1. Introduction Fully automated analyzers perform analytical operations without human interference. They perform complex mechanical and electronic steps more precisely, rapidly, and repeatably than classical analysis [1,2]. They require minimal solution handling and give good accuracy and reduce reagent consumption, reducing the cost per determination [3,4]. Automated analyzers can be divided into three groups: discrete or batch automatic analyzers, robotic automatic analyzers, and automated low analyzers [3,5-7]. The multicommutation low analysis (MCFA) proposed by Reis et al. [6] has all the capabilities necessary. Three-way solenoid valves are used to select the low path, allowing pumping and sample and reagent insertion into the carrier solution. The injected volume is controlled by the interval that the valves are open and the low rate. In MCFA, different analyses can be designed by inserting new devices such as reactors and ion-exchange columns into the low path [8,9]. Solid-phase reactors (SPR) conine solid reagents in the low path. They are widely used for pre-concentration, interferent removal, or to convert the analyte to a detectable species using immobilized reagents such as enzymes or macromolecules [10,11]. More effective contact with the analyte can increase the and compact Central European Journal of Chemistry A low-cost automated low analyzer based on low temperature co-ired ceramic and LED photometer for ascorbic acid determination * E-mail: rcfaria@ufscar.br Received 7 October 2013; Accepted 3 November 2013 Abstract: © Versita Sp. z o.o. Keywords: Ascorbic acid determination • Flow analysis • LTCC • LED photometer • Multicommutation. 1 Chemistry Department, Center of Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of São Carlos, 13565-905 São Carlos-SP, Brazil 2 Chemistry Department, Exact and Technological Sciences Center, Federal University of Viçosa, 36570-000, Viçosa-MG, Brazil 3 Group of Sensors and Biosensors, Department of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Ediici Cn, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain Osmundo D. Pessoa-Neto 1 , Vagner B. dos Santos 1 , Fernando C. Vicentini 1 , Willian T. Suarez 2 , Julián Alonso-Chamarro 3 , Orlando Fatibello-Filho 1 , Ronaldo C. Faria 1* Research Article An automated low analyzer based on low temperature co-ired ceramic (LTCC), a solid-phase reactor (SPR) and a low-cost photometer was designed for ascorbic acid (AA) determination in pharmaceutical formulations. It consists of a peristaltic pump, three-way solenoid valves, SPR to chemically convert Cu(II) into Cu(I), and a LTCC device for mixing the liberated copper with bathocuproine and detection. The low cell in the LTCC employed an ultrabright LED - photodiode photometer. The analyzer successfully determined AA in pharmaceutical formulations. The analytical curve from 8.5×10 −6 to 7.0×10 −4 M gave a detection limit of 7.0×10 −7 M and a RSD of 2.1% for a 2.0×10 −4 M AA solution (n = 10). A high sampling frequency of 102 h −1 and low reagent and sample consumption (150 µL) resulted. Cent. Eur. J. Chem. • 12(3) • 2014 • 341-347 DOI: 10.2478/s11532-013-0377-2 341