2 testing the noise level of the setup – Multichannel Systems MPA8I Manual User Manual
Page 11
Pin Layout
5
If you are not using a Faraday cage, it might be necessary to shield the complete setup with
aluminum foil or similar to prevent electrical interference from the outside. Connect the aluminum
foil to the ground of the setup, for example, the metal table.
Troubleshooting: If you observe problems with noise, check that the ground of the
setup
is
connected to exactly the
same ground
as the
data acquisition computer
. For example, connect
the metal table to the ground / earth wire of a free power outlet (of the same electrical system),
as the computer is generally connected to ground / earth via the power plug, too. Also, connect the
data acquisition computer’s metal case
with a
thick ground wire
to the
ground
of the
setup,
for example, the metal table, preferably with a 4 mm plug.
3.2 Testing the Noise Level of the Setup
A terminal plug that connects all inputs to ground, and a test model probe that mimics the
electrode impedance are provided for testing the noise level of the setup. Please note that all
instruments were thoroughly tested at the factory site before delivery. The tests suggested below
are mainly intended for optimizing and troubleshooting your setup, to exclude any damage that
might have occurred during transportation, or to fulfill your own guidelines, for instance. It will take
only a few minutes time and can save time and trouble in the long run. Multi Channel Systems
recommends running these tests before you start your real experiments.
1.
Connect the terminal plug to one MPA8I and the test model probe to the other as shown in the
picture, please do not mismatch the polarity. If you have only one MPA8I, you can perform the
two tests consecutively.
2.
Connect the MPA8I with test model probe to channels 1 to 8 of the signal collector.
3.
Connect the MPA8I with the terminal plug to channels 9 to 16 of the signal collector.
4.
Make sure that all other connections are appropriate, and that your setup has an appropriate
grounding and shielding as recommended in the chapter “General Setup Recommendations”.