PGA Manual
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.
Table of Contents Introduction About this Manual 1 1 Important Information and Instructions Operator's Obligations Guarantee and Liability Important Safety Advice Terms of Use for the program Limitation of Liability 3 3 3 4 5 5 First Use of the PGA Welcome to the PGA Installing the Software Setting Up and Connecting the PGA 7 7 8 8 Operating the PGA Adjusting the Gain Settings Signal Amplification and Filters Differential Amplifier and Noise Reduction 11 11 12 13 Troubleshooting About Troubleshootin
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.
2 Important Information and Instructions 2.
PGA 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.
Important Information and Instructions 2.4 Terms of Use for the program You are free to use the program for its intended purpose. You agree that you will not decompile, reverse engineer, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code of the software. 2.5 Limitation of Liability Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guaranty as to the accuracy of any and all tests and data generated by the use the software.
3 First Use of the PGA 3.1 Welcome to the PGA The Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) is used for amplifying and filtering raw data from a miniature preamplifier, for example, a MPA32I. The PGA is a differential (I-type) filter amplifier. It operates similar to the standard I-type filter amplifiers (FA) from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH, but was designed for users who demand a higher flexibility.
PGA Manual 3.2 Installing the Software System requirements Software: One of the following Windows operating systems is required: Windows 7, Vista or Windows XP (English and German versions supported). Other language versions may lead to software errors. Hardware: USB Port 1.1 Installing the software Please check the system requirements before you install the software. MCS cannot guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled.
First Use of the PGA Warning: Do not mismatch the polarity of the power supply. False connection may damage the device. Important: Make sure that the reference input is always connected, because signals applied to the reference input are subtracted from the recording signal input channels. If the reference input is unconnected or connected to an electrode in an active area (for example, it sees signals of interest), this will either lead to signal loss or to a very high noise level.
4 Operating the PGA 4.1 Adjusting the Gain Settings 1. Switch the power supply on. The PGA’s power LED should be lighting. 2. Start the PGA-Control program. 3. Specify the gain settings for all channels by selecting the appropriate gain factor from the dropdown menu, or load a previously saved gain configuration ("*.amp" file). A different gain level can be selected individually for each channel. The option Set All can be used to define a general gain level for all channels. 4.
PGA Manual 4.2 Signal Amplification and Filters The PGA combines a band pass filter and the signal amplification in one instrument. Different filter settings are used for different applications to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. The pass band of the filter amplifier should be chosen according to the signal type.
Operating the PGA 4.3 Differential Amplifier and Noise Reduction If the reference electrode is properly placed into an inactive region near the recording site, the noise voltage is usually a common component of the input voltages from the reference electrode and the recording electrodes. Thus, the noise will be canceled out when the difference of the amplifier inputs is taken as the recording signal. As a differential amplifier, the PGA has a reference input in addition to the ground input.
5 Troubleshooting 5.1 About Troubleshooting The following hints are provided to solve special problems that have been reported by users. Most problems occur seldom and only under specific circumstances. Please check the mentioned possible causes carefully when you have any trouble with the product. In most cases, it is only a minor problem that can be easily avoided or solved. If the problem persists, please contact your local retailer. The highly qualified staff will be glad to help you.
PGA Manual 5.3 Insufficient Power You see no signals or strange artifacts on all channels. This behavior can be caused by an insufficient supply power, indicated by a flickering or dark power LED. Please see the PGA data sheet for more information on the supply power requirements. If the voltage drops beyond a critical level, the amplifier cannot operate properly, resulting in artifacts or in a saturation of the amplifier.
6 Appendix 6.
PGA Manual 6.2 Contact Information Local retailer Please see the list of official MCS distributors on the MCS web site. User forum The Multi Channel Systems User Forum provides the opportunity for you to exchange your experience or thoughts with other users worldwide. Mailing list If you have subscribed to the General Electrophysiology Mailing List, you will be automatically informed about new software releases, upcoming events, and other news on the product line.
Appendix 6.3 Ordering Information Please contact your local retailer for pricing and ordering information.
PGA Manual gain acquisition, USB 2.
Appendix Accessories Product Product Number Description Power supply with 40 W power and ± 7 V output voltage PS40W For supplying power to programmable gain amplifiers, for custom setups that lack an internal power supply, or for other custom applications. 32-Channel Cactus Needle Adapter ADPT-CN-32 Allows a direct connection of electrodes with cactus needles to a 32-channel miniature preamplifier MPA32I.
PGA Manual Microelectrode Arrays A broad range of microelectrode probes are available from several providers. The following are compatible with the miniature preamplifiers from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. If you are interested in a particular probe that is not mentioned here, please ask Multi Channel Systems or your local retailer for compatibility.
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PGA Manual A About 15 Aliasing 11 Amplification 11 B Band bandwidth .........................................11 D Differential operation...........................................12 Download downloading gain settings ..............11 F Filters bandwidth .........................................11 G Gain adjusting the gain.............................11 I Installing Software ..............................................7 L LED power LED not lighting ....................
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