Applied Biosystems 3500 User Manual

Instrument parts and functions
Part
Function
Anode buffer container
(ABC)
Contains 1X running buffer to support all electrophoresis applications on the
instrument. Has a built-in overflow chamber to maintain constant fluid height.
Autosampler Holds the sample plates and cathode buffer container (CBC) and moves to align the
plates and CBC with the capillaries.
Capillary array Enables the separation of the fluorescent-labeled DNA fragments by electrophoresis. It
is a replaceable unit composed of 8 or 24 capillaries.
Cathode buffer container
(CBC)
Contains 1X running buffer to support all electrophoresis applications on the
instrument.
Detection cell heater block Holds the detection cell in place for laser detection and maintains the detection cell
temperature of 50°C.
Oven/oven door Maintains uniform capillary array temperature.
Oven condensation
reservoir
Collects condensation from the oven.
Polymer delivery pump
(PDP)
Pumps polymer into the array and allows for automated maintenance procedures.
Includes the displacement pump chamber, polymer chambers, piston water seal,
capillary array port, check valve fitting, water trap waste container, buffer valve, anode
electrode, buffer gasket, and holds the anode buffer container.
Polymer pouch or
conditioning reagent pouch
• Polymer pouch—Supplies polymer to the polymer delivery pump.
• Conditioning reagent pouch—Used for priming the polymer pump, washing the
polymer pump between polymer type changes, and during instrument shut down.
Has adequate volume for a one-time use.
Radio frequency
identification (RFID) (for
more information, see
Appendix F, “Radio
Frequency Identification
(RFID) technology“).
RFID tags on the following primary instrument consumable labels are detected by
read/write units in the instrument interior:
• Capillary array
• Cathode buffer container (CBC)
• POP
™
polymer
• Anode buffer container (ABC)
The instrument reads and tracks the following information:
• Lot numbers
• Serial numbers
• Dates (expiration)
• Capacity (usage)
RFID tags are read and written in response to a user action (for example, running a
wizard or starting a run). All dashboard values are updated when RFID tags are read
and written. The days on Instrument is also updated automatically every 6 minutes.
Chapter 1 Instrument and software description
Instrument and software description
1
16
3500/3500xL Genetic Analyzer User Guide—Data Collection Software v3.1

Applied Biosystems 3500 Specifications

General

Number of capillaries	8
Capillary Length	50 cm
Laser	Solid-state laser
Instrument Type	Capillary electrophoresis system
Technology	Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)
Weight	95 kg
Power Requirements	100–240 V