Specifications

MEA-System Manual
12
2.4 Add-ons for Stimulation
MCS provides general-purpose stimulators like the advanced 4000 series with 2, 4 or 8 channels.
The flexible MC_Stimulus software enables complex stimulus waveforms (both current and
voltage). Waveforms designed in the program or imported from an external file are converted by
the STG into pulses, which are sent to stimulating electrodes.
Stimulus isolation units are integrated in the STG for each channel. Thus, no additional
stimulus isolations units are required.
Trigger in- and outputs are available for an exact timing of stimulation and for controlling other
instruments by TTL pulses. For example, stimulation and recording can be synchronized with a
digital trigger signal (TTL) sent from the Sync Out output of the stimulus generator to the
MC_Card via digital inputs.
With the advanced MEA preamplifier with blanking circuit (BC), you will be able to ground
electrodes or select electrodes for recording and stimulation by software controls from the data
acquisition computer. Stimulus artifacts and amplifier saturation are effectively prevented with a
blanking circuit.
2.5 Setting up the MEA-System
Warning: Please read the separate manuals of all individual instruments before installation,
especially the warnings and safety information. Make sure all devices are switched off before you
connect them to the power supply. Damage to the devices and even fatal injuries may result from
improper installation or use.
See also the documentation Microelectrode Array Systems — System Suggestions with
detailed diagrams and various setup suggestions. Provide a power supply in the immediate vicinity
of the installation site.
Note: Do not mismatch the three clearly labeled digital and analog inputs. Digital inputs are for
connecting TTL sources (generally used for triggering the recording); analog inputs are for
connecting additional analog data sources that are not amplified by the MEA amplifier, for
example, for monitoring the temperature, or for recording patch-clamp data in parallel to the
MEA recording.
1. Place all devices on a stable and dry surface, where the air can circulate freely and the devices are
not exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Set up the computer.
3. Set up all system components as described in the separate manuals.
4. Connect the MEA amplifier to the MC_Card (input labeled MC_Card Ch. 01–64) with 3 m 68-pin
MCS standard cable C68x3M. If you use a MEA Switch, please connect the amplifiers to the MEA
Switch with 1 m 68-pin MCS standard cables C68x1M, and connect the MEA Switch to the
MC_Card with 3 m 68-pin MCS standard cables C68x3M.
5.
If you have a MEA120-System, connect the second MEA amplifier with the 68-pin MCS standard
cable C68x3M to the input for channels 65–128 labeled MC_CX64 Ch. 65–128. If you use a MEA
Switch, please connect the amplifiers to the MEA Switch with 1 m 68-pin MCS standard cables
C68x1M, and connect the MEA Switch to the MC_Card with 3 m 68-pin MCS standard cables
C68x3M.
6.
Optional: Connect other not amplified analog input sources to the BNC connectors labeled
Analog IN (1, 2, 3).