Multichannel Systems ME-System Manual - Manual (Page 9)

Welcome to (USB-) ME-Systems
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2 Welcome to (USB-) ME-Systems
2.1 Basic Components of (USB-) ME-Systems
Multi Channel Systems provides complete solutions for stimulation, recording, and data
acquisition from up to 256 channels, data analysis and export. The ME (multielectrode)
product line is intended for extracellular electrophysiological recordings in vivo, and special
in vitro applications. Typical applications include, for example simultaneous spike and local field
potential recording; or multi-unit and single-unit recording from awake behaving of animals.
In the following, all basic components that can be part of a complete ME-System
or an USB-ME-System are briefly described.
The 8- or 32-channel miniature preamplifier (MPA8I, MPA32I) is connected to the
microelectrodes for providing the initial tenfold amplification stage. Adapters for all standard
microelectrodes such as acute or chronic probes from NeuroNexus are available as accessories.
Signal collectors for connecting 8 x MPA8I (SC8x8) or 2 x MPA32I (SC2x32) collect the output
channels of the preamplifiers and send the preamplified raw data stream to the following
filter amplifier (FAI) with custom bandwidth and gain. Alternatively, a programmable gain
amplifier (PGA) is available with software-selectable gain settings for all channels separately.
The amplified and filtered raw data is then acquired and digitized by the MC_Card hardware
that is preinstalled on the data acquisition computer or by an external USB based data acquisition
device.
68-pin MCS high grade cables C68x3M (3 meters), C68x1M (1 meter), or C68x0.5M (0.5 meter) are
used for connecting the amplifier, the MC_Card or the USB-ME device and any additional devices.
The computer supplies the power for the miniature preamplifiers and filter amplifiers (not for the
PGAs) via the isolated power supply IPS10W. 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 your data acquisition computer lacks of an IPS10W or if you use an USB-ME device.
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 MC_DataTool.