Part of the inherently robust Xevo family of tandem quadrupole instruments, the Xevo TQ-S micro delivers exceptional performance in a compact footprint, offering outstanding analytical flexibility. Engineered for high-throughput quantitative analysis, it supports the generation of high-quality data injection after injection, while meeting regulatory, accreditation, and quality standards. The Xevo TQ-S micro enhances laboratory efficiency with reliable operation and impressive sensitivity without compromising performance.
Xevo TQ-S micro visor. Image Credit: Waters Corporation
Specifications
System Hardware Specifications
Source: Waters Corporation
| . |
. |
| API sources and ionization modes |
High-performance ZSpray dual-orthogonal API sources:
1) Multi-mode source – tool-free ESI/APCI/ESCi™* (standard)
NB – Dedicated APCI requires an additional probe (optional)
2) UniSpray™ ion source (optional)
3) Tool-free APCI probe (optional)
4) nanoFlow™ ESI source* (optional)
5) ASAP* (optional)
6) APGC ion source* (optional)
7) ionKey™/MS™ source* (optional)
Optimized gas flow dynamics for efficient ESI desolvation
Tool-free source exchange
Vacuum isolation valve
Tool-free access to customer serviceable elements
Plug-and-play probes
De-clustering cone gas
Software control of gas flows and heating elements |
| UniSpray ion source option |
UniSpray is an ionization technique designed to broaden the scope of compounds that can be analyzed in a single run, including those that typically optimize in ESI, APCI, or APPI. Enhanced ionization efficiency and desolvation allow the potential to combine several methodologies into one, or simply enable the operator to keep the same source for multiple methods, requiring less time performing set-up and routine maintenance, and more time delivering results |
| Ion source transfer optics |
StepWave ion transfer optics delivering class-leading UPLC™-MS/MS sensitivity. The unique off-axis design dramatically increases the efficiency of ion transfer from the ion source to the quadrupole MS analyzer at the same time as actively eliminating undesirable neutral contaminants |
| Mass analyzer |
Two high-resolution, high-stability quadrupole analyzers (MS1/MS2), plus pre-filters to maximize resolution and transmission while preventing contamination of the main analyzers |
| Collision cell |
T-Wave™ enabled for optimal MS/MS performance at high data acquisition rates |
| Detector |
Low noise, off-axis, long-life photomultiplier detector |
| Vacuum system |
One split-flow air-cooled vacuum turbomolecular pump evacuating the source and analyzer
One vacuum backing pump |
| Dimensions |
Width: 35.6 cm (14.0 in)
Height: 60.0 cm (23.6 in)
Depth: 93 cm (36.6 in) |
| Regulatory approvals/marks |
CE, CB, NRTL (CAN/US), RCM |
System Software Specifications
Source: Waters Corporation
| . |
. |
| Software |
Systems supported on waters_connect and MassLynx™ version 4.2 or later |
| System setup and method development |
System parameter checking and alerts
Integrated sample/calibrant delivery system + programmable divert valve
Automated mass calibration
Automated sample tuning
Automated MRM method development
UPLC-MS/MS System Check – automated on-column performance test |
Automated MRM scheduling
(acquisition window assignment) |
Dwell time, inter-channel delay time, and inter-scan delay time for individual channels in a multiple MRM experiment can be automatically assigned (using the Auto-Dwell feature) to ensure that the optimal number of MRM data points per chromatographic peak is acquired. The Auto-Dwell feature can dynamically optimize MRM cycle times to accommodate retention time windows that either partially or completely overlap. This greatly simplifies MRM method creation, irrespective of the number of compounds in a single assay, while at the same time ensuring the very best quantitative performance for every experiment |
| waters_connect Software |
The waters_connect Software provides a modern user experience with a HUB design and apps that provide a consistent connected user experience across all applications. It is built for applications with convenient access to scientific apps, allowing accelerated time-to-results and result quality. There are common utilities that complete the end-to-end workflow and help increase productivity and efficiency. Confidently report results with accurate, reliable, regulation-standard data from application-focused quantitative workflows with built-in traceability for utmost integrity. |
Performance Capabilities
Source: Waters Corporation
| . |
. |
| Acquisition modes |
Full scan MS
Product ion scan
Precursor ion scan
Constant neutral loss
Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)
Simultaneous full scan and MRM (RADAR) |
| RADAR |
An information-rich acquisition approach that allows you to collect highly specific quantitative data for target compounds while providing the ability to visualize all other components |
| Mass range |
2 to 2048 m/z |
Compare Xevo TQ Systems
Source: Waters Corporation
| |
Xevo TQ-S cronos |
Xevo TQ-S micro |
Xevo TQ-XS |
Xevo TQ Absolute |
| Dimensions (w x h x d) |
35.6 x 60 x 93 cm |
35.6 x 60 x 93 cm |
61 x 70.7 x 99.5 cm |
43 x 79 x 96 cm |
| Sensitivity key |
★★ |
★★★ |
★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
| Mass range |
2 to 2048 m/z |
2 to 2048 m/z |
2 to 2048 m/z |
2 to 2048 m/z |
| Chromatographic configuration compatibility |
ACQUITY Arc*
ACQUITY Premier
ACQUITY UPC2*
ACQUITY UPLC
ACQUITY UPLC M-Class* |
ACQUITY Premier
ACQUITY UPC2*
ACQUITY UPLC
ACQUITY UPLC M-Class*
APGC* |
ACQUITY Premier
ACQUITY UPC2*
ACQUITY UPLC
ACQUITY UPLC M-Class*
APGC* |
ACQUITY Premier
ACQUITY UPLC
ACQUITY UPLC M-Class*
APGC* |
| Ion sources compatibility |
APCI
ASAP*
ESCi*
ESI
UniSpray |
APCI
APGC*
ASAP*
ESCi*
ESI
ionKey*
Nanoflow*
UniSpray |
APCI
APGC*
ASAP*
ESCi*
ESI
ionKey*
Nanoflow*
UniSpray |
APCI
APGC*
ASAP*
DESI XS*
ESCi*
ESI
Nanoflow*
UniSpray |
| Acquisition modes |
Full scan
Product scan
Precursor ion scan
Constant neutral loss scan
Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)
Simultaneous Full Scan and MRM (RADAR) |
Full scan
Product scan
Precursor ion scan
Constant neutral loss scan
Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)
Simultaneous Full Scan and MRM (RADAR) |
Full scan
Product scan
Precursor ion scan
Constant neutral loss scan
Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)
Simultaneous Full Scan and MRM (RADAR) |
Full scan
Product scan
Precursor ion scan
Constant neutral loss scan
Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)
Simultaneous Full Scan and MRM (RADAR) |
| Detector ** |
Low noise, off-axis, long-life photomultiplier** |
Low noise, off-axis, long-life photomultiplier** |
Low noise, off-axis, long-life photomultiplier** |
Low noise, off-axis, long-life photomultiplier** |
| Ion source transfer optics |
StepWave |
StepWave |
StepWave XS |
StepWave XS |
| MRM speed |
555 MRM/ sec |
555 MRM/ sec |
500 MRM/ sec |
500 MRM/ sec |
| Regulatory approval *** |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Third party software interfaces |
LIMS interface
MassLynx SkyLine interface |
LIMS interface
MassLynx SkyLine interface |
LIMS interface
MassLynx SkyLine interface |
LIMS interface
MassLynx SkyLine interface |
| MassLynx security |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Software options |
- MassLynx v4.2
- waters_connect for Quantitation
|
- MassLynx v4.2
- waters_connect for Quantitation
|
- MassLynx v4.2
- waters_connect for Quantitation
|
- MassLynx v4.2
- waters_connect for Quantitation
|
* Not available with waters_connect
** Less than 1% of Waters’ tandem quadrupole mass spectrometers require a detector replacement on an annual basis. [Source: Waters’ internal data on the service history of its tandem quadrupole mass spectrometers launched between 2006 and 2022]
*** Regulated approval marks include CE, CB, NRTL (Canada/USA), RCM
Overview
- Reliable Performance: Consistent operational reliability ensures objectives are met with confidence.
- Maximized Uptime: Optimize instrument availability and reduce the need for time-consuming repairs.
- Achieve More with Less: Boost productivity and expand laboratory capacity while conserving valuable bench space.
- Optimum Productivity with Flexible Software Options: Choose from versatile quantitation platforms—waters_connect and MassLynx—to match specific laboratory needs.
- Flexibility to Meet the Analytical Needs: Easily switch chromatographic inlets or ionization sources to expand analytical capacity and adapt to evolving requirements.
Recommended Use: An ideal laboratory workhorse, delivering exceptional performance per square inch of bench space with unmatched flexibility to support growing, changing, or unexpected analytical demands.
Reliable Performance
Achieving consistent, reliable performance, the Xevo TQ-S micro demonstrated its robustness in a study analyzing mycotoxins in wheat flour—a complex matrix known to challenge LC-MS instrumentation. Over five days of continuous use and 1,000 injections, the system maintained stable operation, delivering peak area relative standard deviations (RSD) of just 5–9%.
Image Credit: Waters Corporation
Maximize Uptime
Maximize instrument uptime and minimize disruptions—Xevo TQ-S micro users typically experience no unplanned service visits during the warranty period and up to three years thereafter.
Xevo TQ-S micro tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer. Image Credit: Waters Corporation
Waters' comprehensive analytical solutions support efficient laboratory operation and future readiness. These include expert training through APS, flexible, cost-effective support programs such as FlexCHOICE for system servicing, and upgrade options like FlexUP and trade-ins to keep technology current and performance optimized.
Achieve More with Less
The Xevo TQ-S micro features a compact design 2–3 times narrower than other instruments in its class, helping reduce laboratory space requirements and associated overhead costs. It also offers up to 34% lower power consumption and reduced heat output compared to similar systems.
With benchspace at a premium, choose an instrument designed to maximize performance per square inch. Image Credit: Waters Corporation
Ensure Optimum Productivity with Flexible Software Options
Achieve maximum flexibility in choosing the right quantitation solution with two powerful software platforms: waters_connect and MassLynx. The modern, app-based waters_connect platform enhances efficiency and user experience, featuring the unique Exception Focused Review (XFR) functionality, which can reduce data review time by up to 50%, helping to maximize laboratory productivity. For broad application versatility, the well-established MassLynx software offers proven flexibility and performance across a wide range of analytical workflows.
Convert data into meaningful results with waters_connect and MassLynx. Image Credit: Waters Corporation
Flexibility to Meet the Analytical Needs
Featuring ESI—the most commonly used atmospheric pressure ionization source—as standard, the system offers flexibility to easily switch chromatographic inlets or ionization sources, enabling expanded analytical capabilities and adaptability to evolving laboratory needs.
UPLC/MRM data on Xevo TQ-XS with UniSpray ion source showing improved sensitivity for three compounds that would typically require a change in ionization technique for optimal analysis. Image Credit: Waters Corporation