A computer system for measuring fast-scan lowresolution mass spectra

Abstract A microprocessor-based satellite computer system (MASDAT) controls a low-resolution, fast-scan mass spectrometer for the measurement of series of spectra. Special digitization hardware (logarithmic A/D converter) and software algorithms are necessary to achieve a dynamic range (ratio of highest to lowest intensity) of about 10 5 in peak heights. Up to three MASDAT satellites can be connected to a host computer. Synchronized parallel programs in the host system communicate with the operator, calibrate the mass scale, print an interscan report, and store final spectra and, optionally, unreduced data on mass storage devices. Host software is described for a RSX11M and for a VAX/VMS operating system.