Cytiva EPS Series Electrophoresis Power Supply
| Brand | Cytiva |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | EPS |
| Application | Dedicated Power Supply for Electrophoresis Systems |
| Output Modes | Constant Voltage, Constant Current, Constant Power |
| Compliance | CE, UL 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-040 |
| Safety Features | Overload Protection, Short-Circuit Protection, Auto-Restart After Power Interruption |
| Power Range | EPS 301 (1–80 W) |
| Voltage Range | EPS 301 (5–300 V DC) |
| Current Range | EPS 301 (10–400 mA) |
| Time Programming | EPS 301 (00.01–23.59 h or OFF) |
| EPS 3501XL (00 | 01–500 h) |
| Resolution | Voltage (1 V), Current (EPS 301: 1 mA |
| EPS 3501XL | 1 µA to 1 mA depending on range), Time (1 min) |
| Accuracy | Voltage (±4% ±2 V for EPS 301 |
| Timer Accuracy | ±0.1% ±1 min (EPS 301) |
| ±0.1% ±1 min (≤99 | 59 h) / ±0.1% ±10 min (100–500 h) for EPS 3501XL |
Overview
The Cytiva EPS Series Electrophoresis Power Supply is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible, and safe delivery of electrical energy in nucleic acid and protein separation workflows. Designed specifically for compatibility with standard horizontal and vertical electrophoresis systems—including mini-gel tanks, large-format slab gels, and semi-dry and wet transfer apparatus—the EPS platform operates on regulated DC output principles to ensure stable voltage, current, or power delivery throughout the run. Its dual-channel architecture enables simultaneous independent control of two electrophoresis units—critical for high-throughput labs performing parallel SDS-PAGE, agarose gel electrophoresis, or Western blot transfer protocols. The system adheres to fundamental electrophoretic theory where migration velocity is directly proportional to applied field strength (V/cm), making output stability and programmability essential for inter-run comparability and regulatory compliance.
Key Features
- Dual independent output channels with full parameter isolation—enabling concurrent operation of two electrophoresis or transfer systems without cross-interference.
- Three selectable operating modes: constant voltage (CV), constant current (CC), and constant power (CP)—each optimized for specific applications (e.g., CC mode recommended for semi-dry electroblotting to prevent thermal denaturation).
- Intuitive digital LCD interface with tactile membrane keys—designed for glove-compatible operation and clear real-time display of voltage, current, power, elapsed time, and remaining runtime.
- Multi-tiered safety architecture including automatic shutdown upon short-circuit detection, thermal overload cutoff, and foldback current limiting—ensuring protection of both samples and downstream instrumentation.
- Intelligent power-fail recovery: automatically resumes program execution within 8 seconds of interruption; for outages ≥8 s, the unit retains all settings and prompts manual confirmation before restarting—supporting GLP-aligned experimental continuity.
- High-resolution programmability across all parameters: voltage (1 V steps), current (down to 1 µA resolution in low-range modes for EPS 3501XL), time (1-minute granularity), and specialized units such as volt-hours (Vh) and ampere-hours (mAh) for quantitative transfer validation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EPS Series supports a broad spectrum of electrophoretic techniques, including but not limited to agarose gel electrophoresis (DNA/RNA sizing), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and both wet and semi-dry protein transfer. It is validated for use with standard commercial electrophoresis tanks from Cytiva, Bio-Rad, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Hoefer. From a regulatory perspective, the EPS 3501XL meets IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-040 for laboratory electrical equipment safety, carries CE marking under the EU Low Voltage Directive, and complies with UL 61010-1 for North American markets. Its programmable timer and non-volatile memory support audit trails required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
Software & Data Management
While the EPS Series operates as a standalone benchtop instrument, its deterministic output behavior and repeatable parameter recall enable seamless integration into automated lab environments. All user-defined methods—including voltage/current setpoints, ramp profiles, duration, and mode selection—are stored in non-volatile memory and retained across power cycles. The EPS 3501XL further supports extended logging via Vh and mAh accumulation metrics—key for documenting transfer efficiency in QC/QA workflows governed by ISO/IEC 17025 or pharmaceutical GMP standards. Though no proprietary software is bundled, the device’s consistent serial command structure (RS-232 optional on EPS 3501XL) permits third-party scripting for method orchestration in Python- or LabVIEW-based automation frameworks.
Applications
- High-fidelity DNA fragment analysis using agarose gels (0.5–2% w/v), where constant voltage ensures uniform band separation and minimizes edge effects.
- SDS-PAGE of complex protein lysates requiring precise current regulation to avoid overheating during long runs (>90 min) or high-percentage gels (>15%).
- Semi-dry electroblotting of proteins onto PVDF or nitrocellulose membranes—leveraging constant current mode to maintain consistent field strength across varying buffer resistivity.
- Preparative electrophoresis and elution protocols demanding extended run times (up to 500 h), supported by robust thermal management and precision timer accuracy.
- Method development and validation studies where traceable output parameters (e.g., integrated Vh) serve as critical quality attributes in analytical procedure lifecycle management.
FAQ
Can the EPS power supply operate two electrophoresis tanks simultaneously?
Yes—both EPS 301 and EPS 3501XL support dual independent outputs. When powering two identical tanks, total current demand must be accounted for; for example, if each tank draws 100 mA at 100 V, configure the supply for 200 mA total current in constant-current mode.
What is the difference between EPS 301 and EPS 3501XL in terms of high-voltage applications?
The EPS 3501XL delivers up to 3500 V DC with microampere-level current resolution—making it suitable for capillary electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, and high-field pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The EPS 301 is limited to 300 V and is intended for routine slab-gel and blotting applications.
Does the EPS series support regulatory-compliant data integrity requirements?
Yes—non-volatile parameter storage, deterministic timer behavior, and programmable output limits align with ALCOA+ principles. When used in conjunction with validated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS, it satisfies data retention and audit-trail expectations under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11.
How does the auto-restart function behave after a grid outage?
If power is restored within 8 seconds, the EPS 3501XL resumes the exact state—including remaining time and active output values. For interruptions longer than 8 seconds, the unit preserves all programmed parameters but requires operator confirmation to restart—ensuring intentional resumption in regulated environments.
Is calibration required, and how often should it be performed?
Cytiva recommends annual calibration against NIST-traceable standards. The EPS 3501XL includes internal self-diagnostic routines accessible via service mode, and its specified accuracy tolerances (e.g., ±1% ±5 V) are verified during factory calibration per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures.
