Multichannel Systems MEA2100-System Manual - Manual (Page 34)

MEA2100-System Manual
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Analog Channels
Eight Analog IN channels are available via 20 pin connector. Please read chapter "Pin Layout"
(Analog IN Connector) in the Appendix for more information.
The additional analog inputs are intended for recording additional information from external
devices, for example, for recording patch clamp in parallel to the MEA recording, for monitoring
the temperature, or for fluidic control. Two of these channels (No 1 and 2) are available via Lemo
connectors on the rear panel of the interface board. You could also use the analog inputs for
triggering, but please note that the digital inputs DIG IN 0 to 3 are intended for accepting TTL
pulses. Signals on the analog channels are digitized and amplified with a gain factor of 2.
Analog Channels 1 and 2
Two of the eight analog channels described above (analog channel 1 and 2) are directly accessible
via two Lemo connectors.
Two USB Connectors
Both USB connectors are used to transfer the amplified and digitized data from all data channels
and the additional digital and analog channels to any connected data acquisition computer via
USB high speed 2.0 (type A - mini B) cable. While one USB connection is enough for all 240 data
channels in principle, it is recommended to use two USB connections when using two headstages
with 120 channels each.
Important: It is recommended to connect the USB cables to different USB ports of the computer.
Do not use an USB hub!
Note: The sampling rate will decrease to 40 kHz per channel when using only one USB cable
with two headstages with 120 channels.
An additional advantage of two USB connections is that MC_Rack will recognize the two
headstages as two different devices. Therefore it is possible to run one instance of MC_Rack
for each headstage.
Audio OUT
To the Audio Out (3.5 mm phone jack) you can connect an audio system to make the electrical
activity audible. This audio output is real-time. Headphones or a speaker can be connected
directly to the AUDIO OUT. Only two channels at a time can be converted into sound (Stereo).
Side Panel
Sockets for connecting up to two headstages via eSATAp cable.