Multichannel Systems nanoZ User Manual
nanoZ
™
User Manual
!
Disclaimer
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 White Matter LLC.
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.
nanoZ™ is a trademark of White Matter LLC. Other product and company names
mentioned in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
April 2012 revision © 2009-2012 White Matter LLC. All rights reserved.
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What’s!in!the!box?!......................................................................................................................................................!1!
Software!installation!................................................................................................................................................!2!
Firmware!updates!.....................................................................................................................................................!2!
Setting!up!the!nanoZ!.................................................................................................................................................!3!
Probe!adaptors!............................................................................................................................................................!5!
Calibration!adaptor!...................................................................................................................................................!5!
Tips!for!accurate!Z!measurements!.....................................................................................................................!6!
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Overview!........................................................................................................................................................................!8!
Channel!mapping!.......................................................................................................................................................!9!
Adaptor!window!.........................................................................................................................................................!9!
Probe!window!..........................................................................................................................................................!10!
Report!window!........................................................................................................................................................!11!
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Manual!control!mode!............................................................................................................................................!13!
Impedance!test!mode!............................................................................................................................................!15!
DC!electroplate!mode!............................................................................................................................................!16!
Impedance!spectroscopy!m od e!........................................................................................................................!18!
Activation!mode!......................................................................................................................................................!19!
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nanoz!MEX!library!..................................................................................................................................................!21!
Sample!scripts!..........................................................................................................................................................!22!
Function!descriptions!...........................................................................................................................................!23!
getversion*...................................................................................................................................................................*23!
enumdevs*....................................................................................................................................................................*23!
open*...............................................................................................................................................................................*23!
close*...............................................................................................................................................................................*24!
getdeviceversion*......................................................................................................................................................*24!
selectchannel*.............................................................................................................................................................*25!
setfreq*...........................................................................................................................................................................*25!
startimpmetering*....................................................................................................................................................*25!
getimpdata*.................................................................................................................................................................*26!
getwaveformcaps*....................................................................................................................................................*27!
getplatingcaps*..........................................................................................................................................................*28!
preparewaveform*....................................................................................................................................................*28!
startplating*................................................................................................................................................................*29!
startplatingdc*...........................................................................................................................................................*30!
getplatingdata*..........................................................................................................................................................*31!
stop*................................................................................................................................................................................*31!
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Hardware!....................................................................................................................................................................!34!
Software!......................................................................................................................................................................!34!
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Adaptor!definitions!................................................................................................................................................!36!
Electrode!definitions!.............................................................................................................................................!37!
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1
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Your nanoZ was specifically designed for multichannel microelectrode arrays. It
features extremely low test currents for measuring impedance or electrode
impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Several inbuilt electroplating modes are provided
for automated electrode impedance matching, activation, and cleaning.
!
The setup and operation of the nanoZ is described in this user manual, including
detailed information about the Matlab Software Development Kit (SDK) for
developing your own, customized nanoZ applications.
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Each nanoZ comes supplied with:
o nanoZ device
o USB 2.0 cable
o NZA-DIP16 adaptor
o NZ-CAL test adaptor
o 3-pin to alligator clip cable
o Installation CD
o (4) stick-on feet (optional)
If any item is missing or appears to be damaged or faulty, please contact the
distributor from whom you purchased your nanoZ.
FEATURES
• 64 channels
• 1k ~ 100MΩ working range
• 1Hz ~ 5kHz test frequencies
• 1kΩ display resolution, 1% accuracy
or better for 5k ~ 15MΩ electrodes at
test frequencies < 2kHz
• low (< 1.4nA) test currents suitable
for in vitro or in vivo testing
• constant current electroplating with
±12μA range, 5nA resolution, ±5V
compliance
• intuitive graphical user interface
• software development kit for Matlab
nanoZ User Manual
2
4'(+5#6&!:*,+#%%#+:'*!
1. Connect your nanoZ to the computer using the USB cable provided. Let
Windows search for the driver on the installation CD (in the Drivers subfolder).
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the USB drivers. Note that Windows 7
may have compatible drivers inbuilt, which are fine to use instead.
2. Run 'setup.exe' from the installation CD. Follow the on-screen instructions to
install the application suite, including the optional Matlab SDK if you want to
develop your own nanoZ applications under Matlab.
3. The software is ready for use. You can run the nanoZ control program from the
Windows Start Menu or Desktop Shortcut.
If you are re-installing or updating the software and either the ʻelectrodes.iniʼ or
ʻprefs.iniʼ files already exist, the installer will ask if you want to overwrite these files. If
you select no, the old files will remain unchanged. If you select yes, the old files will be
renamed with a ʻ.bakʼ extension, and the new ʻ.iniʼ files will take their place. You can
then use a text editor to copy any electrode or adaptor maps from the ʻ.bakʼ file to the
new ʻelectrodes.iniʼ file.
There is currently no standalone application for computers running Mac OS X,
however there is Matlab support for Intel-based Macs. To use the nanoZ Matlab
SDK on your Mac, install the device driver by opening the ʻD2XX.1.0.4.dmgʼ
package in the ʻDrivers\OS Xʼ subfolder on the installation CD, and follow the
instructions in the ʻreadme.rtfʼ file. Next, copy the ʻMatlab SDKʼ folder to your hard
drive. This folder contains the necessary Matlab ʻ.mexmaci/.mexmaci64ʼ support
files, and the same example scripts that are installed with the Windows version of
the nanoZ Matlab SDK.
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The firmware version currently installed on your nanoZ can be determined by
selecting the Help | About box from the main menu. When new versions of the
firmware are released, follow these instructions to update the firmware:
1. Plug in the nanoZ and run the 'nanoZ' application.
2. Select Device | Update firmware from the main menu.
3. Click File to select the new firmware (e.g. 'nanoZ_firmware_1_15.nzf').
4. Select the nanoZ device you wish to update by serial number. If only one
device is plugged in, only one serial number will appear in the drop-down list.
5. Click Update. While the new firmware is being uploaded the green LED on the
nanoZ will flicker. Do not unplug the nanoZ during the upload. The message
'Firmware updated successfully' indicates when the process is complete. You can
now click Exit and continue using the nanoZ application.
3
6. If the update is interrupted or cancelled the nanoZ may not function properly.
Repeat these instructions to upload the firmware completely.
It is advisable to update both the firmware and the software suite to the most recent
versions at the same time. Older firmware and device drivers may not work properly
with the latest software, and vice versa.
The latest software and firmware updates can be obtained from the download
page of your vendorʼs website, or from here: http://whitematter.serveftp.net.
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The nanoZ requires no additional hardware other than a PC with a USB port.
`
A simple way to mount the nanoZ is with a
regular laboratory retort stand and a threeprong clamp. Position the nanoZ over a
beaker of saline (or plating) solution. With this
setup, it is easier to put the beaker on a
height-adjustable laboratory jack and raise or
lower the jack to immerse the probe in the
solution, rather than adjusting the height of
the nanoZ on the stand.
probe
connector
USB port
future I/O
(some models)
thread
mount
LED
indicators
nanoZ User Manual
4
Alternatively, MultiChannel Systems Inc.
provides an adaptor (sold separately)
with an integrated aluminum rod that
can be attached to a micromanipulator.
This mounting option is also suitable for
in vivo applications. A recalibration is
recommended if you intend to use this
adaptor (see Appendix E).
To use the nanoZ with in vitro
electrode arrays from MultiChannel
Systems, plug the MCS MEA adaptor
into the nanoZ, then turn the nanoZ
face down and plug it into the MEAʼs
68 pin Honda socket, as shown here.
If the probe is connected directly to the nanoZ (e.g. a NeuroNexus A32 or A64
packaged probe), use a short jumper wire to connect one of the ʻGʼ pins on the
probe PCB to the bath electrode. If using a NZA series adaptor, such as the
supplied NZA-DIP16, connect the bath electrode to the adaptor using the 3-pinalligator cable supplied. A piece of platinum or platinum-iridium alloy wire
immersed in the bath solution makes an ideal reference connection, as does a
silver-silver chlorided wire or other inert metal. With the MCS MEA adaptor
(shown above) the reference connection of the bath is already connected to the
nanoZʼs reference input, so no external reference wire is required.
For other 3rd party adaptors, refer to the documentation provided to determine the
appropriate point of connection to the bath electrode.
Take care not to expose the nanoZ to liquids of any kind. If liquid gets
splashed on the nanoZ, wipe it off with a moist cloth and allow to dry. If
solution gets spilled inside the nanoZ, immediately unplug it and remove
any attached electrodes or electrode adaptors. For water spills, allow the nanoZ
to dry completely before resuming use. For saline or other solutions, remove the
two screws that secure the end-cap closest to the probe connector. It may be
necessary to remove both end-caps. Slide out the printed circuit board, being
careful not to damage the probe connector on the enclosure opening. Flush with
5
distilled water to remove all traces of the spillage, and allow the circuit board to
completely dry before re-assembling the nanoZ.
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Probes or electrode arrays that have Samtec
connectors (i.e. model number MOLC‐110‐01‐S‐Q)
can be plugged directly into the nanoZ, assuming
they conform to the nanoZʼs native pin mapping
(see Appendix C).
The nanoZ comes supplied with a NZA-DIP16 adaptor for probes that use a
DIP16 connector, and a variety of other adaptors are available for commonly
used interconnects such as those from Omnetics, Millmax, and Hirose. Contact
your vendor for information about the pin mapping of these adaptors.
All NZA series adaptors should be plugged into nanoZ so that the 3-pin header
on the adaptor is closest to the USB port end of the nanoZ. If using the NZADIP16 adaptor mapping defined in ʻelectrodes.iniʼ, be sure to plug the adaptor
into the ʻlowerʼ Samtec socket closest to the bottom edge of the nanoZ.
In the current version of the nanoZ, only R1 is connected to the internal circuitry.
R2 and R3 are reserved for future expansion. If you wish to make your own
reference electrode cable, be sure that it connects to R1 (see Appendix C).
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The nanoZ is supplied with a 32 channel calibration adaptor (NZCAL) that comprises a bank of resistors and capacitors of various
impedances (Appendix D). Use this adaptor to check the
accuracy of your nanoZ across the specified working range
(Appendix B).
The nanoZ does not require routine calibrations, however future firmware and
software upgrades may require a device re-calibration, for example, to extend the
nanoZʼs functionality or working range. Impedance recalibration may also be
needed to compensate for 3rd party electrode adaptors or extension cables that
may otherwise introduce errors in the impedance measurements.
plug adaptor into the
nanoZ with this end
oriented towards the USB
R1
Omnetics NZ-EIB-36 (Neuralynx)
nanoZ User Manual
6
The nanoZʼs electroplating circuit has a native resolution of ~100nA. To enable smaller
currents and the ~1nA electroplating accuracy offered by the nanoZ (software v1.4.0 or
later), devices shipped prior to April 2012 need to be recalibrated (see Appendix E).
The calibration adaptor should be orientated with the ʻNZ-CALʼ text closest to the
USB port, and the software should be set to No Adapter / Probe not selected.
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The nanoZ is capable of providing very accurate measurements across a wide
range of test frequencies and impedances (Appendix B). Nonetheless, care
should be taken to protect the test setup from electromagnetic interference (EMI)
such as 50/60Hz power line interference. The nanoZ is susceptible to EMI
because it uses very small test signals for measuring impedance. To ensure
accurate results, periodically check the signal quality using the Scope display of
the nanoZ application (or the signal buffers if using the Matlab SDK). Moderate
levels of power line noise or band-limited noise outside the impedance test
frequency of interest are not a problem. However, if the test signal is excessively
noisy and the amplifier is saturated (i.e. the cyan trace on the scope is either not
visible or appears ʻclippedʼ), then the measured impedance will not be accurate.
The nanoZ software will report if any part of the test signal is clipped, and
highlight in yellow the affected channels in the Report window.
If necessary, enclose the setup in wire mesh or aluminum foil to shield it from
EMI, and be sure to connect the shield to the reference wire. Move the setup
away from common sources of 50Hz noise, in particular fluorescent table lamps,
electric motors, or other lab equipment. In especially noisy environments it may
also help to run the nanoZ on a battery-powered laptop.
Clipping of the test sinusoid may also occur immediately after switching
channels, or if an impedance measurement is made immediately after applying
an electroplating current, before charge on the electrode site has had sufficient
time to dissipate. In both cases the nanoZ will report an artifactually low postplating impedance and a warning message, and attempt to re-test the electrode
several times before proceeding to the next channel. Refer to the subsequent
sections describing the various automated modes of operation for how to avoid
this artifact if and when it arises.
clean test signal test signal clipped warning in meter display
7
Finally, we recommend that the electrode and reference connections are kept as
short as possible. Long wires may distort results due to their capacitance. Avoid
open ends which act as antennas.
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nanoZ User Manual
8
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8@&6@:&5!
There are two options for interfacing with the nanoZ: a Windows-based nanoZ
application, and the Matlab SDK, which runs under Matlab. Refer to the ʻMatlab
software development kitʼ section of the User Manual for detailed instructions on
how to control the nanoZ from Matlab.
The nanoZ application can be run from the Windows Start menu or Desktop
shortcut. The application will connect with the first available nanoZ device. If one
or more nanoZs are plugged into the USB port after the application has already
started, they can be selected from the Device list on the main menu.
An intuitive graphical user interface makes the nanoZ easy to use.
User-programmable electrode site configurations (see Probe window) provide a
meaningful way to visualize the integrity of the electrode array, and allow subsets
of channels to be tested and/or conditioned by selecting the relevant sites with a
few mouse clicks.
A virtual digital multimeter (meter) displays impedance measurements or the realtime plating voltage, depending on the mode of operation. If R||C is checked, the
resistive and capacitive components of the current impedance measurement will
be displayed, assuming a parallel RC equivalent circuit model.
virtual meter,
scope display
device status
settings for
current mode
mode
selection
adaptor/
electrode
selection
9
Clicking on Scope or selecting View | Scope from the main menu will display a
virtual oscilloscope with the Z test or plating waveform (output) in green, and the
measured (input) waveform in cyan. Use the arrow icons to the right of the scope
to change the horizontal (time) and vertical (amplitude) zoom. To switch back to
the meter display, click Meter or select View | Meter from the main menu.
The status bar displays information about the nanoZ device hardware, including
error conditions. The LED icon on the left hand corner of the status bar reflects
the mode LED on the actual nanoZ device, and indicates the currently selected
mode of operation: off for passive mode, glowing green for impedance mode, and
glowing red for electroplating mode.
Impedance data are displayed in an Excel-like spreadsheet (see Report window),
which can be saved to file for storage or further analysis in programs like
Microsoft Excel or Matlab.
The mode-specific settings for the various automated modes of operation are
described in the next chapter of the User Manual.
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To support the various electrode adaptors that are available for the nanoZ, the
nanoZ application seamlessly translates the probe site layout to the adaptor pin
mapping, and from the adaptor pins to the nanoZʼs internal multiplexer (MUX). By
mapping in two stages, rather than directly from the probe layout to the nanoZ, it
is unnecessary to construct a new probe mapping for different adaptors.
Both adaptor mappings and electrode site layouts are defined in ʻelectrodes.iniʼ.
Refer to Appendix C for information on how to configure additional probe layout
and adaptor mappings.
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Adaptors can be selected from the drop-down list of known adaptors (i.e. those
defined in ʻelectrodes.iniʼ) located in the left top corner of the nanoZ main
application window. Select View | Adaptor from the main menu to display a
window depicting the adaptor. If no adaptor is attached to the nanoZ, selecting
No Adaptor from the drop-down list of adaptors will show the layout of the 64
channels used by the native connector.
probe!site!layout!
adaptor!pin!
mapping!
nanoZ!MUX!
channel!
nanoZ User Manual
10
When a channel is active, the corresponding pin on the Adaptor window is
highlighted. In passive or impedance testing mode, the pin is highlighted in
green; in electroplating mode the pin is highlighted in red. In Manual Control
mode (only), left clicking on an adaptor pin will switch the nanoZ to the channel
that corresponds to that pin.
Channels that have no connection for a given adaptor (as defined in
ʻelectrodes.iniʼ) cannot be selected, regardless of operating mode. For example,
the NZA-DIP16 adaptor uses 16 of the 64 available channels, and accordingly
only these 16 channels can be selected. To re-enable all 64 channels, select No
Adaptor.
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The nanoZ application supports arbitrary probe site configurations and, once
defined in ʻelectrodes.iniʼ, handles the channel mapping transparently. Several
example probes are provided with the default installation. Probe definitions can
be modified and new definitions can be added; refer to Appendix C for a detailed
description on how to do this.
Select View | Probe from the main menu to display a window showing the probe
electrode site layout with numbered sites.
When a channel is active, the corresponding electrode site
on the Probe window is highlighted. In passive (channel
selected) or impedance testing mode, the site is
highlighted in green; in electroplating mode the site is
highlighted in red.
The probe layout window can be used to select a subset of
electrode sites for testing or electroplating. You can select
and deselect one or multiple electrode sites using the
mouse. Double clicking the left mouse button selects or deselects all sites.
Selected site numbers are displayed in green; deselected sites are displayed in
grey.
The Probe window site selection applies to all automated modes of operation, but
not the Manual Control mode channel selector. In Manual Control mode (only),
left clicking on a site switches the nanoZ to the channel corresponding to that
site, taking into account the adaptor mapping. This provides an easy way to test
the impedance of selected sites by simply clicking on the sites of interest.
The Probe window can also be used to visualize impedance test results
according to the probe site layout, which may be more intuitive than reading
tabular results. Once a probe has been tested, holding down the right mouse
button highlights the condition of every recording site (red for short, blue for open,
green for normal, according to the settings in the Report window). With the right
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