Bio-Rad Life Science Group

Laboratories 2000 Alfred Nobel Drive

Hercules, California 94547
Telephone: 510-741-1000
Facsimile: 510-741-5800

CHEF Mapper™
Sole Source Specifications

The CHEF Mapper is designed to separate DNA fragments from 100 bases to over 10
megabases. The CHEF Mapper separates these fragments faster and with higher resolution
than conventional pulsed field systems. It allows top down (e.g. YAK, Not 1) and bottom up
(e.g. cosmid) mapping in a single instrument. In addition to conventional chromosomal
separations, linear and supercoiled DNAs may be separated in two dimensions. The CHEF
Mapper’s high performance is derived from the user’s ability to construct up to 15 repeatable
electric field vectors. The system also offers extended flexibility in setting switch times. The
CHEF Mapper XA system includes protocols on the microprocessor and on an interactive
program disc. The XA also provides preferred operating conditions, eliminating most trial and
error. The instrument’s unique features are listed below.

On-board auto algorithm and windows based interctive Algorithm provide algorithmic
derivation of optimal run conditions on the microprocessor (on CHEF Mapper XA models)
The auto-alghorithm on the microprocessor interrelates 11 different variables: Fragment size,
switch time, switch time ramp, pulse angle, voltage gradient, run time, agarose type, agarose
percent, buffer type, buffer concentration and temperature. The smallest fragment specified is
placed 1 cm from the bottom of the gel. It assumes ½ XTBE, 1% agarose, 14° C for DNA less
than 2.5 mb, and 0.8% agarose, 0.8xTAE for DNA greater than 2.5 mb. Parameters may be
edited before the start of a run. The algorithm may be bypassed for manual entry of
parameters.

1. Interactive algorithm operating on PC or compatible (requires Windows™; computer and

Windows not included) allows user to specify other agarose types, percentage agarose,
buffer, buffer concentrations and temperature. Interrelates the same 11 variables
described above. Parameters may be printed in text format.

2. PACE technology with the ability to customize up to 15 field vectors per block, each
vector definable by a voltage, angle and duration.

3. Allows 1-8 blocks (of repeating vectors) per run. Automatic change from one block to
the next.

4. FIGE capability, with asymmetric forward/reverse voltages (highest resolution below kb).

5. Electronic variation of the pulse angle from 0-360° reduces run time for DNA fragments
over 1 Mb by one half, without loss of resolution.

6. Linear and non-linear switch time ramps for linear separations, with increased accuracy
of sizing. Non-linear protocols use a hyperbolic function that stimulates logarithmic or
exponential ramps. Ability to perform voltage or angle ramps, up to 8 steps (1 step per
block).
7. Secondary pulses or interrupt vectors as described by Cantor or Noolandi for increasing
speed of separation or resolution.

8. Fast switching, down to 50 msec (for DNA under 50 kb).

9. Patented Dynamic Regulation maintains homogeneous electric fields at all pulse angels
and at all points in the gel. Electrodes sense changes in the conducting environment
(changes in buffer capacity, temperature, gel size) and adjust voltages up or down as
required to maintain uniform fields during runs and between runs.

10. Multi-user capability. Stores 20 programs in memory.

11. Power supply, switcher, electronic drivers consolidated into one module, with complete
battery backup of set up parameters and user programs, in the event of a power failure.

12. Easy to use, two line fluorescent display. Prompts user for all parameters when
bypassing the auto algorithm.

13. Delayed start, up to 72 hours.

14. Built-in temperature probe directly measures buffer temperature, with digital readout.

15. Variable speed pump allows control of buffer flow rate in the chamber.

16. Electrophoresis cell with 0.02” platinum electrodes arranged in a hexagonal array. The
electrodes resist wear due to rapid switching. Electrodes are easily replaced
individually.

17. Optional Cooling Module, 31 lbs., direct buffer chilling from 4°C to ambient.

18. Optional 45 well comb for high sample throughput.

19. Optional gel format: 14 cm wide x 21 cm long.

20. Optional ability to control each electrode potential via external computer for specialized
pulsed field separations. RS-232 port provided.