715004375 REV.

B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 1

ACQUITY® QDa® Detector

This document outlines ACQUITY QDa Detector troubleshooting. Select the relevant problem
category below to find a troubleshooting flowchart for your problem.

Startup

Communications

Critical system checks

No beam

Low sensitivity

Vacuum
Healthcheck error message

Ready
Getting Ready
Fault
Serious Fault

© 2014 WATERS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Waters, The Science of What’s Possible, ACQUITY, QDa, Empower and MassLynx are registered trademarks of
Waters Corporation.

NanoFlow and IntelliStart are trademarks of Waters Corporation.

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 2

Startup

Press the power

button on the front
of the QDa.

Ensure that all of the

items are checked in the
Health Monitor
Configuration on the
console.

Check the diagnostic

logs on the console.

QDa Ready.
Did the Any other
QDa start up Yes issues?
correctly?

No

Startup
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A STARTUP ISSUE PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 3

Startup
(continued)

QDa FPGA boot

Did the FPGA sequence
No
boot up correctly?

Yes

Does the Vacuum startup

QDa pump No issues
down?

Yes

Did the Communications

QDa establish problem
No
communications with
the host PC?

Yes

Did the QDa Source pressure

successfully test
No
complete the source
pressure test?

Yes

Startup
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A STARTUP ISSUE PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 4

Startup
(continued)

Was the
power cycled less than
5 mins ago?

No

Critical system Did the

checks No Critical Readback
Check pass?

Yes
Yes

Was the
power cycled less than Yes
21 hours ago?

No

Is
Perform Resolution &
Calibration Check on Start-up No
selected in the Startup
Configuration.

Yes

Did the
Quad setup Resolution and
No
Calibration checks
pass?

Yes QDa ready

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A STARTUP ISSUE PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 5

QDa FPGA
boot sequence

Is the
console reporting
“Failsafe FPGA
loaded”?

No

Yes

Load the latest

firmware using MS
SWAT.

Is the
Console reporting Assume a fault with
“Failsafe Yes the DCC. Order a
FPGA loaded”? new one.

No

Does
the QDa startup No Contact GSS
correctly?

Yes

End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A STARTUP ISSUE PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 6

Communications
problem?

Check all cables Reconnect unplugged

and connections. Are No communication
they correct? cables.

Yes
Are
WEAT No communications
Diagnostics OK?
Run the Automated
Diagnostics from the
Waters Engineer
Automated Tools.

Yes

Did the AD
communications check Yes
pass?

Empower
Communications
Troubleshooting No

MassLynx
Communications
Troubleshooting Guide Check that the IP address is
Can you ping the set correctly or that there is a
host network interface No live Ethernet connection – End
card [Link]? cable fault or powered off
EPC.

Yes
Host PC to EPC
Comms

Ensure the
WDHCPServerSvc.
exe has started (check
in Task Manager).

Comms
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A COMMUNICATIONS PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 7

Comms
(continued)

Reboot the host PC and log in

as the administrator. Power
cycle the QDa Detector,
ensuring the firewall is
disabled on the instrument
LAN card.
Open C:\Program Files\Waters
Instruments\Waters DHCP
Server [Link].

Are the
QDa Detector and
No
ACQUITY modules
visible?

Yes Ensure the line for the EPC in

C:\WINDOWS\system32\
Yes
drivers\etc\hosts is pointing to
the correct IP address.

Can you
Can you
ping the QDa
ping the No
Detector IP
EPC?
address?

No
Yes

Host PC to EPC
Comms
Does
VX Works
No Suspect the DCC.
start to
boot?

Yes

For any issues involving random loss of

communications, start a HyperTerminal log
Run NetEvaluator as
and capture the output to a text file. When the
described in the service note
system fails, enter printDebugDetails. Contact GSS
and replace cables/Milan box
Make a note of the ACQUITY service profile,
as necessary.
the last RAW data file acquired, all instrument
files (ipr. exp. etc).

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A COMMUNICATIONS PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 8

Source Pressure
Test

Source Pressure
Advice Note

Ensure the lid on the

nalgene waste
exhaust bottle is tight.

Check for leaks from

the source enclosure.

Check all external and

internal tube push
fittings.

Check for damage

(e.g. cracks) to the
fittings.

Re-seat the ion block

gasket.

End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A SOURCE PRESSURE TEST PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 9

Table 1 : Critical System Check Readbacks

Corrective
Tolerance action if Readback is
Readback outside tolerence

Positive Negative

Vacuum Power 40 to 55 Vacuum troubleshooting

Rectified RF RB
Rectified RF 5.6 to 6.0
troubleshooting

SnowBoy RF Rectified RF Amplitude

140 to 160
Amplitude troubleshooting

PMT 400 to 650

Phosphor PMT/phosphor/dynode
8000 to 10000 readbacks
Voltage

Dynode
-9000 to -7000
Voltage

Impactor 1.2 to 1.8 0.5 to 1.1 Capillary Voltage

Sample Cone
Sample Cone Voltage
Voltage (Lens 21 to 27 -27 to -21
(lens 3)
3)

Source Offset
100 to 114 -114 to -100
(Lens 8)

StepWave Body
Gradient 70 to 84 -70 to -84
(Lens 7)
Source lens cable
Step Wave
37 to 47 -47 to -37
Offset (Lens 6)

StepWave Head
Gradient 55 to 69 -69 to -55
(Lens 5)

Critical System
Check
Readbacks
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 10

Table 1 : Critical System Check Readbacks (continued)

Corrective
Tolerance Action if RB is Outside
Readback Tolerence

Positive Negative

Ion Guide 1
23 to 31 -31 to -23 Source lens cable
Offset (lens 4)

Ion Guide 2
Ion Guide 2 Gradient
Gradient 3.5 to 4.5 -4.5 to -3.5
(lens 2)
(lens 2)

Ion Guide 2 Ion Guide 2 Offset (lens

0.8 to 1.2 -1.2 to -0.8
Offset (lens 1) 1)

Prefilter Prefilter
-12.0 to 0.0 0.0 to 12
(lens 12) (lens 12)

1.2 V Power
1.1 to 1.3
Supply

2.5 V Power
2.4 to 2.6
Supply

3.3 V Power
3.1 to 3.5
Supply

5.0 V Power
4.8 to 5.2
Supply
If any of these readbacks
12.0 V Power
11.5 to 12.5 are incorrect, suspect
Supply
the DCC.
Contact GSS for
This is not a test point on the
confirmation.
Test Point board. Readback indicates PIC
firmware revision.

Pos HT +430 V 425 to 435

Neg HT -430 V - 435 to - 425

DC +ve 180 to 200 (ignore polarity)

DC - ve 180 to 200 (ignore polarity)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 11

Table 2: Lens Voltage Offset Verification

Corrective
Parameter Action if RB is Outside
Readback Tolerence

Positive Negative

Sample Cone
Sample Cone Voltage
Voltage (lens 34.0 -34.0
(lens 3)
3)

Source Offset
117.0 -117.0
(lens 8)

StepWave
Body Gradient 87.0 -87.0
(lens 7)

Step Wave Source lens cable

52.0 -52.0
Offset (lens 6)

StepWave
Head Gradient 72.0 -72.0
(lens 5)

Ion Guide 1
37.0 -37.0
Offset (lens 4)

Ion Guide 2
Gradient 4.0 -4.0
(lens 2)
Ion guide

Ion Guide 2
1.0 -1.0
Offset (lens 1)

Prefilter * Prefilter
-10.0 10.0
(lens 12) (lens 12)

NOTE: * When the prefilters are flushing, the readings may vary.

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A LENS VOLTAGE OFFSET PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 12

Rectified RF readback

Restart
the QDa.
Is the readback
OK?

No

Align the RF
frequency in
the Tune page.

Is the optimized Is the optimized Yes

frequency No frequency Yes
<1.2 MHz? >1.5 MHz?

Ion Guide 2 Assembly

Technical Reference
Yes
Ion Guide 2 Assembly Is the
Technical Reference ion guide 2 assembly
correctly seated and
No making good electrical
Check contact?
the ion guide 2
assembly. Are there
any shorts?
Yes No

Remove and then

Yes Contact GSS
reseat the ion guide 2.

Replace ion guide 2

assembly.
Is
No the rectified RF
OK?
No

Is
the rectified RF
OK?

Yes

No

Replace QDa Yes End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 13

Rectified RF amplitude

Restart
the QDa.
Is the readback
OK?

No
Detector Control Card
(DCC)
Technical Reference
Check
the connectivity of
Replace Snowboy RF
Snowboy RF cable No
cable 441001375.
441001375.
Is it OK?

Pumping Block
Assembly
Technical Reference
Yes
Is the
Yes No StepWave RF
RB OK?

Source Interface PCB

Technical Reference

Check
the connectivity of the Replace the source
No
source interface PCB. interface PCB.
Is it OK?

Pumping Block
Assembly
Technical Reference

Is the
StepWave RF Yes
RB OK?
Yes

No

Rectified RF
Amplitude
(continued)

End Yes

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 14

Rectified RF
Amplitude
(continued)

Pumping Block
Assembly
Technical Reference
Check
the connectivity of the Replace the pumping
No
pumping block assemby block assembly.
Is it OK?

Yes

Is the
Replace the DCC. StepWave RF
RB OK?

Is the
StepWave RF No Replace QDa
RB OK?

Yes

Yes
End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 15

PMT/phosphor/dynode
readbacks

Restart
the QDa.
Are the RBs
OK?

No

Place instrument in Standby.

Swap the blue and red RJ45
connectors on the DCC and the Yes
Detector (Blue) and the
Detector PSU (Red).

Are
the RBs
OK?
Yes

No

Replace the DCC.

Are
Suspect the blue cable. the RBs Yes End
OK?

No

Suspect the detector

housing assembly.

Replace QDa

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 16

Capillary RB

Restart
the QDa.
Is the RB
OK?

No

Check the continuity between

the source cable 441001330
(J33 on the DCC), and the
D-type on the front of the QDa.

Yes

Is it OK?

No Yes

Measure the
resistance between A1 on the
Replace the source
source cable and No
enclosure.
the capillary tip.
Is it 2 MΩ?

Is the capillary
Yes Yes
RB OK?

Suspect the cable. Replace the DDC. No

Contact GSS

Is the capillary
Yes End
RB OK?

No

Replace QDa

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 17

Sample cone voltage

(lens 3)

Source Interface PCB

Technical Reference

Restart
the QDa.
Is the RB
OK?

No

Remove source lens

cable 441001374 from
J35 on the DDC.

Yes

Is the RB
No Replace the DCC
OK?

Yes

Refit cable 441001374 Is the RB

Yes
to J35 on the DDC. OK?

Remove cable
441001374 from J2 on
the source interface. No

Is the RB Suspect source lens

No
OK? cable 441001374.

Yes

Sample cone
voltage
(continued) Contact GSS End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 18

Sample cone
voltage
(continued)

Source Interface PCB

Technical Reference
Check the
source interface
Yes
PCB for shorts. Are
there any?

No

Refit source lens cable

Suspect the source
441001374 to J2 on the
interface PCB.
source interface.

Vent and remove the

pumping block
assembly.
Replace QDa
Pumping Block
Assembly
Technical Reference
Check
the continuity between test
point T8 and J6 pin 1, and all
the other test points on the
pumping block PCB.

Is
there a Yes
short?

Suspect the pumping

block PCB.

No

Replace the pumping

block assembly.

Contact GSS End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 19

Source lens cable

Restart
the QDa.
Is the RB Yes
OK?
Detector Control Card
(DCC)
Technical Reference No

Remove source lens

cable 441001374 from
J35 on the DDC.

Is the RB
No Replace the DCC.
OK?

Yes

Refit cable 441001374 Is the RB

Yes End
to J35 on the DDC. OK?

Remove cable
441001374 from J2 on No
the source interface.

Is the RB Suspect source lens

No
OK? cable 441001374.

Yes

Source Lens
Cable
(continued) Contact GSS

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

 715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 20

Source lens
cable
(continued)

Source Interface PCB

Technical Reference

Check the
source interface
Yes
PCB for shorts
.Are there any?

No

Refit source lens cable

Suspect the source
441001374 to J2 on the
interface PCB.
source interface.

Vent and remove the

pumping block
assembly.
Replace QDa

Pumping Block
Assembly
Technical Reference

Perform the relevant

continuity/short test:

Source offset (lens 8) StepWave body gradient StepWave offset (lens 6) StepWave head gradient Ion guide 1 offset
(lens 7) (lens 5) (lens 4)
Check the continuity Check the continuity Check the continuity Check the continuity Check the continuity
between test point T14 between test point T13, J1 between test point T12, J1 between test point T9, J2 between test point T10, J2
and J1 pin 3. pin 2, and J3 pin 1. pin 4, and J3 pin 2. pin 1, and J4 pin 1. pin 2, and J4 pin 2.
No continuity is a problem. No continuity is a problem. No continuity is a problem. No continuity is a problem. No continuity is a problem.

Source offset (lens 8) Source offset (lens 7) Source offset (lens 6) Source offset (lens 5) Source offset (lens 4)

Check for shorts between Check for shorts between Check for shorts between Check for shorts between Check for shorts between
test point T14 and all the test point T13 and all the test point T12 and all the test point T9 and all the test point T10 and all the
other test points. other test points. other test points. other test points. other test points.
Any shorts are a problem. Any shorts are a problem. Any shorts are a problem. Any shorts are a problem. Any shorts are a problem.

Source lens
cable
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

 715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 21

Source lens
cable
(continued)

Are there any

problems?

Pumping Block
Assembly No
Technical Reference

Perform the relevant

test for shorts: Yes

Source offset (lens 8) StepWave body gradient StepWave offset (lens 6) StepWave head gradient Ion guide 1 offset
(lens 7) (lens 5) (lens 4)
Check for shorts between Check for shorts between Check for shorts between Check for shorts between Check for shorts between
the J1 connector on the J1 and J3 on the pumping J1 and J3 on the pumping J2 and J4 on the pumping J2 and J4 on the pumping
pumping block PCB and block PCB and the J2 and block PCB and the J2 and block PCB and the J1 and block PCB and the J1 and
J5 on the Snowboy Top J5 connectors on the J5 connectors on the J2 connectors on the J2 connectors on the
PCB. Snowboy Top PCB. Snowboy Top PCB. Snowboy Bottom PCB. Snowboy Bottom PCB.

Suspect the pumping

block PCB.

Suspect the StepWave

Is there a short? Yes
assembly.

Replace the pumping

block assembly.

No

Contact GSS End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

 715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 22

Ion guide
(Lens 2 and 1)

Restart
the QDa.
Is the RB
OK?
Yes

Detector Control Card

(DCC) No
Technical Reference

Remove lens cable

441001314 from J34 on
the DDC.

Is the RB
No
OK?

Replace the DCC.

Yes

Refit lens cable

Is the RB
441001314 to J34 on Yes End
OK?
the DDC.

Detector Assembly
Technical Reference
Remove cable
441001314 from the
analyzer assembly rear No
Fischer connector.

Is the RB Suspect lens cable

No
OK? 441001314.

Yes No

Ion guide
(continued) Contact GSS

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 23

Ion guide
(continued)

Refit lens cable

441001314 to the
analyser assembly rear
Fischer connector.

Is the RB
OK?

No
Ion Guide 2 Assembly
Technical Reference

Remove the ion guide 2

assembly and check for
shorts and continuity
problems.
Yes

Are there any

Yes
problems?

No

Suspect the quad rail

Replace the
assembly, or dynode
ion guide 2.
flange. Order new QDa.

No

Contact GSS End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 24

Prefilter (lens 12)

Restart
the QDa.
Is the RB
Yes
OK?

Detector Control Card

(DCC) No
Technical Reference

Remove lens cable

441001314 from J34 on
the DDC.

Is the RB
No Replace the DCC.
OK?

Yes

Refit lens cable

Is the RB
441001314 to J34 on Yes End
OK?
the DDC.

Remove cable
441001314 from the
analyzer assembly rear No
Fischer connector.

Is the RB Suspect lens cable

No
OK? 441001314.

Yes No

Prefilter
(lens 12)
(continued) Contact GSS

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 25

Prefilter
(lens 12)
(continued)

Refit lens cable

441001314 to the
analyzer assembly rear
Fischer connector.

Is the RB
Yes End
OK?

No

Suspect the quad rail

assembly or the
detector dynode
assembly.

Order new QDa.

Contact GSS

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 26

Vacuum

Site Preparation Guide

Ensure the laboratory

meets environmental
site requirements.

Ensure the nitrogen

gas supply is correct.

WEAT
Diagnostics
New aperture
disc fitted. Does Are there
Vacuum not the QDa pump down No communications with
OK. on start up? the instrument?

Yes
Diaphragm Pump
Technical Reference No
Yes Empower
Communications
Rotary Pump Troubleshooting
Technical Reference
MassLynx
Communications
Review the relevant Does
Troubleshooting Guide
backing pump No the backing pump
technical reference. start?
Review the
communications
troubleshooting guide.

Yes

Is the
backing pump Vacuum Yes
Are there
at fault? (continued) communications with
the instrument?

Yes No

Replace backing
Suspect the DCC.
pump.
No

Does
End Yes the backing pump No Contact GSS
start?

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A VACUUM ISSUE PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 27

Vacuum
(continued)

Vacuum System
Technical Reference

Does
Ensure that the LEDs
the turbo pump
No on the turbo are the
speed start to
correct color.
increase?

Yes

Does the
Venting on turbo pump vent Is the
startup Yes very soon after the turbo pump Yes Replace the DCC.
pump start OK?
command?

WEAT No
Diagnostics

Run vacuum check

standalone.
No Suspect the turbo
pump. Order new
QDa.

Is the The sample aperture

Ensure the correct
turbo power less Yes may be blocked.
aperture is installed.
than 38 W? Replace it.

No

Is the Is the
The turbo power is 38
turbo power turbo power
to 55 W. There is no No No
greater than less than
issue with the vacuum.
55 W? 38 W?

Yes
Yes

Vacuum
End (continued) Contact GSS

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A VACUUM ISSUE PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 28

Venting on
startup

Is QDa
running in Standard
Fit correct
mode but with a large Yes
source aperture.
aperture
fitted?

Is
the vacuum
OK?

No Yes
No

New aperture
disc fitted.
Vacuum not
OK.

Check
Secure vacuum
all vacuum fittings. Are No End
fittings.
they OK?

Yes
Pumping Block
Assembly
Technical Reference
Check the
ion block and Fit new ion block and /
No
O-rings. Are they or O-rings.
OK?

WEAT
Yes
Diagnostics

Run standalone
Yes vacuum check.

Is the
Contact GSS No turbo power in the
range 38 to 55 W?

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A VACUUM ISSUE PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 29

Vacuum
(continued)

Does the
turbo power increase to Internal
greater than 55 W when the calibration line
Yes or vial
internal calibration
sample valve is
opened?

No

Inspect the
sample cone, aperture
disc assembly and source
No
aperture carrier.
Is it fitted
correctly?
Reseat the sample
cone, aperture disc
assembly, and source
aperture carrier. Yes

Vent the QDa and

remove the ion block.
Is
the vacuum No
OK?
Pumping Block
Assembly
Technical Reference Inspect
Replace all damaged
all O-rings and sealing
No components. Pump
surfaces. Are they
the QDa
OK?

WEAT
Diagnostics

Run standalone
Yes vacuum check.
Yes

Is the
turbo power in the
Contact GSS No
range 38 to
55 W?

There was an air leak

End on the ion block.

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A VACUUM ISSUE PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 30

Internal
calibration line
or vial

Invisible Calibration
Assembly
Technical Reference
Check the
calibration sample Tighten the two
vial. Is the tubing fitted No fittings on the
into the vial housing vial housing.
correctly?

Yes

Does the
Is the turbo power increase to
vial attached to greater than 55 W when the
Yes
the vial housing internal calibration
correctly? sample valve is
opened?

Yes

Is the Tighten the fitting

output line connected between the output
No
to the calibration valve line and the calibration
correctly? valve.

Does the
turbo power increase to
greater than 55 W when the
Yes
internal calibration
sample valve is
opened? No

Yes

No

There was an air leak

on the ion block.

Contact GSS End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A VACUUM ISSUE PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 31

No beam

WEAT
Diagnostics
Run Lens voltage
the lens voltage offset
offset verification No verification
module. Did it
pass?

Yes

Run Critical system

the critical system check
No
check module. Did
it pass?

Yes

Run
the vacuum check Vacuum
No
module. Did it
pass?

Yes

Run Source
the source pressure test
No failed
pressure test.
Did it pass?

Yes

Desolvation
Is the desolvation heater RB
heater readback No incorrect
correct?

Yes

No beam
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A NO BEAM PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 32

No beam
(continued)

WEAT
Diagnostics

Run Run
the detector noise the RF breakdown
No No
check module. Did test. Did it
it pass? pass?

Yes

Assume an RF
Suspect the detector. breakdown in the
analyzer.

Yes

Replace the
ion guide 2.
No

Ion Guide 2
Assembly
Technical Reference

Run Visually
the RF align inspect ion Suspect the quad or
No Yes
module. Did it guide 2. Is it DCC.
pass? OK?

Yes

Run
Assume an RF
the RF breakdown
No breakdown in the
test. Did it
analyzer.
pass?

Yes

No beam
(continued) Contact GSS

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A NO BEAM PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 33

No beam
(continued)

Check the probe.

Yes Change the probe.
Is it blocked?

Is there
No a beam from the
probe?

No Yes

End

WEAT
Diagnostics
Run Basic beam and
the basic beam ion creation
and ion creation No test. Failed
test. Did it
pass?

Yes

Run the Resolution

and Calibration
checks.

Quad setup
Did the tests pass? No

Yes

No beam
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A NO BEAM PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 34

No beam
Quad setup
(continued)

Run an injection
from the inlet.

Do you obtain
Yes End
results?

WEAT No
Diagnostics

Run the pos ion

internal calibration
benchmark test
module.

Run the neg ion

internal calibration
benchmark test
module.

Did
both of the No Contact GSS
tests pass?

Yes

The QDa has a beam.

The issue is
elsewhere in the
system.

QDa Start

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A NO BEAM PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 35

Sensitivity issues

WEAT
Diagnostics
Run Lens voltage
the lens voltage offset
offset verification No verification
module. Did it
pass?

Yes

Run Critical system

the critical system check
No
check module. Did
it pass?

Yes

Run
the vacuum check Vacuum
No
module. Did it
pass?

Yes

Source
Run the source pressure test
pressure test. Did it No failed
pass?

Yes

Is Desolvation
the desolvation heater RB
No incorrect
heater readback
correct?

Yes

Sensitivity
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A LOW SENSITIVITY PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 36

Desolvation
heater RB
incorrect

ESI Source Enclosure

Technical Reference

Check the resistance

between pins 1 and 8, and
between pins 7 and 15, on the
D-type connector on the
source enclosure.

Is the
No resistance
~5 ±1 Ω?

Yes

Remove the QDa top cover.

Replace the source Remove the 16 way minifit
enclosure. connector on the source cable
441001330 from J33 on the
DCC.

Check the continuity between pin 8 on

the 16 W MiniFit, and pins 7 and 15 on
the D-type on the front of the QDa.
Also check pin 16 on the MiniFit, and
pins 1 and 8 on the D-type on the front
of the QDa.

Is it OK? No

Yes

Replace the DCC. Replace the QDa.

Does the
instrument No Contact GSS
work?

Yes

End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A DESOLVATION HEATER PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 37

Sensitivity
(continued)

WEAT
Diagnostics
Run Run
the detector noise the RF breakdown
No No
check module. Did test. Did it
it pass? pass?

Yes

Assume an RF
Suspect the detector. breakdown in the
analyzer.

Yes

Replace the
ion guide 2.
No

Run Visually
the RF align inspect ion Suspect the quad or
No Yes
module. Did it guide 2. Is it DCC.
pass? OK?

Yes

Run
Assume an RF
the RF breakdown
No breakdown in the
test. Did it
analyzer.
pass?

Yes

Sensitivity
(continued) Contact GSS

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A LOW SENSITIVITY PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 38

Sensitivity
(continued)

Is
the probe Yes
blocked?

Change the probe.

No

Has
Fit a new source
No the sensitivity
aperture.
improved?

Yes

Has
the sensitivity Yes End
improved?

No

Sensitivity
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A LOW SENSITIVITY PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 39

Sensitivity
Ion Guide 2 (continued)
Assembly
Technical Reference

ACQUITY QDa
Detector Overview
and Maintenance
Guide

Clean the ion block,

StepWave, and the
ion guide 2.

Has
the sensitivity Yes End
improved?

No

WEAT
Diagnostics

Run the Basic beam and

basic beam and ion ion creation
No test. Failed.
creation test. Did it
pass?

Yes

Run the source/ion

guide charging test.

Run the mass

switching test.

Sensitivity
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A LOW SENSITIVITY PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 40

Basic beam and Basic beam and

ion creation ion creation
test. Failed. test. Failed.

On the Tune page, set

cap voltage to 20 V
and detector
Gain to 0.05.

Are there resolved

peaks >2.5E4?

No Yes

Pumping Block
Assembly
Technical Reference
Does the
internal cal beam Inspect the ion
Refit or replace the ion
improve as the source Yes block gasket. No
block gasket.
temperature is dropped Is it OK?
to 50 °C?

Yes

No

Has the sensitivity

No
improved?

Yes

Basic beam.
Failed,
(continued) End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A BASIC BEAM AND ION CREATION PROBLEM
715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 41

Basic beam.
Failed,
(continued)

Invisible Calibration
Assembly
Technical Reference
Check the
calibration sample
Tighten the two fittings
vial. Is the tubing fitted into No
on the vial housing.
the vial housing
correctly?

On the Tune page, set

cap voltage to
20 V and detector
Gain to 0.05.

Yes

Are there resolved

No
peaks >2.5E4?

Is the
Reattach the vial to vial attached to the
No
the vial housing. vial housing
correctly?
Yes

Yes
Check the
internal cal beam in
No
the Tune page.
Is it OK?
Has the sensitivity
No
improved?

Yes

Has the sensitivity

No
improved?

Basic beam.
Failed,
(continued)
Yes

End Yes

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A BASIC BEAM AND ION CREATION PROBLEM
715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 42

Basic beam.
Failed,
(continued)

Invisible Calibration
Assembly
Technical Reference
Is the Tighten the fitting
output line connected between the output
No
to the calibration valve line and the calibration
correctly? value.

Check the
internal cal beam in
No
the Tune page.
Is it OK?
Yes

Yes

Check
Is the
the continuity of the
calibration valve Has the sensitivity
calibration valve cable No No
opening improved?
441001336.
correctly?
Is it OK?

Yes

Suspect the calibration

No Yes Yes
valve or the DCC.

Basic beam. End

Failed,
Contact GSS (continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A BASIC BEAM AND ION CREATION PROBLEM
715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 43

Basic beam.
Failed,
(continued)

Detector Control Card

(DCC)
Technical Reference

Capillary Is the Check

RB = 0.8 kV when calibration heater the continuity of
the internal cal Yes = 150 ºC and No the heater cable
Yes high voltage PWM 441001337.
enabled? <100%? Is it OK?

Yes
Basic beam. No
Failed,
(continued) ESI Source Enclosure
Technical Reference Power off the QDa.
Check the
continuity of the
source cable 441001330
(DCC to front of QDa to
bulkhead). Is line A2
shorting to
Remove the
Yes anything?
heater cable J31 on
the DCC.
No
Yes
Suspect the source
cable. No

Measure the
resistance between
pins 1 and 2. Is it
Check ~30 ±5 Ω?
the continuity of the
source cable (fitted to the
source enclosure). Is line A2
shorting to Yes
anything? No

No

Suspect the
Suspect the Suspect the
Suspect the DCC. calibration heater
source enclosure. calibration heater.
cable.

Contact GSS

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A BASIC BEAM AND ION CREATION PROBLEM
715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 44

Basic beam.
Failed,
(continued)

Pumping Block
Assembly
Technical Reference

Are the
RF and DC RB for the
No
StepWave
OK?

Yes

Are the
RF and DC RBs for
Suspect the RF
both the ion guide 2, and No
generator or the DCC.
the quad,
OK?

Yes

Are the
dynode and phosphor Suspect the detector
No
RBs for the detector or the DCC.
correct?

Yes Yes

Low Sensitivity No Beam

Contact GSS

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A BASIC BEAM AND ION CREATION PROBLEM
715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 45

Tests passing
Sensitivity Sensitivity still
but sensitivtiy
(continued) low
not OK

Charging and
Did mass switching
both of the tests No failed
pass?

Yes

Run the Resolution

check and calibration.

Quad setup
Did the test pass? No

WEAT
Diagnostics Yes

Run the pos ion

internal calibration
benchmark test
module.

Run the neg ion

internal calibration
benchmark test
module.

Did
both of the No Contact GSS
tests pass?

Yes

Sensitivity
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A LOW SENSITIVITY PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 46

Charging and
mass switching
failed

Did
both tests
fail?
Yes

No

Did the
Clean the ion block
Yes charging test
and StepWave.
fail?

No
Clean the ion block
and StepWave.

Rerun both Check the

tests. Did both tests Yes sensitivity.
pass? Is it OK?

No

No Yes

Tests passing
Mass switching
but sensitivtiy
Contact GSS End failed
not OK

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A LOW SENSITIVITY PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 47

Mass switching
failed

Increase the
ion guide 2
gradient to ~3 V.

WEAT
Diagnostics

Re-run the
mass switching test. Yes
Did it pass?

No

Increase the ion guide

Clean the ion guide 2.
offset to ~5 V.

Re-run the
mass switching test. Check the sensitivity.
Contact GSS No No
Did it Was it OK?
pass?

Yes

Sensitivity still
Clean the ion guide 2 low
and scuff the
differential aperture Yes
with fiber pen.

Sensitivity still
low Check the sensitivity.
No Yes End
Was it OK?

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A LOW SENSITIVITY PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 48

Quadrupole
setup

Startup
issues

Run the Pos ion mode Quad

mass scale and resolution
setup module.

Run the Neg ion mode Quad

mass scale and resolution
setup module.

Run the Pos ion mode fast

scanning Quad mass scale
and resolution setup module.

Run the Neg ion mode fast

scanning Quad mass scale
and resolution setup module.

Did any
of the tests Yes Contact GSS
fail?

No

Did you
arrive here from
Yes Restart QDa
a start up
issue?

No No

No beam Sensitivity
(continued) (continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A QUADRUPOLE SETUP PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 49

Sensitivity
(continued)

Perform the system

level pos ion
sensitivity
specifications.

Perform the system

level neg ion
sensitivity
specifications.

Troubleshooting an
ACQUITY UPLC
System

Did both of the Troubleshoot

No
tests pass? the inlet.

Run users sample.

End

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A LOW SENSITIVITY PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 50

Healthcheck error messages

Table 1 : Status LED = Ready GREEN

Error Possible cause Corrective action

All interlocks and checks

Operate are OK. The QDa will None.
acquire data.

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A HEALTH CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 51

Healthcheck error messages

Table 2: Status LED = Getting Ready Flashing Green

Error Possible cause Corrective action

Turbo is getting up to
Turbo Start Up
speed.

The System Startup

System Startup Routine
routine is in progress.

Critical Readback Checking critical settings

System Check and readbacks.

Source Temperature The source temperature

Settling is settling.
None.
Source Pressure Test In The source pressure test
Progress is running.

Probe Temperature The probe temperature is

Settling settling.

The resolution check is

Resolution Check
running.

The calibration check is

Calibration Check
running.

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A HEALTH CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 52

Healthcheck error messages

Table 3: Status LED = Fault Flashing Red

Error Possible cause Corrective action

The front panel door is

open. Close the door.
Front Panel Door Open
There is an issue with
the door interlock switch.

Ensure nitrogen supply is

6 to 7 bar.
Ensure nitrogen line is
Source Pressure Test API gas flow not not kinked.
API Gas Trip sufficient. Site Preparation Guide

Gas Handling
Technical Reference

Exhaust pressure too Ensure the source

Source Pressure Test
high during source exhaust is free from
Exhaust Trip
pressure test. blockages.

Source Pressure Test Leak detected in exhaust

Check for leaks.
Leak Trip and /or source.

Source exhausts Ensure the source

High Exhaust Pressure
pressure too high during exhaust is free from
Trip
normal operation. blockages.

Review source heaters

The source temperature
Source Temperature information.
has failed to settle in the
Settling Failure (See Pumping Block
expected time period.
Technical Reference.)

Ensure nitrogen supply is

6-7 bar
API Nitrogen Gas
The API nitrogen gas Ensure nitrogen line is
Failure
flow is insufficient. not kinked.
Gas Handling
Technical Reference

Review source heaters

Probe temperature failed
Probe Temperature information in
to settle in the expected
Settling Failure (See Pumping Block
time period.
Technical Reference.)

Fault flashing
red
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A HEALTH CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 53

Healthcheck error messages

Table 4: Status LED = Fault Flashing Red (continued)

Message Possible cause Corrective action

Calibration temperature Probe temperature failed

Calibration Temperature
failed to settle in the to settle in the expected
Settling Failure
expected time period. time period.

The resolution and/or

Resolution Setup failed mass position may be Quadrupole setup.
inaccurate.

There is not a valid

Resolution Setup Run the Resolution
instrument resolution for
Required setup.
the instrument.

There is no current
Run the Resolution
Resolution Expired resolution for the
setup.
instrument.

A calibration setup has

Calibration Setup Failed failed Quadrupole setup.

There is not a valid

Calibration Setup
calibration for the Calibrate the instrument.
Required
instrument.

There is no current
Calibration the
Calibration Expired calibration for the
instrument.
instrument.

The instrument will

Power Down In perform a safe shutdown
None.
Progress before powering down.

Fault flashing
red
(continued)

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A HEALTH CHECK PROBLEM

715004375 REV. B COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 54

Healthcheck error messages

Table 5: Status LED = Serious fault RED

Message Possible cause Corrective action

There was a problem Reload the latest

FPGA
with loading the firmware using MS SWAT
FailSafe
firmware. A fail safe for the QDa. If this fails
Check
version has been loaded. order a new DCC.

The instrument was

Turbo
unable to pump down in Vacuum troubleshooting.
Timeout
time.

Ensure that the

Instrume laboratory temperature
The instrument
nt is within the range
temperature is too high.
overheat specified in the Site
Preparation Guide.

Low
Turbo speed not
Turbo Vacuum troubleshooting.
sufficient for operation.
Speed

System
A critical readback is System Check
Check
out of range. Readbacks
Failed

ACQUITY QDA DETECTOR: TROUBLESHOOTING A HEALTH CHECK PROBLEM