DRAGEN secondary analysis on-premises server

Maximize analysis performance with a robust, trusted on-premises solution

Comprehensive, efficient, local secondary analysis

The DRAGEN server provides an on-premises solution for highly accurate and comprehensive secondary analysis in a fraction of the time compared with a traditional CPU-based system.

Powered by FPGA (field programmable gate array) technology, it accelerates genomic analysis algorithms, like BCL conversion, mapping and alignment, sorting, duplicate marking and haplotype variant calling.

Engineered with optimized software algorithms, DRAGEN pipelines are continually improved to enhance functionality, accuracy, and speed, addressing common NGS analysis challenges such as lengthy compute time and massive data volumes.

DRAGEN on-premises server features

Accurate and comprehensive

99.89% accuracy score using the Precision FDA Truth Challenge v2 benchmark data.⁴
Support for a vast range of experiment types, replacing up to 30 traditional open-source tools.^2,3
Gain comprehensive genomic variant insights with Illumina Connected Annotations, integrating 17 key databases like PrimateAI-3D, SpliceAI, COSMIC, and OMIM.

Local analysis with security you control

Trusted local solution with regular updates for secure, high-quality analysis.
State-of-the-art security solution for built-in data protection.*
Support multiple sequencers via network-attached storage, ensuring reliable access, even in regions with poor network connectivity or offline environments.

Efficiency with hardware acceleration

DRAGEN server delivers ultrafast processing with FPGA architecture, enabling rapid turnaround times (e.g., ~26 minutes for small variant calling at 40× coverage).¹
Reduce FASTQ file sizes up to 5× with DRAGEN lossless ORA compression.
Energy-efficient, using less than 0.12 kWh for secondary analysis of a 30× whole genome sequencing (WGS) run.²

Download DRAGEN server flyer

Optimize your sequencing workflow with the DRAGEN server

A wide variety of lab types choose to integrate a DRAGEN server as they look to scale or improve operational efficiency. This example on-premises workflow outlines the instrument connection, optional workflow scheduler, analysis, and interpretation.

Library prep

Prepare libraries for a range of applications including WGS, WES, and panels with high-performance library preparation kits.

Sequencing

Sequence libraries using any Illumina sequencing platform.

Secondary analysis

DRAGEN secondary analysis can analyze whole genomes, exomes, methylomes, and transcriptomes.

Tertiary analysis

Illumina Connected Insights: Available on cloud and DRAGEN server

Emedgene software

Partek Flow software

Correlation Engine

Specifications

DRAGEN server specifications

CPU
Dual Intel Xeon Gold 6226R 2.9GHz, 16C / 32T
System memory
512 GB DDR4
Scratch drive
2 x 7.68 TB NVMe U.2 SSD
OS drive
2 x 480 GB SSD (RAID 1)
Hardware acceleration
1x FPGA card
Form factor
2U
Dimensions 
W × D × H
43.8 cm × 76.4 cm × 8.8 cm 
(17.2 in × 29.9 in × 3.5 in)

Easy installation and security

Designed for easy installation, the standard 2U form factor ensures compatibility with industry-standard server racks. A stand-alone local DRAGEN server allows you to prioritize security and compliance with institutional policies. It can also support data from multiple sequencers via network-attached storage.

DRAGEN v4 Server Site Prep and Installation Guide

DRAGEN deployment options

Integrating Illumina DRAGEN secondary analysis within your infrastructure

FAQ

The DRAGEN server comes with the DRAGEN software. However, during initial setup, you may wish to update to the latest version of DRAGEN software available at: https://support.illumina.com/sequencing/sequencing_software/dragen-bio-it-platform/downloads.html.

Each DRAGEN server requires an annual license for the software to perform secondary analysis. There are options depending on your throughput and amount of data to analyze. It starts with a Level 1 license for a throughput of the DRAGEN server 100,000 GB for 1 year.

Yes, you can run the DRAGEN server offline. Do note that you may have to download and install software updates and DRAGEN software license files from another computer and load it to the server locally.

Ideally, no sample data should be kept on the DRAGEN server.  It is a compute node.  Mounting a network attached storage is recommended. The DRAGEN server supports NFS and CIFS protocols for mounting storage.

Yes, job scheduling software (eg. SLURM) can be updated to include DRAGEN secondary analysis.

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Learn more or get in touch

View more details about DRAGEN analysis features, learn how to order, and find product documentation. You can also speak to a specialist to get your questions answered.

See more details

* Using full disk encryption backed by hardware-based key protection.

References

Illumina data on file, without new specialized callers like MRJD and VNTR available in DRAGEN v4.3
Illumina. Inside DRAGEN and what enables efficient secondary analysis at scale. illumina.com/science/genomics-research/articles/secondary-analysis-at-scale.html
Data calculations on file. Illumina, Inc. 2022
Behera S, Catreux S, Rossi M, et al. Comprehensive and accurate genome analysis at scale using DRAGEN accelerated algorithms. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Jan 6:2024.01.02.573821. doi: 10.1101/2024.01.02.573821. PMID: 38260545; PMCID: PMC10802302.

DRAGEN secondary analysis on-premises server

Comprehensive, efficient, local secondary analysis