KDS Legato 100 Series Programmable Single- and Dual-Syringe Infusion/Withdrawal Pumps

Overview

The KDS Legato 100 Series represents a family of precision-engineered, microprocessor-controlled syringe pumps designed for demanding laboratory applications requiring high-resolution fluid delivery and bidirectional control. Built upon a robust stepper-motor-driven linear actuation architecture, each model operates on the principle of direct plunger displacement—translating motor step resolution into volumetric flow with traceable linearity and minimal compressibility error. Unlike peristaltic or gear-based systems, syringe pumps in this series eliminate fluid path variability by maintaining a fixed, sealed volume between syringe barrel and needle hub, ensuring intrinsic compliance with volumetric calibration standards (ISO 8536-4, ASTM D3418). The Legato 100 Series is engineered for environments where reproducibility, low dead-volume handling, and long-term drift stability are critical—including analytical sample introduction, microfluidic interfacing, electrophysiology perfusion, and controlled reagent dosing in GLP-compliant assay development.

Key Features

• Programmable bidirectional operation (infusion and withdrawal) across Legato 110, 111, 130, 180, and 185 models—enabling closed-loop fluid exchange, backflush protocols, and pressure-balanced sampling.
• Nanoliter- and picoliter-scale resolution: Legato 130 supports dual-syringe nanoliter dispensing; Legato 180 achieves sub-picoliter per-minute flow rates (0.54 pL/min) with 0.5 µL–10 mL syringes; Legato 185 extends low-flow capability to 3.66 pL/min using 0.5 µL–1 mL syringes.
• High-force linear drive (up to 13.6 kg) ensures consistent plunger advancement across viscous media (e.g., polymer solutions, cell suspensions, glycerol-based buffers) without stalling or positional slip.
• Factory-calibrated accuracy of ±0.35% (Legato 185) and ±0.5% (all other models), validated per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures using gravimetric and timed-collected volumetric reference methods.
• Dual-channel synchronization (Legato 111 and 130) allows coordinated multi-fluid delivery with programmable phase offsets—essential for gradient elution in preparative chromatography or sequential reagent addition in kinetic assays.
• Embedded firmware supports real-time flow rate modulation via analog input (0–5 V or 4–20 mA), enabling integration with external sensors (e.g., pressure transducers, pH electrodes) for feedback-controlled infusion.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Legato 100 Series accommodates standard Luer-lock and small-bore plastic/glass syringes from 0.5 µL to 60 mL capacity, including polypropylene, borosilicate glass, and stainless-steel barrels. All models comply with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits) and IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for laboratory equipment). Firmware includes audit-trail logging (user ID, timestamp, parameter changes) to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed within validated workflows. Device configuration and method files may be exported in CSV or XML format for third-party LIMS integration. No hazardous substances are used in construction per RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU.

Software & Data Management

KDS Syringe Pump Software (v5.2+) provides full local and remote control via USB or RS-485 serial interface. The GUI supports multi-step method programming—including ramped flow profiles, conditional triggers (e.g., pause on sensor threshold), and repeat loops—with real-time graphical display of delivered volume, elapsed time, and instantaneous flow rate. All operational logs—including start/stop events, error codes, and syringe diameter entry—are stored internally with UTC timestamping and exportable to secure network drives. Command-line scripting (ASCII protocol) enables automation within Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB environments. Data integrity is maintained through cyclic redundancy check (CRC-16) on all serial transmissions.

Applications

• Microscale chromatography: Precise mobile-phase delivery in nanoLC and capillary HPLC systems.
• Electrophysiology: Stable, pulse-free perfusion of brain slices or cultured neurons during patch-clamp recordings.
• Drug discovery: Automated compound dilution series generation with <1% CV across 10-log concentration ranges.
• Materials science: Controlled deposition of quantum dot inks, hydrogels, or conductive polymers in inkjet-compatible dispensing rigs.
• Clinical diagnostics: Calibration fluid delivery in automated immunoassay platforms requiring traceable volumetric accuracy under ISO 15197:2013.
• Academic research: Long-duration infusion studies (e.g., chronic drug delivery in rodent models) with programmable diurnal cycling and dose escalation.

FAQ

What syringe sizes are supported across the Legato 100 Series?
All models accept syringes ranging from 0.5 µL to 60 mL; however, optimal resolution and force utilization depend on model-specific mechanical design—Legato 180 and 185 are optimized for sub-microliter volumes, while Legato 110/111 accommodate larger syringes up to 60 mL.
Can the Legato 130 operate two syringes independently?
Yes—the Legato 130 features dual independent channels with separate motor control, allowing asynchronous infusion/withdrawal sequences and differential flow rate programming.
Is RS-485 communication compatible with Modbus RTU protocol?
No—KDS implements a proprietary ASCII-based command set over RS-485; however, Modbus gateways can be integrated via third-party protocol converters certified for industrial serial networks.
Does the pump include built-in flow sensing?
No—Legato pumps are open-loop volumetric devices; flow verification requires external measurement (e.g., gravimetric collection, optical flow cells) per ISO 8655-3 validation guidelines.
How is firmware updated?
Firmware updates are performed via USB using KDS-provided utility software; updates preserve user-configured methods and calibration offsets unless explicitly reset.