Related Experiment Videos
Compact, high voltage power supply for the lab-on-a-chip
Greg E Collins1, Peter Wu, Qin Lu
1Chemistry Division, Code 6112, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Ave. S.W., Washington, DC 20375, USA.
Lab on a Chip
|July 23, 2004
Summary
A simple, inexpensive high voltage power supply (HVPS) was developed for capillary electrophoresis microchips. This system enables precise control of gated injection valves for various microchip dimensions.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Capillary electrophoresis (CE) microchips require precise high voltage control for operation.
- Existing high voltage power supplies (HVPS) can be complex and expensive.
- Gated injection valves are crucial for sample introduction in microchip CE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, construct, and operate a simple, inexpensive, and compact HVPS for microchip CE.
- To provide necessary voltages for operating a gated injection valve.
- To offer a versatile solution adaptable to different microchip dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a single 15 kV high voltage power supply.
- Implemented a voltage-divider network for precise voltage control.
- Incorporated two high voltage relays for sequential gate operation.
- Developed equations for resistor network design and gate performance optimization.
Main Results:
- Successfully designed, constructed, and operated a compact and cost-effective HVPS.
- Demonstrated the ability to provide precise voltages for gated injection valve operation.
- Provided a scalable design adaptable to various microchip geometries through presented equations.
Conclusions:
- The developed HVPS is a viable and economical solution for microchip CE applications.
- The system offers reliable control over gated injection sequences.
- The design facilitates broader adoption of microchip CE by simplifying power supply requirements.