Kation Scientific ExAmp-20K User Manual

ExAmp-20KS Extracellular Spike Amplifier

General description

The ExAmp-20K is an AC-coupled spike amplifier
designed for low-noise extracellular recording from
single- or multiple units. Its unique headstage probe
design puts the first stage of amplification at the
microelectrode interface, resulting in less external
interference noise pickup. The built-in filters are
optimized for solid-conductor microelectrodes such
as carbon fiber, tungsten or stainless steel. The
included 60 Hz (or 50 Hz, selectable) reject filter and
our special electrode holder adapters virtually elimi-
nate the need for Faraday cages. Front and rear panel
controls are intentionally simplified for ease of use
without compromising the quality of recordings.
The positive input of the front amplifier (center pin
of the headstage's SMA receptacle) is referenced to
the ground (ground socket) providing high-quality,
single-ended (monopolar) recordings. The ExAmp-
20K can be used for research and teaching purposes
only that do not involve human subjects.

Front panel controls

Power: Turns the unit on or off. Red LED signals
on status
Probe: Inputs the plug of headstage probe
Gain: Selects the magnitude of amplification
from 200x to 20,000x in 7-positions
Offset: Offsets the output signal by +/- 1V, max.
Polarity: Changes the polarity of output
Output: BNC jack out-putting amplified signal
Back panel objects
Power In: Two identical DC power jacks for
12 VDC input and output,
2.1 mm x 5 mm type
Gnd: Circuit ground, galvanically isolated
from 'Power In' ground (Case),
2.64 mm banana jack
Case: Ground (0V) of 12 VDC power input
2.64 mm banana jack
This exceptional headstage probe is an electrode
holder in one. Using appropriate holder adapters, all
Kation-made microelectrodes or third-party standard
metal electrodes can directly be plugged into the
probe. There is no need for additional electrode hold-
ers. See next page for details.
Also, the coaxial arrangement of the mounting rod
and the SMA-type electrode input receptacle allows
an easy yet precise positioning of the recording elec-
trode. The robust, nickel-plated body of the probe
provides and unsurpassed protection from electro-
magnetic interference.
Kation Scientific, LLC, P.O. Box 14674, Minneapolis, MN 55414 Phone/Fax: (651) 698-5167.
Main unit specifications
Input impedance:
Input bias current:
System gain:
System noise:
Bandpass filter:
Notch filter:
Output voltage swing:
Power source:
Power consumption:
Amplifier (Gnd) ground:
Dimensions:
Weight:
Headstage probe
Signal amplification:
Mounting rod diameter x length:
Body diameter x length:
Material:
Cable length:
Input receptacle:
Input & ground sockets mate with: 0.0315"-0.0370" (0.80-0.95 mm) diameter
E-mail: info@kationscientific.com Web site: www.kationscientific.com

User guide

Front panel view

Rear panel view
10
2 pA
200x to 20,000x in 7 calibrated steps
> 2.5 µV peak to peak with probe input grounded
300 Hz to 8000 Hz, built-in Butterworth 4-pole
50/60 Hz, selectable inside the box
±10 V, maximum
External, 12 VDC power supply
200 mA, maximum
Isolated from DC input ground (Case)
155 x 54 x 175 mm aluminum box
1.35 lb (614 grams)
Electrode input
Ground
SMA receptacle
13 Ω
10x, single-ended, AC-coupled
1/4" (6.35 mm) x 4" (105 mm)
0.75" (19 mm) square x 2.05" (52 mm)
Nickel-plated brass
52" (132 cm)
SMA, spark plug type, gold-plated
male pins
Mounting rod
Color of parts may vary
Cable