Agilent MicroLab Software Operation Manual
Notices © Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2009, 2011, 2013 No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws. Manual Part Number 0020-410 Edition Fourth edition, May 2013 Printed in Malaysia Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Contents Contents 1. Introduction 7 2.
Contents 3. MicroLab PC 17 Home screen 17 Status 17 Logoff 17 Previous Results 18 Advanced Features 18 Methods 18 Editing 19 Univariate component calibration 26 Multivariate method transfer from GRAMS PLS/IQ to MicroLab PC 27 Exporting the PLS/IQ *.CAL file to ASCII 27 Generating the method file 28 Using Pre-Sample Alignment Check 29 Transferring edited methods to MicroLab Mobile 30 Using MicroLab Lite Synchronize 30 Copying via My Computer 31 4.
Contents 5. Reviewing Results 37 MicroLab Mobile 37 Results screen 37 Handling data 38 Previous results 40 MicroLab PC/MicroLab Lite 41 Results screen 42 Importing spectra into GRAMS 6.
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Introduction 1. Introduction The Agilent MicroLab software suite is designed to run Agilent 4100 ExoScan, 4200 FlexScan, 4500 Series, 5500 Series and Cary 630 FTIR spectrometers. The software comes in three versions: MicroLab PC for Microsoft® Windows® XP, Vista, and 7 operating systems, MicroLab Mobile for Windows Mobile platforms, and MicroLab Lite for data review and method development on Windows XP, Vista, and 7 operating systems.
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MicroLab Mobile 2. MicroLab Mobile Initial setup Managing users Adding Common icons Home screen Method screen 9 11 11 13 13 15 Initial setup The MicroLab Mobile software is supplied pre-installed on embedded and handheld PCs supplied with Agilent products. Software installation is required only when upgrading to a new software version. A backup copy of the software is supplied on a disk with new systems.
MicroLab Mobile 4 Select all of the files on the disk and click Edit > Copy. 5 Paste the copied files into the following directory of the handheld or embedded PC (see Step 2): MobileDevice\Program Files\Agilent\MicroLab Mobile. 6 When prompted, choose Yes to All to overwrite the current software on the device. 7 Once the copy is complete, the handheld PC can be disconnected from the computer and returned to the instrument. The software is now ready to use.
MicroLab Mobile Managing users The Advanced Features option enables an administrator to manage authorized users and alter the MicroLab system features. The system is installed with multiple user levels: Admin, Developer, Technician, E-signer and Service. Additional users can be added at any time. It is advisable to set up the system with the desired users and passwords on initial launch if multiple operators will be using the system.
MicroLab Mobile Role definitions Service: The Service role provides access to all instrument parameters within a method including the sampling technology applicable for the method. Admin: The Admin (administration) role is reserved for the person(s) responsible for continual maintenance and changes to MicroLab software, including editing methods, creating new methods, defining public methods, conducting instrument verification, and controlling user access.
MicroLab Mobile Disable Security: Removes all security features. When security is disabled, no password is required and all users have administrator privileges. Security can be restored by tapping the Reset Security button. Common icons These icons appear throughout the software: Home: Returns the software to the initial Home screen. Menu: Displays menu options. Next: Takes the software to the next step in the data collection process.
MicroLab Mobile Start The Start button begins a sample measurement using the currently selected method. The currently selected method is shown in the upper left corner of the Home screen. Method The Method button opens the Method Selection dialog box. Users without Admin privileges can only select methods designated as Public by the administrator. See the Method Selection instructions below. Reference Method The Reference Method button enables the collection of a reference sample for a component method.
MicroLab Mobile Advanced Features The Advanced Features screen provides access to Diagnostics, System Validation, User Management, and Library Management for Admin, Service and Developer roles. Method screen Methods define instrument collection parameters and data analysis within the MicroLab software. Methods can be defined to only collect data, collect and compare collected data to a predefined library or collect data and perform a quantitative analysis on that data.
MicroLab Mobile NOTE A system administrator limits accessibility of methods. The system administrator must select the check boxes along the left edge of the screen; this enables operation of methods for all technician level users. For users with the Technician role, this screen will display only those methods enabled previously by a system administrator. Activate The Activate button selects the highlighted method and closes the screen. The software returns to the Home screen.
MicroLab PC 3. MicroLab PC Home screen 17 Methods 18 Univariate component calibration 26 Multivariate method transfer from GRAMS PLS/IQ to MicroLab PC 27 Using Pre-Sample Alignment Check 29 Transferring edited methods to MicroLab Mobile 30 Home screen Once logged on, you will see the MicroLab Home screen. This is the main screen for the MicroLab PC software. From here, you can access method editing and reviewing data.
MicroLab PC Previous Results Once you have performed your analysis, you can access your previous results via the Home screen. After clicking Previous Results, a screen will appear listing the samples that have been run. The samples will be named based on the chosen naming conventions. Advanced Features From the Home screen, you may access libraries, user access, and the change password option. This feature enables a user to perform administrator tasks.
MicroLab PC Editing Info page Method Name: This field specifies the method name; the method name will be displayed in the method list. Developer: This field specifies the user who developed the method. Comment: This field is made available to the user to input any special information concerning the method. Type page Method Type: Three types of methods are available in the MicroLab PC software: Data Collect: Only collect and display the infrared spectrum.
MicroLab PC Y-Axis Units: Specifies the Y-axis scale: Absorbance or Transmittance. Clamp max. Y-value: This option will display absorbances over the specified value as that value. This is a useful option when bands that are not used analytically may be off-scale; if this feature is selected, the off-scale bands will appear ‘flat-topped’ and not adversely affect the displayed scale. Instrument page Background Scan: This specifies the number of scans to be collected in the background measurement.
MicroLab PC Edit: This button enables editing of the parameters used for the selected component calibration. This button will display the Component Definition dialog box (see below). Component Definition dialog box The Component Definition dialog box enables the addition or editing of components. This dialog box provides settings for the component calibration, the display settings and the limits for that component. The component limits enable color-coded display of the component results.
MicroLab PC Baseline 1 Start, Baseline 1 Stop: These points define the area from which the first point of a baseline will be calculated. For a single point baseline, only Baseline 1 will be used. The baseline will be taken as the minimum value within this range. Baseline 2 Start, Baseline 2 Stop: These points define the area from which the second point of a baseline will be calculated. The baseline will be taken as the minimum value within this range.
MicroLab PC Component Reporting page Component Reporting enables the method developer to determine when a component is shown in both the Results screen and the report. Only selected components that are selected in the Display column will be shown on the screen and the report. Edit Component Reporting Condition dialog box Additionally, the method developer can choose to report a component only under certain conditions.
MicroLab PC Value: The value of the diagnostic that is used with the test state in order to determine if the component will be displayed. Example: For a simple univariate method, two components may be specified for a single analyte; one component would have a valid calibration over a low range and the other would have a valid calibration over a high range. The developer may prefer that only the appropriate range be reported.
MicroLab PC Results Folder: This specifies the location within the C:\Program Files\Agilent\MicroLab\Results directory where results will be saved. If this is left blank, the files are saved directly into the Results folder. A different folder can be entered for saving the files within the Results directory. If the method is transferred to a system running MicroLab Mobile, the folder will automatically update to the appropriate folder on the mobile device.
MicroLab PC Recommend page The recommendations will be displayed on the Results screen following sample analysis. The messages are a unique feature; they give the user the ability to customize results to their specific needs and parameters.
MicroLab PC 8 Define a graph where the concentration is on the Y-axis and the measured component value is on the X-axis. Fit a linear line to that graph. In Excel, select the data and choose to create a Scatter plot. On the scatter plot, right-click on the data and choose Add a Trendline. Choose to show the equation on the chart. 9 Return to MicroLab PC and the Component Definition dialog box of the previously generated method.
MicroLab PC Generating the method file To generate the method file in MicroLab PC: 28 1 From the MicroLab PC Component Definition dialog box, enter a component name. The component name is the text that will appear next to the value when the method is run by the end user. The name should be descriptive of the property being predicted. 2 For a multivariate (PLS) method, choose Quant Model as the Calculation Type. An Open file dialog box will appear.
MicroLab PC Using Pre-Sample Alignment Check The Pre-Sample Alignment Check produces a visual indication of the signal strength from a measured sample in a preview screen. This allows you to determine if the sample is at the instrument focus or flat against the ATR crystal or reflectance housing, or that the instrument is aligned to the sample for maximum signal. This procedure details creation of a method that uses the pre-sample alignment check.
MicroLab PC 12 It should also be noted that the Sample Continuity Check can be used to ensure that the system is aligned to the sample throughout the measurement. 13 Click Save As and save the method. 14 For use on the handheld PC, the method should be transferred to the MicroLab Mobile/Methods folder on the mobile device. 15 In MicroLab Mobile, the Pre-Sample Alignment Check will be displayed as a red/yellow/green bar graph on the Sample Alignment page.
MicroLab PC Copying via My Computer To transfer methods to MicroLab Mobile using My Computer: 1 Connect the handheld or embedded PC to the computer containing MicroLab PC and start ActiveSync as specified in ‘Initial Setup’ Steps 1 and 2 on Page 9. 2 From the computer, open My Computer and browse to the C:\Program Files\Agilent\MicroLab PC\Methods folder. 3 Select the desired methods and choose Edit > Copy. 4 From the My Computer heading, select the Mobile Device drive.
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Measuring Samples 4. Measuring Samples Cleaning the sample interface 33 Collecting a background measurement 34 Collecting the sample measurement 35 The MicroLab Mobile software is designed to walk the user through sample measurement. The software displays images and instructions of the actions that are required by the user for sample measurement. Following the instructions on the screen ensures consistent measurement results.
Measuring Samples Collecting a background measurement It is recommended that the system is configured to collect a background before every sample. Before you begin an analysis, the software will automatically collect a background spectrum when the method is configured as recommended. The background measurement (with no sample present) provides a baseline profile of the current system conditions and enables you to factor out any anomalies occurring in both the background and sample spectrum.
Measuring Samples Collecting the sample measurement To measure a sample: NOTE 1 To begin sample measurement, click the Start button on the Home screen. 2 As the software instructs, clean the sample interface for an ATR or Transmission (Agilent 4500t/5500t FTIR) measurement. For a reflectance measurement on the Agilent 4100 ExoScan FTIR, the reflection standard should be placed on the sample interface.
Measuring Samples NOTE 5 The software will display a graph showing the intensity (absorbance) of the sample measurement. This screen is used to ensure that the sample has been correctly placed at the sampling interface. For oil applications using the Agilent 4500t FTIR, the value should be maximized. For Agilent 4100 ExoScan FTIR applications using reflectance, the value should be between 0.1 and 2 AU; ATR measurements should be between 0.05 and 1 AU.
Reviewing Results 5. Reviewing Results MicroLab Mobile 37 MicroLab PC/MicroLab Lite 41 MicroLab Mobile Results screen For component methods, the Results screen shows the calculated component values. Component values are ordered relative to their critical limits; those values outside of the critical range are listed first followed by values outside of the marginal range. The components within the acceptable range are shown last in green. Green results show that the sample is within adjustable limits.
Reviewing Results Handling data The Menu button enables you to choose Data Handling. This button allows the user to input a Sample ID and comments if not previously entered. The system’s auto-save feature will save the Comment field and generate a new file based on the sample ID if one is entered. NOTE The auto save feature will always save the current file with a sample ID and a time date stamp. This prevents the user from saving over a previous sample results.
Reviewing Results Importing spectra into GRAMS To import data from a ‘foreign’ format to Thermo Electron SPC format: 1 Open GRAMS/AI on your computer and click File > Import/Export. Select the ASCII file converter. Then, click the Import button. 2 Browse the drives and directories to locate the file(s) you wish to import. When importing, remember that most file converters expect a particular input file name extension. For example, the ASCII converter looks for files with the *.ASP file name extension.
Reviewing Results As the conversion proceeds, any messages or errors are displayed. If many files are being converted, you can switch back to GRAMS/AI or any other Windows program and the conversion continues. Note that the Convert program is actually a separate application named GRAMSC32.EXE and can be independently started from Windows from GRAMS/AI. The File > Import/Export command launches this application with a special command line switch, which causes it to automatically exit after the conversion.
Reviewing Results MicroLab PC/MicroLab Lite MicroLab PC/MicroLab Lite enable further data analysis than is available within MicroLab Mobile. Due to the screen size, spectra are not currently displayed in the MicroLab Mobile software. MicroLab PC/MicroLab Lite enable viewing of the spectra and review of the spectral regions that were used for the component calculations.
Reviewing Results NOTE The software from the previous results section will operate as the results section operates. The screens are identical. These features enable operators to review data. Results screen Results box The results are color-coded for clarity and out-of-spec results are highlighted red and are moved to the top of the list. Green results show that sample is within adjustable limits. Yellow results or close to acceptable limits.
Reviewing Results Figure 1. Example of Stacked option Figure 2.
Reviewing Results NOTE To change between categories, right-click and scroll down to either option. The screen will reflect the view you indicate. Details This button enables you to view the entire spectra. The MicroLab software will display the sample spectra against the reference spectra. NOTE You can zoom in on any portion of the spectra. Using the mouse or touch pad, click on the graph and highlight the desired portion. The screen will automatically change to the zoomed in portion.
Reviewing Results Importing spectra into GRAMS To import data from a ‘foreign’ format to Thermo Electron SPC format: 1 Open GRAMS/AI on your computer and click File > Import/Export. Select the ASCII file converter. Then, click the Import button. 2 Browse the drives and directories to locate the file(s) you wish to import. When importing, remember that most file converters expect a particular input file name extension. For example, the ASCII converter looks for files with the *.ASP extension.
Reviewing Results As the conversion proceeds, any messages or errors are displayed. If many files are being converted, you can switch back to GRAMS/AI or any other Windows program and the conversion continues. Note that the Convert program is actually a separate application named GRAMSC32.EXE and can be independently started from Windows from GRAMS/AI. The File > Import/Export command launches this application with a special command line switch, which causes it to automatically exit after the conversion.
Updates and Troubleshooting 6. Updates and Troubleshooting Firmware update Troubleshooting 47 47 Firmware update Occasionally Agilent will release updates to the firmware (software contained in the FTIR spectrometer). These updates will generally correct bugs that have been noticed by customers, and may expand upon the features that the system can provide. Firmware updates will be provided as Microsoft Windows executables files.
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