Automated DNA Sequencing System

Vektrex developed the control and data acquisition software for a high throughput capillary electrophoresis system. The system uses a spinning array of 384 capillaries, scanned by lasers to rapidly sequence DNA samples. 

Expertise Used

The control software spans several National Instruments technologies, including motion control, high-speed counting, analog I/O, and digital I/O. Custom hardware distributes the control and acquisition signals. A single LabVIEW software application controls all machine hardware, including the real-time data acquisition.

Custom Electrophoresis Hardware
 

Additional Information

A key challenge of this project was to control the numerous machine subsystems, each owning unique requirements, and several involving safety issues. Vektrex determined the best solution was a set of stand-alone LabVIEW software modules, one for each subsystem. The modules, delivered early in the project, were an invaluable developmental aid. Later, Vektrex integrated the modules into a single, automated software solution. This iterative development approach resulted in a very robust, reliable system, developed in less than three months.

High Voltage Control Panel