Multichannel Systems ME-System User Manual
(USB-) ME-Systems Manual
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1 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
© 201
Printed: 19. 07. 2010
Multi Chann
el 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
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Table of Contents
Operator's Obligations 5
1.1
1.2 Guarantee and Liability 5
1.3 Important Safety Advice 6
2.1 Basic Components of ME-Systems 9
2.2 System Configurations and Optional Components 10
2.2.1 Single Components for Standard Systems 11
2.2.2 ME Data Acquisition 11
2.2.3 Miniature Preamplifiers (MPA) 13
2.2.4 Filter Amplifiers with Fixed Gain (FA) 13
2.2.5 Programmable Gain Amplifiers 13
2.3 Accessories 14
2.4 Add-ons for Stimulation 14
2.5 Setting up the ME-System 15
2.6 Supply Power and Recommended Setups 16
2.7 Signal Amplification and Filters 17
2.8 Data Acquisition 18
2.8.1 MC_Card Hardware 18
2.8.2 DC Offset Correction 18
2.8.3 Sampling Rate 19
2.8.4 Software Package 20
2.9 Digital Input / Output, System Synchronization 21
2.9.1 Triggering the MC_Card and MC_Rack 21
2.9.2 Custom Switch for "Remote-Controlling" of the MC_Card 21
2.9.3 Triggering other Instruments by the MC_Card 22
3.1 About Troubleshooting 23
3.2 Triggering / Digital Input does not work 23
5.1 Amplifiers 27
5.2 ME-Sytems 28
5.3 Accessories 29
5.4 Add-ons for stimulation 30
5.5 Spare parts 30
5.6 Multielectrode Arrays 31
Important Information and Instructions
1 Important Information and Instructions
1.1 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.
1.2 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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ME-System Manual
1.3 Important Safety Advice
Warning: ME-/MEA-Systems include several instruments as individual components. Each
instrument is shipped with a separate manual. The information in the individual manuals fully
apply to the complete system. This manual is only to be understood as an additional information.
Read all manuals thoroughly before setting up the system.
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 devices 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 products.
Check the power cords 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 of the products.
Liquids may cause short circuits or other damage. Keep the devices and the power cords always
dry. Do not handle it with wet hands.
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Important Information and Instructions
Electromagnetic compatibility of the MC_Card
The MC_Card data acquisition board is only intended for research work in laboratories.
It belongs to product class 0 conforming to the European Product Regulations and the
CE (Conformité Européenne) marking. The MC_Card complies with all applicable directives
specified in the Council Directive for Electromagnetic Compatibility (89/336/EU).
Requirements for the installation
The MC_Card is only suitable for extra-low voltages and shall be used only as specified.
The equipment shall be correctly earthed or connected to ground.
The analog inputs should be closed or connected to active signals.
Connections to all inputs and outputs shall be made with screened cables specified by
Multi Channel Systems. The screen has to be connected to a solid earth or chassis connection.
ESD voltages at open lines may cause malfunction during operation.
The products shall only be operated from approved power packs (if necessary).
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2 Welcome to (USB-) ME-Systems
2.1 Basic Components of (USB-) ME-Systems
Welcome to (USB-) ME-Systems
Multi Channel Systems provides complete solutions for stimulation, recording, and data
acquisition from up to 256 channels, data analysis and export. The ME (multielectrode)
product line is intended for extracellular electrophysiological recordings in vivo, and special
in vitro applications. Typical applications include, for example simultaneous spike and local field
potential recording; or multi-unit and single-unit recording from awake behaving of animals.
In the following, all basic components that can be part of a complete ME-System
or an USB-ME-System are briefly described.
The 8- or 32-channel miniature preamplifier (MPA8I, MPA32I) is connected to the
microelectrodes for providing the initial tenfold amplification stage. Adapters for all standard
microelectrodes such as acute or chronic probes from NeuroNexus are available as accessories.
Signal collectors for connecting 8 x MPA8I (SC8x8) or 2 x MPA32I (SC2x32) collect the output
channels of the preamplifiers and send the preamplified raw data stream to the following
filter amplifier (FAI) with custom bandwidth and gain. Alternatively, a programmable gain
amplifier (PGA) is available with software-selectable gain settings for all channels separately.
The amplified and filtered raw data is then acquired and digitized by the MC_Card hardware
that is preinstalled on the data acquisition computer or by an external USB based data acquisition
device.
68-pin MCS high grade cables C68x3M (3 meters), C68x1M (1 meter), or C68x0.5M (0.5 meter) are
used for connecting the amplifier, the MC_Card or the USB-ME device and any additional devices.
The computer supplies the power for the miniature preamplifiers and filter amplifiers (not for the
PGAs) via the isolated power supply IPS10W. The supply power is distributed to the amplifiers
via the MCS high grade cable as well. Please note that you need an external power supply
if your data acquisition computer lacks of an IPS10W or if you use an USB-ME device.
Recorded data is graphed, analyzed, and reviewed with the powerful and easy-to-use MC_Rack
program. You can export the data in standard formats to other programs with MC_DataTool.
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ME-System Manual
(USB-) ME-Systems can be combined with a wide range of MCS products: Amplifiers, stimulators,
and various accessories.
In addition to the standard ME product line, the USB-ME-FAI-Systems are available as very
compact, portable stand-alone solutions for extracellular recordings from 16 and 32 channels.
The systems feature an integrated 16- / 32-channel filter amplifier and data acquisition.
The digitally converted electrode signals are transmitted to the connected computer via
universal serial bus (Full Speed USB 2.0).
In USB-ME64- / 128- / 256-Systems the MC_Card hardware is replaced by the external
USB-ME64- / 128- / 256- data acquisition device. Analog raw data are digitized and transmitted
to any computer via USB High Speed 2.0.
2.2 System Configurations and Optional Components
Multi Channel Systems provides several complete standard configurations and custom systems.
This chapter will give an overview on different system configurations. Please see also both
handouts “Multielectrode Array Systems System Suggestions” and “Multielectrode Array
Systems USB-System Suggestions”, which show detailed diagrams of several typical setups.
Please note that you have various options for setting up your personal (USB-) ME-System
configuration. For more information about the scope of delivery of your system, please see
the separate shipping documents.
Please see the separate documentation for information on installing and operating the
individual components of your (USB-) ME-System. All warnings and safety related information
of the separate documents apply and must be regarded.
Do not hesitate to contact MCS or your local retailer if you are interested in a particular setup
or if you have other questions.
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