Multichannel Systems MEA1060-Up Manual - Manual (Page 9)

5
3 First Use of the MEA Amplifier
3.1 Welcome to the MEA Amplifier
Raw data from up to 60 electrodes of a microelectrode array (MEA) is amplified
by 60 channels of filter amplifiers that are built very small and compact using SMD
(Surface Mounted Devices) technology. The small-sized MEA 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.
The MEA sensor is placed directly into the small-sized MEA amplifier. When the amplifier
is closed, the contact pins in the lid of the amplifier are pressed onto the MEA contact pads.
The very close location of the amplifier to the MEA sensor is very favorable concerning a high
signal-to-noise ratio.
MEA amplifiers can be ordered with different gain and bandwidth configurations by the user's
choice. For example, typical pass bands would be 1 to 300 Hz for recording field potentials and
300 to 3000 Hz for recording action potentials. It is also possible to use a broadband amplifier and
filter the data with the digital filter of the free MC_Rack program. Gain settings from 100 to 5000
are possible.
The amplifier is connected to the data acquisition computer via a single 68-pin MCS standard
cable. The analog output signals of the MEA amplifier are then acquired and digitized by the
MC_Card (MEA-System) or your custom data acquisition system.
MEA amplifiers have an integrated heating system for controlling the MEA's temperature.
The desired temperature can be easily programmed with a temperature controller. You will not
need an incubator during recording all environmental conditions are reliably controlled directly
in the MEA dish.
You can then simply ground bad or unwanted electrodes by toggling small switches on the
amplifier. You can also connect a stimulus generator to any electrode(s) for stimulation.
Amplifier inputs are grounded during stimulation to prevent a saturation of the amplifier.