The C⁴D system from eDAQ is a modern, versatile detection and analysis system for electrokinetic and chromatographic separation processes. Thanks to its contactless, capacitively coupled conductivity detection, it enables sensitive and reliable analysis of a wide range of ionic and charged substances, especially in microfluidic and capillary-based applications. Thanks to its modular design and powerful software support, the system is suitable for both research purposes and demanding analytical routines. The system was developed primarily for various analytical separation techniques such as capillary electrophoresis, microchip electrophoresis, ion chromatography and salt gradient chromatography.

The structure of the C⁴D system consists of three main components: the C⁴D data system, the high-voltage sequencer and the chip electrophoresis platform. The C⁴D data system is used to analyse the measurement data that is recorded by a C⁴D headstage and transmitted to the data system. In addition to the actual headstage, other detectors can also be connected to the system. The system is characterised by a high sensitivity of 1 mV/nA and a very low DC drift of less than 1 µV per degree Celsius. The software features of the C⁴D data system include PowerChrom, which is used to record, display and analyse chromatographic data. The software can collect data from one or two detectors simultaneously, enables simplified report generation and allows data to be exported in common formats. PowerChrom thus supports efficient evaluation and documentation of measurement results. The high-voltage sequencer functions as a four-channel high-voltage supply and delivers voltages of up to ±3000 V at a maximum current of 150 µA. Desired voltage changes can be carried out by the HVS within around 40 ms. In addition, the device continuously monitors both current and voltage, which enables safe and precise operation. The chip electrophoresis platform is the available headstage for the C⁴D data system. It integrates C⁴D electrodes made of 200 nm thick platinum, each with an electrode area of 200 × 500 µm. Microchips with a length of 45 mm or 90 mm can be used and analysed in this platform.

Overall, the C⁴D system combines high detection sensitivity, flexible application options and precise control of the measuring conditions to create a powerful solution for modern analytical separation techniques.