PromethION A-Series Data Acquisition Unit (PRO-PRCAMP; PRO-PRCA100)
PromethION 24 Sequencing Unit (PRO-SEQ024)
PromethION 48 Sequencing Unit (PRO-SEQ048)
PromethION 24 Combined (PRO-CMB024)*

*available in selected countries only

The PromethION™ 24/48 A-Series is a high-throughput nanopore sequencing platform that enables parallel sequencing on up to 24 or 48 flow cells. It is ideal for labs with multiple projects that need the advantages of nanopore sequencing:

• Simple library preparation
• Real-time analysis
• Biological insights from long reads

The PromethION features onboard compute, enabling device control, data acquisition, basecalling, and data streaming without placing an additional burden on existing infrastructure.

Further information is available for the PromethION 24 device.

Component	Specification
Operating system	Ubuntu Focal (20.04) / Ubuntu Noble (24.04)
Storage	60 TB internal SSD (56 TB available)
GPU	Data Acquisition Unit: 4 × NVIDIA Ampere-series GPUs + 1 × Turing-series GPU (display output only)
Memory	512 GB RAM
Size and weight	Sequencing Unit: H 190 × W 590 × D 430 mm; PromethION 24: 23 Kg PromethION 48: 31 Kg Data Acquisition Unit: H 440 × W 178 × D 470 mm; 26 kg
Environmental range	Designed to sequence at: +18°C to +22°C*
Heat output	Sequencing Unit: 4,129 BTU/h maximum Data Acquisition Unit: 9,008 BTU/h maximum
Power	Sequencing Unit: 100–240 VAC (50/60 Hz); Maximum power consumption: 1,210 W Plug type: 1 × C13 input Data Acquisition Unit: 200–240 VAC (50/60 Hz); Maximum power consumption: 2640 W Plug type: 2 × C13 inputs

*Functional range of electronics: +5°C to +40°C

Installation checklist

This checklist outlines the minimum IT and infrastructure requirements for installing the PromethION™ 24/48 A-Series at your institution. For a complete explanation of each item, refer to the sections that follow.

Notes:

• The system supports either fibre or copper connectivity.
• The PromethION 24 Combined model has the same IT requirements as the PromethION 24 A-Series, and is only available in selected countries.
  

Item/setup required	Purpose
2 x SFP+ modules supporting 10 GBASE-SR or 10 GBASE-LR (it is not necessary if using copper)	Connection to the IT infrastructure and the internet
Appropriate 10 Gbps cabling for chosen SFP+ modules, or 10 Gbps Ethernet cabling	Connection to the IT infrastructure and the internet
2 x 10 Gbps fibre ports with DHCP enabled, or 2 x 10 Gbps Ethernet ports with DHCP or static IP	Connection to the IT infrastructure and the internet
Wired USB mouse and keyboard	Device control
DisplayPort (recommended) or VGA-compatible monitor Recommended screen resolution: 1920x1080	Device control
2 X 200–240 VAC (50/60 Hz) outlets 1 X 100–240 VAC (50/60 Hz) outlet See below for full details	Device power
Uninterruptible power supply (optional: see section 7.1 for details)	Power stability
Sufficient local infrastructure to support storage requirements	Real-time and long-term data storage

Power and UPS requirements

Power requirements

The PromethION 24/48 consists of two components with separate power requirements: the Sequencing Unit (maximum power consumption 1,210 W) and the Data Acquisition Unit (2,640 W). Before installation, ensure your local infrastructure can support the combined power and voltage requirements, and that suitable power sockets are available at the intended location. We recommend consulting your facilities team and/or a qualified electrician to determine the most appropriate configuration for your environment.

Power reliability

Power reliability is essential for protecting sequencing runs and ensuring stable operation. We strongly recommend using Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to protect both the Sequencing Unit and Data Acquisition Unit.

Why use a UPS?

A UPS provides backup power and voltage regulation. In the event of a power cut or fluctuation, it can:

• Keep the system running for several minutes
• Trigger alerts so you can pause or safely shut down sequencing runs
• Help prevent issues by stabilising or improving poor-quality mains power

Recommended UPS specifications

You can choose to use either:

• One larger UPS to power both the Sequencing Unit and the Data Acquisition Unit
• Two separate UPS units, one for each device

The best option will depend on your site setup, including space, power access, and budget. Either approach is acceptable as long as the UPS units meet the total power and redundancy requirements. We recommend consulting your facilities team and/or a qualified electrician to determine the most suitable configuration for your environment.

Parameter	Minimum requirement
Power rating	Sequencing unit: 1.5 kVA Data Acquisition Unit: 3 kVA
UPS type	Online/double conversion
Transition time	<5 min
Battery runtime	≥5 min (to allow safe shutdown or generator switch-over)
Output type	Pure sine-wave
Output voltage	200–240 VAC @ 50/60 Hz
Power cables	Ensure cables are rated to a minimum of 10 A 250 VAC, and are compatible with the C13 inputs of the PromethION 24/48

You will need to provide your own UPS. Oxford Nanopore Technologies™ does not validate or supply specific models. Selection, installation and maintenance are your responsibility.

Installation readiness

• Install the UPS ahead of system delivery to avoid delays.
• Schedule regular UPS maintenance to ensure continued protection.
• Train relevant staff on safe shutdown procedures to minimize risk during power interruptions.

Network and connectivity requirements

Network access requirements

The system uses outbound-only connections over TCP ports 80 and 443 and does not require any inbound access.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies does not have remote access to your system.

Required domains

The table below outlines the domains that must be accessible for specific system functions:

Access type	Purpose	Required domains
Telemetry	Enables MinKNOW to run and communicate telemetry	ping.oxfordnanoportal.com
Software and OS updates	Access to MinKNOW updates, OS packages, and GPU drivers	cdn.oxfordnanoportal.com *.ubuntu.com *.nvidia.com
EPI2ME™	Access for container-based analysis workflows	*.github.com hub.docker.com
Nanopore account login	To log in to your Nanopore account to access cloud services	id.nanoporetech.com *.okta.com
Remote access	Enabling remote access from your computer to your Nanopore device on the same local network	For local networks with firewalls between the device and remote computers, the ports below should be enabled on the local network. (Note: These ports are TCP and internal, and do not need to be accessible to the internet) MinKNOW standalone GUI: ports 8000-9000, 9501, 9502, 9504, 9505 and 9800 ssh: port 22 Samba/File sharing: ports 137-139 and 445 API: port 443

If your institution uses a proxy or firewall, configure it to allow outbound access to these domains to ensure software functionality, updates, and user authentication.

Telemetry

MinKNOW and EPI2ME collect telemetry data during use as outlined in our Terms and Conditions. This helps monitor device performance, supports troubleshooting, and enables flow cell warranty replacement where applicable.

Privacy note: Some telemetry fields allow free-text entry. Avoid entering personally identifiable information in these fields. We do not collect sequence data.

PromethION 24/48 Sequencing Unit

Quantity (P24/P48)	Item	Function
1	PromethION 24/48 Sequencing Unit	DNA/RNA sequencing instrument
2/3	USB-A to USB Mini-B cable	Used for Sequencing Unit firmware updates
1	USB-B to USB-A cable	Used for Sequencing Unit firmware updates
24/48	Configuration test cell	Used to verify sequencing hardware functionality (1 per flow cell position)
1	Quick start guide	Overview of system setup
1	Safety and regulatory document	Safety information and regulatory compliance details
1 1 1 1 1	UK (Type G → C13) 2 m 10 A 250 VAC mains power cord EU (Schuko Type C → C13) 2 m 10 A 250 VAC mains power cord USA (Type B → C13) 2 m 15 A 125 VAC mains power cord China (Type I → C13) 2 m 10 A 250 VAC mains power cord Australia (Type I → C13) 2 m 10 A 250 VAC mains power cord	Region-specific power supply cables for the sequencing unit

Data Acquisition Unit

Quantity (P24/P48)	Item	Function
1	Data Acquisition Unit	Provides device control, data acquisition, basecalling, and data streaming
2 / 3	2 m PCIe cable	Establishes a high-speed data connection from the Data Acquisition Unit to the Sequencing Unit
1	2 m Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable	Connects the Data Acquisition Unit to a monitor
1	USB-A to USB-C adapter	Connects peripherals to the Data Acquisition Unit USB-C ports
1	64 GB factory reset USB drive	Enables system recovery and factory settings
2 2 2 2 2	UK (Type G → C13), 2 m 10 A 250 VAC mains power cord EU (Schuko Type C → C13) 2 m 10 A 250 VAC mains power cord USA (NEMA L6-20P → C13), 2 m 15 A 250 VAC mains power cord China (Type I → C13) 2 m 10 A 250 VAC mains power cord Australia (Type I → C13) 2 m 10 A 250 VAC mains power cord	Region-specific power supply cables for the data acquisition unit

• The bench space required for a PromethION installation is 167 × 75 cm.
• Install the Sequencing Unit and the Data Acquisition Unit on a stable laboratory bench.
• Allow at least 30 cm clearance at the front, rear and sides of each unit to ensure adequate ventilation and access.
• Place the devices in a controlled environment: away from direct sunlight and heat sources to avoid issues with temperature regulation, and in a dust-free area, away from open windows to minimise contamination and airflow issues.
• The Data Acquisition Unit can be placed underneath the laboratory bench if required. Please consult Oxford Nanopore if you wish to install the PromethION Combined in this way.

File types

The system stores nanopore sequencing data in the following file types:

• FASTQ - A text-based format that stores DNA/RNA sequences and quality scores

• BAM - A format for aligned reads, including modified base calls (e.g., methylation)

• sequencing_summary.txt - Contains metadata for all basecalled reads from a sequencing run. This includes details such as read ID, sequence length, per-read Q-score, and read duration. The size of a sequence summary file will depend on the number of reads sequenced

Optional:

• POD5 - The primary raw data format, replacing the legacy .fast5. It is more efficient in both storage and processing

The table below provides estimated storage requirements based on different sequencing throughputs from a single flow cell. These values assume a run that saves POD5, FASTQ, and BAM files, with a read N50 of 23 kb.

Flow cell output (Gbases)	FASTQ.gz storage (Gbytes)	Unaligned BAM with modifications (Gbytes)	(Optional) POD5 storage (Gbytes)
100	65	60	700
200	130	120	1,400

Note: When basecalling is turned on, the system will create FASTQ and/or BAM files, and will require additional temporary storage while the sequencing run is active. If you elect to turn on POD5 output, the system will generate POD5 files continuously during the experiment.

EPI2ME analysis

The EPI2ME Desktop Application provides user-defined local or cloud-based analysis solutions:

• Local analysis runs directly on the user’s computer, using available compute resources

• The cloud-based analysis runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and requires an internet connection

Find out more about how EPI2ME can support your data analysis needs here.

Data upload formats: EPI2ME receives FASTQ, BAM, and other relevant workflow formats, processes data via custom Nextflow pipelines, and provides interactive HTML reports.

Software updates

You can download updates via the MinKNOW interface or terminal (using apt). The system only requires outbound access. We share notifications about software updates through the Nanopore Community and provide full update instructions in each release note.

Real-time data transfer

During sequencing, the device uses its internal storage as a temporary cache. When operating at full throughput, this cache can quickly reach capacity. You must stream data in real-time to an external storage system to avoid interruption or failure of the sequencing run.

The PromethION 24/48 A-Series includes two 10 Gbps network ports (Fibre or Ethernet) for high-speed data transfer. Use these to connect to SSD-based networked storage. Don’t use USB ports for data transfer, as they cannot support real-time streaming at high data volumes.

If real-time streaming fails or is insufficient, sequencing may stop unexpectedly.

Estimated transfer times

The table below provides approximate transfer times for different flow cell configurations using 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps connections.

Flow cell configuration	1 Gbps transfer time	10 Gbps transfer time
1 × 200 Gbase flow cell	~7 h	~1 h
24 × 200 Gbase flow cells	~160 h	~16 h

Use this information to assess your site’s bandwidth requirements and plan infrastructure accordingly.

Storage recommendations

To ensure stable data handling and long-term accessibility, consider the following storage strategies:

• Short-term storage Use SSD-based networked storage (e.g., NFS or CIFS) for high-speed streaming during active sequencing runs

• Long-term archiving After sequencing, you can transfer the data to slower, cost-effective archival storage solutions

• File format considerations

  • Store POD5 files if you plan to re-basecall the data later or use tools requiring raw signal data access

  • Store FASTQ files for downstream analysis if you don’t need to reprocess raw data

Oxford Nanopore Technologies does not prescribe specific storage volumes or architectures, as these requirements vary by site. We recommend working with your local IT team to define:

• Real-time data streaming infrastructure
• Short-term high-speed storage
• Long-term archival capacity

Device indentification

Device part numbers:

PRO-PRCAMP (PromethION A-Series Data Acquisition Unit)
PRO-SEQ024 (PromethION 24 Sequencing Unit)
PRO-SEQ048 (PromethION 48 Sequencing Unit)
PRO-CMB024 (PromethION 24 Combined*)

*available in selected countries only

Intended use

The PromethION A-Series is an electronic analysis platform designed for use in scientific research. Its core technology uses a nanopore to detect single-molecule events, including nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), proteins, and small molecules.

This product is for research use only.

Safety information

Before use, review the following safety guidelines:

• Ensure that only an Oxford Nanopore Technologies field service engineer unpacks and installs the PromethION 24 Combined
• Install the system on a stable surface with adequate ventilation
• Allow 30 cm clearance to the front, rear and sides of the device
• Ensure the environment is dust-free and located away from open windows

Emergency procedures

In the event of an emergency:

1. Switch off the PromethION A-Series device using the power switch
2. Unplug all power cables from the rear of the device

Declaration of conformity

The PromethION A-Series complies with relevant EMC and Electrical Safety directives, as outlined in the EC Declarations of Conformity below.

Declaration of Conformity for the PromethION 24 and 48 Sequencing Units
Declaration of Conformity for the PromethION A-Series Data Acquisition Unit
Declaration of Conformity for the PromethION 24 Combined

Compliance labels

PromethION 24 compliance label
PromethION 48 compliance label
PromethION 48 Sequencing Unit

License and warranty

The license and warranty contract ensure your instrument performs optimally by providing the latest up-to-date hardware and software. Oxford Nanopore Technologies guarantees the delivery of its support obligations during the contract period, as laid out in sections 4 and 7 of the Nanopore Product Terms and Conditions.

More information on the device warranty is available in the Oxford Nanopore Store.

How can I transfer data off the PromethION during a run?

The software includes scripts for real-time transfer. For assistance, contact support@nanoporetech.com.

Which SFP+ modules are compatible with the PromethION?

Any standard SFP+ modules will work. Select one that is compatible with your existing infrastructure.

What storage options can I connect?

The PromethION can connect to any NAS. Using the guidance provided above, discuss suitable solutions with your IT team.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies ships PromethION devices in protective packages, using one or two boxes depending on the model. Each package includes a pallet base for easy transport and is fitted with data trackers to monitor G-forces, orientation, temperature and humidity during shipping.

If you notice any damage to the boxes or signs of mishandling, refuse the delivery and notify Customer Service at support@nanoporetech.com.

Shipping configuration

• PromethION 24/48 A-Series These systems ship to most countries worldwide in two boxes: one for the Data Acquisition Unit and one for the Sequencing Unit.
• PromethION 24 Combined This model ships to selected countries only and arrives in a single box.

Important: Only an Oxford Nanopore Technologies field service engineer must unpack and install the PromethION 24 Combined unit.

We store and ship all systems at ambient temperature (+15˚C to +25˚C)

Shipping container specifications

Component	Weight (kg)	Dimensions (H × W × D, cm)
PromethION A-Series Data Acquisition Unit	37	45 × 68 × 60
PromethION 24 Sequencing Unit	33	59 × 70 × 54
PromethION 48 Sequencing Unit	44	59 × 70 × 54
PromethION 24 Combined	120	90 × 120 × 100

The PromethION 24/48 A-Series is compatible with all the latest versions of chemistry for PromethION Flow Cells, sequencing kits, and expansions.

This includes compatibility with:

• Flow Cells: PromethION R10 Series Flow Cell (FLO-PRO114M), RNA004 PromethION Flow Cell (FLO-PRO004RA)

• Sequencing kits: the PromethION 24/48 is compatible with all V14 chemistry kits (ligation, rapid, barcoding, PCR, cDNA, and Direct RNA kits). We have not tested the following:

  • 16S Barcoding Kit 1-24 (SQK-16S114.24)

• Latest sequencing software: MinKNOW, Dorado Basecall Server

• Downstream analysis tools: EPI2ME (and included workflows), Oxford Nanopore pipelines (MinKNOW-compatible workflows), and custom-developed tools (Nanopore Community developed tools)