USB-MEA256-System 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 1 1.1 1.2 Introduction About this Manual Welcome to the USB-MEA256-System 1 1 2 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 Important Safety Advice Operator's Obligations Guarantee and Liability Important Safety Advice 3 3 3 4 3 3.1 Software Installation Software Installation 3.1.1 System Requirements 3.1.2 Recommended BIOS settings 3.1.3 Driver Installation 3.1.4 First Use of MC_Rack 5 5 5 6 6 7 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.
USB-MEA256-System Manual iv 6 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.
1 Introduction 1.1 About this Manual It is assumed that you already have a basic understanding of technical and software terms. No special skills are required to read this manual. If you are using the device for the first time, please read the Important Safety Advice before installing the hardware and software, where you will find important information about the installation and first steps. The device and the software are part of an ongoing developmental process.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 1.2 Welcome to the USB-MEA256-System The USB-MEA256-System is a compact and portable stand-alone solution for MEA recordings with integrated amplification, data acquisition, and analog / digital conversion. It is a highly flexible system: The system acquires data from up to 252 electrode channels, four additional analog channels, and 16 digital IN / OUT channels. The digitized electrode data is transmitted to the connected computer via universal serial bus (High Speed USB 2.0).
2 Important Safety Advice 2.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 2.3 Important Safety Advice Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to installation or use of 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: Always obey the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should be allowed to perform laboratory work.
3 Software Installation 3.1 Software Installation Please check the system requirements before you install the MC_Rack software. MCS cannot guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled. Please see the MC_Rack Help or Manual for more information. It is recommended that you check the MCS web site for software updates on a regular basis. The USB-MEA256-System is a plug and play device. The driver is automatically installed together with the MC_Rack program.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 3.1.2 Recommended BIOS settings Recommended operating system settings The following automatic services of the Windows operating system interfere with the data storage on the hard disk and can lead to severe performance limits in MC_Rack. These routines were designed for use on office computers, but are not very useful for a data acquisition computer. 1. Turned off Windows System Restore. 2. Windows Indexing Service deselected for all local disks. 3.
Software Installation 3.1.4 First Use of MC_Rack It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using MC_Rack. Remove all applications from the Autostart folder. Warning: The operating system settings of the data acquisition computer were preconfigured by MCS and should not be changed by the user. Changing these settings can lead to program instabilities and data loss.
4 USB-MEA256-System 4.1 The USB-MEA256 Data Acquisition Analog input signals are acquired from the data source and digitized by the 256-channel analog / digital converter that is integrated into the main unit. Recorded signals are converted in real-time into digital data streams at sampling rates of up to 40 kHz per channel. You will not miss even the fastest biological signals. Data is transferred to the computer via a High Speed USB 2.0 port. A 16 bit digital (TTL) input / output channel is available.
USB-MEA256-System Manual If necessary, you can use a Faraday cage or appropriate materials, for example, aluminum foil, for shielding the amplifier. The shielding should be connected to the amplifier's ground. Warning: Spilled liquid can damage or even completely destroy the electronics of the MEA256 amplifier. Please be careful when setting up your perfusion system and when starting the perfusion.
USB-MEA256-System 4.4 256 Thin MEA The glass part of 256 Thin MEAs are only 180 μm "thick", ideally suited for high-resolution imaging. 256ThinMEAs are like standard MEAs, but the electrodes are embedded in a very thin and delicate glass substrate on a robust ceramic carrier. The thin glass allows the use of oil immersion objectives with a high numerical aperture.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 4.6 The USB-MEA256-System USB-MEA256-System is a high flexible system with integrated amplification, data acquisition, and analog / digital conversion. Via USB High Speed 2.0 it is possible to transfer a digitally converted and amplified data stream of up to 252 electrode channels to any data acquisition computer. Note: Using a USB hub for connecting the USB-MEA256-System to the computer is not recommended. The system needs a broad bandwidth for the data transmission.
USB-MEA256-System 4.8 Setting Up the Amplifier Open the lid of the amplifier. Place the 256MEA test model probe inside. Replace the lid and close it carefully. First Functional Tests Each MEA amplifier has been thoroughly tested at the factory site before delivery. However, you may want to perform some tests yourself before you begin your experiment to exclude any damage that might have occurred during transportation, or to fulfill your own guidelines, for instance.
USB-MEA256-System Manual General Performance / Noise Level Please use the provided test model probe to test the amplifier immediately after installation. It simulates a MEA with a resistor of 220 k and a 1 nF capacitor between bath and electrode. Use MC_Rack or your custom data acquisition program to record from the test model probe and to check the amplifier. Please see "Test Model Probe" in the Appendix. Alternative to the test model probe you can use n 256MEA Signal Generator.
USB-MEA256-System The following screen shot shows a recording from a USB-MEA256-System with a test model probe and a sampling rate of 40 kHz. Setting up an Experiment Open the lid of the amplifier. Place the 256MEA chip inside the USB-MEA256 amplifier. The pin layout is described in chapter “Pin Layout” in the Appendix. The MEA256 is rotationally symmetrical, so in principle the orientation in the amplifier doesn’t matter.
USB-MEA256-System Manual Replace the lid and close it carefully. Warning: Spilled liquid can damage or even completely destroy the electronics of the MEA256 amplifier. Please be careful when setting up your perfusion system and when starting the perfusion. Take care that the flow rates of the inlet and outlet flow match so that flooding of the amplifier is efficiently prevented.
USB-MEA256-System Using 256MEA Electrodes for Stimulation The electrodes of the 256MEAs can also be used for electrical stimulation. Around the open area for the 256MEA, there are two rows of connection sockets on each side in the lid of the amplifier. There is one socket for each electrode and four ground sockets. These sockets can be used to connect each electrode to a stimulus generator, for example, a STG4000 from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.
USB-MEA256-System Manual Using 256-9wellMEA Electrodes for Stimulation Each well of the nine wells of the 256-9wellMEA is equipped with 26 round recording electrodes in a 6 x 5 grid, two square electrodes S1 and S2 for recording or stimulation and one big reference electrode. For detailed information, please read chapter “256-9wellMEA” and the data sheet. If stimulation electrodes S1 and S2 in all wells are to be stimulated simultaneously, it is recommended to use the adapter 256MEA-9well-STIM-ADPT.
USB-MEA256-System 4.9 The USB-MEA256 Device 4.9.1 Rear Panel DIGITAL IN / OUT A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available (68-pin MCS standard connector). The Digital IN / OUT connection accepts or generates standard TTL signals. TTL stands for Transistor-Transistor Logic. A TTL pulse is defined as a digital signal for communication between two devices. A voltage between 0 V and 0.8 V is considered as a logical state of 0 (LOW), and a voltage between 2 V and 5 V means 1 (HIGH).
USB-MEA256-System Manual Audio Output AUDIO To the AUDIO OUT (3.5 mm phone jack) you can connect an audio system to make the electrical activity audible. In contrast to the sound tool of MC_Rack, this audio output is real time. There is almost no time delay between the detection of a signal by the recording electrode and the corresponding sound. Headphones or a speaker can be connected directly to the AUDIO OUT. Only one channel can be converted into sound.
USB-MEA256-System Cabling For D0 IN and D0 OUT, and Analog Input A1 to A4 on the rear panel of the device you need coaxial cable: Lemo cable with one head BNC connector, the other head "Lemo" connector. Please see the picture below. Temperature Controller TC01 / 02 The USB-MEA256-System features a heating element with a PT100 temperature sensor.
5 Troubleshooting 5.1 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.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 5.3 Triggering / Digital Input does not Work You have connected a TTL source (for example, the Sync Out of a stimulus generator) to the digital input D0 of the USB-MEA256-System, and configured the virtual rack in MC_Rack for triggering displays or data acquisition by the TTL source, but you do not see any sweeps.
Troubleshooting 5.5 MEA is defective MEAs wear out after multiple uses or over a longer time of use, for example, for long-term cultures. This is considered a normal behavior. MEAs are also easily damaged by mishandling, for example, if wrong cleaning solutions or too severe cleaning methods are used or if the recording area is touched. If you observe a bad long-term performance of MEAs, consider a more careful handling. Possible causes: ? The contact pads are contaminated.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 5.7 Missing Spikes or Strange Signal Behavior MEAs wear out after multiple uses or over a longer time of use, for example for long-term cultures. The insulation layer gets thin over time. This is considered a normal behavior. Possible causes: ? The insulation layer is too thin. As a result, the MEA gets the behavior of a low pass filter. This means, that the signal frequency may be shifted to a lower frequency, and spikes are missing. Optically control the MEA with a microscope.
6 Appendix 6.1 Technical Support Please read the chapter "Troubleshooting" of the user manual first. Most problems are caused by minor handling errors. Contact your local retailer immediately if the cause of trouble remains unclear. Please understand that information on your hardware and software configuration is necessary to analyze and finally solve the problem you encounter.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 6.2 Technical Specifications The USB-MEA256-System is a 252 + 4 channels amplifier with integrated analog / digital board converting analog signals to digital data streams in real time. It is intended to directly contact to a 252 electrode Microelectrode Array (MEA). General characteristics: Operating temperature 10 °C to 50 °C Storage temperature 0 °C to 70 °C Relative humidity 10 % to 85 %, non-condensing Dimensions (L x D x H) 325.4 mm x 207.7 mm x 25.
Appendix Data converter and USB interface: Sampling frequency up to 40 kHz Maximal data rate 20.5 MB/s Data resolution 16 Bit USB Version USB 2.0 High Speed Heating element and temperature sensor: Heating element impedance 20 Temperature sensor type PT 100 with 4 wire connection Rear Panel interface and connectors: 1 16 bit digital in / out 68-pin MCS standard connectors, MCS high grade cable 1 Digital out D0 OUT Lemo connector (EPL.00.250 NTN) 1 Digital in D0 IN Lemo connector (EPL.00.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 6.3 Pin Layout Analog IN A1 to A4 Please note that the channels 127, 128, 255 and 256 are not used for recording analog raw data from 256MEA in the USB-MEA256-System. A1 to A4 are for additional analog data.
Appendix USB-MEA256-System Amplifier: Stimulation Connector Sockets 1 to 4 USB-MEA256-System Amplifier: Spring Contacts Number of the spring contact in the lid of the amplifier which connect to the contact pads of the 256MEA. The spring contacts are counted clockwise, starting in the upper left edge.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 6.4 Test Model Probe The provided model test probe simulates a 256MEA with a resistor of 220 k and a 1 nF capacitor between bath and electrode, for all 256 electrodes, and can be used for testing USB-MEA256Systems.
Appendix 6.
256MEA 256MEA30/8iR-ITO 256MEA60/10iR-ITO 256MEA100/30iR-ITO 256MEA200/30iR-ITO 2 Connector 1 1 64 63 64 63 1 2 rebmuN laireS ABCDEFGH I KL MNOPR Connector 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Connector 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ABCDEFGH I KL MNOPR 2 1 63 64 63 64 256 Microelectrode Array for use with USB-MEA256-System.
256MEA A2 B1 C2 E5 D3 D1 E4 E2 F5 F3 F1G4 G2 H5 H3 H1 H7 I6 I2 I4 B2 C3 C1 G7 D2 G6 E3 E1 F4 F2 G5 G3 G1 H4 H2 H6 I 3 I 5 K 2 K 4 L 1 L 3 L 5 M 2 M 4 N 1 N3 L 6 O 2 N 4 I7 I1 K 1 K 3 K 5 L 2 L 4 M 1 M 3 K 6 N 2 I 8 O 1 GND GND D 4 A3 B3 H8 F6 P2 P1 O3 R2 rebmuN laireS R3 P3 B4 C4 K7 M5 F7 A4 A5 B5 D6 E6 B6 C6 E7 A6 C7 D7 A7 B7 D8 E8 B8 C8 P4 O4 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1 I1 K1 L1 M1 N1 O1 P1 A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2 I2 K2 L2 M2 N2 O2 P2 R2 A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3
256MEA Stimulation Connector Socket 1 Electrode Stim.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 6.
256ThinMEA 256ThinMEA200/30iR-ITO 2 Connector 1 1 64 63 64 63 1 2 ABCDEFGH I KL MNOPR Connector 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Connector 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ABCDEFGH I KL MNOPR 2 1 63 64 Thin microelectrode array with 16 x 16 layout. The electrodes are embedded in a very thin glass substrate on a robust ceramic carrier. Contact pads and tracks are made from transparent ITO for high resolution imaging.
256ThinMEA A2 B1 C2 E5 D3 D1 E4 E2 F5 F3 F1G4 G2 H5 H3 H1 H7 I6 I2 I4 B2 C3 C1 G7 D2 G6 E3 E1 F4 F2 G5 G3 G1 H4 H2 H6 I 3 I 5 K 2 K 4 L 1 L 3 L 5 M 2 M 4 N 1 N3 L 6 O 2 N 4 I7 I1 K 1 K 3 K 5 L 2 L 4 M 1 M 3 K 6 N 2 I 8 O 1 GND GND D 4 P2 P1 A3 B3 O3 R2 H8 F6 R3 P3 B4 C4 K7 M5 F7 A4 P4 O4 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1 I1 K1 L1 M1 N1 O1 P1 A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2 I2 K2 L2 M2 N2 O2 P2 R2 A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3 I3 K3 L3 M3 N3 O3 P3 R3 A4 B4 C4 D4 E4 F4
256ThinMEA Stimulation Connector Socket 1 Electrode Stim.
Appendix 6.
256-9wellMEA 256-9wellMEA300/30iR-ITO-w/o 256-9wellMEA300/30iR-ITO-mq 2 9-well Microelectrode Array for use with USB-MEA256-System. 1 Connector 1 64 63 1 2 MCS A B C D E F G H J Connector 2 Connector 4 64 63 63 64 2 1 The MEA is not symmetrical and has to be inserted into the amplifier with the writing MCS on top as shown in the picture beside.
256-9wellMEA Macrolon Quadrat MCS 9 mm Slot to insert an O-ring for membrane covering. 0.8 mm 0.8 mm 6.5 mm 1.2 mm A B C D E F G H J 1.2 mm 6.5 mm 9-Well macrolon quadrat for 256-9wellMEA. 14.60 mm 23.50 mm 49 mm 256-9wellMEA with macrolon quadrat and 9well-CC ring to use it as a culture chamber. Please insert a foil between quadrat and ring.
256-9wellMEA E31 A34 A24 A33 A13 A12 A21 A31 A42 A52 A43 AS2 A64 A55 A45 B34 B24 BS1 B13 B12 B21 B31 B42 B52 B43 BS2 B64 B55 B45 E42 E52 GND A35 A25 A14 AS1 A23 A22 A32 A41 A51 A62 A63 A53 A54 A44 B35 B25 B14 B33 B23 B22 B32 B41 B51 B62 B63 B53 B54 B44 E41 E51 E62 E43 GND E32 C35 ES2 E22 E21 C25 C34 E23 E12 C14 C24 D45 E13 C23 CS1 D55 D44 A21 A31 A41 A51 B21 B31 B41 B51 A D64 D54 D53 DS2 D43 D63 D52 D62 B A25 A35 A45 A55 D42 D51 B25 B35 B45 B55 C21 C31 C41 C51 C C25 C35 C45 C55 C33 C13 C
256-9wellMEA Tables: Electrode ID and number of stimulation connector socket in well A, B, and C. Electrode ID and number of stimulation connector socket in well D, E, and F. Electrode ID and number of stimulation connector socket in well G, H, and J. Well A Stimulation Socket Conn. 1 No. 7 Conn. 1 No. 12 Conn. 1 No. 10 Conn. 1 No. 5 Conn. 1 No. 14 Conn. 1 No. 11 Conn. 1 No. 9 Conn. 1 No. 6 Conn. 1 No. 3 Conn. 1 No. 16 Conn. 1 No. 13 Conn. 1 No. 8 Conn. 1 No. 4 Conn. 1 No. 1 Conn. 1 No. 15 Conn. 1 No.
256-9wellMEA Stim Sock et 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 GND Connector 1 Elect Sprin rode g ID Con.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 6.
* multichannel systems 256MEA-STIM-C-Con Connector for Electrode Stimulation of 256MEAs in USB-MEA256-Systems Connector for inserting the stimulation cable CB and / or CR from the STG into the provided stimulation sockets of the USB-MEA256-System. Stimulation cable CB (black) and CR (red) with connected adapter. The stimulation cables have a 0.76 mm connector on the head for the adapter, and a 1.0 mm connector on the head for the stimulus generator.
Appendix 6.
256MEA-9well-STIM-ADPT * multichannel systems Adapter for Electrode Stimulation of 9-Well MEAs in USB-MEA256-Systems Front panel of the adapter 256MEA-9well-STIM-ADPT. The red connectors are for stimulation of the electrodes S1 and / or S2 in each well. The black connectors are for grounding the system.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 6.
256MEA-SG 256MEA Signal Generator for use with USB-MEA256-System Control button LED DIP switch Battery Gold contact pads 256MEA Signal Generator is a convenient tool for USB-MEA256-System users. Use the 256MEA-SG instead of setting up an experiment with biological sample for training, controlling, and troubleshooting purposes. This reduces the number of animal experiments and saves laboratory equipment. Switch on : Press control button. Switch off : Press control button longer than two seconds.
256MEA-SG 256MEA Signal Generator Switch 1 Switch 2 press Button Signal Source Signal Type n times OFF OFF 1 Artificial Sine Wave (1.75 mV) 0.005 Hz 256MEA-SG ON ON OFF Note: sine waves < 1Hz might not be visible because of the hardware filter bandwidth. 2 Sine Wave 0.01 Hz 3 Sine Wave 0.03 Hz 4 Sine Wave 1.25 Hz 5 Sine Wave 12.
Appendix 6.
USB-MEA256-System Manual 6.12 Scope of Delivery 1 USB-MEA256-System 1 Data acquisition computer 1 USB 2.0 high speed cable (type A - mini B) 4 Lemo coaxial cable with BNC and Lemo connectors (1 m) 1 Power supply unit with country specific power cord 1 Data acquisition and analysis software MC_Rack (Version 3.6.7 and higher) 1 Data export software MC_DataTool (Version 2.4.3 and higher) 1 USB-MEA256-System Manual 1 Data Sheet 6.
7 Index 41
USB-MEA256-System Manual 42
First functional test 1 16-bit digital IN / OUT 1, 9 12 G 2 General Performance / Noise Level 12 256MEA 9, 10, 23, 30 16x16 grid..........................................10 Electrode diameter ...........................10 Electrode impedance ........................10 Glass carrier .......................................10 Ground electrodes ............................10 ITO......................................................10 Pin Layout....................................
USB-MEA256-System Manual USB-MEA256-System U USB USB hub 44 1, 11, 27 11 1, 11 Using Electrodes for Stimulation 12 Pin Layout ......................................... 12 Sticker................................................
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