1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. MultiChannel Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. MEA2100-System
  6. User manual

MultiChannel MEA2100-System User Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

MEA2100-System Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the MEA2100-System and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for MultiChannel MEA2100-System

  • Page 1 MEA2100-System Manual...
  • Page 2 Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written permission of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents     Introduction     About this Manual     Welcome to the MEA2100-System     Important Safety Advice     Important Safety Advice     Guarantee and Liability     Operator's Obligations     Software  ...
  • Page 4 MEA2100-System Manual     Troubleshooting     About Troubleshooting     No Computer Connection / No Recording Possible     Triggering / Digital Input does not Work     Noise on Single Electrodes     MEA is defective    ...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    MCS web site: www.multichannelsystems.com 1.2 Welcome to the MEA2100-System The MEA2100-System is the latest development in the MEA product family of Multi Channel System MCS GmbH. The MEA2100-System is a compact and portable stand-alone system for extracellular recordings from microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with integrated amplification, data acquisition, online signal processing, integrated stimulus generator as well as temperature control.
  • Page 6 MC_DataTool. The Headstage of the MEA2100-System At the moment five different types of headstages are available for the MEA2100-System. A headstage for microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with 120 electrodes, a headstage for microelectrode arrays with 60 electrodes or for two MEAs with 60 electrodes respectively and headstages for one or two small microelectrode arrays with 32 recording and 12 stimulation electrodes.

  • Page 7: Important Safety Advice

    Important Safety Advice 2.1 Important Safety Advice Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to installation or use of the device and the software. If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or breakage of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.

  • Page 8: Guarantee And Liability

    MEA2100-System Manual 2.2 Guarantee and Liability The General conditions of sale and delivery of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH always apply. The operator will receive these no later than on conclusion of the contract. Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests and data generated by the use of the device or the software.

  • Page 9: Software

    After this procedure, the MEA2100-System will be automatically recognized by the operating system. 1. Connect the MEA2100-System to the USB port of the data acquisition computer. Please make sure the device has power, that is, the power LED is lighting.
  • Page 10 MEA2100-System will be automatically recognized by the operating system. 1. Connect the MEA2100-System to the USB port of the data acquisition computer. Please make sure the device has power, that is, the power LED is lighting. Switch the computer on.

  • Page 11: System Requirements

    Windows 8.1, Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit), VISTA or XP, English and German versions supported. Other language versions may lead to software errors. If no MEA2100-System is present, MC_Rack opens in a simulation mode. A computer with low performance may lead to performance limits more often; therefore, MCS recommends an up-to-date computer optionally with a separate hard disk.

  • Page 12: First Use Of Mc_Rack

    3.3 First Use of MC_Rack Data Source Setup Every MEA of the MEA2100-System can be operated completely independently by one instance of MC_Rack. To be able to open more than one instance of MC_Rack, please first open the "Advanced Configuration" dialog in the "Edit" menu.
  • Page 13 (S/N: XXXXX-B). The settings for the second headstage are analogous to the first. MEA2100-32-System The MEA2100-32-System is a descendant of the MEA2100-System with all available functions except of the real-time feedback feature. In “Data Source Setup” it is present as an different device “MEA2100-32”.
  • Page 14 The appropriate “Amplifier Gain” factor of the MEA2100-System will automatically be entered. Depending on the hardware revision the MEA2100-System the gain factor is 5, in older revisions factor 2. The ADCs (Analog Digital Converter) of the MEA2100 system have a resolution of 24 bit, the MC_Rack software can record and display data with a resolution of 16 bit.

  • Page 15: Setting Up The Internal Stimulus Generator

    Software 3.4 Setting up the Internal Stimulus Generator The headstage of the MEA2100-System is equipped with an integrated 3-channel stimulus generator. The three stimulation channels operate independently. Even when using multiple instances of MC_Rack, each instance is completely independent and each instance has three stimulus channels available for the electrodes which are controlled by that instance.
  • Page 16 MEA2100-System Manual Click “Stimulus 1” tab page, for example. Defining the stimulation pulse In "Output Mode" you can choose whether you want to stimulate in voltage or current mode. To set up the stimulus pulse or pulse train, please use the eight provided up down boxes.
  • Page 17 Software If the “Continuous Mode” is activated, the paradigm will be repeated indefinitely, till manually stopped. Please note that stimulation does not stop when MC_Rack is stopped. Importing a stimulation file created with MC_Stimulus II To generate more complex stimulation patterns it is possible to import a stimulation file setup with the MC_Stimulus II software as ASCII data.
  • Page 18 If a "DigIn" is selected, the stimulation starts if a TTL pulse is delivered to the respective connectors Digital In 1 to 4 on the front of the MEA2100-System interface board. If the internal STG is connected to one or more "Trigger Detectors" in the MC_Rack virtual tree, it is also possible to start the stimulation on any of these Triggers (Trigger 1, 2 …).
  • Page 19 Software Selection of stimulation electrodes Click the “Channels” tab to assign the programmed stimulation patterns to individual electrodes, and to activate the blanking circuit BC, and to operate the “List Mode”. To apply the stimulation pattern of a specific stimulation channel (Stim. 1, 2 or 3) to one or more electrodes, select the desired stimulation channel (Stim.
  • Page 20 MEA2100-System Manual Blanking A blanking signal transiently switches off the input stage of the amplifier during the stimulus, thus avoiding stimulus artifacts on non-stimulating electrodes. Amplifier saturation is effectively prevented and the recovery time is greatly reduced. During the blanking period, a flat line is displayed. This blanking period extends a few hundred microseconds before and after the actual stimulus, currently 600 μs, but might be subject to...
  • Page 21 Software List Mode Clicking the button List Mode opens an additional window: List of Stimulation Patterns. In List Mode it is possible to generate and download a list of up to 256 user defined stimulation patterns, which will then be applied automatically one after the other. When the List Mode is activated, the three stimulator units are coupled to a single starting trigger.
  • Page 22 MEA2100-System Manual Click the button “List Mode”. There are two windows in the “List of Stimulus Pattern”. The small window on the right side is for typing in a name for a pattern. In the window on the left side the list of stimulation pattern will be displayed and arranged.
  • Page 23 MEA2100-System. Only the first four bits are connected to the physical DigIn connectors on the front side of the MEA2100 interface board.
  • Page 24 MEA2100-System Manual To monitor the digital data stream you can use the “Digital Display” tool. If a MEA2100 device is connected, the input bits will be labeled according to their function in the digital display. If a MEA2100-32 device is connected, the “Real-time feedback” is not available, respectively the real-time feedback specification 1 to 8 are not available.
  • Page 25 Software To record the digital data stream in the data file, please enable the respective check box in the “Channels" tab of the Recorder tool. Triggering on Stimulation Pulses from Internal STGs It is possible to trigger on stimulation pulses from any of the three internal stimulus generators. The three internal STG units send a trigger signals with each stimulation pulse on bits 4, 5 and 6 of the digital channel, Stimulus 1 on bit 4, Stimulus 2 on bit 5 and Stimulus 3 on bit 6.
  • Page 26 Real-time Feedback with MEA2100-System Important: The real-time feedback is not available in MEA2100-32- and MEA2100-Lite-Systems! The interface board of the MEA2100-System is equipped with a high-capacity digital signal processor DSP. By moving the detection and analysis of signals from the data acquisition computer to the digital signal processor inside the interface, it is possible to run online filtering, analysis and feedback stimulation in real-time.

  • Page 27: Setting Up Ltp-Director Software

    Software 3.5 Setting up LTP-Director Software When operating a MEA2100-System, you can connect the devices to any data acquisition computer. Make sure that the recommended system requirements are fulfilled. The data acquisition computer from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH together with the MEA2100-System comes preinstalled and preconfigured for a flawless operation.

  • Page 28: Installing The Ltp-Director Software

    The installation assistant will show up and guide you through the installation procedure. 2. Follow the instructions of the installation assistant. The MEA2100-System driver and LTP-Director are installed (or updated) automatically. Make sure to have a valid license for the LTP-Director software! Please ask license@multichannelsystems.com.

  • Page 29: Setting Up Cardio2D Software

    Software 3.6 Setting up Cardio2D Software When operating a MEA2100-System, you can connect the devices to any data acquisition computer. Make sure that the recommended system requirements are fulfilled. The data acquisition computer from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH together with the MEA2100-System comes preinstalled and preconfigured for a flawless operation.

  • Page 30: Installing The Cardio2D Software

    MEA2100-System Manual 3.6.1 Installing the Cardio2D Software Make sure to have a valid license for the Cardio2D software! Please ask license@multichannelsystems.com. You do not need a license for the Cardio2D software if you like to test the software for getting an idea of how it works and what is possible.

  • Page 31: Hardware

    Hardware 4.1 Hardware Configuration The MEA2100-System is a flexible system, which can be used in different configurations. At the moment five types of headstages are available for the MEA2100-System, which can be connected to the interface board once or twice: A headstage for one MEA with 32 (MEA2100-HS32), with 60 (MEA2100-HS60), or with 120 electrodes (MEA2100-HS120).

  • Page 32: Mea2100 Interface Board

    The power LED near to the MCS logo on the front panel of the interface board should light up when the MEA2100-System is "ON", and the device is connected to the power line. If not, please check the power source and cabling.
  • Page 33 The device is switched "OFF" when the toggle switch is switched to the right. If the MEA2100-System is "ON", and the device is connected to the power line, the Power LED on the front panel of the interface board should light up. If not, please check the power source and cabling.
  • Page 34 MEA2100-System Manual 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.

  • Page 35: Mea2100 Headstages

    Hardware 4.3 MEA2100 Headstages The rear part of the MEA2100-System headstage contains the amplifiers and the data acquisition for 120 channels and three independent stimulator units. The variable front part of the headstage contains the contact unit for different kinds of MEAs.
  • Page 36 MEA2100-System Manual Headstage for microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with 60 electrodes. Headstage for two microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with 60 electrodes. Headstage for microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with 120 electrodes. Headstage for microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with 32 electrodes. Headstage for two microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with 32 electrodes.

  • Page 37: Digital Signal Processor

    The integrated blanking circuit (BC) disconnects the electrodes from the amplifiers during the stimulation and avoids stimulus artifacts. As usual in MEA-Systems, the MEA2100-System features a heating element with a Pt100 temperature sensor. If you connect a temperature controller TC02 to the heating element via D-Sub 9 connector, the heating element guarantees constant temperature conditions for the biological sample on the chip.

  • Page 38: Bandwidth And Gain Specification

    Note: To change the filter settings, you can use the add on software “MEA2100 Configuration”. Please see the manual for the “MEA2100 Configuration” software in the Appendix. Depending of the hardware revision the MEA2100-System, it has a fixed hardware gain factor of 5, the gain factor is 2 in older hardware revisions.

  • Page 39: Stimulus Generator

    Hardware 4.6 Stimulus Generator The headstage of the MEA2100-System is equipped with an integrated three channel stimulus generator, which delivers rectangular pulses in three different stimulation patterns: monophasic, biphasic and pulse trains. You can choose between current or voltage stimulation and you can select each electrode for stimulation.

  • Page 41: The Mea2100-System

    Set up the computer (with installed MC_Rack program). Install the MC_Rack program from the installation volume if it is not already installed. The MEA2100-System is a plug and play device. The driver is automatically installed together with the MC_Rack program.
  • Page 42 O-ring. Close the lid again by pushing the panels back in their original position. First functional Tests Each MEA2100-System has been thoroughly tested at the factory site before delivery. However, you may want to perform some tests yourself before you begin your experiment to exclude any damage that might have occurred during transportation, or to fulfill your own guidelines, for instance.
  • Page 43 Please see the data sheet "MEA-SG" in the Appendix. Important: When using a MEA-SG which is not adapted to MEA2100-System, the contact to the internal reference must be disconnected. Otherwise the delivered signals are not acceptable.
  • Page 44 MEA2100-System Manual Setting up MC_Rack Please refer to chapter "First Use of MC_Rack" and to the MC_Rack manual for more information. Start the Data Acquisition Click the “Start” button to start the data acquisition. No data is recorded. You see the raw data streams of all channels.

  • Page 45: Setting Up The Mea

    The MEA2100-System 5.2 Setting up the MEA Open the lid of the headstage. Place the MEA chip inside the MEA2100 headstage. The MEA is not rotationally symmetrical, so take care for the orientation of the MEA. Important: MEAs are not symmetrical! That is, why the writing (for example NMI, LEITER, MEA type) on the MEA chip should be on the right side viewed from the front, when the headstage is open.
  • Page 46 MEA2100 are available as optional accessory. For using pMEAs it is necessary to have a MEA2100-System equipped with a perfusion element. The perfusion element is available for headstages with one 60 electrode MEA and headstages with two 60 electrode MEAs.
  • Page 47 The MEA2100-System Pressure Control via CVP The pressure control unit CVP (Controlled Vacuum Pump) is a vacuum pump with a pressure sensor and a waste bottle. A sensor measures the pressure in the compartment attached to the waste bottle, and can regulate the suction to maintain a constant negative pressure. With this unit, it is possible to precisely control the suction applied to the slice and to keep the negative pressure stable during the whole recording period.

  • Page 49: Troubleshooting

    MC_Rack. The bandwidth of the USB port is not sufficient for recording. This can be the case if the MEA2100-System is connected via USB hub, and a second device that sends or receives continuous data streams, for example, a web cam or USB speakers, is connected to the same USB port.

  • Page 50: Triggering / Digital Input Does Not Work

    MEA2100-System Manual 6.3 Triggering / Digital Input does not Work You have connected a TTL source to one of the digital inputs of the MEA2100-System, and configured the virtual rack in MC_Rack for triggering displays or data acquisition by the TTL source, but you do not see any sweeps.

  • Page 51: Mea Is Defective

    Troubleshooting 6.5 MEA is defective MEAs wear out after multiple uses or over a longer time of use, for example, for long-term cultures. This is considered a normal behavior. MEAs are also easily damaged by mishandling, for example, if wrong cleaning solutions or too severe cleaning methods are used or if the recording area is touched.

  • Page 52: Missing Spikes Or Strange Signal Behavior

    MEA2100-System Manual 6.7 Missing Spikes or Strange Signal Behavior MEAs wear out after multiple uses or over a longer time of use, for example for long-term cultures. The insulation layer gets thin over time. This is considered a normal behavior.

  • Page 53: Appendix

    “MEA2100_Config.exe” file. Follow the on screen installation guide. Main Window of the MEA2100 Configuration program The MEA2100 Config program for changing the hardware filter setting of the MEA2100-System is self-explanatory via tool tips. It is possible to control each headstage separately.
  • Page 54 MEA2100-System Manual The settings for the high pass and the low pass filter are explained via tool tips: Select the order of the filter from the first drop down box. The message “The filter order determines the steepness of the filter” is shown. The higher the order, the steeper the cut off.

  • Page 55: Technical Support

    Appendix 7.2 Technical Support Please read the chapter "Troubleshooting" of the manual first. Most problems are caused by minor handling errors. Contact your local retailer immediately if the cause of trouble remains unclear. Please understand that information on your hardware and software configuration is necessary to analyze and finally solve the problem you encounter.

  • Page 56: Technical Specifications

    MEA2100-System Manual 7.3 Technical Specifications MEA2100-System Warning: The device may only be used together with MEA chips from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH, and only for the specified purpose. Damage of the device and even fatal injuries can result from improper use. Do not open the headstage or the interface box and do not change hardware configuration as it could lead to improper behavior of the system.
  • Page 57 Appendix Integrated Stimulus Generators Output current +/- 1.5 mA Current output compliance voltage +/- 10 V Output voltage +/- 12 V Voltage output compliance current +/- 20 mA Stimulation pattern rectangle: biphasic, monophasic, pulse trains Number of stimulation channels 3 independent stimulation patterns per 60 channels Resolution 16 bit...
  • Page 58 MEA2100-System Manual Side panel 2 Interface board to headstage eSATAp, powered eSATA cable connectors Power supply unit (MPU 30) Input voltage 90 – 264 VAC @ 47 – 63 Hz Output voltage 11 – 13 V Max. Power 30 W Mark of conformity CE, TÜV, cUL...

  • Page 59: Pin Layout

    Appendix 7.4 Pin Layout MEA2100 Interface Board: 20-Pin Connector (Analog IN) 20-Pin Connector for Analog IN and DSP Pin 1 Pin 2 TRST Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 RTCK Pin 9 Pin 10 Pin 11 Pin 12 BMU 0...
  • Page 60 MEA2100-System Manual MEA2100 Interface Board: Digital IN / OUT Connector 68-Pin MCS Standard Connector GNDP (power ground) GNDS (signal ground) 3 - 10 Digital output channels bit 0 - 7 11 - 14 GNDS (signal ground) 15 - 22 Digital output channels bit 8 - 15...
  • Page 61 Appendix Input Connectors of the MEA2100-System from Contact Unit to Headstage (100-Pin Fischer Connectors 50 mil) Connector on the left side, when looking to the front of the MEA2100 headstage without contact unit and with the articulation of the headstage in the back.

  • Page 62: Changing Gold Spring Contacts

    MEA2100-System Manual 7.5 Changing Gold Spring Contacts Instruction for the replacement of gold spring contacts inside the lid of the MEA2100 headstage. Only experienced persons should replace the gold spring contacts, because they are small and lightweight buildings and can easily be destroyed! Please follow the instructions with great care! Switch off the MEA2100 headstage and unplug the device from power supply.
  • Page 63 Appendix Pin Layout: Headstage HS120 Please insert the 120MEA200/30iR-Ti as recommended. Use a binocular to control the position of the 120MEA. You can read the labeling of the electrodes A1 and M1, A12 and M12 in the edges of the electrode field, when looking from the front of the headstage with the articulation in the back.
  • Page 64 MEA2100-System Manual Changing Gold Spring Contacts in MEA2100 Headstages 7.5.1 1. Open the MEA2100 headstage, turn it upside down to have a better access to the gold spring contacts in the lid. Place the device on a soft surface. 2. Grab the defective gold spring contact with a needle nose pliers and remove it upwards without damaging the contacts on the left and on the right side.

  • Page 65: Stimulation

    Appendix 7.6 Stimulation Please read also paragraph “Setting up the Internal Stimulus Generator” in chapter “Software”. It is possible to stimulate in voltage and current mode. Each electrode of the MEA layout can be used as stimulation electrode. In current stimulation mode, if you select two or more stimulation electrodes for the same stimulation pulse, please be aware that in some configurations (when more than one electrode is used within a block of 30 electrodes which are powered by the same current source) the current level of the stimulation pulse will be divided among these electrodes.
  • Page 66 MEA2100-System Manual...
  • Page 67 Appendix...

  • Page 68: Contact Information

    MEA2100-System Manual Contact Information Local retailer Please see the list of official MCS distributors on the MCS web site. User forum The Multi Channel Systems User Forum provides the opportunity for you to exchange your experience or thoughts with other users worldwide.

  • Page 69: Index

    Index...
  • Page 70 MEA2100-System Manual...
  • Page 71 Noise on single Electrodes ..45, 46 General Performance ......37 Overall Noise / Unsteady Baseline45, 47 Setting up the MEA2100-32-System 37 Triggering / Digital Input does not Setting up the MEA2100-System ..37 Work ..........45 Micro Electrode Array...

Table of Contents