Multi Channel Systems PGA16, Manual, Page: 8 / 22

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3 First Use of the PGA
3.1 Welcome to the Programmable Gain Amplifier
The Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) is used for amplifying and filtering raw data from a miniature
preamplifier, for example, a MPA32I. The PGA is a differential (I-type) filter amplifier. It operates similar to
the standard I-type filter amplifiers (FA) from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH, but was designed for users
who demand a higher flexibility. Whereas the gain in the standard FA is fixed, the gain of a PGA is software-
selectable, in the range of 10 to 5000, for each individual channel. This is useful when signals from different
sources with either different preamplification stages or different signal amplitudes, for example, spikes and
local field potentials, are recorded.
Gain settings for each channel are selected in the user-friendly program PGA-Control. Simply pick the desired
gain for each channel from the drop-down list and download the settings onto the amplifier via the USB port.
You can print a report sheet and save the gain configuration for later use.
Standard versions of the PGA are available with 16, 32, and 64 inputs (PGA16, PGA32, PGA64, respectively).
Standard bandwidth is 1 to 5000 Hz, which is useful for recording all signal types, such as cardiac signals,
spikes, and local field potential recordings. Signals can be separated by digital filtering in MC_Rack, the data
acquisition and analysis software from MCS for use with the ME- / MEA-System. Special versions feature an
integrated splitter, with two different pass bands for recording signals with different frequencies, for
example, for separating local field potentials from spike signals: Input signals are split and the two pass bands
(1 to 300 Hz, 300 to 5000 Hz) are sent to two separate outputs. Splitter versions are available with 16 input
and 32 output channels, or 32 input and 64 output channels (PGA1632 and PGA3264, respectively). Please
refer to chapter "Signal Amplification and Filters" for more information.