Specifications

Welcome to MEA-Systems
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2 Welcome to MEA-Systems
2.1 Basic Components of MEA-Systems
Multi Channel Systemss provides complete solutions for stimulation, perfusion, recording, and
data acquisition from up to 128 channels, data analysis and export. The MEA (microelectrode
array) product line is intended for extracellular electrophysiological recordings in vitro.
Applications include whole-heart preparations; acute brain, heart, and retina slices; cultured slices;
and dissociated neuronal or cardiomyocyte cell cultures.
In the following, all basic components that are part of all complete MEA-Systems are briefly
described.
A microelectrode array is an arrangement of 60 electrodes that allows the simultaneous
targeting of several sites for extracellular stimulation and recording. Cell lines or tissue slices are
placed directly on the MEA and can be cultivated for up to several months. Almost all excitable or
spontaneously active cells and tissues can be used. The temperature controller TC01/02
regulates the MEA temperature.
Raw data from the MEA electrodes are amplified by MEA1060 filter amplifiers with custom
bandwidth and gain, which are built very small and compact using SMD (Surface Mounted
Devices) technology. The small-sized MEA1060 amplifier combines the interface to the MEA probe
with the signal filtering and the amplification of the signal. The compact design reduces line pick
up and keeps the noise level down. All MEA1060 amplifiers are available either for inverted
microscopes or for upright microscopes, MEA1060-Inv and MEA1060-Up, respectively.
The analog input signals are then acquired and digitized by the MC_Card that is preinstalled on
the data acquisition computer.
68-pin MCS high grade cables C68x3M (3 meters), C68x1M (1 meter), or C68x0.5M (0.5 meter) are
used for connecting the MEA1060 amplifier, the MC_Card, and any additional devices. The
computer supplies the power for the amplifiers via the isolated power supply IPS10W (for one
amplifier and MEA60-System, or two amplifiers and MEA120-System). 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 you use a MEA switch for operating multiple amplifiers.
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 the MC_DataTool.