Development of a fully integrated laboratory instrument to LIMS interface

A software system was developed for multi-level integration of a DEC PDP-11/23 ICP instrument computer and an analytical LIMS running DEC MUMPS on a PDP-11/24. The system provides the ICP instrument user full automation of analytical sample request downloading, sample run set-up, post-run calculation, result review, batch sign-off, and result upload. Access to all other LIMS functions through the regular LIMS menu system is also available through a terminal emulation mode. All batch/sample parameters are downloaded from the LIMS computer and stored locally on the PDP-11/23, decreasing the continuous load on the LIMS computer. In case the LIMS becomes inoperable for periods of time, the analyst still has access to all information needed to perform analyses.;Some parts of the instrument to computer interface hardware were rebuilt to correct aging problems. New hardware was designed and built to help diagnose problems with interface operation, including an interface bus status indicator card and a photomultiplier tube preamplifier card test unit.;Software modules have been developed for ancillary functions. Programs were developed for facilitating the diagnosis of hardware malfunction. A program was developed to view and manipulate the database of all LIMS batches known to the ICP system. Programs were written to manipulate results created by the ICP instrument, including mass balance and unit conversion routines.