12 Diagnostics and troubleshooting
PFA-100 System – Instruction Manual (US) – Version 1.0.1
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12 Diagnostics and troubleshooting
12.1 Power on diagnostics
When turning the power on, the analyzer checks if a software update card
is present. If so, the software on the software update card is loaded. Any
previously stored test history data, error history data, or analyzer
parameters remain unchanged.
The analyzer initializes the registers and ports, then proceeds with power
on diagnostic tests. The result of each test is printed after the test is
completed. If the analyzer detects a problem, an error message is displayed
and printed, and in some cases the analyzer is disabled to prevent
erroneous results. Refer to Chapter 12.5 to take the appropriate action if a
problem occurs.
The diagnostics tests are performed in the following sequence:
Memory test The memory test consists of two parts: a checksum verification of the
software which verifies the software integrity, followed by a test of the RAM
(memory where data is stored). After successful completion, the message
Memory Ok will be displayed and printed.
Vacuum chuck The analyzer checks that the vacuum chuck which forms a vacuum tight
seal with the PFA test cartridge is functional and fully raised or at the home
position. After successful completion, the message Vacuum Chuck Ok will
be displayed and printed. This test only checks the mechanical functions of
the vacuum chuck. Perform a Self Test from the Maintenance menu to test
the integrity of the vacuum system.
Carousel drive The analyzer checks that the carousel drive is functional by rotating the
carousel clockwise. After successful completion, the message Carousel
Drive Ok will be displayed and printed.
Trigger system The analyzer will initialize the trigger system to check that no air is present
within the lines. After successful completion, the message Trigger System
Ok will be displayed and printed.
Incubation system The analyzer will check the heater block temperature. If the temperature is
below 37.9°C and increasing, the message Incubation System Ok will be
displayed and printed, followed by the display Coming Up To
Temperature. When the analyzer reaches the operational temperature, the
System Ready prompt will be displayed.
12.2 Self test
When the analyzer performs the Self Test, the system will perform a
vacuum leak test and an O-Ring cleaning procedure in addition to the power
on diagnostics tests with the exception of the memory test. During the Self
Test, the analyzer prompts the user to load the vacuum test cartridge
(priming cartridge containing a vacuum test cup), a priming cartridge and a
cleaning pad on the carousel. The result of each test is printed after the test
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