PLUGSYS Microelectrode Amplifier Module (MEA)
The Microelectrode Amplifier Module (MEA) is a universal single-channel, easily operated microelectrode amplifier for physiological and pharmacological research. With the aid of the separate preamplifier (headstage) it permits direct measurement of intracellular or extracellular potentials.
The compact MEA module incorporates extensive technology and offers, in addition to its excellent amplifier performance, modern extra facilities such as adjustable output filter, calibration generator, audio monitor and LED bar graph for audible and visual signal monitoring, microelectrode function test (resistance measurement), adjustable buzz frequency, capacity compensation and zero balance. Optionally the MEA can be provided with special headstages.
Headstage Preamplifier for Microelectrode Amplifier Module (MEA) 73-2665
Important Note for Ordering: The Headstage Preamplifier (73-2665) can only be used in conjunction with the HA-HSE Microelectrode Amplifier (73-1773).The headstage comes with the amplifier and does not need to be ordered separately.
PLUGSYS MEA Module (73-1773)
| Input | Through separate preamplifier (headstage) for direct intracellular or extracellular potential recording |
| Input Socket | 8-pin binder or Amphenol-Tuchel socket with screw lock |
| Input Capacity Compensation | Continuously adjustable between 0 and 8 pF |
| Signal Output | Filtered output signal ±10 V corresponding to ±1 V input signal (gain 10x) |
| Internally | On PLUGSYS system bus, assigned via jumper to one of signal lines AV-1 to AV-16. |
| Externally | By BNC socket on front pane |
| Amplifier Bandwidth |
DC to 30 kHz (-3dB) |
| Analog Indication | LED bar graph with 30 LEDs for visual monitoring of applied signal (7.5 mV per LED referred to input. For accurate zeroing bar graph range can be expanded by key (magnifier function) to 1.5 mV per LED referred to input. |
| Output Filter | Low-pass in 7 steps covering 30 Hz to 30 kHz (-3dB) |
| Gain | 10x (fixed) |
| Zero Balance | Compensation of input offset in range ±400 mV |
| Buzzer | AC feed through microelectrode to assist piercing cell membrane during microelectrode insertion; buzz frequency adjustable with 16-position switch between 10 Hz and 10 kHz to suit actual requirements |
| Audible Monitor | Audible monitoring system for measurement signal using monitoring tone whose frequency is modulated according to signal amplitude;loudness and base frequency are individually adjustable by trimmer on front panel. |
| Calibration Signal | Generator for signal adjustment to computing amplifier or recorder; pressing CAL key injects complex calibration signal consisting of values 0 V to 100 mV and ±50 mV referred to input. |
| Microelectrode Function Test | Check of microelectrode by feeding in (via the headstage) constant current for approximate measurement of instantaneous electrode resistance.Since measurement current may damage microelectrode by electrolysis, test duration automatically limited to 2 secs. |
| PLUGSYS Width | 3 slot units |
| Power Supply | 5 V, 1.2 A from PLUSYS System Bus |
Headstage Preamplifier for MEA Module (73-2665)
| Construction |
Shielded metal case with microelectrode holder integral and mounting rod, 2 mm socket for bath reference and screen connection for central ground; headstage is independent of MEA amplifier used and does not require adjustment |
| Mounting | By 8 mm dia. support rod and integral microelectrode holder suitable for mounting of conventional micromanipulators as replacement against standard microelectrode holder |
| Microelectrode Resistance |
Suitable for microelectrodes in range of 1 to 100 MΩ |
| Input Circuit | Fully integrated electrometer amplifier with driven screen, boot-strapped supply and capacity compensation |
| Input Current | Compensated to zero |
| Coupling Resistor | 1 GΩ |
| Capacity Compensation | Adjustable over 0 to 8 pF |
| Frequency Range | DC to 75 kHz (-3dB) |
| Connecting Cable | Signal and supply cable 1.95 m long with 8-pin binder or Amphenol-Tuchel plug to suit MEA microelectrode amplifier |
| Power Supply | MEA Microelectrode Amplifier |
