What’s New in This Release
We’re excited to bring you aµtoPULSE 1.3 with innovative features to enhance your workflow. Here is a quick preview of what’s new.
Revamped Profile Editor for Easier Protocol Setup
The Profile Editor page has been redesigned for a more intuitive layout with reorganized settings and additional tube visuals—helping you create profiles quickly with ease.
New Profile Editor Page
New Membrane Options
The MPES and RC chip membrane options are now available, expanding flexibility for various sample types and filtration workflows. These options can be selected when defining chips and creating profiles.
Chip Membrane Options in Profile Editor
Chip Membrane Options in Defining Chip Dialog
New Chip Selection Modes
aµtoPULSE now offers AUTOMATIC and MANUAL chip selection modes, letting you control how chips are paired with your samples. In MANUAL mode, you can assign a specific chip on the deck to each sample. In AUTOMATIC mode, the instrument will assign any chip based on the chosen membrane chemistry and MWCO. Chip selection mode can be controlled independently per sample.
Chip Selection Options
New Chip Cleaning Tool
aµtoPULSE 1.3 introduces the Chip Cleaning wizard that allows you to clean batches of chips without the need for a fully defined protocol. This feature is accessible from the Tools menu and Editor page. For more information, see Chip Cleaning.
Chip Cleaning Page
Improved Recovery Function
The aµtoPULSE recovery system now includes a Buffer Recovery option that flushes additional buffer across the membrane to improve recovery yield. The Air Recovery option has also been expanded with both STANDARD and EXTRA modes. The STANDARD air recovery runs a fixed time sequence to push your sample from the chip to your sample tube without foaming. EXTRA recovery continues flushing air until the sample is fully returned, with some air breaching the sample tube.
Recovery Options in Profile Editor
Tracking Peristaltic Pump Tubing Lifespan
You can now track the number of tubing cycles used in the peristaltic pump through notifications or from the Performance Metric page. Monitor the tubing lifespan and replace it before reaching maximum usage to maintain accurate and consistent liquid transfers. For more information, see Peristaltic Pump Tubing Replacement Guide.
Performance Metric Page
Maintain Liquid Temperature with Cooling Rack
Designed for temperature-sensitive workflows, the Cooling Rack Accessory ensures optimal performance by keeping your liquids chilled to as low as 4°C for extended periods. It’s available in all compatible tube sizes: 1.5 mL microtube, 15 mL conical tube, and 50 mL conical tube. For more information, contact support@formulatrix.com.
aµtoPULSE Cooling Rack for 15 mL Conical Tube
Minor Software Changes
aµtoPULSE has added several minor changes for better usability, including:
The Cleaning Station waste pump has been optimized to operate on demand—activating only when required—to improve efficiency and reduce wear during cleaning cycles.
Protocol Result data now includes more detailed activity logs to support clearer concentration data analysis.
Import CSV feature improvements:
Added new columns in the Profile template: Profile Name, Membrane Type, Air Recovery, and Buffer Recovery Volume.
Added a new Membrane Type column in the Labware template.
Updated imported CSV header columns from previous versions to ensure compatibility.
Added Concentration Rate to the live protocol graph in the Runtime Status and Protocol Result pages.
Multiple bug fixes to correct minor issues.
Many aµtoPULSE software updates have been suggested by our awesome user community!
Have a great idea on how to make aµtoPULSE better?
Let us know by contacting support@formulatrix.com.
Previous Releases
Version 1.2
IMPORT LABWARE AND PROFILE DATA WITH EASE
aµtoPULSE software simplifies uploading complex deck configuration or profile data with the Import feature. It saves time and ensures consistency for routine CSV imports.
Access the Import option from the Protocol Editor page, and use the provided templates to streamline file creation and uploading.
Import Option in the Protocol Editor Page
MONITOR INSTRUMENT STATUS AT A GLANCE
The Status Bar in aµtoPULSE provides instant updates on key instrument details, such as:
Instrument status: idle, running, paused, or errors.
Door states: open or closed.
Waste reservoir level.
Always visible at the bottom-right corner, it keeps you informed with real-time updates. Tooltips appear when you hover over icons, displaying more information about the instrument’s status.
Status Bar
FLEXIBLE PROTOCOL DESIGN WITH PROFILE VALIDATION
The Profile Validation feature supports flexible protocol design. You can continue working without interruption when an incomplete profile is detected. Save the profile and return to it later to make changes.
A warning icon
indicates a profile error. Click VIEW DETAILS to see more information.
Profile with Warning Indicator
DUPLICATE PROFILE FOR FASTER PROTOCOL DESIGN
You can duplicate profiles on the Protocol Editor page to save time, reduce manual setup errors, and simplify customization for different profiles. Access the Duplicate option from the selected active profile.
Duplicate Option on the Active Profile
SEAMLESS LABWARE ARRANGEMENT
With the intuitive software UI, you can quickly arrange your labware to the desired deck position using the Drag-and-Drop function.
Arranging Labware with Drag-and-Drop Function
QUICK REVIEW WITH PROTOCOL SUMMARY
The Protocol Summary previews clear profile parameters of the current protocol, including labware and chip identification, transfer tracking, and runtime duration. The summary is recorded in an easy-to-read format and downloadable.
Protocol Summary Page
MINOR SOFTWARE CHANGES
aµtoPULSE has added several minor changes for better usability, including:
Added the Auto Save feature in the Protocol Editor page to automatically save your protocol settings as you make changes.
Added the About menu to inform the aµtoPULSE system and firmware versions.
Improvement on labware linking functionality to visually map corresponding tubes and paths when a profile is highlighted.
Improved the peristaltic behavior in the software to include firmware-level timeout handling and display recovery options.
Multiple bug fixes to correct minor issues, including:
An intermittent issue of the delayed gantry movement during chip cleaning protocols.
A UI display issue where the virtual deck in the Protocol Editor page remained filled instead of empty after removing an active protocol.
The queued profile card turned red after aborting a protocol.
A station kept running a profile after detecting a load cell error. It should stop if any error occurs.
The system failed to return labware to the deck after selecting Skip Profile and Recovery from a load cell error.
The missing SUMMARY and CLOSE buttons after clicking STOP during labware return.