Multi Channel Systems MEA2100-Mini-System User Manual

MEA2100-Mini-System

Manual

Imprint

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be
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and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the
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© 2018 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.

Printed: 18.12.2018

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Table of Content

Welcome to the MEA2100-Mini-System .................................................................... 5

Before You Start........................................................................................................... 6

Important Safety Advice .............................................................................................. 6

Guarantee and Liability ................................................................................................ 7

Hardware Components ............................................................................................... 8

Headstage MEA2100-Mini .......................................................................................... 8

Signal Collector Unit MCS-SCU ................................................................................... 9

Interface Board MCS-IFB 3.0 Multiboot ....................................................................... 9

Front Panel ............................................................................................................ 10

Rear Panel .............................................................................................................. 10

Side Panel .............................................................................................................. 12

Software Multi Channel Suite ................................................................................... 13

Software Installation .................................................................................................. 13

Multi Channel Experimenter ...................................................................................... 14

System Setup .............................................................................................................. 16

Connecting the Hardware Components .................................................................... 16

Setting up the MEA ............................................................................................... 17

First Functional Tests.................................................................................................. 17

MCS Filter Configuration ........................................................................................... 20

Service and Maintenance .......................................................................................... 22

About Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 23

No Computer Connection / No Recording Possible .................................................... 23

Triggering / Digital Input does not Work .................................................................... 24

Noise on Single Electrodes ......................................................................................... 24

MEA is defective ........................................................................................................ 25

Overall Noise / Unsteady Baseline .............................................................................. 25

Missing Spikes or Strange Signal Behavior ................................................................. 26

Technical Support....................................................................................................... 26

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Appendix…………………………………………………………………………………….26

Technical Specifications ............................................................................................. 27

Pin Layout ................................................................................................................... 31

MCS-IFB 3.0 Multiboot Interface Board ..................................................................... 31

MEA2100-Mini Interface Board: Digital IN / OUT Connector .................................. 31

MCS-IFB 3.0 Multiboot Interface Board: 10-Pin Connector for Analog IN ............... 32

ME2100 Interface Board: 20-Pin Connector (JTAG) for Digital Signal Processor ...... 33

Contact Information .................................................................................................. 34

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Welcome to the MEA2100-Mini-System

The MEA2100-Mini-System is a miniaturized in vitro recording system. The state of the art power
saving electronics allow to benefit from almost all advantages of the MEA2100 platform and still
be able to operate the system continuously in the incubator. Headstages have 60 recording channels
and two integrated stimulators each. Amplifier, stimulators, and A/D converters are all directly on the
headstage, which allows low-noise, high quality data acquisition.

The system consists of a signal collector unit (MCS-SCU) for up to four headstages. The MCS-CSU
also contains a connector for up to four outputs for optical LED stimulation. The signal collector is
connected via an eSATA cable to the interface board (MCS-IFB). It is possible to connect up to two
signal collector units to one MCS-IFB 3.0 Multiboot interface board, so a MEA2100-Mini-2-System
with two MCS-CSUs can operate up to eight headstages simultaneously.

Data is recorded, analyzed, graphed, and reviewed with the powerful and easy-to-use Multi Channel
Suite program from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. The control functions of the internal
stimulator are also integrated into the software. The data format can be converted in other standard
formats with integrated software tools.

The modular nature of the system allows easy upscaling.

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Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to installation or use of 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: Always obey 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.

Warning: The device and the software are not intended for medical uses and must
not be used on humans.

Before You Start

Important Safety Advice

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.

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 power 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. Always keep the device and the power

cords 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, so that the air can circulate
freely.

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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 / her 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.

7

Warning: It is recommended to switch off the MEA2100-Mini-System on the interface
board whenever connecting or disconnecting headstages.

Hardware Components

Headstage MEA2100-Mini

The first element of the MEA2100-Mini-System is the headstage with small footprint and operable
in a humid incubator. The MEA2100-Mini headstage is available with 60 channels and can be

ordered with a cable length of 5 m.

The data acquisition integrated in the headstage supports 60 electrode channels. Sampling rate,
signal range and bandwidth are adjusted via software control and are suitable for a broad range
of applications, from single unit spike recordings to field potentials from whole heart preparations.

Amplifier, stimulators and A/D converters are all directly on the headstage, which allows low-noise,
high-quality data acquisition. Two stimulus generator units are also integrated in each headstage,
which are able to independently deliver monophasic or biphasic rectangular pulses, ramps, sine
waves or random waveforms as single pulses or pulse trains. You can choose between current and
voltage driven stimulation and you can select each electrode for stimulation within the software.
An integrated blanking circuit (BC) disconnects the electrodes from the amplifiers during the
stimulation and reduces stimulus artifacts.

The cable of the MEA2100-Mini headstage connects to the signal collector unit MCS-SCU,
please read next chapter "Signal Collector Unit MCS-SCU".

Up to four MEA2100-Mini headstages can be operated with one MCS-SCU and up to two signal
collector units can be connected to one interface board MCS-IFB 3.0 Multiboot. Hence, in total
a system can record from up to 480 electrodes (8 individual 60-channel headstages). Electrode
raw data acquired from the probe is amplified and digitized by the analog / digital converter that
is integrated in the headstage at sampling rates of up to 50 kHz per channel. Data is transferred
via signal collector unit to the interface board with an eSATAp cable.

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Signal Collector Unit MCS-SCU

The second element of the MEA2100-Mini-System is the signal collector unit MCS-SCU for up to
four headstages. The MCS-SCU also contains a connector to control up to four independent optical
stimulation devices. The control functions are integrated into the Multi Channel Experimenter
software. The 68-pin analog out (AO) connector on the rear panel of the MCS-SCU can be used
for a connection to third party devices via a 68-pin MCS high grade cable.

The signal collector unit and the interface board are connected with an eSATAp cable. Up to two
MCS-SCUs can be connected to one MCS-IFB 3.0 Multiboot.

Interface Board MCS-IFB 3.0 Multiboot

The interface board, the third element of the MEA2100-Mini-System, collects the data from one
or two attached MCS-SCUs and transfers them to the computer via USB 3.0.

Each MCS-IFB 3.0 Multiboot can load up to three different sets of firmware. With the appropriate
firmware, the same interface board can operate MEA2100 (-Mini), CMOS or Multiwell headstages
as well as ME2100-SCUs or W2100 receivers. Upgrades of an existing system with a different type
of headstage are available on request.

The Digital IN / OUT connector (68-pin MCS standard connector) for 16 digital in- and output bits
guarantees the communication with other devices. You can use the digital TTL inputs, for example,
for synchronizing the recording in MEA2100-Mini-System with other systems. The digital TTL outputs
can be used for triggering other devices, for example, an imaging setup.

Connect an audio system to the Audio Out (3.5 mm phone jack) to make electrical activity audible.
This audio output is in real-time. Headphones or a speaker can be directly plugged into the Audio
Out. Two channels at a time can be converted into sound.

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Front Panel

From left to the right:

Two Status LEDs

The status LEDs indicate the link status of MCS-SCU 1 and / or MCS-SCU 2. They light up when
one or both signal collector units are connected to the MCS-IFB 3.0 Multiboot interface board via
eSATAp cable.

Auxiliary Channels

Two reserved auxiliary channels are available for future use. They have no function at the moment.

Digital IN / OUT

A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available (68-pin MCS standard connector)
on the rear panel of the interface board. On the front panel four Digital IN and four Digital OUT
bits are also accessible via Lemo connector (DIG IN bit 0 to bit 3 and DIG OUT bit 0 to bit 3).
The Digital OUT delivers TTL pulses with 3.3 V. If access to more bits of the DIG IN / OUT channel
is required, it is necessary to connect a Digital IN / OUT extension Di/o board with a 68-pin standard
cable. This Di/o board is available as an optional accessory.

Power LED

The power LED near to the MCS logo on the front panel of the interface board should light up
when the MEA2100-Mini-System is "ON" and the device is connected to the power line. If not,
please check the power source and cabling.

Rear Panel

From left to right:

Toggle Switch On / Off

Toggle switch for turning the device on and off. The MEA2100-Mini-System is switched to status
"ON" when the toggle switch is switched to the left. The device is switched "OFF" when the toggle
switch is switched to the right. If the MEA2100-Mini-System is "ON", and the device is connected
to the power line, the Power LED on the front panel of the interface board should light up. If not,
please check the power source and cabling.

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Warning: A voltage that is higher than +5 Volts or lower than 0 Volts, that is, a negative
voltage, applied to the digital input would destroy the electronics. Make sure that you apply
only TTL pulses (0 to 5 V) to the digital inputs.

Power IN

Connect the power supply unit here. This power supply powers both, the headstage and
the interface board of the MEA2100-Mini-System. The device needs 12 V and 2.5 A / 30 W.

Ground

If an additional ground connection is needed, you can connect this plug with an external ground
using a standard common jack (4 mm).

Digital IN / OUT

A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available via 68-pin MCS standard connector.
Please read chapter "MEA2100-Mini Interface Board: Digital IN / OUT Connector" on page 31 in
the Appendix for more information about the pin layout of the connector. The Digital IN / OUT
connection accepts or generates standard TTL signals. The Digital OUT delivers TTL pulses with 3.3 V.

TTL stands for Transistor-Transistor Logic. A TTL pulse is defined as a digital signal for communication
between two devices. A voltage between 0 V and 0.8 V is considered as a logical state of 0 (LOW),
and a voltage between 2 V and 5 V means 1 (HIGH).

The Digital OUT allows generating a digital signal with up to 16 bits and read it out, for example,
by using a Digital IN / OUT extension Di/o board. You can utilize this digital signal to control and
synchronize other devices with the MEA2100-Mini-System.

Bit 0 to 3 of the Digital OUT are separated and available as Lemo connector DIG OUT 0 to 3 on the
front panel of the interface board. So the DI/O extension is only necessary if more than four trigger
inputs or outputs are needed.

The Digital IN can be used to record additional information from external devices as a 16 bit encoded
number. The Digital IN is most often used to trigger recordings with a TTL signal. The 16 bit digital
input channels is a stream of 16 bit values. The state of each bit (0 to 15) can be controlled
separately. Standard TTL signals are accepted as input signals on the digital inputs.

Analog Channels

Up to eight Analog IN channels are available via 10-pin connector. Please read chapter "MCS-IFB 3.0
Multiboot Interface Board: 10-Pin Connector for Analog IN" on page 32 in the Appendix for more
information about the pin layout.

The additional analog inputs are intended for recording additional information from external devices,
for example, for recording patch clamp in parallel to the MEA recording. Two of these channels
(No 1 and 2) are available via Lemo connectors on the rear panel of the interface board. You could
also use the analog inputs for triggering, but please note that the digital inputs DIG IN 0 to 3 are
intended for accepting TTL pulses. Signals on the analog channels are digitized and amplified with
a gain factor of 2.

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