Digital Waveform Generator for Mass Spectrometer Ion Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers face limitations in detecting compounds with high molecular weights and have resolution issues in differentiating between molecular weights, failing to accurately quantify compounds across a wide range of molecular weights.
Innovation Solution
The generation of digital waveforms with high-resolution duty cycles using direct digital synthesis techniques, which include sinusoidal waveforms and rectangular waveforms, to improve the resolution and range of molecular weight detection by controlling ion traps and ion guides, allowing for precise duty cycle definition and increased isolation of targeted ions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometry methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the resolution for differentiating molecular weights is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional analog waveform generation with a digital system using direct digital synthesis (DDS). A digital waveform generator produces precise sinusoidal and rectangular waveforms that control the ion trap and ion guide, substituting mechanical/analog control with digital signal processing to achieve higher molecular weight resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes variable duty cycle parameters in the rectangular waveform generation to control ion ejection timing and duration. By precisely adjusting the duty cycle ratio between high and low states of the rectangular waveform, the system optimizes ion isolation and detection for different molecular weight ranges
2Adaptability or versatility
If high molecular weight detection is implemented, then the detection range increases, but the accuracy and precision of quantification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waveform control into two distinct components: sinusoidal waveforms for ion trapping and rectangular waveforms for ion ejection. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function - the sinusoidal component handles ion confinement while the rectangular component with variable duty cycle precisely controls ion ejection timing, maintaining quantification accuracy across extended molecular weight ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic waveform parameters that can be adjusted in real-time. The duty cycle of the rectangular waveform is dynamically variable to adapt to different molecular weight ranges, and the frequency and amplitude parameters are可调 to optimize detection conditions for both low and high molecular weight compounds
3Measurement precision
If digital waveform generation with high resolution duty cycle is used, then the molecular weight resolution increases to approximately 5,000, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional digital waveform generator that produces both sinusoidal and rectangular waveforms with variable duty cycles from a single device. This universal generator handles ion trapping, ion ejection, and parameter modulation functions, reducing the need for multiple separate components while achieving high molecular weight resolution
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating digital waveforms with high-resolution duty cycles are disclosed. A smoothed sinusoidal waveform set to a voltage other than ground may be generated and/or received. A rectangular waveform may be generated based on the sinusoidal waveform using a comparator. The rectangular waveform may be utilized to adjust the duty cycle of a current applied to a mass analyzer to improve duty-cycle resolution of a mass analyzer of a mass spectrometer.