or FRA32M module....................................10
6.1 – Connections for the FRA2 module ................................................................10
6.2 – Connections for the FRA32M module ...........................................................11
7 – Analog bus adjustments for the ECD module........................................................12
8 – Analog bus adjustments for the ADC10M module ................................................13
9 – Trigger cable for SCAN250/ADC10M combination................................................14
10 – Analog bus adjustments for the BA module........................................................16
10.1 – If the FRA2 module is present.....................................................................16
10.2 – If the FRA32M module is present................................................................17
10.3 – If the FRA2 or FRA32M module is not present ............................................18
11 – Connections to the ECN module .........................................................................18
12 – Connections to the pX1000 module ...................................................................19
13 – Calibration of the FRA32M and FRA2 module with Nova....................................20
13.1 – Determination of the C1 and C2 parameter in Nova ...................................22
13.1.1 – Determination of C1 .......................................................................22
13.1.2 – Determination of C2 .......................................................................26
13.2 – No calibration possible................................................................................30
13.3 – Verification of the calibration of the FRA module........................................31
14 – Module test ........................................................................................................31

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1– Introduction
The Autolab instrument has 3 different casings, which can be recognized as follows:
1. Old types with serial numbers starting with AUTyynnnn where yy stands for the year
of production. These were instruments produced before 1999 (s/n ≤ AUT990789).
2. Autolab cabinets with the blue or green corner pieces with serial number starting with
AUT7, produced from 1999 (s/n ≥ AUT70790).
3. Autolab cabinets with serial number starting with AUT8, produced since May 2007
(s/n ≥ AUT83100).
This document pertains to instruments with serial number beginning with AUT8 (point 3
above).

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2– Overview table loose modules
Module
Items
Quantity
Required software
PGSTAT100N
compatible?
BA
Module label
SMB-Coax cable
SMB-Coax cable copper
SMB-Coax –Banana cable
Alligator clip
Warning on PGSTAT100N
1
3
1
1
1
1
GPES 4.9.7 or higher
Nova 1.2 or higher YES, with adjusted DIFFAMP
FRA2
Module label
SMB-Coax cable
CD with calibration file
2
3
1
FRA 2.4 or higher
Nova 1.2 of higher YES
FRA32M
Module label
SMB-Coax cable
1
3
Not supported in FRA
Nova 1.8 or higher YES
pX1000
Module label
Cover for front connector
Lemo to banana cable
Analog bus connector
Warning on PGSTAT100N
1
1
2
1
1
Not supported in GPES
Nova 1.4 or higher
NO
EQCM
Module label
Oscillator box
DB9 Oscillator connection cable
Crystal 6 MHz Au/TiO2polished
EQCM cell
Au counter electrode
Reference electrode Ag/AgCl, 3M KCl
Driving force adjustment tool
Spare O-ring Reference electrode
Spare O-ring Counter electrode
Spare O-ring Viton Crystal
Spare O-ring Cell cover
2.5 mm hex driver
Spare EQCM cell screw
Warning on PGSTAT100N
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
3
1
Not supported in GPES
Nova 1.4 or higher YES
ECD
Module label
SMB-Coax cable
1
1
GPES 4.5 or higher
Nova 1.3 or higher YES
MUX
Module label
Digital MUX cable
Warning on PGSTAT100N
1
1
1
GPES 4.7 or higher
FRA 4.7 or higher
Nova 1.5 or higher
NO
SCAN250
Module label
SCAN250-ADC trigger cable old
SCAN250-ADC trigger cable new
1
1
1
GPES 4.9.7 or higher
Nova 1.2 or higher YES
ADC10M
Module label
ADC10M-SCAN trigger cable old
ADC10M-SCAN trigger cable new
Ferrite bead
1
1
1
1
Not supported in GPES
Nova 1.2 or higher YES
ECN
Module label
Analog bus connector
Special ECN cable
Warning on PGSTAT100N
1
1
1
1
GPES 4.8 or higher
FRA 4.9.5 or higher
Nova 1.5 or higher
NO
FI20
Module label 1 GPES 4.5 or higher
Nova 1.5 or higher YES
Table 1 – Module compatibility table
Table 1 provides the overview for loose modules available for 8-Series Autolab
instruments, the part list for each module and the software and hardware requirements
or restrictions.

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3– Opening the Autolab cabinet
The 8-series instruments are fitted in the N form factor cabinet shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 - The 8-series Autolab instruments
Four instruments fit in this group:
•PGSTAT128N
•PGSTAT302N
•PGSTAT302F
•PGSTAT100N
Follow these steps to open the instrument cabinet:
1. Switch off the instrument and unplug from the mains
2. Unscrew the four screws on the rear of the Autolab (indicated in Figure 2). Leave
the screws in the top cover.
Figure 2 – Locate the four indicated screws on the back plane of the cabinet
3. Remove the top cover by sliding it from the front to the rear. The best way to do
this is to stand in front of the instrument, put your both hands at the rear part of
the top cover and press with your fingers on the rear panel, while pressing on the
top cover (see Figure 3). The top cover should come off easily.

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Figure 3 – Open the cabinet by sliding the cover of the cabinet
4. Lift the top cover and remove it from the instrument and disconnect the earth
cable (see Figure 4).
Figure 4 – Lift the cover
Now the analog bus can be reached from the top. If you do not have to install a module,
it is unnecessary to remove the front panel of the instrument. If a new module needs to
be installed in the instrument, it is necessary to remove the front panel.
Follow these steps to remove the front panel:
1. Unscrew the four screws, indicated in Figure 5, holding the front panel to the
frame from the mounting tabs.

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Figure 5 – Locate the four indicated screws holding the front panel
2. At the bottom of the front panel the same construction is used. The screws can be
reached through holes in the bottom cover. These screws must be removed
without turning the Autolab upside down. In order to do this, slide the
instrument slightly over the edge of the table and remove the four screws
indicated in Figure 6 from below.
Figure 6 – Remove the four indicated screws from below the instrument
3. Now the front panel can be shifted smoothly to the front and taken off. Take care
not to damage the LCD display (see Figure 7).

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Figure 7 – Remove the front panel
4– How to insert the new module(s)
The optional modules for the 8-Series Autolab instrument must be installed in the pre-
defined positions indicated in Figure 8.
Figure 8 – Each module must be installed in a pre-defined position in the instrument
Follow these steps to install a module:
1. Locate the module slot for the installed module (see Figure 8).
2. Remove the black front panel and insert the module carefully in the slot. Insert the
module carefully and do not force the module in the slot.

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3. Connect the inserted module to the analog bus, using the pre-installed green
connectors1. Depending on the module, additional steps may be necessary:
a. For the ECD module additional connections are required (please refer to
Section 7).
b. For the FRA2 or FRA32M module additional connections are required
(please refer to Section 6.1 and 6.2). Furthermore, the FRA2 or FRA32M
module needs to be calibrated (C1 and C2 determination, please refer to
Section 13).
c. For the BA module additional connections are required (please refer to
Section 10).
d. For the ECN or pX1000 a dedicated analog bus extension, supplied with
the module, must be installed (please refer to Section 11 for the ECN and
to Section 12 for the pX1000 module). The combination of the ECN and
the pX1000 is not possible.
e. For the ADC10M a modification of the installed analog bus may be
required (see Section 8).
f. For the SCAN250 and the ADC10M a triggering cable must be installed if
both modules are installed in the same instrument (see Section 9).
4. When the module is installed properly, tighten the front plate of the module to
the frame of the instrument with the provided screws.
5. Reattach the front panel of the Autolab and close the instrument by following the
steps detailed in Section 3 in reverse order.
6. Replace the blank module label with the label supplied with the module.
Note: the leftmost slot of the Autolab is shared by several modules (FI20, MUX, ECN and
pX1000). When the FI20 module is installed together with one or more modules assigned
to the same slot, the priority should be given to the FI20 module and the other modules
should be installed in any other free slot.
1This is not required for the MUX and the EQCM.

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5– Analog bus overview
Figure 9 shows a complete overview of the analog bus of the Autolab.
Figure 9 – Detailed overview of the default analog bus wiring diagram
6– Analog bus adjustments for the FRA2 or FRA32M module
The FRA2 and FRA32M modules are supplied with three additional SMB cables. These
cables must be placed between the module and the analog board of the PGSTAT. The
connections are specified in Section 6.1 for the FRA2 module and in Section 6.2 for the
FRA32M. After installation, FRA2 or FRA32M module needs to be calibrated (C1 and C2
determination, please refer to Section 13).
6.1 – Connections for the FRA2 module
Place the SMB cables between the FRA2 module and the PGSTAT analog board, as shown
in Figure 10.
1. Connect DSG signal of the FRA2 to DSG of the PGSTAT.
2. Connect Ein of the FRA2 to FRA E of the PGSTAT.
3. Connect Iin of the FRA2 to FRA Iof the PGSTAT.

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Figure 10 – Overview of the connections between the FRA2 module and the PGSTAT
6.2 – Connections for the FRA32M module
Place the SMB cables between the FRA32M module and the PGSTAT analog board, as
shown in Figure 11.
1. Connect PGSTAT DSG of the FRA32M to DSG of the PGSTAT.
2. Connect PGSTAT U of the FRA32M to FRA E of the PGSTAT.
3. Connect PGSTAT I of the FRA32M to FRA Iof the PGSTAT.

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Figure 11 – Overview of the connections between the FRA32M and the PGSTAT
7– Analog bus adjustments for the ECD module
An additional SMB cable is provided with the ECD module. Locate CONN3 on the ECD
module and CONN4 on the control amplifier of the Autolab. Place the SMB cable
between these two connectors (see Figure 12).

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Figure 12 – An additional SMB cable must be placed between the ECD and the control amplifier
The ECD installation can be tested using Nova (version 1.3 or higher), as explained in
Section 14 of this document.
The ECD module installed can also be tested with the GPES software following the
instructions provided in the Autolab 4.9 Installation and Diagnostics manual.
8– Analog bus adjustments for the ADC10M module
For the ADC10M module, a ferrite bead should be placed in the Analog bus (see Figure
13). For instruments with serial numbers ≥ AUT83340 the ferrite bead is already installed
and this modification is not required.

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Figure 13 – A ferrite bead must be installed on the analog bus connection to the ADC10M module
Follow these steps to install the ferrite bead, supplied with the module:
1. Locate the ADC10M wire 3 (see Figure 13).
2. Unscrew the wire at the ADC10M end of the Analog bus and slide the wire
through the ferrite bead. Reattach the wire end to the module connector.
3. Repeat step 2 for the two other wires.
The ADC10M installation can be tested using Nova (version 1.2 or higher), as explained in
Section 14 of this document.
Note: the ADC10M is NOT supported in the GPES software.
9– Trigger cable for SCAN250/ADC10M combination
When the ADC10M and the SCAN250 module are installed in the same instrument, a
dedicated trigger cable must be installed (see Figure 14). This cable is supplied with the
modules.

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Figure 14 – The trigger cable must be installed between the SCAN250 and the ADC10M
Locate CONN5 on the ADC10M and CONN4 on the SCAN250 and connect both with the
supplied trigger cable2.
The ADC10M/SCAN250 combination can be tested using Nova (version 1.2 or higher), as
explained in Section 14 of this document.
Note: the ADC10M/SCAN250 combination is NOT supported in the GPES software.
2Other combinations are possible: ADC10M/SCANGEN or ADC750/SCAN250.

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10 – Analog bus adjustments for the BA module
For the BA module the SMB coaxial cables should be connected between the BA module
and the PGSTAT and the FRA2 or FRA32M, if applicable. Note: The supplied jumper cable
is NOT used for the BA module in an 8-Series instrument!
10.1 – If the FRA2 module is present
For the BA module the SMB coaxial cables should be connected as shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15 – Overview of the SMB cables required between the BA module and the PGSTAT and
optional FRA2 module
4. Disconnect the three SMB cables between the FRA2 and the PGSTAT and
reconnect these cable to the BA module:
a. Connect DSG signal of the FRA2 to FRA DSG of the BA.
b. Connect Ein of the FRA2 to E-FRA of the BA.
c. Connect Iin of the FRA2 to I-FRA of the BA.
5. Connect the special copper labelled SMB cable between the WEx of the BA
module and the BIPOT WE2 of the PGSTAT. Please note that the location of BIPOT
WE2 on the PGSTAT differs slightly depending on the model (see Figure 15).
6. Connect the three additional SMB cables:
a. Connect To PGstat of the BA to DSG of the PGSTAT.
b. Connect E-PGSTAT of the BA to FRA E of the PGSTAT.

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c. Connect I-PGSTAT of the BA to FRA I of the PGSTAT.
7. Connect the SMB to 4 mm banana cable, labelled WE2, to the dedicated plug on
the Autolab differential amplifier.
10.2 – If the FRA32M module is present
For the BA module the SMB coaxial cables should be connected as shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16 – Overview of the SMB cables required between the BA module and the PGSTAT and
optional FRA32M module
8. Disconnect the three SMB cables between the FRA32M and the PGSTAT and
reconnect these cable to the BA module:
a. Connect PGSTAT U of the FRA32M to E-FRA of the BA.
b. Connect PGSTAT I of the FRA32M to I-FRA of the BA.
c. Connect PGSTAT DSG of the FRA32M to FRA-DSG of the BA.
9. Connect the special copper labelled SMB cable between the WEx of the BA
module and the BIPOT WE2 of the PGSTAT. Please note that the location of BIPOT
WE2 on the PGSTAT differs slightly depending on the model (see Figure 16).
10. Connect the three additional SMB cables:
a. Connect To PGstat of the BA to DSG of the PGSTAT.
b. Connect E-PGSTAT of the BA to FRA E of the PGSTAT.
c. Connect I-PGSTAT of the BA to FRA I of the PGSTAT.

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11. Connect the SMB to 4 mm banana cable, labelled WE2, to the dedicated plug on
the Autolab differential amplifier.
10.3 – If the FRA2 or FRA32M module is not present
Follow the same steps detailed above, starting at point 2 (skip point 1).
Note: the BA module acts as a feed through for the cables from the FRA2 module.
The BA installation can be tested using Nova (version 1.2 or higher), as explained in
Section 14 of this document.
The BA module installed can also be tested with the GPES software following the
instructions provided in the Autolab 4.9 Installation and Diagnostics manual.
11 – Connections to the ECN module
The ECN module must be connected to the ADC164 module using the provided extra
analog bus connector as shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17 – Overview of the connections of the ECN module to the ADC164
The following connections are necessary for the ECN module:
•Pin 1 of the ECN connector must be connected to one of the 3 pins of the ground
connector of the ADC164.
•Pin 2 must be connected to ADC channel 8.

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The ECN installation can be tested using Nova (version 1.5 or higher), as explained in
Section 14 of this document.
The ECN module installed can also be tested with the GPES software following the
instructions provided in the Autolab 4.9 Installation and Diagnostics manual.
Important: for GPES 4.9, a modification of the SYSDEF40.INP file is required. Open the
file (located in the C:\Autolab folder) with Notepad and verify that line 17 of the file has
the following format:
17: 7,8,,,
Adjust the SYSDEF40.INP file if necessary and save the file.
Important: the combination of the ECN with the pX1000 is not possible.
12 – Connections to the pX1000 module
The pX1000 module must be connected to the ADC164 module using the provided extra
analog bus connector as shown in Figure 18.
Figure 18 – Overview of the connections of the pX1000 module to the ADC164
The following connections are necessary:
•Pin 1 of the pX1000 connector must be connected to one of the 3 pins of the
ground connector of the ADC164.
•Pin 2 must be connected to ADC channel 7.

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•Pin 3 must be connected to ADC channel 8.
The pX1000 installation can be tested using Nova (version 1.4 or higher), as explained in
Section 14 of this document.
Note: the pX1000 is NOT supported in the GPES software.
Important: the combination of the pX1000 with the ECN is not possible.
13 – Calibration of the FRA32M and FRA2 module with Nova
The procedure described below is explained for the Nova software (version 1.8 or higher).
Both the FRA32M and the FRA2 module need to be adjusted to the Autolab
potentiostat/galvanostat.
Note: the FRA2 module is supplied with a specific calibration file (FRA2CAL.INI) which
contains the calibration data for the module itself. For the FRA32M, the calibration data is
stored on the on-board memory of the module.
In the rest of this section, both the FRA32M and the FRA2 modules will be referred to as
FRA module, except when specifically mentioned as FRA32M or FRA2.
Follow the steps described in this section to calibrate the FRA module after installation in
the Autolab:
1. Install the Nova software.
2. The FRA2CAL.INI calibration file is delivered with the new FRA2-module. The
Autolab number must be changed to the serial number of the connected Autolab
(i.e. AUT83185, see rear side of Autolab). Open the FRA2CAL.INI with Notepad
and locate the [System] header in the file (see Figure 19). Change the
highlighted AUT70000 number to the serial number of the instrument. Save the
FRA2CAL.INI file and exit Notepad.
Figure 19 – Adjust the serial number of the instrument in the FRA2CAL.INI file
3. Connect the instrument and switch it on.
4. Open the Hardware setup of Nova (Tools – Hardware setup). Adjust the hardware
setup if necessary. For the FRA2 module, click the button to add the