Tecan Cavro XCalibur Syringe Pump
| Brand | Tecan Cavro |
|---|---|
| Origin | Malaysia |
| Model | Cavro XCalibur Pump |
| Instrument Type | Microfluidic Syringe Pump |
| Flow Rate | As per product datasheet |
| Accuracy | <0.25% of full scale |
| Repeatability | <0.05% of full scale |
| Step Resolution | 3,000 full steps (24,000 microsteps) |
| Plunger Travel | 30 mm |
| Compatible Syringes | 25 µL, 50 µL, 100 µL, 250 µL, 500 µL, 1.0 mL, 2.5 mL, 5.0 mL |
| Valve Options | Non-distributive — 3-way ceramic or plastic |
| Communication Interfaces | RS-232, RS-485, CAN bus |
Overview
The Tecan Cavro XCalibur Syringe Pump is a compact, high-precision microfluidic actuation module engineered for integration into automated liquid handling platforms, analytical instrumentation, and laboratory automation systems. Based on stepper motor-driven linear motion and calibrated syringe displacement, the XCalibur delivers deterministic volumetric delivery through direct plunger advancement—enabling precise control over flow rate, volume, and timing in low-flow regimes. Its design adheres to the fundamental principles of positive displacement pumping, where volumetric accuracy is derived from mechanical step resolution, syringe geometry, and valve sequencing integrity—not pressure-based feedback. This makes it especially suitable for applications requiring repeatable nanoliter-to-milliliter dispensing under open-loop control, including HPLC sample injection, microreactor feeding, assay reagent metering, and capillary electrophoresis interfacing.
Key Features
- High-resolution actuation: 3,000 full steps per revolution (24,000 microsteps), enabling sub-nanoliter incremental delivery when paired with small-volume syringes (e.g., 25–100 µL).
- Modular valve architecture: Supports both non-distributive (3-way) and distributive configurations (3-, 4-, 6-, 9-, and 12-way), with optional dual quantitative loop support for complex fluid routing.
- Ceramic and polymer valve options: Ceramic valves provide extended chemical resistance and wear life for aggressive solvents and aqueous buffers; plastic valves offer cost-effective compatibility for general-purpose use.
- Standardized mechanical interface: 30 mm plunger travel accommodates industry-standard glass syringes across eight volumes (25 µL to 5.0 mL), ensuring interchangeability and method transferability.
- Industrial-grade communication: Native support for RS-232, RS-485, and CAN bus protocols enables deterministic command-response timing and multi-pump synchronization in distributed control environments.
- Compact footprint: Designed for OEM integration, the pump’s low-profile chassis minimizes space requirements in enclosed instrument enclosures and robotic workcells.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The XCalibur pump is compatible with borosilicate glass syringes meeting ISO 7888 and ASTM D3748 specifications. Its valve wetted materials—alumina ceramic and PEEK/PTFE composites—are inert toward common laboratory solvents (acetonitrile, methanol, aqueous buffers, dilute acids/bases) and compliant with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. While the pump itself does not carry CE marking as a standalone medical device, its subsystem-level performance aligns with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emissions) for industrial environments. When integrated into larger analytical platforms, it supports audit-trail-capable operation when controlled via software enforcing FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records and signatures.
Software & Data Management
The XCalibur operates under host-controlled command sets (ASCII-based protocol), allowing seamless integration with third-party control environments—including LabVIEW, Python (via PySerial or CANopen libraries), and Tecan’s FluentControl™ or Freedom EVOware®. Command syntax supports absolute positioning, relative dispensing, flow rate ramping, and conditional valve actuation—all executed with deterministic latency (<5 ms typical response). Firmware logs internal status registers (motor current, stall detection, valve position confirmation) accessible via query commands. For GLP/GMP workflows, system integrators may implement external logging middleware that captures timestamped command history, syringe ID metadata, and cycle completion acknowledgments—ensuring traceability across validation batches.
Applications
- HPLC and UHPLC autosampler modules requiring precise, pulseless injection volumes (1–100 µL range)
- Microfluidic chip priming and reagent loading in point-of-care diagnostic instruments
- Controlled reagent addition in kinetic enzyme assays and PCR setup stations
- Calibration standard delivery in gravimetric and photometric reference systems
- Multi-syringe parallel dispensing in high-throughput screening (HTS) liquid handlers
- Gas-tight metering of volatile organic compounds in headspace analysis interfaces
FAQ
What syringe sizes are supported?
The XCalibur accommodates glass syringes from 25 µL to 5.0 mL, all conforming to ISO 7888 dimensional tolerances.
Is closed-loop position feedback available?
No—the XCalibur is an open-loop stepper-driven system; positional accuracy relies on step integrity, mechanical calibration, and syringe plunger geometry.
Can multiple XCalibur pumps be synchronized?
Yes—via RS-485 multidrop or CAN bus networks, with hardware-triggered start/stop coordination and shared clock referencing.
What is the maximum backpressure rating?
Rated for continuous operation up to 10 bar with 100 µL syringes and ceramic 6-way valves; derating applies for smaller syringes or plastic valves.
Does Tecan provide firmware update tools?
Firmware updates are delivered via Tecan’s authorized service channels and require proprietary configuration utilities compliant with IEC 62304 software lifecycle requirements.
