An integrated capillary electrophoresis system comprising a universal
interface is disclosed. The universal interface includes one or more of
the following structural elements: a chip assembly that receives a
capillary electrophoresis CE chip; a fluidic interface for coupling
fluids between the chip assembly and external sources or destinations; a
first electrical interface for coupling power from an external source to
the chip assembly; a second electrical interface for coupling electrical
signals from the chip assembly to external analysis electronics; an
optical interface for coupling optical signals between the chip assembly
and external sources or destinations; and a docking station for uniting
and spatially locating the various other structural elements.