What does “analog” acquisition mean in mass spectrometry?
An “analog” mass spectrometer is controlled by voltage or current settings. For example, the mass scan signal is often a 0 to 10 voltage. This voltage maps to (corresponds to) the ion mass being scanned. Analog controlled instruments are generally older machines. In contrast, a “digital” mass spectrometer is controlled by digital signals from the data system, typically over a GPIB, LAN or proprietary connection. Newer mass spectrometers have total digital control by their data system. It is also possible to have an instrument requiring both digital and analog control.
