CD20 CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

©1996 Dionex Corporation

Document No. 034854

Revision 03
February 1996
©1996 by Dionex Corporation
All rights reserved worldwide
Printed in the United States of America

This publication is protected by federal copyright law. No part of this publication

may be copied or distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted into any human or computer language, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, manual, or otherwise, or disclosed to
third parties without the express written permission of Dionex Corporation, 1228
Titan Way, Sunnyvale, California 94088-3603 U.S.A.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITED WARRANTY

THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF

ANY KIND. DIONEX CORPORATION DOES NOT WARRANT,
GUARANTEE, OR MAKE ANY PRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE,
OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE, OF THIS PUBLICATION IN TERMS OF
CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR
OTHERWISE. FURTHER, DIONEX CORPORATION RESERVES THE
RIGHT TO REVISE THIS PUBLICATION AND TO MAKE CHANGES
FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE CONTENT HEREINOF WITHOUT
OBLIGATION OF DIONEX CORPORATION TO NOTIFY ANY PERSON
OR ORGANIZATION OF SUCH REVISION OR CHANGES.

TRADEMARKS

AutoSuppression , CarboPac , DX LAN , MPIC , and OmniPac are

trademarks of Dionex Corporation. SRS® and IonSep® are registered trademarks
of Dionex Corporation.
Teflon® and Tefzel® are registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

PRINTING HISTORY

Revision 01, August 1993

Revision 02, September 1993
Revision 03, February 1996
 Contents

1 • Introduction
1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.2 About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.2.1 Typefaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.2.2 Safety Messages and Notes . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.2.3 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.3 Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

2 • Description
2.1 Front Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.1.1 Control Panel Display . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.1.2 Control Panel Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.2 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
2.3 Electronics Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
2.3.1 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
2.3.2 Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.4 Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
2.4.1 DS3 Detection Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . 2-16
2.4.2 Shielded Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
2.5 Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
2.5.1 Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
2.5.2 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

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3 • Operation and Maintenance

3.1 Getting Ready to Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.1.1 Powering Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.2 Running Under Direct Control . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.3 Running Under Method Control . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.3.1 Creating a New Method . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.3.2 Editing an Existing Method . . . . . . . . 3-8
3.3.3 Running a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
3.3.4 Changing the Running Method . . . . . . 3-10
3.4 Optimizing Temperature Compensation . . . . . . 3-10
3.4.1 With a DS3 and Conductivity Cell . . . . 3-10
3.4.2 With a Shielded Conductivity Cell . . . . 3-11
3.5 Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

4 • Troubleshooting
4.1 No Detector Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
4.2 Low Detector Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.3 High Detector Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.4 Noisy or Drifting Baseline . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.5 Liquid Leaks from the DS3 . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
4.6 DS3 Temperature Inaccurate . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.7 Conductivity Inaccurate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
4.8 Faulty DX LAN Communication . . . . . . . . . 4-9
4.9 Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

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 Contents

5 • Service
5.1 Eliminating Liquid Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
5.2 Removing Trapped Air from the Cell . . . . . . . 5-3
5.3 Replacing the Main Power Fuses . . . . . . . . . 5-4
5.4 Calibrating the Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

6 • Conductivity Detection
6.1 How Conductivity Is Measured . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
6.2 Conductivity of Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
6.2.1 Effect of Hydration Sphere and
Solvent on Conductivity . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
6.2.2 Effect of Temperature on Conductivity . 6-7
6.2.3 Species Detected by Conductivity . . . . 6-7
6.2.4 Chemical Suppression . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
6.2.5 Eluents for Conductivity Detection . . . 6-11

A • Specifications
A.1 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
A.2 Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
A.3 Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
A.4 Display and Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
A.5 Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
A.6 Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
A.7 SRS Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
A.8 DS3 Detection Stabilizer (Optional) . . . . . . . . A-5

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B • Installation
B.1 Facility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
B.2 System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
B.3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
B.3.1 Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
B.3.2 DX LAN Network Connection (Optional) B-6
B.3.3 DS3 Detection Stabilizer Installation . . B-8
B.3.4 Shielded Conductivity Cell Installation . B-15
B.3.5 Recorder/Diagnostic Connection . . . . . B-15
B.3.6 Relay/TTL Control Connections . . . . . B-16
B.4 Automatic SRS Power Control (Optional) . . . . B-17

C • User Interface
C.1 Operational Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
C.1.1 Menu of Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
C.1.2 Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
C.1.3 Detail Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
C.1.4 Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7
C.1.5 Module Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9
C.1.6 Analog Out Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10
C.1.7 Time Function In . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12
C.2 Diagnostic Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13
C.2.1 Diagnostic Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13
C.2.2 Power-Up Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-14
C.2.3 Elapsed Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-15
C.2.4 Analog Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-16
C.2.5 DX LAN Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-17

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C.2.6 Keyboard Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-19

C.2.7 Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-20
C.2.8 Leak Sensor Calibration and Status . . . C-23
C.2.9 Signal Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-24
C.2.10 Calibrate Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . C-25

D • Signal Processor Functions

E • Connector Pinouts
E.1 Recorder/Diagnostic Signal Pinouts . . . . . . . . E-3
E.1.1 Signal Electrical Parameters . . . . . . . E-4
E.2 TTL/Relay Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6
E.3 DS3 Connector Pinouts—SCR . . . . . . . . . . . E-7
E.4 SRS Connector Pinouts—SCR . . . . . . . . . . . E-8
E.5 Conductivity Cell Connector Pinouts—SP . . . . E-8

Index

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Contents-vi Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 1 • Introduction

1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

1.2 About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.2.1 Typefaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.2.2 Safety Messages and Notes . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.2.3 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.3 Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

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 1 • Introduction

1.1 Overview
The CD20 Conductivity Detector is a sensitive, accurate, and
versatile instrument for detecting and quantifying ionic analytes in
liquid and ion chromatography. It is especially useful for analytes
that lack UV chromophores and cannot be determined with adequate
sensitivity by UV absorbance. Conductivity detection, especially
when combined with chemical eluent suppression, provides excellent
sensitivity and selectivity for numerous ionic species, both organic
and inorganic.
The major organic analytes are carboxylic, sulfonic, and phosphonic
acids; and primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary amines.
Inorganic analytes include strong acid anions such as the halides,
sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate; alkali metal and alkaline earth
cations.

1.2 About This Manual

Chapter 1, Introduction, provides a brief overview of the CD20
Conductivity Detector and explains the conventions used in this
manual, including safety information.
Chapter 2, Description, describes physical aspects of the CD20
(front panel controls, electronics, flow cell, etc.), as well as the
detector operating modes.
Chapter 3, Operation and Maintenance, discusses operating
features and explains how to create, edit, and run methods. Routine
preventive maintenance requirements are included at the end of this
chapter.
Chapter 4, Troubleshooting, lists minor operating problems and
step-by-step procedures to isolate and eliminate them.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Chapter 5, Service, presents step-by-step instructions for routine

service and parts replacement procedures.
Chapter 6, Conductivity Detection, discusses conductivity detection
and its applications.
Appendix A, Specifications, lists the CD20 specifications and
installation site requirements.
Appendix B, Installation, describes how to install the CD20.
Appendix C, Display Screens, illustrates and describes all front
panel operating and diagnostic screens.
Appendix D, Signal Processor Functions, lists the functions of the
Signal Processor (SP) card.
Appendix E, Connector Pinouts, describes the pinouts for all CD20
connectors.

1.2.1 Typefaces
Typefaces are used in this manual as follows.
• Capitalized bold type indicates a front panel button:
Press Enter to begin running the method.
• Upper-case bold type indicates the name of a menu, the
name of a screen, or an on-screen entry:
Display the METHOD screen.
Move the cursor to the EDIT field.

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 1 • Introduction

1.2.2 Safety Messages and Notes

This instrument has been designed to comply with the
requirements for safety set forth in IEC 1010 Safety
Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control, and Laboratory Use.
This manual contains warnings and precautionary statements
that can prevent personal injury and/or damage to the
instrument when properly followed. Safety messages appear
in bold type and are accompanied by icons.

Indicates a potential hazard which could result in serious

injury or loss of life. Any hazard of this type will be located
behind a barrier and will be accessible only by use of a
too l. Ac cess may be r equ i red du ri ng in stal lati on,
maintenance, or service.

Indicates a potential hazard to the operator, or damage to

the instrument or other property.

Indicates that the function or process of the instrument

IM PO R TA NT
may be impaired. Operation does not constitute a hazard.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Informational messages also appear throughout this manual.

These are labeled NOTE and are in bold type:

NOTE
NOTES call attention to certain information. They alert
you to an unexpected result of an action, suggest how to
optimize the performance of the instrument, etc.

1.2.3 Symbols
The symbols below appear on the detector, or on detector
labels.

~ Alternating current

Protective conductor terminal

Power supply is on

Power supply is off

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 1 • Introduction

1.3 Related Manuals

During installation and operation of the CD20, you may need to
refer to one or more of the following manuals (depending on your
system) for information about other modules and components in the
DX 500 system.
The following manuals are provided with their respective products:
LC10 Chromatography Organizer Operator’s Manual
(Document No. 034858)
LC20 Chromatography Enclosure Operator’s Manual
(Document No. 034859)
LC30 Chromatography Oven Operator’s Manual
(Document No. 034860)
GP40 Gradient Pump Operator’s Manual (Document No. 034856)
IP20 Isocratic Pump Operator’s Manual (Document No. 034857)
PeakNet Software User’s Guide (Document No. 034914)
The following manual is provided in the CD20 Ship Kit:
Installation of Dionex Ferrule Fittings (Document No. 034213)

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

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 2 • Description

2.1 Front Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Power Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.1.1 Control Panel Display . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.1.2 Control Panel Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.2 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Power Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
DX LAN Connection (Optional) . . . . 2-11
External Connection Access . . . . . . 2-11
2.3 Electronics Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
2.3.1 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
2.3.2 Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Power Supply Card . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Blank Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
SCR (Supply Control/Relay) Card . . . 2-13
SP (Signal Processor) Card . . . . . . . 2-14
Relay/DX LAN and CPU Cards . . . . 2-14
Power Supply LED . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
2.4 Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Temperature Control and
Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
2.4.1 DS3 Detection Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . 2-16
2.4.2 Shielded Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
2.5 Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
2.5.1 Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Local Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Remote Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

2.5.2 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Direct Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Method Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

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 2 • Description

The CD20 Conductivity Detector is housed in a single-unit DX 500

enclosure (see Figure 2-1). The detector can be stacked on top of
other DX 500 units, up to a maximum height of four units. For an
illustration of the recommended stacking configuration for DX 500
systems, see Figure B-1 in Appendix B.

Figure 2-1. CD20 Enclosure

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

2.1 Front Control Panel

The control panel on the front door of the CD20 contains the liquid
crystal display (LCD), the membrane keypad, and the actuator for
the main power switch. The electronics chassis is located behind the
front door.
Power Switches

The main power switch is on a bulkhead inside the electronics

chassis (in the front, left-hand corner). The actuator for the power
switch is on the front door, below the control panel (see Figure 2-2).
The actuator functions only when the front door is fully closed.
When the door is open, press the main power switch to turn the
CD20 on and off.

2.1.1 Control Panel Display

The LCD, also called the screen, displays CD20 status and
operating information. Fields on the screen that are in reverse
video (blue letters on a white background) can be edited,
while normal video fields are simply informational displays.
There are three ways to improve screen visibility:
• The screen contrast can be adjusted by rotating the
knurled knob in the recess below the Help and Menu
buttons.
• The brightness of the screen backlight can be adjusted by
resetting this option on the MODULE SETUP screen (see
Section C.1.5).
• The front control panel can be tilted to four positions. To
tilt the panel, lift firmly on the tab in the middle of the
recess below the keypad (see Figure 2-2). Push on the tab
to return the panel to its vertical position.

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 2 • Description

CD20 Conductivity Detector

MENU of SCREENS

1 MAIN SCREEN 5 MODULE SETUP

2 DETAIL SCREEN 6 ANALOG OUT SETUP
3 METHOD 7 TIME FUNCTION IN
4 ___ 8 DIAGNOSTIC MENU

Help Message

Offset Hold/Run 7 8 9

Mark Reset 4 5 6

Insert Select 1 2 3
Help Menu
Delete Select
0 Enter

Main Power Tab Knob Tab

Switch Actuator (for opening (for adjusting (for tilting
the door) the contrast) the panel)

Figure 2-2. CD20 Front Panel

2.1.2 Control Panel Keypad

The buttons on the front panel keypad are used to affect
screen functions, to control CD20 operation directly, and to
create and modify programmed series of timed events, called
methods. For example, pressing Hold/Run turns the method
clock off (Hold) and on (Run), while pressing Menu displays a
list of available screens. In summary:
• To move from a menu to a screen that is listed as a menu
option, press the number button that corresponds to the
screen’s number, or move the cursor to the desired screen
name and press Enter.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

• To edit a reverse video entry field on a screen, use the

four directional arrow buttons to move the cursor to the
field. Use the numerical buttons to enter variable values.
Use the Select ∆ and Select ∇ buttons to choose
predetermined values.
• To confirm the selected value, you can usually either press
a cursor arrow button or press Enter. However, in certain
fields and/or screens, the only way to confirm the selected
value is by pressing Enter. These exceptions are the
METHOD and SCHEDULE SAVE TO fields, the METHOD and
SCHEDULE RUN fields, any calibration command, the
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS screen, and all menu screens.

NOTE
A beep sounds each time you press a keypad button, and
a lower frequency beep sounds whenever an error occurs.
You can disable the beeps from the MODULE SETUP screen.

Offset

Returns the analog (recorder) output to a predetermined

baseline and zeros the display. The resultant value of the
offset required is displayed on the DETAIL screen. This
function can be programmed in a method.

Mark

Sends a 10% positive event mark to the analog (recorder)

output. For example, a mark is typically used to indicate a
sample injection. This function can be programmed in a
method.

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 2 • Description

Insert

Inserts a new step into a method or waveform.

Move the cursor to the TIME field and press Insert to add a
new step after the cursor position. The parameter fields in the
new step will be blank. After entering a time value, press
Enter or a cursor arrow button. Insert steps in any order and
they will be automatically reorganized in the correct
chronological order.

Delete

Removes the value from the current entry field so that you
can enter a new value. If you press Delete and then need to
restore the previous value, move the cursor from the field
without entering a new value.
Pressing Delete when the cursor is in a step entry field on the
METHOD or WAVEFORM screen “blanks” the step parameter
value. Moving the cursor to another field does not restore the
previous value; instead, the step remains blank, indicating no
change from the previous step.
To delete an entire method step:
1. Position the cursor in the method’s time field and press
Delete. The time is removed and the help line displays
this message:

TO DELETE THIS STEP, PRESS DELETE AGAIN

2. Press Delete again to delete the step. Or, to restore the

original time and step parameters, press any button except
Delete.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Hold/Run

Turns the method clock off (Hold) and on (Run). This button
functions only when the detector is under Method control
(see Section 2.5.2).
When the method clock is in Hold, pressing Hold/Run starts
the clock at either the initial step of a new method or, if
resuming an interrupted method, at the time at which the
clock was put in Hold.
When the method clock is in Run, pressing Hold/Run stops
the method clock, thereby “holding” the method and freezing
the current conditions.

Reset

Changes the method clock time to INIT, causing the initial

conditions specified by the method to occur. This button
functions only when the detector is under Method control
(see Section 2.5.2).
If the method is running, it continues running. If the method
is in Hold, the method clock executes the initial conditions
and holds.

Select ∆ and Select ∇

When the cursor is positioned at a field with predetermined

parameters, these buttons cycle through the options. In fields
with predetermined numerical values, pressing Select ∆
increases the value by one unit; pressing Select ∇ decreases
the value by one unit. Holding down a Select button increases
(or decreases) the value continuously. Press Enter or a cursor
arrow button to confirm the selected value.

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 2 • Description

←, ↑, →, and ↓

The four cursor buttons move the cursor, in the direction of

the arrow, to the next entry field. If there is no changeable
field in that direction, the cursor moves diagonally or remains
in its current location.
After entering a new value in an entry field, pressing an
arrow button to move to another field saves and/or executes
the change, except for the following cases: the METHOD and
SCHEDULE SAVE TO fields, the METHOD and SCHEDULE RUN
fields, any calibration command, the DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
screen, and all menu screens.

Help

Displays a help screen with information pertaining to the

current entry field.

Menu

From an operational screen, pressing Menu displays the MENU

of SCREENS. From a diagnostic screen, pressing Menu once
returns you to the DIAGNOSTIC MENU ; pressing Menu again
returns you to the MENU of SCREENS.

Numeric Buttons

Enters numeric values into the current entry field. The

numeric buttons are 0 through 9 and the decimal.
On a menu screen, pressing a numeric button opens the
corresponding screen.

Enter

Saves and/or executes changes made in entry fields. If a menu

screen is displayed, pressing Enter opens the highlighed
screen.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

2.2 Rear Panel

The CD20 rear panel (Figure B-2) contains fuses, connectors for line
power, and a connection for the optional DX LAN interface.
Power Entry

The power entry, fusing, and EMI filter are mounted on the rear of
the 45 W power supply module. The power entry is socketed for a
modular power cord (IEC 320 C13). The detector requires a
grounded, single-phase power source. The detector may be operated
from 85 to 270 Vac, 47 to 63 Hz power. The input power is 50 W
maximum. The line voltage is automatically selected and requires no
adjustments.

SHOCK HAZARD—If a grounded receptacle is not used, a

shock hazard may result. Do not operate or connect to AC
power mains without earthed ground connections.

Fuses

The CD20 uses two 3.15 A fast-blow fuses (IEC 127 type 1,
P/N 954745). See Section 5.3 for instructions on replacing the fuses.

For continued protection against risk of fire or shock,

always replace with fuses of the same type and rating.

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 2 • Description

DX LAN Connection (Optional)

When you order the DX LAN network, a standard BNC connector is

factory-installed in the upper left corner of the CD20 rear panel (see
Figure B-2 in Appendix B).

NOTE
To use PeakNet software to control CD20 operation via the DX
LAN, you must install a detector interface card (P/N 044196) in
the CD20. See Section B.3.2 for installation instructions for the
card.

External Connection Access

Connections to the front of the electronics chassis, such as TTL and

relay cables, are usually routed to the back of the detector through
the cable chase in the bottom of the electronics chassis. They may
also be passed through slots at the front of the detector. Cables exit
the CD20 through an opening in the rear panel (see Figure B-2).

2.3 Electronics Chassis

The electronics chassis is located immediately behind the front door
of the CD20. The chassis contains several electronics cards (printed
circuit boards) that are used to control the CD20. Various connectors
on the cards allow communication between the CD20 and other DX
500 modules and accessories. Figure 2-3 identifies the cards and
their connectors.

Do not remove any of the electronics cards from the

detector. There are no user-serviceable components on the
cards. If a card requires servicing, it must be performed by
qualified personnel following appropriate electrostatic
discharge (ESD) handling procedures.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

2.3.1 Connectors

Recorder (Slot 2)

This connector is typically used for a recorder/integrator or

diagnostic instruments. For a description of the connector
pinouts, see Table E-1 in Appendix E.

SRS (Slot 2)

All connections to the Self-Regenerating Suppressor,

including power, connect here.

DS3 (Slot 2)

All connections to the DS3 Detection Stabilizer, including

power, connect here.

Conductivity Cell (Slot 3)

Provides all connections to the conductivity cell, including

temperature compensation.

TTL/Relay (Slot 4)

This strip of eight connectors provides an interface with

Dionex and non-Dionex modules for TTL and relay control
of the detector. See Appendix E for a description of relay and
TTL functions and the connections between the CD20 and
other modules.

60-pin ribbon connector (Slot 5)

This is the connector plug for the 60-pin ribbon cable to the
CD20 front panel (display and keypad).

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 2 • Description

Figure 2-3. CD20 Electronics Chassis Components

2.3.2 Cards

Power Supply Card

Provides 45 watts of power for the detector electronics.

Blank Card

Slot 1 contains a blank card that must be present to complete

the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.

SCR (Supply Control/Relay) Card

Interfaces to the CPU; the card contains three functions:

• 16-bit Recorder Output Digital-to-Analog
Converter—Includes an electronic switch for selection of
full-scale outputs of 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 V.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

• SRS Power Supply—Supplies a regulated current (set by

the user) of 50, 100, 300, or 500 mA to the suppressor.
An over-voltage detector shuts off the power if the voltage
exceeds 8.5 V. An over-temperature detector shuts off the
power if the SRS temperature exceeds 40 °C. If either of
these events occurs, the SCR card sends an “SRS Alarm”
error message to the CPU.
• DS3 Power Supply—Supplies heating power to the DS3
Detection Stabilizer. While warming or cooling to a lower
set point, a “BELOW TEMP” or “ABOVE TEMP”
message is displayed. Once a set point in the range of 25
to 45 °C is reached, proportional heat control maintains a
constant temperature.

SP (Signal Processor) Card

Contains all the analog circuitry needed by the CD20, as well

as the digital circuitry required to interface to the CPU. See
Appendix D for a list of SP card functions.

Relay/DX LAN and CPU Cards

• The CD20 control Moduleware and BIOS reside on the

CPU card. The CPU card provides control and monitoring
of other modules. A 60-pin ribbon cable assembly links
the logic to the CD20 front panel display and keypad.
• The Relay I/O card provides two isolated low voltage
relay outputs, two TTL outputs, and four TTL inputs.
The cards are installed in slot 5 of the card cage. The Relay
card is a half-card which rides piggyback on the CPU card
and sits behind slot 4.
The Relay I/O card is short enough to allow the optional
detector interface card (P/N 044196) to be mounted behind it
in slot 4. The interface card is required for communication
between the CD20 and PeakNet software via the DX LAN.

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 2 • Description

Power Supply LED

The multicolor LED below the TTL/Relay connections

indicates the power supply status:
• A green LED indicates normal operation.
• A red LED indicates a fault condition. When a fault
occurs, the CD20 enters its diagnostic state and no other
control is permitted until the probelm is corrected.
Turning off the power for a few seconds may clear the
fault; however, if the red LED is lighted when you turn on
the power again, notify Dionex.

2.4 Conductivity Cell

The flow-through conductivity cell has an active volume of about
1.0 µL. Two 316 stainless steel electrodes are permanently sealed
into the PEEK cell body. The cell constant has a nominal value of
160 cm-1 and is calibrated electronically. A sensor located slightly
downstream from the electrodes senses the temperature of liquid
passing through the cell. The measured value is used to provide
temperature compensation.
The advanced geometry of the cell provides several benefits:
• Excellent accuracy and linearity over the working range
• Efficient sweepout and low volume for low dispersion
• Reduced sensitivity to electrode surface conditions
• Low electrode mass
• Effective temperature compensation
You can order the conductivity cell installed in a DS3 Detection
Stabilizer (P/N 044130) for temperature control, or installed in an
electrical shield (P/N 044132) which provides no temperature
control. Because the DS3 maintains a constant temperature, thus
reducing the effects of variations in laboratory temperature, the DS3
is recommended for conductivity detection.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Temperature Control and Compensation

Temperature directly affects the conductivity of a solution. As

conductivity increases, the effect of temperature changes becomes
more pronounced. For example, building temperature control
systems can cause a regular oscillation in the baseline. This, in turn,
can affect the reproducibility of an analysis.
In ion chromatography, suppressing eluent conductivity minimizes
the effect of temperature variation. Temperature compensation
further improves temperature stability. When the conductivity cell is
housed in a DS3 Detection Stabilizer, the DS3 enhances the ability
of these techniques to reduce temperature effects below the detection
limit.
Temperature compensation also ensures that there will be no major
change in the baseline or peak heights, should it be necessary to
change the DS3 operating set point. Readings will be normalized to
25 °C.

2.4.1 DS3 Detection Stabilizer

The DS3 is a temperature-controlled chamber consisting of a
cast aluminum base and cover enclosed in insulating foam.
The chamber houses both the conductivity cell and the eluent
heat exchanger. Figure 2-4 identifies the major components of
the DS3.
The DS3 provides the following benefits:
• Conductivity measurements that are nearly impervious to
laboratory temperature variation
• Very low dispersion in the eluent heat exchanger
• Excellent peak height reproducibility
• Remote mounting after either the column or suppressor
• User-settable temperature

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 2 • Description

Figure 2-4. DS3 Detection Stabilizer

Power input to a pair of transistors on opposite sides of the

DS3 heats it to a set temperature from 25 °C to 45 °C. A
sensor near the heat exchanger outlet senses the eluent
temperature. The CD20 circuitry compares this temperature
with the user-selected temperature and adjusts the heat input
in real time to hold the temperature within a few millidegrees.
The DS3 is sealed with an O-ring to trap eluent that may leak
from the cell. If 5 mL of liquid accumulates, a thermistor
sensor becomes immersed and signals a leak to the CPU. Any
additional leakage will be discharged via the spill/overflow
line. A second thermistor, above the discharge level, acts as a
temperature refererence for the leak sensor.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

2.4.2 Shielded Cell

A conductivity cell installed in an electrical shield
(P/N 044132) is available. The shield is a stainless steel
housing that protects the cell from electromagnetic
interference (EMI), but does not provide temperature control.

2.5 Functional Description

2.5.1 Modes of Operation

The CD20 has two operating modes: Local and Remote.
When the detector is powered up, it is always in Local.
To change the operating mode:
1. Open the MAIN or DETAIL screen.
2. Move the cursor to the LOCAL field and use the Select ∆
or Select ∇ button to toggle the mode.
3. Press Enter or a cursor arrow button when the mode is
correctly selected. If you select REMOTE, you must
confirm the selection before it is implemented.

Local Mode

Local mode allows two types of commands:

• Direct entry onto a screen, using the CD20 front panel
buttons
• TTL and Relay inputs
TTL logic levels can control any four of the CD20 functions
listed below; define the functions from the TIME FUNCTION IN
screen.
• OFFSET
• HOLD/RUN
• SRS OFF/ON

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 2 • Description

• METHOD NUMBER INCRement

• METHOD NUMBER DECRement
• MARK Recorder
• Increase RANGEX10
This allows control of the CD20 via a remote controller or
the timed event function of an integrator. The remaining
functions are controlled from the CD20 front panel buttons.
No special setup or switch is required for TTL control, which
is always available in Local mode. Front panel control
remains active.

Remote Mode

NOTE
For more information about Remote control, refer to the
PeakNet Software User’s Guide.

Remote mode lets you monitor the CD20 status and control
all CD20 functions from PeakNet software, via the DX LAN
interface. Select the Remote mode from the MAIN or DETAIL
screen, or from PeakNet.
There are two forms of Remote control: normal Remote and
Locked Remote.
During operation in the normal Remote mode, all buttons on
the CD20 front panel function except Hold/Run. Enter can be
used to select display functions that do not interfere with DX
LAN remote control of a method while it is running.
The Locked Remote mode locks out all parameter changes
from the CD20 front panel. Locked Remote can be selected
only from PeakNet. It can be deselected from PeakNet, or by
turning off the CD20 power. When you turn on the power
again, the CD20 will be in Local mode.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

If you select Remote mode while the CD20 is running a

method, the computer will continue running the method
unless you select the Abort command from the PeakNet Run
program.
After PeakNet downloads a method to the CD20, the
computer activates the method number with a DX LAN
command and the INITial conditions step is activated. If a
method is already running, it is interrupted and the CD20
method clock is reset to INITial conditions. A subsequent Run
command will cause the method clock to run, activating the
timed event starting with the time 0.00 step of the method.

2.5.2 Control
There are two types of control in either Local or Remote
mode: Direct control and Method control.

Direct Control

In Direct control, commands are executed as soon as you

enter them. Since there is no time-based program, the method
clock is not used. The Hold/Run and Reset buttons are not
operable in Direct control.
If a method is running when you select Direct control, that
method is aborted and the method clock is reset.
Select Direct control as follows:
1. Open either the MAIN or DETAIL screen. If DIRECT CNTRL
is displayed, the mode is already selected and no further
action is necessary.
2. If METHOD is displayed, move the cursor to METHOD and
press the Select ∆ or Select ∇ button to toggle between
DIRECT CNTRL and METHOD in the display.

3. Press Enter or a cursor arrow button to activate the

selection.

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 2 • Description

Method Control

In Method control, commands are executed as programmed in

a method containing time-based program steps. The
parameters below are method-controlled and cannot be
changed from the CD20 front panel:
• Analog range
• Offset
• Mark
• Relays and TTLs
• SRS current
• DS3 temperature
• Temperature Compensation factor
There are three ways to change a method-controlled
parameter:
• Edit the currently running method and save the changes.
The changes will be implemented when the method is
saved.
• Switch to a different method.
• Abort the method, go to Direct control, and enter the new
parameters directly.
Methods are programmed and controlled from the METHOD
screen. To select Method control while in Direct control, go
to either the MAIN or DETAIL screen. Move the cursor to the
DIRECT CNTRL field and press the Select ∆ or Select ∇
button, then press Enter or a cursor arrow button. METHOD
will replace DIRECT CNTRL in the display.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Each method can contain up to 32 separate time-based steps,

starting at time zero (TIME = 0). A method is created by first
selecting a method number from 0 through 99. The steps are
then created, one-by-one, by entering first the time and then
the operating parameters you want to be in effect at that time.
Methods are retained in memory even after the detector
power is turned off. Up to 100 methods (00 through 99) can
be stored in CD20 memory. The actual total depends on the
size of each method and the amount of available memory and
is usually less than 100.
Besides storing and running methods, the CD20 allows you to
run the detector under Method control while you are entering
or editing any method, even one that is currently running.
When saving changes to the currently running method or
switching to a different method, the method clock continues
running unaffected. Only those parameter changes which
affect the method after the current time will be implemented
in the current run. Of course, you may intentionally press
Reset to implement the initial conditions.

You may enter non-method programmed parameters from the

front panel, as well as display screens that allow you to
monitor detector operation.
Another instrument, such as the GP40 Gradient Pump, can
control the CD20 by a method in the pump through the CD20
TTL input ports.
The chromatography system is typically set up so that one
module (such as the pump) contains the Method control and
drives other modules (such as the detectors).

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 3 • Operation and Maintenance

3.1 Getting Ready to Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

3.1.1 Powering Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.2 Running Under Direct Control . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.3 Running Under Method Control . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.3.1 Creating a New Method . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.3.2 Editing an Existing Method . . . . . . . . 3-8
Changing Method Parameters . . . . . 3-8
Adding a Method Step . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Deleting a Method Step . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Deleting an Entire Method . . . . . . . 3-9
Saving a Modified Method . . . . . . . 3-9
3.3.3 Running a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
3.3.4 Changing the Running Method . . . . . . 3-10
3.4 Optimizing Temperature Compensation . . . . . . 3-10
3.4.1 With a DS3 and Conductivity Cell . . . . 3-10
3.4.2 With a Shielded Conductivity Cell . . . . 3-11
3.5 Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

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 3 • Operation and Maintenance

3.1 Getting Ready to Run

After installing the CD20 Conductivity Detector, or after the power
has been off for some time, use the following check list to ready the
detector for operation.
• Verify that all cables are correctly connected to the CD20.
• Verify that the CD20 power cord is plugged into the main power.
• Press the power switch actuator on the CD20 front panel (see
Figure 2-2) to turn on the power.
• Verify that the CD20 passes all power-up tests (see Section 3.1.1).
• If the conductivity cell is in a DS3 Detection Stabilizer, set the
DS3 temperature from the DETAIL screen (see Section C.1.3),
according to these guidelines:
If the DS3 is installed in an LC10 Chromatography Organizer
or LC20 Chromatography Enclosure, select a temperature at
least 5 °C above the highest expected ambient temperature
surrounding the DS3.
If the DS3 is installed in an LC30 Chromatography Oven,
select a temperature at least 5 °C above the oven temperature.
Do not set the oven temperature above 40 °C (104 °F).
• Turn on the DS3 power. The DS3 will begin warming up at about
1 °C/minute. Baseline conductivity should stabilize once the DS3
reaches the selected temperature.
• As soon as the proper current is determined and eluent is flowing
through the Self-Regenerating Suppressor (SRS) at the correct
rate, turn on the SRS. (The SRS power is always off when the
CD20 is powered up.) After start-up, the usual direction of drift
is downward as SRS efficiency improves.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

• While waiting for acceptable drift, you may want to select a

lower sensitivity. Set the offset to 50%.
• When you are ready to start a run, select the desired sensitivity
and offset (if you have not already done so). Press Offset before
injection and during a run, also, if necessary.

3.1.1 Powering Up
Each time you turn on the CD20 power, the POWER-UP
screen is displayed. The revision codes on the screen identify
the CD20 Moduleware and BIOS, in the event that service is
ever needed. If the CD20 is connected to a Dionex PeakNet
Workstation, the DX LAN identification number is displayed,
also.

CD20 CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR

MODULEWARE REV n.nn

BIOS REV n.nn
DX LAN ID# nnnnnn
Help Message

Figure 3-1. Power-Up Screen

At power-up, the detector automatically begins running a

series of internal diagnostic and calibration routines. If a test
failure occurs, an error message informs you. Press any key
to display the DIAGNOSTIC TESTS screen (see Section C.2.7)
and learn which test failed.

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 3 • Operation and Maintenance

If the CD20 passes all the tests, the display automatically

changes from the POWER-UP screen to the MAIN screen. The
MAIN screen shows active data in large characters for easier
viewing from a distance.

TOTAL 138.71 uS

SRS 50

+2. 34 uS RANGE 1000 uS

LOCAL METHOD 05
Help Message

Figure 3-2. Main Screen

Press the Menu button to display the MENU of SCREENS.

There, begin selecting parameters for the Direct control or
Method control mode of operation.

3.2 Running Under Direct Control

In the Direct control operating mode, real-time commands are
carried out instantly. All detector parameters remain in effect until
you change them, and your changes are executed when entered.
Since there are no time-based steps, the method clock is not used.
The Hold/Run and Reset buttons are not operable in Direct control.
Select Direct control from the MAIN or DETAIL screen, as follows:
• If DIRECT CNTRL is displayed, this mode is already selected and
no action is necessary.
• If METHOD is displayed, move the cursor to METHOD and press the
Select ∆ or Select ∇ button to toggle between METHOD and
DIRECT CNTRL in the display. Press Enter or a cursor arrow button
to activate the selection.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

3.3 Running Under Method Control

In the Method control operating mode, the CD20 is controlled by a
series of programmed timed events, known as a method. Methods are
retained in memory even after the detector power is turned off.
There are two ways to select Method control:
• Go to the MAIN or DETAIL screen. If METHOD is displayed, this
mode is already selected and no further action is necessary. If
DIRECT CNTRL is displayed, move the cursor to DIRECT CNTRL and
press the Select ∆ or Select ∇ button to toggle between DIRECT
CNTRL and METHOD in the display. Type in a method number and
press Enter or a cursor arrow button to activate the selection.
• Go to the METHOD screen. Move the cursor to the RUN field, enter
the number of the method to run, and press Enter .
If the clock on the MAIN or DETAIL screen is INITial when you press
Enter , the CD20 uses the method INIT ial condition parameters to
control the module. If the method clock is greater than zero when
you press Enter, the CD20 uses the method parameters in effect at
that time.
Pressing Run starts the method clock. From the INITial conditions,
the time 0.00 step is executed as soon as you press Run. Remaining
steps will be executed according to their programmed times.

3.3.1 Creating a New Method

1. Go to the METHOD screen. Enter an unused method
number from 0 through 99 in the EDIT field and press
Enter or a cursor arrow button. This displays a blank
method on the screen.
The first step of every method is an initial conditions step
with INIT in the TIME field. The second step is always a
time step with 0.00 in the TIME field. You cannot delete
these steps, although you can change their parameters.

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 3 • Operation and Maintenance

2. Enter the parameters for the initial conditions and time

0.00 steps.

NOTE
The TIME field is the only field in each method step that
must have an entered value. Leaving any other field blank
indicates that the value selected for that parameter in the
preceding step is still in effect.

METHOD EDIT 33 SAVE TO 33 R U N 25

T E M P C O M P 1.6 DS3 TEMP 40 S R S 100
TTL R L Y
TIME RANGE OFFSET MARK 1 2 1 2
INIT 200 uS 0 0 0 0
0.00 * *
2.00 v 1 1
Help Message

Figure 3-3. Method Screen

3. To create a new method step, move the cursor to a blank

TIME field, enter the time (in minutes) for the action to be
performed, and press Enter or a cursor arrow button. Enter
a value for each step parameter, or leave a field blank if
you want the value selected in the preceding step to
remain in effect.
4. Repeat Step 3 for each additional step. Up to 30 steps (32
steps, if PeakNet software is used) can be added after the
time 0.00 step.
Sometimes a method contains more steps than can be seen
on the screen at one time. If there is a small v next to the
time entry at the bottom of the screen, move the cursor
down to view additional steps. If there is a caret (^) next
to the top time entry, move the cursor up to view
additional steps.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

5. To save the new method, move the cursor to the SAVE TO

field, enter the number that appears in the EDIT field, and
press Enter .

3.3.2 Editing an Existing Method

NOTE
Once you save changes to a method, there is no way to
recall the original method. To make experimental changes
while retaining the original method, be sure to save the
new method, or a copy of the original method, under a
different method number.

You can modify an existing method by changing, adding, or

deleting steps and/or parameters. If the method you are
editing is currently running, the changes are stored in
memory and implemented when you save the method.
To edit an existing method, go to the METHOD screen, enter
the method number in the EDIT field, and press Enter or a
cursor arrow button.
Follow the editing instructions in the appropriate section
below. When you finish, save the changes to the current
method number or select a new number.

Changing Method Parameters

Move the cursor to the desired field and enter a new value,
using the CD20 front panel buttons. Press Enter or a cursor
arrow button after each editing change.

Adding a Method Step

There are two ways to add a step to an existing method:

• Move the cursor on the METHOD screen to any TIME field.
Enter the time and parameters for the new step, and press
Enter or a cursor arrow button. If necessary, the step will
automatically be moved to the correct chronological point
in the method.

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 3 • Operation and Maintenance

• Move the cursor on the METHOD screen to the line

immediately preceding the intended location of the new
step. Press Insert to insert a blank line below the cursor
location. Enter the time and parameters for the new step,
and then press Enter or a cursor arrow button.

Deleting a Method Step

Move the cursor on the METHOD screen to the time of the

step to be deleted and press Delete twice.

Deleting an Entire Method

Move the cursor on the METHOD screen to the EDIT field and
press Delete twice.

Saving a Modified Method

To replace the original method with a modified version, enter

the number of the original method in the SAVE TO field and
press Enter.
To retain the original method and save the modified version
elsewhere in memory, enter an unused method number in the
SAVE TO field and press Enter .

3.3.3 Running a Method

1. Go to the MAIN or DETAIL screen. If necessary, toggle
from DIRECT CNTRL to METHOD and from REMOTE to
LOCAL.

2. In the METHOD field, enter the desired method number

and press Enter or a cursor arrow button. (Or, to select the
method number from the METHOD screen, move the
cursor to the RUN field, enter a method number, and press
Enter.)

3. If the method clock is already running, the method will

start as soon as you enter the method number. If the clock
is in Hold, press Hold/Run to start the method.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

4. The elapsed time on the method clock when the method

begins determines at which step the method begins
running:
If the method clock is at INIT or time zero, the method
begins running using the INIT condition parameters.
If the method clock is greater than zero, the method
begins running using the parameters specified in the step
for the elapsed time. To start the method at the INIT
conditions instead, press Reset.

3.3.4 Changing the Running Method

To switch from the method currently running to a different
method, enter the new method number in the RUN field on the
METHOD screen and press Enter. The new method will begin
running, using the parameters specified in the step for the
current elapsed time. If you prefer to start the method at the
INIT conditions, press Reset.

3.4 Optimizing Temperature Compensation

The CD20 built-in temperature compensation stabilizes conductivity
readings by correcting for changes in ambient temperature that occur
during a run. For more information about temperature control and
compensation, see Section 2.4.

3.4.1 With a DS3 and Conductivity Cell

If the ambient temperature exceeds 45 °C, the DS3 may be

permanently damaged. If the DS3 is installed in an LC30
Chromatography Oven, do not set the oven temperature
above 40 °C (104 °F).

Housing the cell in a DS3 Detection Stabilizer ensures that

there is no more than a minor temperature variation in liquid
reaching the cell, so the TEMP COMP setting on the DETAIL
screen can remain at 1.7% per ºC.

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 3 • Operation and Maintenance

Many users are able to stay at a single operating temperature.

For optimal accuracy, calibrate the cell at this temperature,
using the proper temperature coefficient setting. If you later
reset the temperature, the CD20 temperature compensation
will normalize conductivity measurements to 25 °C (77 °F) to
prevent a major upset in system calibration. If you change the
DS3 set point, recalibrate the cell.
If temperature-induced baseline cycling occurs, it is probably
caused by another component of the chromatography system.
If the variation increases as the eluent reservoir empties,
move the reservoir to a more temperature-stable environment
and/or wrap the reservoir in thermal insulation.

3.4.2 With a Shielded Conductivity Cell

When the conductivity cell is not inside a DS3 Detection
Stabilizer, actual conductivity drifts up and down with
fluctuations in laboratory temperature. This is especially
noticeable when the thermostat cycles on and off in
laboratories with very high air turnover rates and controlled
temperature. Selecting the proper temperature compensation
factor will minimize the effect of temperature fluctuations.
Start by setting TEMP COMP on the DETAIL screen to 1.7%. If
a sinusoidal baseline variation of the same period as the
laboratory cooling or heating occurs, increase or decrease the
temperature compensation setting. Continue adjusting it until
you find the optimal setting. This is typically between 1.5%
to 2% per ºC, suppressed or non-suppressed.
If you notice a slowly increasing or decreasing baseline drift
in a laboratory without a temperature control system, look for
a corresponding temperature drift. If there is a correlation,
adjust the temperature compensation setting until you find the
optimal setting.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

3.5 Routine Maintenance

• The CD20 electronics are not user-serviceable. Do not remove
any of the electronics cards (printed circuit boards) from the
detector. Servicing must be performed by qualified personnel.
• Periodically check liquid line connections to the cell (inside the
chromatography module) for leaks and clean up any spills.

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 4 • Troubleshooting

4.1 No Detector Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

4.2 Low Detector Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.3 High Detector Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.4 Noisy or Drifting Baseline . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.5 Liquid Leaks from the DS3 . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
4.6 DS3 Temperature Inaccurate . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.7 Conductivity Inaccurate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
4.8 Faulty DX LAN Communication . . . . . . . . . 4-9
4.9 Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

4-2 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 4 • Troubleshooting

This chapter is a guide to troubleshooting minor problems that may

occur while operating the CD20 Conductivity Detector. Turn to the
section of this chapter that best describes the problem. There, the
possible causes of the problem are listed in order of probability,
along with the recommended courses of action.
For additional help, refer to the description of the CD20 diagnostic
screens in Appendix C. If unable to eliminate a problem on your
own, notify Dionex.

4.1 No Detector Response

• Cell is off
Turn on the cell (from the MAIN or DETAIL screen).
• Analog output range set too high; although the display
indicates a response, no recorder response observed
Select a more sensitive analog output range.
• Wrong full-scale output (or no full-scale output) selected
Select 0.01, 0.10, or 1 volt full-scale.
• No flow from pump
Check the pressure reading on the pump to verify that the pump
is on.
• Detector offset out of range
Press Offset on the CD20 front panel.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

4.2 Low Detector Output

• Analog output range set too high; although the display
indicates a response, no recorder response observed
Select a more sensitive analog output range.
• Insufficient sample injected
Increase the injection size or concentration.
• Cell out of calibration
Recalibrate the cell (see Section 5.4).

4.3 High Detector Output

• Auto offset not activated recently
Press Offset on the CD20 front panel before making an injection.
• Background not suppressed by SRS
Check the SRS regenerant out line for bubbles; if there are no
bubbles, the suppressor may be contaminated. Refer to the SRS
manual for troubleshooting guidance.

4.4 Noisy or Drifting Baseline

• Flow system leak ahead of cell; erratic baseline
Check all fittings and liquid lines for leaks. Tighten or, if
necessary, replace all liquid line connections. If the connections
are made with ferrule fittings, first refer to Installation of Dionex
Ferrule Fittings for tightening requirements.
• Pump not properly primed
Prime the pump as instructed in the pump manual.

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 4 • Troubleshooting

• Rapid changes in ambient temperature

Redirect heating and air conditioning vents away from the cell.
Purchase a cell in a DS3 Detection Stabilizer (P/N 044130).
When using a shielded cell, install the cell in the LC30
Chromatography Oven.
• Insufficient system equilibration following any changes to
operating parameters; especially apparent when operating at
high sensitivities
Allow longer system equilibration before beginning operation.
• Air trapped in cell; excessive regular pulses in baseline
Remove the trapped air (Section 5.2). To prevent air from
becoming trapped in the cell in the future, increase backpressure
on the cell by reducing the inner diameter of the tubing installed
after the cell and before the SRS.
• Inappropriate SRS operating conditions
Refer to the SRS manual for the correct operating conditions.
• Temperature compensation setting not optimized
Optimize the selected setting (see Section 3.5).
• DS3 above or below set point
See Section 4.6.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

4.5 Liquid Leaks from the DS3

When a leak is detected, the DS3 leak sensor signals the CPU. If
more than 5 mL of liquid accumulates in the DS3, the excess will
be drained via the spill overflow line (see Figure 2-4).
• Loose or defective fittings, or overpressurization caused by a
restriction
Check the waste line for blockage; a trapped particle can plug
the line, causing a restriction and/or leak. If necessary, clear the
waste line by reversing the direction of flow.
Make sure the plumbing downstream from the DS3 is clear; a
blockage in the plumbing may overpressurize the DS3, causing it
to leak.
Make sure the downstream backpressure coils are appropriate for
the operating flow rate (see Section B.3.3).
Follow the steps below to disassemble the DS3 and inspect it for
the source of the leak. Test and dry the DS3 before reassembly.
1. Turn off the CD20 power.
2. Disconnect the cables from the detector.
3. Disconnect the two 10-32 fitting bolts. Do not misplace the
ferrule fittings at the end of the tubing.
4. Remove the DS3 from the chromatography module by lifting
it upward and then pulling it away from its mounting
location. Place the DS3 on the workbench.
5. Open both latches on the DS3 enclosure and carefully lift the
DS3 cover, along with its foam insert, exposing the cover of
the housing.
6. Remove the four Phillips screws securing the housing to the
housing cover and separate the two parts. Unplug the
interconnecting cable, to prevent damage to the small wires.

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 4 • Troubleshooting

7. Disconnect the grounding strap. Remove the two cell

mounting screws.
8. Rotate the cell inlet tube fitting counterclockwise. Let the
cell body back away from the fitting until the fitting threads
are fully disengaged. Do not lose the ferrule.
9. Check that the end of the inner Tefzel tubing is flush with the
end of the plastic sleeve. If necessary, trim the sleeve slightly
to prevent dispersion. Push the tubing into the cell until it
bottoms out in the hole; then, hold the tubing in place while
tightening the nut.
10. After testing for liquid leaks, dry the DS3 and reassemble it by
reversing the procedure described in Steps 1 through 9.
• Liquid seeping from around cell cables
The cell is inoperable; return it to Dionex for repair or exchange.

4.6 DS3 Temperature Inaccurate

• “DS3 SET POINT XX C READY” message displays
continuously
The control sensor may be faulty. Remove the DS3 cover and
measure the temperature of the housing, using any surface
thermometer. The cell sensor can be read on the detector and
should be within 1 or 2 degrees of the DS3 set point temperature.
• “DS3 SET POINT XX C UNDER TMP” or “DS3 SET POINT
XX C OVER TMP” message displays continuously
Verify that the set temperature is at least 5 °C above the external
DS3 temperature. Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the DS3 to heat or
cool.
At high flow rates and temperature settings far above ambient,
the DS3 requires more time to heat. In extreme cases, such as a
very cold room and a high DS3 set point, the DS3 may not be
able to reach the set point temperature.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

• DS3 does not heat

Remove the cover and inspect the DS3 for broken or shorted
wires or for moisture bridging the control thermistor. If a wire is
broken or shorted, replace the wire or call Dionex for assistance.
If a leak has caused a short, fix the leak and dry the control
sensor.
• “DS3 SET POINT XX C READY” message displays
intermittently
Make sure that the heater transistors are snug and the control
sensor has not been pulled out of the heat exchanger plate.

4.7 Conductivity Inaccurate

• Cell constant reported on CONDUCTIVITY CALIBRATION screen
after cell calibration is not 130 to 190 µS
The DS3 has not reached its set point temperature. Set the
intended operating temperature and wait until 5 minutes after the
“NOT READY” message is displayed, or until the reading is
stable.
Make sure the selected temperature compensation setting is
1.7%/°C. Except at 25 °C, an incorrect temperature
compensation setting can cause an incorrect reading.
The 1 mM KCl calibration solution is spoiled, or there was a
mixing error. Remake the solution.
The electrodes are fouled by grease, precipitate, etc. Flush with a
suitable solvent, such as acid, and then flush with 1 mM KCl
until the reading is stable.
The cause is internal leaks, broken or shorted cell or sensor
wires. Check the sensor by comparing the cell temperature
readout with the actual DS3 temperature. If necessary, return the
cell to Dionex for repair. Do not disassemble the cell; this will
break the seal and void your warranty.

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 4 • Troubleshooting

• Cell temperature readout deviates by more than 2 °C from

DS3 set temperature
This indicates a serious cell or DS3 sensor problem. Call Dionex
for assistance.

4.8 Faulty DX LAN Communication

• DX LAN interface incorrectly installed
1. Make sure a BNC tee connector (P/N 921914) is attached to
the DX LAN connector on the CD20 rear panel (see Figure
B-2).
2. Connect the DX LAN cable (P/N 960404) to one side of the
BNC tee. The DX LAN cable must be RG58U or RG58AU.
Do not substitute recorder cables; they have the wrong
impedance and will interfere with signals on the DX LAN.
3. Make sure that the tee connectors at both ends of the network
are capped with the terminator plugs (P/N 921034) that are
shipped with PeakNet software (see Section B.3.2).

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

4.9 Diagnostics
NOTE
The CD20 electronic components are not customer-serviceable.
Before running a diagnostic test, use the troubleshooting
information in earlier sections of Chapter 4 to isolate problems
that are unrelated to the CD20 electronics.

The CD20 Moduleware includes several diagnostic tests of the

electronics. To access these, select the DIAGNOSTIC MENU from the
MENU of SCREENS. The diagnostic screens are illustrated and
described in Appendix C.

DIAGNOSTIC MENU

1 POWER-UP SCREEN 6 DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

2 ELAPSED TIME 7 LEAK CAL & STATUS
3 ANALOG STATUS 8 SIGNAL STATISTICS
4 DX LAN STATUS 9 CALIBRATE CD CELL
5 KEYBOARD TEST 10
Help Message

Figure 4-1. Diagnostic Menu Screen

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 5 • Service

5.1 Eliminating Liquid Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

5.2 Removing Trapped Air from the Cell . . . . . . . 5-3
5.3 Replacing the Main Power Fuses . . . . . . . . . 5-4
5.4 Calibrating the Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

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 5 • Service

This chapter describes routine service procedures for the CD20

Conductivity Detector. Before replacing any parts, refer to the
troubleshooting information in Chapter 4 to isolate the cause of the
problem. When ordering replacement parts, be sure to include the
model number and serial number of the detector.
Substituting non-Dionex parts may impair detector performance,
thereby voiding the product warranty. For details, refer to the
warranty statement in the Dionex Terms and Conditions.

NOTE
The CD20 electronic components are not customer-serviceable.
Any repair involving the electronics must be performed by
Dionex.

5.1 Eliminating Liquid Leaks

The PEEK version of the CD20 is plumbed with 1.60-mm (1/16-in)
OD PEEK tubing, Dionex ferrule fittings (P/N 043276), and 10-32
fitting bolts (P/N 043275). For tightening requirements, refer to
Installation of Dionex Ferrule Fittings.

5.2 Removing Trapped Air from the Cell

Air bubbles in the cell can cause regular pulsations of the
baseline, random noise, and low readings. Air may have been
introduced in the columns during installation, or may result
from outgassing of the mobile phase. Connecting a backpressure
line to the cell applies enough backpressure to shrink bubbles,
thereby allowing them to pass more easily through the cell.
1. Connect a piece of 0.25-mm (0.010-in) ID tubing (P/N 042690),
with fittings on both ends, to the cell outlet. Make the line 1 m
long for a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, 2 m for 0.5 mL/min, etc.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

2. Use tubing with an inner diameter of at least 1 mm (0.04 in) the

rest of the way to the waste container. Use a union (P/N 042627)
to connect the backpressure line to the waste line.

Make sure the added backpressure does not exceed

IM P O R TAN T 0.20 MPa (30 psi). Avoid large increases in flow rate that
would result in more than 1.4 MPa (200 psi) being applied
to the cell.

5.3 Replacing the Main Power Fuses

WARNING—HIGH VOLTAGE. Disconnect the main power
cord from the CD20 rear panel, as well as from its source.

1. Turn off the CD20 main power switch.

2. The fuse holder is in the main power receptacle on the CD20
rear panel (see Figure 5-1). Using a small screwdriver (or your
fingernails), push the recessed lock on each side of the fuse
holder toward the center; now release the locks and the fuse
holder will pop out about 0.16 cm (1/16 in). Pull the fuse holder
straight out of the compartment.
3. The fuse holder contains two fuses. Replace these with new
3.15 amp fast-blow IEC127 fuses (P/N 954745). Always replace
both fuses, even though only one is open. The other fuse has
been stressed and may fail, even under normal operation.
4. The fuse holder is keyed to fit in its compartment only in its
proper orientation. After noting this orientation, reinsert the fuse
holder into the compartment, applying just enough pressure
evenly against the fuse holder to engage the two recessed locks.
When both locks are engaged, the fuse holder is flush against the
panel.
5. Reconnect the main power cord and turn on the power.

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 5 • Service

5.4 Calibrating the Cell

Every conductivity cell is calibrated before it is shipped from the
factory. The cell calibration constant is recorded on a tag attached to
the cell cable, and is also stored in permanent detector memory for
use when calculating the measured conductivity.
The calibration constant normally remains unchanged, unless the cell
is damaged. To check the value entered in memory, select
CALIBRATE CD CELL from the DIAGNOSTIC MENU to display the
CALIBRATE CONDUCTIVITY CELL screen. If the cell calibration
constant shown on the screen does not match the value recorded on
the tag, do one of the following:
• Enter a new value, regardless of the composition of the solution
in the cell.
• Calibrate the cell at 147.00 µS/cm. This automatically enters a
new value for the cell calibration constant into CD20 memory.
To calibrate the cell, follow the steps below.
1. Disconnect the pump output line from the LC10 Chromatography
Organizer, LC20 Chromatography Enclosure, or LC30
Chromatography Oven.
2. Connect the pump output directly to the inlet of the DS3 or the
shielded cell.
3. Pump 0.001 M KCl calibration solution through the cell.
Conductivity is slightly flow-rate sensitive, so select the flow
rate used in the majority of your applications.
4. Set TEMP COMP on the DETAIL screen to 1.7%.
5. If using a DS3, set DS3 SETPOINT on the DETAIL screen to the
intended operating point. Wait until the “DS3 READY” message
appears.
6. Wait until the conductivity reading stabilizes (within 0.1 µS),
and then calibrate the cell.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

7. After calibration, the conductivity reading should be exactly

147.00 µS/cm. A new value for the cell constant will be shown
on the CALIBRATE CONDUCTIVITY CELL screen; this value will
also be entered in memory.
8. Flush the KCl solution from the system by pumping deionized
water through the DS3 or cell lines. When the conductivity
reading drops to near zero, stop the pump.
9. Disconnect the pump from the DS3 or shielded cell.
10. Reconnect the pump to the chromatography module.
11. Reconnect the liquid line from the suppressor outlet to the cell
inlet.
12. Reset TEMP COMP to the optimal value for the eluent.
13. Set the pump to a flow rate that is safe for the system in use.

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 6 • Conductivity Detection

6.1 How Conductivity Is Measured . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

6.2 Conductivity of Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
6.2.1 Effect of Hydration Sphere and Solvent
on Conductivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
6.2.2 Effect of Temperature on Conductivity . 6-7
6.2.3 Species Detected by Conductivity . . . . 6-7
Anions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Cations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Zwitterions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
6.2.4 Chemical Suppression . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
6.2.5 Eluents for Conductivity Detection . . . 6-11
Anion Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Cation Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
Ion-Pair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15

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 6 • Conductivity Detection

Ions in solution conduct electrical current when voltage is applied

between electrodes contacting the solution. Since the magnitude of
this current is nearly proportional to the concentration of dissolved
ions, conductivity detection is useful for quantifying ionic analytes.
The CD20 Conductivity Detector is designed to measure solution
conductivity with exceptional sensitivity and reproducibility.

6.1 How Conductivity Is Measured

Conductivity measurement is best understood by beginning with the
solution resistance, R. The CD20 measures conductivity by applying
an 8 kHz square wave between the conductivity cell electrodes. An
alternating potential waveform is used to prevent electron transfer
(oxidation/reduction) reactions at the electrodes. Since the detector
applies a known voltage to the cell electrodes and the current is
measured, R is calculated from Ohm’s law:
E
R=
i
The inverse of the solution resistance is the conductance, G. The
measured conductance is corrected by the conductivity cell constant,
K, to produce the conductance which would be measured in a cell
containing electrodes of 1 cm2 surface area which are held 1 cm
apart. This quantity is the conductivity, κ, and the units are siemens
per cm (S/cm). Stated as equations:
1 i
G= =
R E
κ=K• G

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

6.2 Conductivity of Solutions

According to Kohlraush’s law of independent migration, the
conductivity of a dilute solution is the sum of the individual
contributions to conductivity of all the ions in the solution
multiplied by their concentrations (that is, conductivity is directly
proportional to concentration). Kohlraush’s law further states that
each ion carries its portion of the total conductivity without being
affected by any of the other ions in solution.
Stated as an equation:

∑i λoi ci
κ=
1000
Where:
κ is the measured conductivity in S/cm
ci is the concentration of the ions in equivalents/L.
(Equivalents/L equals moles/L times the charge on the ion.)
The ionic limiting equivalent conductivity, λoi, is specific for each
ion. It is the conductivity of the ion divided by the concentration
and extrapolated to infinite dilution. Table 6-2 lists the limiting
equivalent conductivities for several organic and inorganic ions. The
unit for λoi is S. cm2/equivalent.

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 6 • Conductivity Detection

Anions λoi Cations λoi

- +
OH 198 H 350
- +
F 54 Li 39
- +
Cl 76 Na 50
- +
Br 78 K 74
-
I 77 NH4+ 73
NO3- 71 Mg2+ 53
HCO3- 45 Ca2+ 60
SO42 - 80 Sr 2+ 59
-
Acetate 41 CH3 NH3+ 58
-
Benzoate 32 N(CH3 CH2) 4+ 33

Table 6-2. Limiting Equivalent Conductivities at 25 °C

Values of λoi from this table can be used to calculate conductivities

of solutions containing ions. For example, the limiting equivalent
conductivity for NaCl at 25 °C is 126.5. This is the sum of the ionic
limiting equivalent conductivity for Na+, which is 50.1, plus that of
Cl-, which is 76.4. A 0.1 mM solution of NaCl at 25 °C has a
conductivity of 0.1 × 126.5, or 12.65 µS/cm. The conductivity of a
solution of 0.1 mM NaCl plus 0.1 mM Na2 SO4 would be calculated
as follows:

Ions Charge Conc. λoi µS/cm

+
3 × 1 ö 0.1 × 50.1 = 15.0 (Na )
-
1 × 1 ö 0.1 × 76.0 = 7.6 (Cl )
1 × 2 ö 0.1 × 80.0 = 16.0 (SO42-)
Total 38.6

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

So far, only dilute solutions have been discussed. As concentration

increases, the direct proportionality between conductivity and
concentration is lost. However, at the analyte concentrations
normally encountered in ion chromatography (below 1 mM),
conductivity is generally proportional to concentration. For example,
the equivalent conductivity at 25 °C of KCl at infinite dilution is
149.9 and at 1 mM it is 146.9, a decrease of only 2%.
However, the conductivity of an eluting analyte is not necessarily
directly proportional to concentration, because ionic components of
the eluent may be contained in the eluting volume.
If the electrolyte is a weak electrolyte, such as an acid or base with
only partial dissociation, then ci must be replaced by the
concentration of the dissociated ions only, since only they contribute
to conductivity. For acids and bases, the pK values and the solution
pH can be used to calculate the extent of dissociation.

6.2.1 Effect of Hydration Sphere and Solvent on Conductivity

The limiting equivalent conductivity of an ion, λoi , is a
measure of ionic mobility. Ionic mobility is greatly affected
by the properties of the ion in the solvent; ions with large
hydration spheres are less mobile, and therefore less
conductive, than ions with small hydration spheres. This
explains why λoi for extensively hydrated fluoride (55.4) is
lower than λoi for chloride (76.4), which is less hydrated.
Solvent viscosity also affects ionic mobility, as ions are more
mobile in solvents of lower viscosity.
It is not necessary to know values such as hydration sphere
and viscosity, since quantitative analysis is performed by
comparing the conductivity of the analyte in the sample to
the conductivity of the same analyte in a standard(s). Even
when a solvent gradient is used, the composition of the
solvent during the elution of the analyte is the same in both
the sample and the standard.

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 6 • Conductivity Detection

6.2.2 Effect of Temperature on Conductivity

Ionic mobility, and therefore conductivity, are greatly affected
by temperature. The conductivity of an aqueous solution has
been found experimentally to rise about 2% per °C. Thus, it
is necessary to hold the eluent temperature as constant as
possible to maintain a stable baseline.
When the CD20 cell is housed in a DS3 Detection Stabilizer,
the DS3 maintains the cell at a set temperature. In addition,
the detector corrects the measured conductivity to that which
would be measured at 25 °C. It does this by measuring the
cell temperature with a thermistor and multiplying the
conductivity by a temperature-dependent constant. This
constant, the temperature compensation factor, is expressed
in units of %/°C.
When operating with the shielded cell, setting an accurate
temperature compensation factor helps minimize the baseline
drift caused by fluctuations in ambient temperature.

6.2.3 Species Detected by Conductivity

Conductivity detection is typically selected for species that
are ionic when they enter the detector cell, especially those
with weak UV absorbance. This includes both organic and
inorganic ions. Conductivity detection is best suited to anions
and cations of strong acids and bases, such as chloride,
sulfate, trifluoroacetate, sodium, and potassium. Ions of
weaker acids and bases are detected, provided that the eluent
pH is chosen to maximize analyte dissociation. (When a
suppressor is used, the eluent pH which determines whether
an ion is detected is the pH after suppression.)

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Anions

Sensitivity is best for anions with pKa values below 6. As

analyte ionization (dissociation) decreases, so does sensitivity.
Anions with pKa values above 7 can be detected under
certain conditions, but signal-to-noise ratios are generally
poorer. All organic acids with either carboxylate, sulfonate, or
phosphonate functional groups have pKa’s below 4.75, so
conductivity is the preferred detection method for these
species. Common inorganic strong acid anions include
chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate.

Cations

Inorganic cations detected include the alkali metals and

alkaline earths. Most transition metal cations are not detected,
since they either hydrolyze water to form anions or
precipitate in the suppressor. These metals are usually
detected by visible wavelength absorbance, following
post-column reaction with a chelating indicator.
Nearly all organic cations are amines. Aliphatic amines have
pKa’s around 10 and are easily detected. Aromatic and
heterocyclic amines have pKa’s between 2 and 7, too low to
be detected by suppressed conductivity following cation
exchange separation. Although nonsuppressed detection can
be used for these species, sensitivity is generally poor. These
amines can be detected by UV absorbance, DC amperometry,
or integrated amperometry.

Zwitterions

Amphoteric, or zwitterionic, molecules contain both cationic

and anionic functional groups and are difficult or impossible
to detect by conductivity. Amino acids, for example, contain
both ammonium cationic functional groups and carboxylic
acid anionic functional groups. With suppressed conductivity
detection, they are generally removed by the suppressor and
do not reach the detector. They can be detected by

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 6 • Conductivity Detection

nonsuppressed conductivity detection if the eluent pH is at a

value which results in a net charge on the molecule. Since
most zwitterions contain primary, secondary, or tertiary amine
functional groups, pulsed or integrated amperometry is often
the best detection method. UV absorbance can be used for
aromatic zwitterions.

6.2.4 Chemical Suppression

Species detected by conductivity are by their nature ionic, so
ion-exchange and ion-pair chromatography are by far the
most commonly used separation methods. These methods
require eluents containing strong electrolytes, which causes a
problem: how to detect the ionic analytes without the detector
being overwhelmed by the ions in the eluent. The best
solution is to neutralize the eluent in a suppressor.
Figure 6-3 illustrates the suppression mechanism that occurs
inside a Dionex Anion Self- Regenerating Suppressor (ASRS)
when NaOH is the eluent for anion exchange separation.
Waste/Vent Waste/Vent
Analyte
&
-
H 2 O & O2 N a+ O H -
N a+ O H
Eluent &
H2
O H-

H+ N a+

H+ + O 2 H ++ O H - H2 O H2 + O H
-

Analyte
H2 O
&
H2 O
H2 O H2 O

Cation Cation
To Detector
Exchange Exchange
Anode Cathode
Membrane Membrane

Figure 6-1. ASRS Suppression Mechanism

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Analyte anions elute from the column with sodium

counterions. Two electrodes, one beside each membrane (on
the side opposite the eluent), hydrolyze water to hydrogen
and hydroxide ions. Hydrogen ions diffuse across the
membrane next to the anode, neutralizing the eluent
hydroxide to water, while sodium ions from the eluent diffuse
across the other membrane, providing counterions to the
hydroxide being generated at the cathode.
In effect, sodium hydroxide from the eluent is transferred
across the membrane and does not reach the detector. The
resulting eluent background conductivity is near zero,
considerably lower than before suppression. Also, the
counterion to the anion analytes is now a hydrogen ion,
which has a conductivity seven times higher than the original
sodium counterion. Since both the anion analyte and the
cation counterion produce the detector response, response is
increased. The suppressor lowers the background conductivity
(and thus the baseline noise and drift) and increases the
signal. Suppression can also be accomplished without water
electrolysis by pumping a dilute sulfuric acid solution (the
regenerant) through the suppressor on the side of the
membranes opposite the eluent.
For ion chromatography of cations, the suppressor
membranes are anion exchange polymers that allow anions to
pass freely, but exclude cations. The eluent uses dilute acids
such as methanesulfonic acid (MSA). In the Dionex Cation
Self-Regenerating Suppressor (CSRS), methanesulfonate
counterions are replaced by hydroxide generated by the
electrolysis of water. This neutralizes the acidic eluent and
provides the highly conductive hydroxide counterion to the
analyte cations.

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 6 • Conductivity Detection

Use of a suppressor typically increases signal-to-noise ratios

about one order of magnitude for strong acid or base ions.
The improvement is somewhat less for ions of weak acids or
bases, due to decreased ionization at the neutral pH of the
eluent after suppression. Nonetheless, the benefits from
reducing the background, and therefore the noise, almost
always yield a net improvement in signal-to-noise ratio as
compared to nonsuppressed conductivity detection.
Suppressors provide several important advantages, listed
below. The first three advantages are a direct result of the
increased signal-to-noise ratio.
• Lower detection limits
• A possible increase in the dilution of dirty samples, thus
extending column life
• Wider dynamic range
• Use of more highly concentrated eluents, thus providing a
greater range of elution control and permitting larger
sample concentrations or volumes
• Gradient elution capability
• Faster equilibration time
• Elimination of interference from counterions
• Elimination of system peaks

6.2.5 Eluents for Conductivity Detection

When selecting an eluent, the constraints imposed by the
separation and detection methods must be considered. The
most important criteria for obtaining optimal separation are
the elution strength of the eluent, the separation efficiency,
and the resolution of the analytes of interest. For conductivity
detection, the criteria for a good eluent are the relative
conductivity response of the analytes and the magnitude of
the background.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Eluents can be wholly aqueous, containing only water and a

strong electrolyte. Or, if an organic solvent-compatible
column such as a Dionex OmniPac or MPIC column is
used, typical reversed-phase solvents such as methanol or
acetonitrile can be used. Organic solvents are essential
components of ion-pair eluents and provide important
selectivity control during ion-exchange separations. Since
these solvents are nonconducting, they do not interfere with
conductivity detection.

Anion Exchange

When a suppressor is used, the ionic components of the

eluent must be such that they are removed, or else converted
to weakly conducting compounds by the suppressor. Sodium
salts of weak acids are used because they are converted to the
neutral free acid form in the suppressor. The higher the pKa
of the acid, the lower the background conductivity following
suppression. Weak acids with pKa’s above 6 can be used for
isocratic separations. For gradient elution, pKa’s should be
above 8 to minimize baseline shift during the gradient.
Sodium hydroxide solutions make excellent eluents for anion
exchange chromatography because hydroxide is neutralized in
the suppressor to water (the free acid form of hydroxide).
This occurs case regardless of the concentration, making it
most useful for gradient elution. Another common eluent is a
carbonate/ bicarbonate buffer. It is suppressed to carbonic
acid (pKa = 6.2), which has conductivity low enough for
isocratic elution, but not for gradient. Carbonate/bicarbonate
buffers are easily prepared and are routinely used for isocratic
separations of inorganic anions (see Figure 6-2).
Other eluents for suppressed anion chromatography include
the sodium salts of boric acid (borax, tetraborate, pKa = 9.2)
and p-yanophenol (pKa = 8.0). Borate forms weak bonds
with hydroxy-organic acids, producing changes in selectivity
compared to hydroxide. Because of its high pKa, background
conductivity following suppression is very low, making it

6-12 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 6 • Conductivity Detection

Column: IonPac AS12A and AG12A

Eluent: 2.7 mM Sodium carbonate
0.3 mM Sodium bicarbonate
Flow Rate: 1.5 mL/min
Detection: Suppressed conductivity
Peaks:
1 Fluoride 3 mg/L 6 Bromide 20 mg/L
2 Chlorite 20 mg/L 7 Chlorate 20 mg/L
3 Bromate 20 mg/L 8 Nitrate 20 mg/L
4 Chloride 6 mg/L 9 Orthophosphate 30 mg/L
5 Nitrite 10 mg/L 10 Sulfate 20 mg/L

Figure 6-2. Anion Standard

useful for gradient elution. p-Cyanophenol is a powerful

monovalent displacer, useful for eluting strongly retained
hydrophobic monovalent anions such as iodide and
thiocyanate.
In nonsuppressed (sometimes called single-column) ion
chromatography, the ionic components in the eluent are
chosen so that their conductivity is as different as possible
from the analyte’s. For anion IC, large ions with low
equivalent conductivity may be used, such as benzoate and
phthalate. These produce backgrounds of moderately high
conductivity. A buffer composed of a gluconate/borate
solution produces somewhat lower backgrounds. Sensitivity
and baseline noise are acceptable for analyzing samples

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 6-13

CD20 Conductivity Detector

containing high concentrations of analytes. However, the

advantages provided by a suppressor are not realized.

Cation Exchange

Millimolar concentrations of dilute strong acids, often mixed

with organic solvents, are good choices for cation exchange
chromatography of both monovalent and divalent cations.
Methanesulfonic acid (MSA) is commonly used, since it is
compatible with the Cation Self-Regenerating Suppressor
(CSRS). A large number of amines and inorganic cations can
be eluted in a single run with a gradient of MSA and
acetonitrile (see Figure 6-3).

Column: IonPac CS12A (no guard)

Eluent: 20 mN Sulfuric acid
Flow Rate: 1.0 mL/min
Inj. Volume: 25 mL
Detection: Suppressed conductivity,
CSRS AutoSuppression
Peaks:
1 Lithium 0.5 mg/L (ppm)
2 Sodium 2.0
3 Ammonium 2.5
4 Potassium 5.0
5 Morpholine 25.0
6 Magnesium 2.5
7 Calcium 5.0

Figure 6-3. Amines and Inorganic Cations

Some columns require a stronger displacing ion than

hydrogen to elute more strongly retained divalent cations.
The zwitterion 2,3-diaminopropionic acid (DAP), when mixed
with a strong acid to protonate the DAP, works well.

6-14 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 6 • Conductivity Detection

The best eluents for nonsuppressed cation IC are dilute strong

acids like 1 mM nitric acid. However, backgrounds are very
high (around 1 µS), so signal-to-noise ratios are not good
enough for low-level work. Since the conductivity of the
hydrogen ion exceeds that of all other cations, elution of
analytes causes decreases in conductivity and eluting analytes
produce dips instead of peaks.

Ion-Pair

Eluents for ion-pair chromatography contain mixes of

aqueous and organic solvent solutions with hydrophobic ion-
pair reagents as additives. Commonly used reagents include
quaternary ammonium salts for anion separations and
long-chain sulfonates for cation separations. For suppressed
conductivity detection, these reagents are easily used
provided that the counterions are either hydroxide (anion-ion
pair) or hydrogen ion (cation-ion pair). These are marketed
by Dionex as IonSep® reagents. The reagents are purified
solutions of quaternary ammonium hydroxide solutions and
sulfonic acid solutions.

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 6-15

CD20 Conductivity Detector

6-16 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 A • Specifications

A.1 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

A.2 Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
A.3 Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
A.4 Display and Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
A.5 Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
A.6 Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
A.7 SRS Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
A.8 DS3 Detection Stabilizer (Optional) . . . . . . . . A-5

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 A-1

CD20 Conductivity Detector

A-2 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 A • Specifications

A.1 Electrical
Main Power 85 to 270 Vac, 47/63 Hz; 40 W Max, 25 W typical.
The CD20 power supply is auto-sensing and requires no
voltage adjustment.

Fuses Two 3.15 amp fast-blow IEC127 fuses (P/N 954745)

Analog Output User-selectable full-scale output of 10, 100, or 1000 mV

A.2 Environmental
Operating 4 ºC to 40 ºC (40 ºF to 104 ºF)
Temperature

Operating 5 to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing

Humidity

A.3 Physical
Dimensions 22.5 cm W x 17.0 cm H x 42.0 cm D
(8.8 in W x 6.6 in H x 16.4 in D)
6 cm (2.4 in) clearance required behind the detector

Weight 8.2 kg (18 lb)

A.4 Display and Keypad

Display Liquid crystal display with adjustable backlighting

Keypad 26-button keypad for entering commands and numerical

values for screen parameters

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 A-3

CD20 Conductivity Detector

A.5 Detector
Range 0.01 µS to 3000 µS, full-scale

Temperature 0.0 to 3.0% per ºC

Compensation

Cell Drive Variable 8 kHz square wave

Local Front panel controls and display status of all functions

Operation

Remote Control of four functions via TTL or Relay contacts

Operation

DX LAN All functions can be controlled by PeakNet Software on a PC

Operation connected to the CD20 via the DX LAN interface
(Optional)

A.6 Conductivity Cell

Cell Body PEEK

Active Volume 1.0 µL

Maximum 2.0 MPa (300 psi)

Pressure

Electrodes 316 stainless steel

A.7 SRS Power Supply

Supply Current 50, 100, 300, 500 mA @ 1.5 to 7.5 V

Over-Voltage 8.5 V
Alarm

Over-Tempera- 40 ºC (104 ºF)

ture Alarm

A-4 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 A • Specifications

A.8 DS3 Detection Stabilizer (Optional)

Operating 25 ºC to 40 ºC (50 ºF to 104 ºF)
Temperature

Warm-up Time 10 minutes (typical)

Temperature Not Ready message displayed when under or over the set
Alarms temperature

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 A-5

CD20 Conductivity Detector

A-6 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 B • Installation

B.1 Facility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

B.2 System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
B.3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
B.3.1 Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
B.3.2 DX LAN Network Connection
(Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
B.3.3 DS3 Detection Stabilizer Installation . . B-8
Backpressure Requirements . . . . . . B-9
Installing a DS3 in an LC20 or
LC30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
Installing a DS3 in an LC10 . . . . . . B-14
B.3.4 Shielded Conductivity Cell Installation . B-15
B.3.6 Recorder/Diagnostic Connection . . . . . B-15
B.3.7 Relay/TTL Control Connections . . . . . B-16
B.4 Automatic SRS Power Control . . . . . . . . . . . B-18

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 B-1

CD20 Conductivity Detector

B-2 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 B • Installation

B.1 Facility Requirements

• Make sure the CD20 installation site meets the electrical and
environmental specifications listed in Appendix A.
• Install the CD20 on a sturdy table or workbench, at a height that
ensures convenient viewing of the front panel display.
• Allow at least 6 cm (2.4 in) clearance behind the CD20 for
power connections and ventilation.

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 B-3

CD20 Conductivity Detector

B.2 System Configuration

Dionex DX 500 modules are designed to be stacked on top of each
other up to a maximum height of four units (see Figure B-1). The
CD20 is one unit high.
Stacking the interlocking modules creates a compact system that
occupies a minimal amount of bench space. It also minimizes the
length of tubing and cable connections in the system. All cables are
routed through the front slots and rear chases under the modules.

NOTE
Ship Kits for the DX 500 pumps and chromatography modules
contain a shoe (P/N 046478) and two ties (P/N 046476). These
items help secure the CD20 to other DX 500 modules, preventing
the modules from tilting or sliding apart. Installation of the shoe
and ties is optional. For installation instructions, refer to the
pump or chromatography module manual.

Figure B-1. Recommended DX 500 System Configuration

B-4 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 B • Installation

B.3 Installation
During installation, or whenever it is necessary to move
the detector, lift it only from the bottom or side. Lifting the
CD20 by the front panel door will damage the door hinges.

B.3.1 Power Connection

You can control power to the CD20 from the main power
switch on either the CD20 or the LC30 Chromatography
Oven (if present). In either case, no adjustment is required to
select the line voltage.
For on/off control from the CD20, connect the modular power
cord (IEC 320 C13) provided in the CD20 Ship Kit
(P/N 046298) from the main power receptacle on the CD20
rear panel (Figure B-2) to a grounded, single-phase power
source.

Figure B-2. CD20 Rear Panel

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 B-5

CD20 Conductivity Detector

The LC30, when properly connected to other modules in the

chromatography system, can function as the main power
source for the system. The LC30 Ship Kit provides IEC
jumper power cables (P/N 960748) for this purpose. If
desired, connect a jumper cable from the CD20 main power
receptacle to one of the four IEC auxiliary receptacles on the
LC30 rear panel. From now on, you can leave the CD20
power switch on continuously and use the LC30 main power
switch to turn the detector on and off.

SHOCK HAZARD—To avoid electrical shock, use a

grounded receptacle. Do not operate or connect to AC
power mains without an earthed ground connection.

B.3.2 DX LAN Network Connection (Optional)

In order to communicate with PeakNet software, a detector
interface card (P/N 044196) must be installed in the CD20
and a DX LAN cable (P/N 960404) must be connected to the
DX LAN connector on the CD20 rear panel.

STATIC—The CD20 electronics are not user-serviceable.

IM P O R TA NT The detector interface card should be installed by qualified
personnel only. Observe standard anti-static procedures
when installing the interface card or handling the CPU card.

To prevent damage to the detector, turn off the main power

before installing the interface card. After confirming that
the LED on the CPU card is off (not green or red), unplug
the power cord from the mains. Do not rely on the front
panel power switch.

B-6 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 B • Installation

1. Remove any TTL/Relay plugs from the connectors at slot 4 in

the CD20 electronics chassis. (To identify card locations, see the
label on the inside of the CD20 front door or to Figure 2-3 in
this manual.)
2. To disconnect the 60-pin ribbon cable from the CD20 front
panel, first close the tilt panel, exposing the 60-pin connector
and its ejector latches. Remove the cable by opening the ejector
latches.
3. Using a screwdriver as a lever, open the white ejector latch at the
bottom of the CPU card. Remove the CPU card, cable, and Relay
card as a single unit.
4. Insert the detector interface card (P/N 044196) into slot 4. Slide
the card to the rear of the detector. Verify that the BNC
connector is aligned with the hole at the rear and that the card is
aligned with the connector. Press firmly on the card until it
mates fully with the connector on the rear panel.
5. Reinstall the CPU/Relay card. Press firmly until the CPU card is
inserted into the connector on the rear panel.
6. Reconnect the ribbon cable to the 60-pin connector on the front
panel. The header and connector are key-polarized near the
center. The ejector latches must be partially open to accept the
cable connector.
7. If the detector is the last module in the network to be connected,
install a terminator plug (P/N 921034) on the remaining port of
the BNC tee connector. (Terminator plugs are shipped with
PeakNet.) If this is not the last module, connect the cable from
the next module to the BNC tee.

Make sure terminator resistor plugs are installed at both

IM P O R TAN T
ends of the DX LAN.

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 B-7

CD20 Conductivity Detector

8. Connect the DX LAN cable (P/N 960404) to the DX LAN

connector on the CD20 rear panel.

NOTE
An optional 15-meter (50-ft) DX LAN extension cable
(P/N 046016) is available from Dionex.

B.3.3 DS3 Detection Stabilizer Installation

Install the DS3 with the conductivity cell (P/N 044130) in a
DX 500 chromatography module—LC10 Chromatography
Organizer, LC20 Chromatography Enclosure, or LC30
Chromatography Oven—or on a laboratory workbench. The
instructions for installing the DS3 in an LC20 and LC30 are
identical. The LC10 installation procedure is presented
separately because it is slightly different.
The DS3 can be plumbed for three operating modes:
• AutoSuppression Recycle mode (SRS required), shown
in Figure B-3
• AutoSuppression with External Regenerant mode (SRS
required), shown in Figure B-4. Also plumb the system in
this way for the AutoSuppression Chemical Suppressor
and MMS Pressurized Regen System configurations.
• Nonsuppressed mode, shown in Figure B-5. Note that
conductivity measurements made when no suppressor is
in-line may show noticeable baseline drift.

B-8 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 B • Installation

The CD20 Ship Kit includes certain items required when

installing the SRS:
• SRS gas separator waste tube (P/N 045460)
• Backpressure coil for 4 mm SRS (P/N 045877)
• SRS-to-CD20/ED40 control cable (P/N 046346)

NOTE
The instructions here do not replace the instructions in
your SRS manual. For detailed SRS installation
instructions, and for the initial start-up procedure that
must be performed before you begin routine operation,
please refer to the SRS manual.

Backpressure Requirements

All HPLC detector cells require enough backpressure to

prevent mobile phase in the cell from degassing due to abrupt
volume changes between the small inner diameter of the
connecting tubing and the larger volume of the cell.
Degassing creates bubbles in the cell and disrupts detector
responsiveness.
Before plumbing a system for the AutoSuppression mode,
check the SRS manual for backpressure requirements.

NOTE
The backpressure generated by the DS3, cell, and
backpressure tubing is applied to the SRS. For example,
with 1 meter of 0.25-mm (0.01-in) ID tubing at a flow rate
of 1.0 mL/min, the backpressure is about 200 kPa (30 psi).

For backpressure requirements for the Nonsuppressed mode,

see Table B-1. The minimum backpressure should be 0.21 to
0.34 MPa (30 to 50 psi) per minute.

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 B-9

CD20 Conductivity Detector

Flow Rate Tubing ID Coil Length Number of

(mL/min) Coils
0.5 to 1.5 0.25-cm 0.76 M 2
(0.010-in) (2.5 feet)
1.5 to 3.0 0.25-cm 0.76 M 1
(0.010-in) (2.5 feet)
0.12 to 0.37 0.12-cm 0.30 M 2
(0.005-in) (1.0 feet)
0.37 to 0.75 0.12-cm 0.30 M 1
(0.005-in) (1.0 feet)

Table B-1. Coils for Backpressure Requirements (Nonsuppressed Mode)

Injection
Valve

1 /4 - 2 8

1 /4 -2 8

Guard
Column Gas
Separator
W as te
Waste
Tube

Analytical Column
2 mm ID, 10-32, 0.005" ID PEEK Liquid Line
4 mm ID, 10-32, 0.010" ID PEEK Liquid Line
4 mm ID, 1/4-28, 0.012" ID Tefzel Liquid Line

1 0 -3 2 or
1 0-32 1 /4 - 2 8
1 /4 - 2 8 1 0 -3 2 1 0 -3 2 1 0-32

C oi l C oi l
#2 #1

R E GE N OU T E L U E N T OU T
1 /4- 2 8 1 0 -3 2
E L U E N T IN SA N
U IPOP NR ES SES LOF R- R E GE N E R A 4T ImN m
P /N 0 4 3 18 9 S /N X X X X
G
Cell 1 0 -3 2 o r
R E GE N I N 1 0 - 3 2 or 1 /4 -2 8
1 /4 -2 8
10 -3 2
1/4- 2 8

Signal to
Detector

Figure B-3. AutoSuppression Recycle Mode

B-10 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 B • Installation

Injection
Valve

1 /4 -2 8
1 /4 - 2 8
To
Guard Waste
Column
Gas
Separator 1 /4 - 2 8

Waste
W as t e Tube
1 0 -3 2

C oil
#2
Analytical Column
2 mm ID, 10-32, 0.005" ID PEEK Liquid Line See Table 2, Coils for ASRS-I Back Pressure Requirements 1 0 -3 2
4 mm ID, 10-32, 0.010" ID PEEK Liquid Line to determine the number and size of the coils
4 mm ID, 1/4-28, 0.012" ID Tefzel Liquid Line
required for the application. 1 0 -3 2

C oi l
0.02 0" I D
#1
T e fz el Deionized
Water Source 10- 32

R E GE N OUT 1 01 -3
E LU E NT OU T /4 2- 2 8or
1 /4 -2 8 1 0 -3 2
E L U E NT IN
ANIO N S E L F -R E GE NE R AT I NG
S UP P R E S S O R
P /N X XX X X X
4 mm
S /N X X XX
Cell
R E G E N IN 1 01-/43 2- 2 or 1 01 -3
/4 2-2 or
8
8
1 0 -3 2
1 /4 -2 8

Signal to
Conductivity
Detector

Figure B-4. AutoSuppression Mode, External Regenerant

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 B-11

CD20 Conductivity Detector

Eluent Eluent Sample

Backpressure
Tubing

Injector Separator
Column

Guard
Pump Column
DS3 Waste

Figure B-5. Nonsuppressed Mode

B-12 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 B • Installation

Slide M ounting Screws

Upper Slide

Am perom etry
Cell
SR S
Column M ounting
Clips

A nalytical C olum n

DS3 Detection
Stabilizer

Guard Column

FRON T
Low er Slide

Injection
Valve

Figure B-6. Typical DS3 Installation in LC20 or LC30

Installing a DS3 in an LC20 or LC30

1. Position the keyhole slots on the rear of the DS3 over the
shoulder washers on the LC20 or LC30 component mounting
panel(s), then pull the DS3 down into position.

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 B-13

CD20 Conductivity Detector

2. Route both DS3 cables out the hole located at the back of the
LC20 or LC30 and into the cable chase at the base of the
detector. Next, route the cables through the cable chase to the
front of the detector. (You can also route the cables into the
detector through the slots on the sides of the detector.)
3. Plug the connectors on the cables into the appropriate jacks on
the SCR card. (To identify the card location and connector
positions, see the label on the inside of the CD20 front door or
to Figure 2-3 in this manual.)
4. Connect the eluent outlet of the column or suppressor to the DS3
inlet, using 0.25-mm (0.010-in) ID tubing (P/N 042690), 10-32
fittings (P/N 043275), and ferrules (P/N 043276).
5. Connect the outlet of the DS3 (the 10-32 coupler) to either the
SRS REGEN IN port (for AutoSuppression Recycle mode) or to
the backpressure line leading to waste (for AutoSuppression with
External Regenerant mode or Nonsuppressed mode).
6. Direct the spill/overflow tubing to the spill tray at the bottom
front of the LC20 or LC30.
Installing a DS3 in an LC10

1. Cut the spill/overflow tubing within 2.0 cm (3/4 in) of the DS3
enclosure.
2. Position the keyhole slots on the rear of the DS3 enclosure over
the shoulder washers located on the LC10. Push the DS3 down
to secure it in place.
3. Route both DS3 cables through the hole located at the base of
the detector cable chase. Next, route the cables through the cable
chase to the front of the detector. (You can also route the cables
into the detector using the slots on the sides of the detector.)
4. Plug the connectors into the appropriate jacks on the SCR card.
(To identify the card location and connector positions, see the
label on the inside of the CD20 front door or to Figure 2-3 in
this manual.)

B-14 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 B • Installation

5. Connect the eluent outlet of the column or suppressor to the DS3

inlet, using 0.25-mm (0.010-in) ID PEEK tubing (P/N 042690),
10-32 fittings (P/N 043275), and ferrules (P/N 043276). See
Table B-1 for backpressure requirements.
6. Connect the outlet of the DS3 (the 10-32 coupler) to the SRS
REGEN IN port (for AutoSuppression Recycle mode) or to the
backpressure line leading to waste (for AutoSuppression with
External Regenerant mode or Nonsuppressed mode).

B.3.4 Shielded Conductivity Cell Installation

The installation instructions for the shielded conductivity cell
(P/N 044132) are the same as for the DS3, except that the
shielded cell does not have a heater power cord. The shielded
cell installs in the same location as the DS3, and the keyhole
slots on its base plate fit on the LC10, LC20, and LC30 in
the same way as the keyhole slots on the DS3.

B.3.5 Recorder/Diagnostic Connection

Connecting a strip chart recorder or integrator to the CD20
lets you record or monitor several parameters besides the cell
analog output. For the recorder/diagnostic signal cable
pinouts, see Table E-1 in Appendix E.
Use the twisted black and red wires (P/N 043598) provided in
the CD20 Ship Kit to connect a recorder or integrator to the
SCR card. Strip the ends of the wires and insert into the
plugs; the signal wire (red) goes on the top of each plug and
the ground wire (black) goes on the bottom. Tighten the
locking screws with the screwdriver (P/N 046985) provided
in the CD20 Ship Kit.

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 B-15

CD20 Conductivity Detector

B.3.6 Relay/TTL Control Connections

TTL inputs 1, 2, 3, and 4 can be used to control four of the
functions listed below. Select the functions from the TIME
FUNCTION IN screen.

• OFFSET Recorder
• HOLD/RUN Program
• SRS OFF/ON
• METHOD NUMBER INCRement
• METHOD NUMBER DECRement
• MARK Recorder
• Increase Recorder RANGE x10
The CD20 Ship Kit includes eight 2-pin connector plugs
(P/N 921019): four inputs and four outputs. Attach individual
wires, twisted pairs, or coaxial cables to the plugs. See Table
E-3 in Appendix E for the Relay/TTL connector pinouts.

Figure B-7. TTL Connections

B-16 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 B • Installation

Strip the end of the wire(s) and insert into the plugs; the
signal wire (red) goes on top of each plug and the ground
wire (black) goes on the bottom. Tighten the locking screws
with the screwdriver (P/N 046985) provided in the Ship Kit.
Connections 1 and 2 can be programmed to switch any
low-voltage control. Switched current must be less than
200 mA and 42 V peak.

The relay outputs, TTL inputs, and TTL outputs all use a
connector of the same style. Do not inadvertently connect
relay loads that include power supplies to the TTL inputs
or TTL outputs. Relay loads in excess of 200 mA or with
included power supplies over 42 V may damage the relay
drivers on the CPU module.

B.4 Automatic SRS Power Control (Optional)

TTL connections can be used to automatically switch off the power
to a Self-Regenerating Suppressor (SRS) when the flow from the
pump stops.
1. On the PUMP OPTIONS screen, set TTL2 OUTPUT USAGE to 0
Flow . (For more details, see the operator’s manual for the GP40
Gradient Pump or IP20 Isocratic Pump.)
2. On the CD20 TTL FUNCTION IN screen, assign TTL3 to SRS
OFF/ON.

3. Locate the twisted black and red wires (P/N 043598) and two
green TTL connector plugs (P/N 921019) provided in the CD20
Ship Kit.
4. Strip the ends of the wires and insert them into the plugs, with
the signal wire (red) on top of each plug and the ground wire
(black) on the bottom. Tighten the locking screws with the
screwdriver (P/N 046985) provided in the CD20 Ship Kit.
5. Plug one end of the cable into TTL2 OUT on the pump.

Doc. 034854-03 2/96 B-17

CD20 Conductivity Detector

Figure B-8. TTL Connections for SRS Power Control

6. Route the cable through the upper chase of the pump and the
CD20, and then plug the free end of the cable into TTL3 IN on
the CD20 (see Figure B-6).
7. Turn off the flow (from the pump) and confirm that the detector
automatically turns off the SRS. First, however, expect a
5-minute delay from the time the CD20 receives the signal until
the power to the SRS is turned off; this delay allows momentary
flow interruptions without disturbing the SRS.

B-18 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 C • User Interface

C.1 Operational Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

C.1.1 Menu of Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
C.1.2 Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
C.1.3 Detail Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
C.1.4 Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7
C.1.5 Module Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9
C.1.6 Analog Out Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10
C.1.7 Time Function In . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12
C.2 Diagnostic Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13
C.2.1 Diagnostic Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13
C.2.2 Power-Up Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-14
C.2.3 Elapsed Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-15
C.2.4 Analog Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-16
C.2.5 DX LAN Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-17
C.2.6 Keyboard Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-19
C.2.7 Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-20
C.2.8 Leak Sensor Calibration and Status . . . C-23
C.2.9 Signal Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-24
C.2.10 Calibrate Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . C-25

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C-2 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 C • User Interface

This appendix illustrates and describes all of the screens available

for display on the front panel of the CD20 Conductivity Detector.
There are two categories of screens: operational and diagnostic.
• Operational screens enable you to create, edit, and run methods
that control CD20 operation, and to select default parameters for
the detector.
• Diagnostic screens provide access to diagnostic information and
tests, including some screens that enable you to calibrate various
CD20 functions.

MENU of
SCREENS
Operational Screens

1 2 3 5 6 7 8
MAIN DETAIL MODULE ANALOG OUT TIME DIAGNOSTIC
METHOD
SCREEN SCREEN SETUP SETUP FUNCTION IN MENU

METHOD
EXTENSION
Diagnostic Screens

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
POWER-UP ELAPSED ANALOG DX LAN KEYBOARD DIAGNOSTIC LEAK CAL SIGNAL CALIBRATE
SCREEN TIME STATUS STATUS TEST TESTS & STATUS STATISTICS CD CELL

Figure C-1. CD20 Menu Structure

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C.1 Operational Screens

C.1.1 Menu of Screens

The MENU of SCREENS provides top-level access to the menu
structure.

MENU of SCREENS

1 MAIN SCREEN 5 MODULE SETUP

2 DETAIL SCREEN 6 ANALOG OUT SETUP
3 METHOD 7 TIME FUNCTION IN
4 --- 8 DIAGNOSTIC MENU

Help Message

Figure C-2. Menu of Screens

There are two ways to select a screen from this menu:

• Use the cursor arrow buttons to move the cursor to the
field containing the screen number and press Enter .
• Press the number button on the front panel keypad that
corresponds to the screen.
To display a brief description of each menu option, press the
Help button.

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 C • User Interface

C.1.2 Main Screen

The MAIN screen displays the measured conductivity
(siemens) and other primary functions in large characters to
make viewing easier from a distance.

TOTAL 138.71 uS

SRS 50

+2. 34 uS RANGE 1000 uS

LOCAL METHOD 05
Help Message

Figure C-3. Main Screen

TOTAL Displays total conductivity (without an offset).

SRS Selects the amount of current sent to the

suppressor. Current selection depends on the
eluent concentration, flow rate, etc. The
discrete settings are Off, 50, 100, 300, and 500
mA.

RANGE Sets the analog output scale factor. Select a

range between 0.01 and 3000 µS.

METHOD Sets the method number. Pressing Select and

Enter sets the detector to Direct control.

CONTROL MODE Sets the detector to Local, Remote, or Locked

Remote control.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C.1.3 Detail Screen

The DETAIL screen includes all the fields contained on the
MAIN screen, as well as the TTL and Relay fields and fields
to control detection. Refer to the MAIN screen for a
description of fields that are common to both screens.

D E TA IL S C R E E N C O N D U C T IV IT Y
O UTPU T 23.6 8 uS R A N G E 20 0 u S T T L1 0
O F FS E T 115.0 3 uS TE M P C O M P 1.9 T T L2 1
TO TA L 138 .7 1 uS R LY 1 1
S R S 1 00 m A R LY 2 0
D S 3 S E T P O IN T 25 C
LO C A L M E TH O D 05 1 23.45 M IN
H elp M es sa ge

Figure C-4. Detail Screen

TEMP COMP Sets the temperature compensation factor. The

range is 0 to 3%. 1.7% is appropriate for most
eluents.

DS3 SETPOINT Sets the temperature of the DS3 Detection

Stabilizer.

TTL1 Provides TTL control of accessories. In a

TTL2 method, these values occur according to the
method timing. In Direct control, select off (0)
or on (1).

RLY1 Provides relay contact closure control of

RLY2 accessories. In a method, these values occur
according to the method timing. In Direct
control, select off (0) or on (1).

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 C • User Interface

C.1.4 Method
A method consists of a series of timed steps. Each step has a
set of parameters associated with it.
Initial conditions are applied when a method is invoked. A
lower case v next to the last step on the display indicates that
the method contains more steps.
Blank fields denote no change from the previous step. The
Delete button blanks the field.

NOTE
TEMP COMP, DS3 TEMP, and SRS CURRENT are not time-
programmable.

METHOD EDIT 33 SAVE TO 33 R U N 25

T E M P C O M P 1.6 DS3 TEMP 40 S R S 100
TTL R L Y
TIME RANGE OFFSET MARK 1 2 1 2
INIT 200 uS 0 0 0 0
0.00 * *
2.00 v 1 1
Help Message

Figure C-5. Method Screen

EDIT Specifies the method number (0 through 99) to

edit.

SAVE TO Specifies the method number (0 through 99) to

save the current method to.

RUN Specifies the method number (0 through 99) to

run. The Hold/Run button controls the
running of the method.

TEMP COMP Sets the Temperature Compensation factor.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

SET TEMP Sets the temperature for the DS3 Detection

Stabilizer.

SRS Sets the Self-Regenerating Suppressor current.

TIME Specifies the start time for each step. Times

are displayed chronologically.

RANGE Sets the analog output range.

OFFSET Stores the offset value. The baseline is set by

subtracting the offset measured when this step
is executed from all subsequent measurements.
An asterisk (*) indicates that OFFSET will
occur at this time.

MARK Sends a positive pulse to the analog output

(recorder) as an event marker. An asterisk (*)
indicates that a MARK will occur at this time.

TTL Sets TTL1 and TTL2 to off (0) or on (1).

RLY Sets RLY1 and RLY2 to off (0) or on (1).

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 C • User Interface

C.1.5 Module Setup

The backlight intensity, key beep, and error beep are
configured from the MODULE SETUP screen.

MODULE SETUP

DISPLAY PANEL BACKLIGHT:M E D I U M

KEY ACTUATION SOUND:O N
E N T R Y E R R O R S O U N DO
: N

Help Message

Figure C-6. Module Setup Screen

DISPLAY PANEL Sets the display panel backlight to LOW,

BACKLIGHT MEDIUM, HIGH , or OFF.

KEY ACTUATION Toggles the keypad touch sound. When this

SOUND option is selected, the detector sounds a beep
when a button is pressed.

ENTRY ERROR Toggles the error sound. When this option is

SOUND selected, the detector sounds a beep when an
invalid entry is made.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C.1.6 Analog Out Setup

The ANALOG OUT SETUP screen contains parameters for
setting the analog output, such as for a recorder or
oscilloscope.

AN ALOG O UT SETU P
O UTPUT: OFFSET
ZERO POSITION : 10 % FU LL S CA LE
VOLTS FU LL SCA LE : 1.0 V
RIS E TIM E: 1.0 sec
PO LAR ITY: +

H elp M essage

Figure C-7. Analog Out Setup Screen

OUTPUT Sets the analog output to one of the following:

OFFSET uses the offset level value.
TOTAL sets the detector output to the total cell
conductivity, charge or current, disabling the
offset function.
ZERO sets the detector output to zero volts.
FULL SCALE sets the output to the full-scale
setting.

ZERO POSITION Sets the analog (recorder) offset level (0 to

100%).

VOLTS FULL SCALE Sets the full-scale voltage for a signal equal to
the range setting. The discrete settings are 1.0,
0.1, and 0.01 volts.

RISE TIME Sets the output filter rise time to 0.05, 0.1,
0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, or 10.0 seconds. Rise
time is a measure of how quickly the detector
goes from 10% to 90% of step input changes.
A digital filter is used with zero undershoot or
overshoot for minimal peak distortion.

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 C • User Interface

POLARITY Determines the output voltage polarity. The

output is usually set to positive polarity.
Negative polarity is used to reverse peaks from
indirect detection.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C.1.7 Time Function In

Four input TTL controls may be assigned to the time input
functions via the TIME FUNCTION IN screen. Control is
enabled when Local mode is selected.
Use the Select buttons to assign TTL1 through TTL4 to any
four of the seven time functions. TTL input ports can also be
assigned to the INCR and DECR fields, to increase or decrease
the method number.

TIME FUNCTION IN MODE: NORMAL EDGE

OFFSET: T T L 1
HOLD/RUN: T T L 2
SRS ON/OFF: T T L 3 CELL: T T L -
METHOD NUMBER INCR: T T L 4 DECR: T T L -
MARK: T T L -
RANGEx10: T T L -
Help Message

Figure C-8. Time Function In Screen

C-12 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 C • User Interface

C.2 Diagnostic Screens

To access the CD20 diagnostics, select the DIAGNOSTIC MENU from
the MENU of SCREENS. While a diagnostic screen is displayed,
pressing the Menu button returns you to the DIAGNOSTIC MENU .
From the DIAGNOSTIC MENU, pressing Menu returns you to the
MENU of SCREENS.

C.2.1 Diagnostic Menu

Figure C-9 shows the DIAGNOSTIC MENU. The nine menu
options are explained in detail in the following sections.

DIAGNOSTIC MENU

1 POWER-UP SCREEN 6 DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

2 ELAPSED TIME 7 LEAK CAL & STATUS
3 ANALOG STATUS 8 SIGNAL STATISTICS
4 DX LAN STATUS 9 CALIBRATE CD CELL
5 KEYBOARD TEST 10
Help Message

Figure C-9. Diagnostic Menu Screen

There are two ways to select a screen from this menu:

• Use the cursor arrow buttons to move the cursor to the
field containing the screen number and press Enter .
• Press the number button on the front panel keypad that
corresponds to the screen.
To display a brief description of each menu option, press the
Help button.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C.2.2 Power-Up Screen

The POWER-UP screen displays the revision numbers for the
Moduleware and BIOS code. It also displays the
identification number of the optional DX LAN interface, if
connected.

CD20 CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR

M O D U L E W A R E R E V n.nn
BIOS REV n.nn
DX LAN ID# nnnnnn
Help Message

Figure C-10. Power-Up Screen

C-14 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 C • User Interface

C.2.3 Elapsed Time

This screen reports for how long various CD20 parameters
have been in use. The status of each parameter updates in real
time.

ELAPSED TIME
RESET
MODULE ON: nnnnnn hours
BACKLIGHT: nnnnnn hours
SRS ON: nnnnnn hours *
CD CELL ON: nnnnnn hours *

Help Message

Figure C-11. Elapsed Time Screen

MODULE ON Reports the total time the detector has been

powered up in its lifetime.

BACKLIGHT Reports the total time the LCD backlight has

been on in its lifetime.

SRS ON Reports the total time the SRS has run. Reset
this field to zero after changing the SRS.

CD CELL ON Reports the total time the conductivity cell has

run. Reset this field to zero after replacing the
cell.

RESET Allows a timer to be reset to zero to restart the

counter. Reset the appropriate timer after
installing a new component.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C.2.4 Analog Status

This screen reports the status of several analog test points. If
a run is in progress, the status updates are from the last idle
state. If no run is in progress, the values are in real time.

ANALOG STATUS
SRS CONNECTED: Y DS3 CONNECTED: Y
SRS OVER TEMP: N DS3 OVER TEMP: N
SRS OVER VOLT: N DS3 UNDER TEMP: N
CD CELL CONNECTED: N

THERMISTOR TEMPERATURE: nn.n Degrees

Help Message

Figure C-12. Analog Status Screen

SRS CONNECTED Indicates whether a Self-Regenerating

Suppressor is connected to the detector.

SRS OVER TEMP Indicates whether the SRS is over the

temperature specified.

SRS OVER VOLT Indicates whether the SRS is over the voltage
range specified.

DS3 CONNECTED Indicates whether a DS3 Detection Stabilizer

is connected to the detector.

DS3 OVER TEMP Indicates whether the DS3 is over the

temperature specified.

DS3 UNDER TEMP Indicates whether the DS3 is under the

temperature specified.

CD CELL Indicates whether a conductivity cell is

CONNECTED connected to the detector.

THERMISTOR Indicates the temperature recorded from the

TEMPERATURE conductivity cell thermistor.

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 C • User Interface

C.2.5 DX LAN Status

The DX LAN driver monitors several types of errors that may
occur on the network. The detector reads the DX LAN error
counts and displays them on this screen, along with the DX
LAN addresses. Most errors are caused by a defective cable,
missing or incorrectly terminated cable. The DX LAN cable
must be RG58U or RG58AU.

DX LAN STATUS
UNIQUE DX LAN ID: FF FF FF FF
DX LAN ADDRESS: FF FF FF FF FF FF

COLLISION: nnn ALIGNMENT: nnn CRC: nnn

BUS WRITE: nnn BUS READ: nnn RUNT: nnn
UNDERFLOW: nnn OVERFLOW: nnn RETRY: nnn
Help Message

Figure C-13. DX LAN Status Screen

UNIQUE DX LAN ID Displays the three-byte DX LAN ID

programmed into the detector Moduleware (in
HEX). The ID is unique to the detector and
never changes.

DX LAN ADDRESS Displays the six-byte DX LAN address

assigned by the PC (in HEX). The first three
bytes are the system assignment and the last
three bytes are the assignment within the
system.

COLLISION Indicates that 16 unsuccessful transmissions of

the same packet occurred, due to collisions.

BUS WRITE Indicates that a ready response could not be

issued within 2.4 microseconds after the WR
signal was asserted. This occurs when the
transmit buffer memory is full.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

UNDERFLOW Indicates that data from the transmit section of

the hardware buffer memory is not available
for serial transmission. The DX LAN will
continue to send out this data frame.

ALIGNMENT Indicates that a packet was received with an

alignment error, meaning that there were one
to seven extra bits at the end of the packet.
This is usually caused by a collision or a
faulty transceiver.

BUS READ Indicates that a ready response could not be

issued within 2.4 microseconds after the ready
signal was asserted. This occurs when reading
an empty buffer.

OVERFLOW Indicates that the DX LAN hardware receive

buffer became full and had to reject a packet
for lack of space.

CRC Indicates that a packet was received with a

CRC error. This usually means that a collision
has corrupted the packet.

RUNT Indicates that a “runt” packet (one less than 15

bytes in length) was received. This usually
occurs after a collision has truncated the
original length.

RETRY Indicates the number of retries required to

transmit the last packet.

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 C • User Interface

C.2.6 Keyboard Test

You can conduct an interactive test of the CD20 front panel
keypad from this screen. Pressing any front panel button
changes the corresponding button indicator on the screen to
reverse video. This confirms proper operation of that button.
When you release the button, the display returns to normal
video.

OFFSET RUN/HOLD UP 7 8 9
LEFT RIGHT
MARK RESET DOWN 4 5 6

INSERT SEL UP 1 2 3
HELP MENU
DELETE SEL DOWN 0 . E
Help Message
Figure C-14. Keyboard Test Screen

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C.2.7 Diagnostic Tests

These tests verify the integrity of the detector electronics and
functions.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
CELL: INT NOISE TEST: RDY

DAC RAMP: RDY SCOPE TEST: RDY

P POWER P CPU P SRS * CELL DRIVE

P LAN > DS3 * LEAK
Help Message

Figure C-15. Diagnostic Tests Screen

CELL Specifies whether the cell to be tested is

internal (INT) or external (EXT).

NOISE TEST Selects one of the following test modes:

RDY—The system is idle and ready to begin a
test.
CD—Selects the conductivity cell for testing.

DAC RAMP Selects the DAC test mode. The test linear
ramps the output of the selected DA on the SP
or SCR card from 0 to full-scale and can be
plotted from the recorder output or from
PeakNet. The ramp test modes are:
RDY—The system is idle and ready to begin a
test.
CDO—Tests the CD Offset DAC (eight
iterations, one for each gain; the eighth
iteration is flat on top). Disconnect the
conductivity cell before running this test.
REC—Tests the Recorder Output DAC.

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 C • User Interface

SCOPE TEST Generates test waveforms that can be

monitored on test points on the SCR and SP
cards, using an oscilloscope or chart recorder.
The test modes are:
RDY—The system is idle and ready to begin a
test.
CDF—Tests the CD Offset DAC output (TP9
on the SP card) and the CD fine filter circuit
(TP19 on the SP card). TP9 outputs a square
wave with a frequency of 200 ms and an
amplitude from 0 to -0.1 V. TP19 outputs a
sine wave with a frequency of 200 ms. The
peak-to-peak amplitude is 4.40 V.
CDT—Tests the CD Temperature
Compensation DAC (TP26 on the SP card).
The output is a square wave in which the
bottom and top amplitudes increase and
decrease from 11 V to 12 V. Before running
this test, connect the DS3 and set the
temperature to 45 °C, or connect a dummy
thermistor value of 42 kΩ to pins 2 and 3 of
the conductivity cell connector.
SCR—Tests the SCR DAC for the DS3 set
point temperature (TP13 on the SCR card) and
SRS current set point (TP17 on the SCR card).
The output on each test point is a linear ramp
that goes from 0 to 10 V in 2.5 seconds.
Disconnect the DS3 and SRS before running
this test.

The following tests can be run from the DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

screen. To begin a test, select the asterisk (*) in the field
beside the test name and press Enter . When the test is
complete, the entry field displays either P (pass) or F (fail).

NOTE
Running the following tests disturbs the equilibration of
the detector as services cycle on and off and the system
runs through its test modes. After testing, allow the system
to equilibrate before resuming operation.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

• POWER—Checks the +5, ±15, and +24 volt monitor on

the Relay card.
• CPU—Checks the CPU internal configuration and the
Moduleware checksum.
• DX LAN—Checks the DX LAN hardware configuration
and loop-back.
• SRS—Varies the SRS power supply and checks the flags.
• DS3—Varies the DS3 temperature set point and checks
the flags.
• CELL DRIVE—Switches in a resistor in place of the cell
to provide a calibrated signal to read.
• LEAK—Checks the detector’s leak sensor for a correct,
open circuit, or short circuit condition.

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 C • User Interface

C.2.8 Leak Sensor Calibration and Status

This screen reports the status of leak sensor parameters.

LEAK SENSOR CALIBRATION AND STATUS

MEASURED VALUE: 2.48

CURRENT CONDITION: DRY
CALIBRATION VALUE: 2.50
LOW LEAK THRESHOLD: 2.70

Help Message

Figure C-16. Leak Sensor Calibration and Status Screen

MEASURED VALUE Reports the measured voltage from the leak

sensor.

CURRENT Reports the current (error) condition of the

CONDITION leak sensor: WET, DRY, or ERR. Error
indicates an open or short circuit. To calibrate
a leak sensor, select CAL and press Enter.
After calibration, the field will revert to DRY,
unless an error condition exists.

CALIBRATION Reports the value saved when the leak sensor

VALUE was last calibrated.

LOW LEAK Reports the threshold value below which a

THRESHOLD leak is indicated. This is based on the
calibration value.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C.2.9 Signal Statistics

This screen enables you to monitor the selected input to the
A/D circuitry. When the screen is first displayed, the MAX
and MIN status values are equal to the INPUT value, and
DURATION reads 0. Status values are reported in A/D volts
and are updated dynamically.

SIGNAL STATISTICS
CELL: NORM
INPUT: C FINE n.nnn volts
MAX: n.nnn volts
MIN: n.nnn volts
DURATION: nnn.nn Minutes

Help Message
Figure C-17. Signal Statistics Screen

CELL Selects the cell test mode:

NORM—Uses input data from the cell.
FIXED—Uses a fixed dummy cell for input.

INPUT The measured data from the A/D circuit:

C FINE—Conductivity cell fine input
C COARSE—Conductivity cell coarse input
C THER—Conductivity cell thermistor input
LEAK—Leak detector input
DRIVE—Cell drive circuit input

MAX The maximum input data value during the

duration of the test.

MIN The minimum input data value during the

duration of the test.

DURATION The duration (in minutes) of the test. The test

starts when you enter this screen and
terminates when you exit.

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 C • User Interface

C.2.10 Calibrate Conductivity Cell

This screen allows you to calibrate the conductivity cell with
1 mM KCl.

CALIBRATE CONDUCTIVITY CELL

MEASURED CONDUCTIVITY: 146.54 uS
CELL CALIBRATION CONSTANT: 160.0
PUMP 1 mM KCl THROUGH CELL AT 1 mL/MIN.
SELECT 'CAL' AND PRESS ENTER RDY
WARNING: THIS WILL ERASE THE PRIOR
CELL CALIBRATION AND STORE A NEW VALUE
Help Message

Figure C-18. Calibrate Conductivity Cell Screen

CONDUCTIVITY Reports the measured conductivity from the

conductivity cell.

Calibrate Select CAL and press Enter to calibrate the

conductivity cell to the value displayed in the
conductivity field. The calibration assumes
that uncontaminated 1 mM KCl is flowing
through the cell at normal backpressure. The
new value replaces the previous calibration
value.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

C-26 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 D • Signal Processor Functions

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

D-2 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 D • Signal Processor Functions

The functions of the Signal Processor (SP) card are as follows:

• Temperature compensation digital-to-analog converter
• Cell chopper, driver
• Offset digital-to-analog scaling switch
• Conductivity signal receiver
• Second stage amplifier and gain switch
• Synchronous rectifier
• 5 mS Noise filter
• DC amplifier 100 mS filter
• Signal selection (MUX)
• 16-bit Analog-to-digital converter
• Digital interface

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

D-4 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 E • Connector Pinouts

E.1 Recorder/Diagnostic Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . E-3

E.1.1 Signal Electrical Parameters . . . . . . . E-4
E.2 TTL/Relay Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6
E.3 DS3 Connector Pinouts—SCR . . . . . . . . . . . E-7
E.4 SRS Connector Pinouts—SCR . . . . . . . . . . . E-8
E.5 Conductivity Cell Connector Pinouts—SP . . . . E-8

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

E-2 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 E • Connector Pinouts

E.1 Recorder/Diagnostic Signal Pinouts

This section describes the Recorder/Diagnostic Signal pinouts. The
connector is supplied plugged into the socket. The pins are
numbered consecutively from 1 to 10 (top to bottom).

Pin Signal

1 Recorder Negative
2 Recorder Positive
3 SRS Supply Voltage
4 DS3 Supply Current
5 Conductivity Cell Flow Stream Temperature
6 This pin is not used by the CD20.
7 This pin is not used by the CD20.
8 +10 V Reference from SCR Card
9 This pin is not used by the CD20.
10 Common Ground for Signals 3 through 9

Table E-1. Recorder/Diagnostic Cable Pinouts

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

E.1.1 Signal Electrical Parameters

Pin 1 Attach the negative input of the chart recorder to pin 1.

Pin 2 The full-scale output range setting (0 to 0.01 V, 0 to 0.1 V, or

0 to 1.0 V) is selected from the ANALOG OUTPUT screen.
The output resistance is 1 to 2 kΩ.

Pin 3 The voltage is equal to that developed across the SRS. The
SRS is driven by a regulated current source.
The output resistance is 10 kΩ.

Pin 4 The voltage is proportional to the DS3 heater current. The

maximum heater power produces approximately 1.2 V.
The output resistance is 5 kΩ.

Pin 5 The voltage is related to the inverse exponential of the

temperature. Table E-2 lists the conductivity flow stream
temperatures.
The output resistance is 1 kΩ.

°C Volts Slope (-mV/°C)

0 2.00 88
5 1.71 75
10 1.42 63
15 1.18 52
20 0.97 43
25 0.80 35
30 0.65 28
35 0.53 23
40 0.45 20
45 0.35 15
50 0.30 13

Table E-2. Conductivity Flow Stream Temperatures

E-4 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 E • Connector Pinouts

Pin 6 This pin is not used by the CD20.

Pin 7 This pin is not used by the CD20.

Pin 8 The signal is 10.00 ± 0.01 V.

The output resistance is 0 Ω.
The maximum load current capability is 10 mA. This output
may be divided with a resistor network to provide an offset to
a monitoring device. Shorting or overloading this output will
disrupt operation of the SCR module.

Pin 9 This pin is not used by the CD20.

Pin 10 A signal ground (0 volts) for monitoring only. Avoid

connecting this pin to any grounds or sources of AC or DC
current. This ground may be used in common for any of the
signals on pins 3 through 9.

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

E.2 TTL/Relay Pinouts

The TTL and Relay connectors are on the DX LAN/Relay card. The
TTL and Relay connectors all have the same pinout configuration;
be careful to use the correct connector.

Connector Pin Number Description

Number

Relay 1 1 and 2 Solid State Relay Contacts Out

Relay 2 1 and 2 Solid State Relay Contacts Out
Relay 3 1 TTL Out (1 kΩ pull up to +5, 100 mA sink)
2 Ground
Relay 4 1 TTL Out (1 kΩ pull up to +5, 100 mA sink)
2 Ground
Relay 5 1 Input TTL 1
2 Ground
Relay 6 1 Input TTL 2
2 Ground
Relay 7 1 Input TTL 3
2 Ground
Relay 8 1 Input TTL 4
2 Ground

Table E-3. TTL/Relay Connector Pinouts

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 E • Connector Pinouts

E.3 DS3 Connector Pinouts—SCR

The DS3 Detection Stabilizer connects to the SCR card. The
connector is a double-row, 1.6 cm (0.63 in) latching displacement
connector.

Pin Number Description

1 DS3 Ground (body)

2 +24 V
3 Base Drive
4 Emitter
5 Emitter
6 Thermistor Ground
7 Thermistor
8 Leak +5 V
9 Leak
10 Leak Ground
11 Disconnect
12 Disconnect Ground Sense

Table E-4. DS3 Connector Pinouts

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

E.4 SRS Connector Pinouts—SCR

The SRS (Self-Regenerating Suppressor) connects to the SCR card.
The connector is a double-row, 0.84 cm (0.33 in) latching
displacement connector.

Pin Number Description

1 Ground
2 Thermistor
3 SRS Positive
4 SRS Negative
5 Disconnect Sense
6 Disconnect (Ground)

Table E-5. SRS Connector Pinouts

E.5 Conductivity Cell Connector Pinouts—SP

The conductivity cell connects to the SP card. The connector is a
single-row, shielded, latching displacement connector.

Pin Number Description Color (inside cable)

1 Cell Drive Red COAX

2 Ground (Thermistor and Shield) All COAX shields
3 Thermistor Black COAX
4 Cell Return Red COAX
5–8 Grounded (Plug Body Shield) On receptacle only, not on
plug

Table E-6. Conductivity Cell Connector Pinouts

E-8 Doc. 034854-03 2/96

 Index

Electrical specifications, A-3

A Environmental specifications, A-3
Absorbance detection, 1-3 GP40 control, 2-22
Analog output Height in units, B-4
Offset level, C-10 Integrator control, 2-19
Range, C-8 Lifting requirements, B-5
Scale factor, C-5 Manual conventions, 1-4
Analog output connections, 2-12 PeakNet software control, 2-11, 2-19
Analog output range, A-3 Replacement parts, 5-3
Analog test points, C-16 Securing to DX 500 modules, B-4
Arrow buttons, 2-9 Self-diagnostics, 3-4
Automated control, 2-11, 2-19 Time in use, C-15
Weight, A-3
Cell
B See Conductivity cell
Backpressure limits, 5-4 Chassis, electronics, 2-11
Backpressure line, 5-3 Chromophores, 1-3
Baseline Circuitry, A/D, C-24
Minimizing drift, 6-7 Conductivity cell, 2-15
Oscillations, 2-16 See also DS3 Detection Stabilizer
Beep, front panel buttons, 2-6, C-9 See also Shielded conductivity cell
Turning on/off, C-9 Air bubble removal, 5-3
BIOS, 2-14 Backpressure limits, 5-4
Revision number, 3-4, C-14 Backpressure line, 5-3
Blank fields, 2-7, C-7 Benefits, 2-15
Calibration, 2-15, C-25
Calibration constant, 5-5
Calibration procedure, 5-5
C Description, 2-15
Cable routing, 2-11 Installation verification, C-16
Cable, DX LAN, 2-11, 4-9 Noise test, C-20
Extension cable, B-8 Specifications, A-4
Installation, B-6 Test mode, signal statistics, C-24
Specifications, C-17 Thermistor temperature, C-16
Terminator plugs, 4-9 Time in use, C-15
Cards Conductivity detection, 1-3
See also Name of card Analytes detected by, 1-3
Servicing of, 2-11 Conductivity of solutions, 6-4
CD20 Conductivity Detector Hydration sphere, 6-6
Analytes detected by, 1-3 Measuring conductivity, 6-3
Diagnostics, C-13 Species detected by, 6-7
Dimensions, A-3 Temperature, 6-7
Electrical connections, 2-11 Temperature variations, 2-16

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Control modes Temperature selection, C-6, C-8

See Direct control mode Temperature selection guidelines, 3-3
See Method control mode Temperature verification, C-16
CPU card, 2-14 DX 500 systems
Cursor buttons, 2-9 Chromatography modules, B-8
Cursor movement, 2-9 Enclosures, 2-3
Installation, 2-3, B-4
Manuals, 1-7
D Shoe, B-4
Stacking, B-4
DAC test, C-20
Ties, B-4
Detector interface card, 2-11, 2-14
DX LAN card, 2-14
Installation, B-6
DX LAN network, 2-11
Detector specifications, A-4
Address, C-17
Diagnostic Menu, C-13
Card, 2-14
Accessing, 2-9
Connector on rear panel, 4-9
Selecting options, 2-9, C-4, C-13
Error messages, C-17 - C-18
Diagnostic screens, 2-9
Identification number, 3-4, C-14, C-17
Accessing, 4-10
Installation, B-6
Overview, C-3
Problems, 4-9, C-17 - C-18
Direct control mode, 2-20
Buttons not operable, 2-20
Description, 3-5
Relay assignments, C-6 E
Selecting, 2-20, C-5 Electromagnetic interference (EMI), 2-13, 2-18
TTL assignments, C-6 Electronics, 2-11
Display (LCD), 2-4 Repair procedures, 5-3
Backlight, 2-4 Testing, C-20 - C-22, C-24
Backlight adjustment, C-9 Electrostatic discharge (ESD), 2-11
Screen contrast, 2-4 Eluents, 6-11
Time in use, C-15 Conductivity suppression, 2-16
DS3 pH, 6-7
See DS3 Detection Stabilizer Errors
DS3 Detection Stabilizer, 2-16, 6-7 See Troubleshooting
Benefits, 2-16 Event marker, C-8
Components, 2-16
Connections, 2-12
Disassembling, 4-6 F
Installation, B-8
Ferrule fittings, 5-3
Installation verification, C-16
Manual, 1-7, 4-4
Leak sensor, 2-17
Fields
Liquid leaks, 4-6
Blank, 2-7
Operating modes, B-8
Normal video, 2-4
Set point, 2-14
Reverse video, 2-4
Set point test, C-22
Front panel, 2-4
Specifications, A-5
Adjusting the position, 2-4
Start-up, 3-3
Front panel buttons
Temperature reading inaccurate, 4-7
Beeping sound, 2-6, C-9

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 Index

Description, 2-6 - 2-9 Manual, 1-7

Testing, C-19 LCD backlight
Full-scale output, A-3 Time in use, C-15
Fuses Leak sensor
Rating, 2-10 Calibration, C-23
Replacing, 5-4 Status, C-23
Test, C-22
Leaks, liquid, 5-3
G Local mode
Commands allowed, 2-18
GP40 Gradient Pump
Selecting, 2-18, C-5
CD20 control, 2-22
TTL control, 2-18 - 2-19
Manual, 1-7
Locked Remote mode, 2-19
Selecting, C-5

H
Humidity, operating, A-3 M
Main screen, 3-5
Maintenance procedures, 3-12
I Manuals, DX 500, 1-7
IEC 1010, 1-5 Mark, C-8
Installation site, A-3, B-3 Menu of Screens
Integrators, 2-19 Accessing, 2-9
Ion-exchange chromatography, 6-9 Selecting options, 2-9, C-4, C-13
Ion-pair chromatography, 6-9, 6-15 Method clock
Ions, mobility, 6-6 - 6-7 Elapsed time, 3-10
IP20 Isocratic Pump Reset to initial conditions, 2-20
Manual, 1-7 Starting, 2-8
Stopping, 2-8
Method control mode, 2-21
K Changing parameters, 2-21
Keypad, 2-4 Description, 3-6
Description, 2-5 - 2-9 Parameters controlled by, 2-21
Testing, C-19 Selecting, 2-21, 3-6
Kohlraush’s law, 6-4 Method steps, 2-22
Adding, 3-8
Blank field, 2-7, 3-7
Chronological order, 3-8
L Creating, 3-7
Labels, 1-6 Deleting, 2-7, 3-9
LC10 Chromatography Organizer, 5-5 Initial conditions, 3-6
Manual, 1-7 Maximum number, 3-7
LC20 Chromatography Enclosure, 5-5 Restoring the previous value, 2-7
Manual, 1-7 Saving parameters, 2-9
LC30 Chromatography Oven, 5-5 Start time, C-8
DS3 temperature range, 3-10 Time 0.0, 3-6
DS3 temperature selection, 3-3 Time field, 3-7

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

Viewing more steps, 3-7, C-7

Methods, 3-6
P
Aborting, 2-20 Parts replacement, 5-3
Adding a step, 3-8 See also Service procedures
Changing, 3-8 PeakNet software
Changing the running method, 3-10 CD20 control requirements, 2-11
Creating, 2-22, 3-6 Manual, 1-7, 2-19
Definition, 2-5 Method downloading, 2-20
Deleting, 3-9 Method steps, 3-7
Deleting a step, 3-9 Polarity, C-11
Downloading from PeakNet, 2-20 Power cord, B-5
Editing, 2-22, 3-8 Power supply, 2-10
Number in memory, 2-22 Status LED, 2-15
Parameters controlled by, 2-21 Power supply card, 2-13
Programming, 2-21 Power switch, 2-4
Running, 3-9 Actuator, 2-4
Saving, 3-8 Power-up tests, 3-4
Saving changes, 3-9 Problems
Step maximum, 3-7 See Troubleshooting
Modes of control
See Direct control mode
See Method control mode R
Modes of operation Rear panel description, 2-10
See Local mode Recorders
See Remote mode Analog output setting, C-10
Moduleware, 2-14, 4-10 Installation, B-15
Checksum test, C-22 Relay card, 2-14
Revision number, 3-4, C-14 Testing, C-22
Relay control
Connections, 2-12, B-16
N Turning on/off, C-6, C-8
Network Remote mode, 2-19
See DX LAN network Locked Remote, 2-19
Noise test, C-20 Selecting, 2-18 - 2-19, C-5
Types of control, 2-19
Repairs
O See Service procedures
Rise time, C-10
Offset value, C-8
Ohm’s law, 6-3
Operational screens, 2-9
Overview, C-3
S
Output voltage polarity, C-11 Safety messages, 1-5
Safety requirements, 1-5
SCR card, 2-13
Testing, C-21
Screen contrast, 2-4

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 Index

Screens
Diagnostic, C-3
T
Operational, C-3 Temperature
Overview, C-3 Minimizing the effect of variations, 2-16
Self-Regenerating Suppressor Temperature compensation, 2-15 - 2-16
Backpressure requirements, B-9 Optimizing, 3-10
Connections, 2-12 Temperature compensation factor, 6-7
Current setting, C-5, C-8 Selection, C-6 - C-7
Installation verification, C-16 Temperature, operating, A-3
Power control, B-17 Terminator plugs, B-7
Power supply specifications, A-4 Ties, B-4
Power supply test, C-22 Trademarks, 1-2
Start-up, 3-3 Troubleshooting
Suppression mechanism, 6-9 See also Diagnostic Menu
Temperature setting, C-16 Cell constant reading inaccurate, 4-8
Time in use, C-15 Diagnostic tests, 4-10
Voltage range setting, C-16 DS3 leaks, 4-6
Service procedures DS3 temperature reading inaccurate, 4-7
Conductivity cell calibration, 5-5 DX LAN communication, 4-9
Electronic components, 5-3 High detector output, 4-4
Fuse replacement, 5-4 Low detector output, 4-4
Removing air from the conductivity cell, 5-3 No detector response, 4-3
Shielded cell Noisy baseline, 4-4
ambient temperature changes, 4-5 TTL control
Shielded conductivity cell, 2-18 Assigning functions, 2-18, C-12
Installation, B-15 Connections, B-16
Shoe, B-4 SRS automatic power control, B-17
Signal processor card Turning on/off, C-6, C-8
See SP card
SP card, 2-14
Testing, C-21 V
SRS Video, normal, 2-4
See Self-Regenerating Suppressor Video, reverse, 2-4
Start-up procedure, 3-3 Voltage, full-scale, C-10
Strip chart recorder
See Recorders
Supply Control/Relay card
See SCR card
W
Warranty, voiding, 4-8, 5-3
Waveforms, test, C-21

Z
Zwitterions, 6-8 - 6-9, 6-14

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CD20 Conductivity Detector

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