HEKA Elektronik EPC 10 USB, Руководство по оборудованию, Страница: 11 / 81

2. Description of the Hardware
The hardware components of the
EPC 10 USB
series patch clamp system consist of the headstage (or probe), the
amplifier main unit with an integrated AD/DA converter board. The
EPC 10 USB
amplifier is connected to the
computer via a USB 2.0 cable. Specific information about the hardware installation is given below in chapter 3 on
page 11.
2.1 Headstage
The
EPC 10 USB
can be used with different headstages. The default headstage delivered with the
EPC 10 USB
is the Red Star headstage. Other exchangable headstages are available:
ˆ
S-Probe (see chapter 14 on page 69)
ˆ
3 Electrode Headstage
ˆ
Amperometry Headstage
If you are interested in another headstage and their appropriate purpose please contact us ( sales@heka.com ).
2.2 Red Star Headstage
Figure 2.1:
EPC 10 USB
Red Star Headstage
The probe of the
EPC 10 USB
is contained in a small enclosure, designed to be mounted on a micromanipulator
and directly attached to the recording micropipette. It contains the sensitive amplifier that constitutes the current-
to-voltage converter, as well as components for injecting signals into that amplifier. On the probe are the following
connectors:
Input Connector: This is a Teflon-insulated BNC connector. The standard pipette holder plugs directly into
this connector; the center pin is the amplifier input, and the shield is driven with the command potential (Vp).
Important note: Avoid touching the probe’s input terminal, since the input circuitry of the probe can
be damaged by static electricity. When it is necessary to touch the input (e.g., while inserting a pipette
into the holder), ground yourself first by touching a grounded metal surface.
GND Connector: The black pin jack carries a high quality ground signal which is useful for grounding the bath
electrode and nearby shields without potential errors that could arise from ground loops. This ground is connected
directly to the signal ground on the controller through the probe’s cable. More details on grounding practices will
be provided in chapter 8 on page 49.