Understanding Chromperfect Products and Licensing

Choosing the correct configuration for a chromatography data system can be confusing, especially when software licenses, instrument connections, detector configurations, and optional hardware are all involved.

In this article, we explain how Chromperfect products and licenses fit together, and how to avoid common mistakes when expanding or upgrading a system. The accompanying video walks through the same concepts visually.

Watch the Video: Chromperfect Products and Licensing Explained

(

Chromperfect Software Licenses

A Chromperfect software license allows the software to be installed and operated on a computer. Licenses may be provided either as a portable USB license key or as a fingerprint license that is locked to a single PC.

Each Chromperfect software license includes one instrument connection by default. Additional instrument connections can be added if more instruments need to be connected to the same system.

Instrument Connections and Detector Configurations

Every instrument connected to Chromperfect requires an instrument connection.

An important point is that instrument connections are supplied to support the maximum detector configuration of that instrument.

For example:

• A GC that can be configured with two detectors is supported by a single instrument connection covering both channels.

• A GC capable of four detectors is supported by one instrument connection covering all four channels.

This means that even if only one detector is used initially, the instrument connection already supports the full configuration of that instrument.

Digital vs Analog Instruments

Digital Instruments

For digital instruments:

• No additional hardware is required

• Only the number of instrument connections in the license needs to be managed

Analog Instruments

For analog instruments:

• An instrument connection is always required

• Additional analog interface hardware may also be required, depending on channel availability

This distinction is often overlooked and is a common source of confusion.

Tigre Analog Interfaces and Channel Limits

When working with analog instruments, Tigre interfaces are used to acquire detector signals. Tigre interfaces are available in two-channel and four-channel versions.

There are two independent limits to consider:

1. The number of instruments allowed by the Chromperfect license

2. The number of physical channels available on the Tigre interface

For example, a license may allow two instruments, but if the Tigre interface has no free channels remaining, an additional Tigre interface will be required — even though the license itself allows another instrument.

Each new Tigre interface is supplied with one instrument connection. The interaction between license limits and hardware channel limits is where most configuration questions arise.

Data Analysis Licenses

Chromperfect also offers data analysis licenses, which provide full processing and reporting functionality but do not collect data.

There are two options:

Chromperfect Analyze Only

Used when working exclusively with Chromperfect data files. These licenses are commonly installed on office PCs or laptops with network access to the main data directory, allowing analysis to take place outside the laboratory.

Chromperfect Unite

Allows analysis of both Chromperfect data and third-party data. Typical third-party sources include systems such as Agilent ChemStation, Agilent OpenLab, and Thermo Chromeleon.

Application Software Add-Ons

Application software modules can be added to both full licenses and data analysis licenses. These add-ons extend functionality without changing the core licensing model or instrument limits.

Supported Versions Matter

New licenses and new instrument connections can only be issued for supported versions of Chromperfect. Customers should always check the Chromperfect website to confirm which versions are currently supported when placing an order.

If a system is running an unsupported version, a software upgrade will be required before new licenses or instrument connections can be issued.

Summary

Understanding how Chromperfect products and licenses fit together helps ensure that systems are configured correctly, scalable, and compliant. By considering software licenses, instrument connections, detector configurations, hardware channel limits, and supported versions together, most configuration issues can be avoided.

For visual examples and practical explanations, watch the video above. For specific configuration questions, consult the Chromperfect documentation or contact the Chromperfect team.