2welcome to the μpa – Multichannel Systems µPA16+32 Manual User Manual
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Welcome to the μPA
The μPA micro preamplifier with 16 or 32 electrode inputs is connected to the microelectrode probes
for providing the initial tenfold amplification stage. Gain might be different from default value
according to customer specification. The use of a headstage preamplifier unit optimizes the signal
to noise ratio.
The micro preamplifier is equipped with an Omnetics socket for NeuroNexus probes. It has an additional
common ground and a reference electrode input. The reference electrode is ideally identical to the
recording electrodes and placed into a comparable but inactive area or tissue. Background or noise
signals that are picked up by both the reference electrode and the recording electrodes are removed.
The metal case provides electrical shielding.
The very high input impedance ensures stable long-term
recordings.
Ideally, the input impedance would be infinite to minimize electrical current. As low voltages are
generally recorded, a high current would flow if the input impedance were low. As a result, the
amplifier would not be able to deliver the current, and the voltage would break down.
The micro preamplifier has a high input impedance to avoid this problem. Adapters for all standard
microelectrodes such as NeuroNexus probes (from NeuroNexus ®) for acute and chronic
implantations ensure a close proximity to the probe to minimize signal loss and cross talk. Adapters are
not included in the standard scope of delivery and have to be ordered separately. For custom adapters,
please ask your local retailer or contact Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.
To start working with the μPA and to learn how to handle the system the ME/W Signal Generator
is a convenient tool. The ME/W Signal Generator can produce analogue signals identical to those from
a variety of biological samples and is therefore a convenient method to test the functionality of the
recording system. The ME/W-SG is not included in the standard scope of delivery and has to be ordered
separately. Please read the ME/W-SG data sheet in the Appendix.