Abstract: Mass spectrometer systems for measuring mass/charge ratios of analytes are described. A mass spectrometer system includes a vacuum flange, a PCB base plate coupled to the vacuum flange, and an ion optic assembly coupled to the PCB base plate. The PCB base plate may include signal-processing electronics. The system may include an electrical cable coupled to the PCB base plate for supplying power, control, and I/O to the ion optic assembly and the signal processing electronics. Alternatively, a mass spectrometer system includes a PCB base plate and an ion optic assembly. The PCB base plate has a sealant portion and an electrical portion. The ion optic assembly is coupled to the electrical portion. The system may include a vacuum housing for enclosing the ion optic assembly. The vacuum housing is coupled to the sealant portion of the PCB base plate for sustaining a vacuum while the system is in operation.

Abstract: A spectrometer assembly comprising an ion detector array and a printed circuit board, wherein the ion detector array is attached on the printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is secured on the same base plate that a magnetic section is secured. This configuration presents many advantages including, but not limited to, sturdy and convenient electrical connections between the assembly and following processing units, as well as mounting accuracy of the ion detector array in miscellaneous devices, and especially in front of magnetic sectors of spectrometers of the Mattauch and Herzog type. This invention pertains any types of ion detector arrays, with special emphasis to Strip Charge Detector Arrays, Faraday Cup Detector Arrays, and even more importantly to Shift Register Based Direct Ion Detection Chips.