Multichannel Systems MEA1060-Inv User Manual
MEA Amplifier
for Inverse Microscopes
Manual
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Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written
permission of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher
and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting
from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and
source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable
for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused
directly or indirectly by this document.
© 2012 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
Printed: 06. 11. 2012
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustraße 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-71 21-90 92 5 - 0
Fax +49-71 21-90 92 5 -11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Products that
are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of
their respective holders and should be noted as such. The publisher and the author make
no claim to these trademark.
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Table of Contents
Introduction 5
About this Manual 5
Important Information and Instructions 7
Operator's Obligations 7
Guarantee and Liability 7
Important Safety Advice 8
First Use of the MEA Amplifier 9
Welcome to the MEA Amplifier 9
Setting Up and Connecting the MEA Amplifier 10
First Tests and Tutorial 11
First Functional Tests 11
General Performance / Noise Level 11
Operating the MEA Amplifier 13
Signal Amplification and Filters 13
Temperature Control 14
Mounting the MEA Probe and Grounding the Bath 15
Stimulation 17
Service and Maintenance 18
Troubleshooting 19
About Troubleshooting 19
Noise on Single Electrodes 19
Unsteady Baseline 20
Artifacts on All Channels 21
Liquid Spilled onto Amplifier 22
Technical Support 22
Appendix 23
Technical Specifications 23
MEA1060-Inv 23
Heating Element 24
Test Model Probe 24
Pin Layout 25
Pin and MEA Layout 25
Contact Information 27
Ordering Information 27
Index 33
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1 Introduction
1.1 About this Manual
This manual comprises all important information about the first installation of the hardware
and software, and about the daily work with the instrument. It is assumed that you have already
a basic understanding of technical and software terms. No special skills are required to read this
manual.
If you are using the device for the first time, please read the important safety advice before
installing the hardware and software, where you will find important information about the
installation and first steps.
The printed manual and Help are basically the same, so it is up to you which one you will use.
The Help offers you the advantage of scrolling through the text in a non-linear fashion, picking
up all information you need, especially if you use the Index, and the Search function. If you are
going to read larger text passages, however, you may prefer the printed manual.
The device and the software are part of an ongoing developmental process. Please understand
that the provided documentation is not always up to date. The latest information can be found
in the Help. Check also the MCS web site (www.multichannelsystems.com) for downloading
up-to-date manuals and Help files.
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2 Important Information and Instructions
2.1 Operator's Obligations
The operator is obliged to allow only persons to work on the device, who
are familiar with the safety at work and accident prevention regulations and have been
instructed how to use the device;
are professionally qualified or have specialist knowledge and training and have received
instruction in the use of the device;
have read and understood the chapter on safety and the warning instructions in this manual
and confirmed this with their signature.
It must be monitored at regular intervals that the operating personnel are working safely.
Personnel still undergoing training may only work on the device under the supervision
of an experienced person.
2.2 Guarantee and Liability
The General conditions of sale and delivery of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH always apply.
The operator will receive these no later than on conclusion of the contract.
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests
and data generated by the use of the device or the software. It is up to the user to use good
laboratory practice to establish the validity of his findings.
Guarantee and liability claims in the event of injury or material damage are excluded when
they are the result of one of the following.
Improper use of the device.
Improper installation, commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Operating the device when the safety and protective devices are defective and/or inoperable.
Non-observance of the instructions in the manual with regard to transport, storage, installation,
commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Unauthorized structural alterations to the device.
Unauthorized modifications to the system settings.
Inadequate monitoring of device components subject to wear.
Improperly executed and unauthorized repairs.
Unauthorized opening of the device or its components.
Catastrophic events due to the effect of foreign bodies or acts of God.
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MEA Amplifier for Inverse Microscopes Manual
2.3 Important Safety Advice
Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to install or to use the device and the
software. If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or
breakage of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.
Warning: Obey always the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should
be allowed to perform laboratory work. Work according to good laboratory practice to obtain
best results and to minimize risks.
The product has been built to the state of the art and in accordance with recognized safety
engineering rules. The device may only
be used for its intended purpose;
be used when in a perfect condition.
Improper use could lead to serious, even fatal injuries to the user or third parties and damage
to the device itself or other material damage.
Warning: The device and the software are not intended for medical uses and must not
be used on humans.
Malfunctions which could impair safety should be rectified immediately.
High Voltage
Electrical cords must be properly laid and installed. The length and quality of the cords must
be in accordance with local provisions.
Only qualified technicians may work on the electrical system. It is essential that the accident
prevention regulations and those of the employers' liability associations are observed.
Each time before starting up, make sure that the mains supply agrees with the specifications
of the product.
Check the power cord for damage each time the site is changed. Damaged power cords should
be replaced immediately and may never be reused.
Check the leads for damage. Damaged leads should be replaced immediately and may never
be reused.
Do not try to insert anything sharp or metallic into the vents or the case.
Liquids may cause short circuits or other damage. Keep the device and the power cords always
dry. Do not handle it with wet hands.
Requirements for the installation
Make sure that the device is not exposed to direct sunlight. Do not place anything on top of
the device, and do not place it on top of another heat producing device. Never cover the device,
not even partially, so that the air can circulate freely. Otherwise, the device may overheat.
Use and keep the device only in a dry environment. Fluids or damp air may damage or destroy the
device. Spilled liquid can damage or even completely destroy the electronics of the MEA amplifier.
Avoid it by all means.
Warning: The device must not get in contact with fluids! Spilled liquid can damage or even
completely destroy the electronics of the amplifier! This is eminently important when using
a perfusion system. Take care that the flow rates of the inlet and outlet flow match so that
flooding of the amplifier is efficiently prevented.
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3 First Use of the MEA Amplifier
3.1 Welcome to the MEA Amplifier
Raw data from up to 60 electrodes of a microelectrode array (MEA) is amplified
by 60 channels of filter amplifiers that are built very small and compact using SMD
(Surface Mounted Devices) technology. The small-sized MEA amplifier combines the
interface to the MEA probe with the signal filtering and the amplification of the signal.
The compact design reduces line pick up and keeps the noise level down.
The MEA sensor is placed directly into the small-sized MEA amplifier. When the amplifier
is closed, the contact pins in the lid of the amplifier are pressed onto the MEA contact pads.
The very close location of the amplifier to the MEA sensor is very favorable concerning a high
signal-to-noise ratio.
MEA amplifiers can be ordered with different gain and bandwidth configurations by the user's
choice. For example, typical pass bands would be 1 to 300 Hz for recording field potentials and
300 to 3000 Hz for recording action potentials. It is also possible to use a broadband amplifier
and filter the data with the digital filter of the free MC_Rack program. Gain settings from
100 to 5000 are possible.
The amplifier is connected to the data acquisition computer via a single 68-pin MCS standard
cable. The analog output signals of the MEA amplifier are then acquired and digitized by the
MC_Card (MEA-System) or your custom data acquisition system.
MEA amplifiers have an integrated heating system for controlling the MEA's temperature.
The desired temperature can be easily programmed with a temperature controller. You will not
need an incubator during recording all environmental conditions are reliably controlled directly
in the MEA dish.
You can then simply ground bad or unwanted electrodes by toggling small switches on the
amplifier. You can also connect a stimulus generator to any electrode(s) for stimulation.
Amplifier inputs are grounded during stimulation to prevent a saturation of the amplifier.
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MEA Amplifier for Inverse Microscopes Manual
3.2 Setting Up and Connecting the MEA Amplifier
Warning: Spilled liquid can damage or even completely destroy the electronics of the MEA
amplifier. Please be extremely careful when setting up your perfusion system and when starting
the perfusion. Take care that the flow rates of the inlet and outlet flow match so that flooding
of the amplifier is efficiently prevented.
Note: The housing of the MEA amplifiers was optimized for Zeiss Axiovert microscopes. MEA
amplifiers are compatible to most standard microscopes if the following prerequisites are met.
This MEA amplifier type has been developed for standard inverse microscopes with a rectangular
microscope table. The focal plane of the microscope has to be in a distance of 3.5 mm to the
microscope table.
Note: If you use a complete MEA-System, the MEA amplifier will usually be powered by the
isolated power supply (IPS10W) that is integrated into the data acquisition computer. The power
is distributed along the MCS 68-pin MCS high grade cable. If you use your MEA amplifiers
together with a MEA Switch, or if you use a custom data acquisition system without IPS10W,
you will need an external power supply for operating the amplifier(s). Please ask your local
retailer for more information on setup options.
Note: If you use an USB-ME-System you need an external power supply, for example a PS40W,
for operating the amplifier(s). Please ask your local retailer for more information on setup
options.
Using the MC_Card for data acquisition: Connect the MEA amplifier's output to the MC_Card
input labeled MC_Card Ch. 01–64 with a 68-pin MCS standard cable. If you have a MEA120-System,
connect the second MEA amplifier with a 68-pin MCS standard cable to the input for channels
65 –128 labeled MC_CX64 Ch. 65 –128. If you are using a MEA Switch, connect the amplifiers to
the MEA Switch inputs, and the MEA Switch outputs to the MC_Card.
Using an USB-ME data acquisition device: Connect the MEA amplifier's output to the USB-ME
input via 68-pin MCS standard cable. If you are using a MEA Switch, connect the amplifiers to
the MEA Switch inputs, and the MEA Switch outputs to the USB-ME device.
1. Place the MEA amplifier onto the microscope table.
2. Connect the internal heating element to a Temperature Controller's output channel (D-Sub9
socket) with the black cable. (The Temperature Controller is not part of the standard scope of
delivery, but is included in the MEA-System or USB-ME-System, and can also be ordered
separately.) Do not connect the black heating element cable to the data acquisition computer.
3. You should use a Faraday cage or appropriate materials, for example aluminum foil, for shielding
the amplifier. The shielding should be connected to the amplifier's ground, for example, to the
screws of the cover.
Please see also the separate handout "MEA Microelectrode Systems" for setup suggestions with
detailed illustrations.
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4 First Tests and Tutorial
4.1 First Functional Tests
Each MEA amplifier has been thoroughly tested at the factory site before delivery. However,
you may want to perform some tests yourself before you begin your experiment to exclude
any damage that might have occurred during transportation, or to fulfill your own guidelines,
for instance.
Some of the tests will also help you to get to know the basic functions of the hard- and software,
like a short tutorial. It will take only a few minutes time and can save time and trouble in the long
run. Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH recommends running these tests after the setup of your
system before you start your real experiments.
4.2 General Performance / Noise Level
Please use the provided test model probe to test the amplifier immediately after installation.
The test model probe is already mounted on the amplifier. It simulates a MEA with a resistor
of 220 k and a 1 nF capacitor between bath and electrode. Use MC_Rack or your custom data
acquisition program to record from the test model probe and to check the amplifier.
Setting up MC_Rack
Please refer to the MC_Rack manual for more information.
1. Start MC_Rack.
2. Open the file MEA_Display.rck on the installation volume. This basic rack contains the virtual
MC_Card instrument with appropriate gain settings and a continuous raw data display.
- OR –
Set up the rack on your own:
1. Click Data Source Setup on the Edit menu. Select Configuration or a 2-dimensional MEA layout.
2. Add an USB-MEA device or the MC_Card to your virtual rack.
3. Click the Hardware tab of the data source and enter the amplifier gain (standard: 1200).
4. On the Edit menu, click Add Data Display to add a raw data display to your virtual rack.
Starting the recording
1. On the Measurement menu, click Start to start the recording. You see the raw data streams
of all 60 channels in the typical MEA layout.
2. You may have to adjust the position and span of the axes until you can clearly see
the noise level.
You should see the baseline with a maximum noise level of +/- 8 μV.
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