Loose-Patch Clamp Amplifier

ELC series amplifiers are optimized for extracellular recording and juxtasomal filling with patch electrodes, but they can also be used for intracellular recordings.

For more information on the ELC-01 amplifier please visit npi electronic website

Loose-Patch Clamp Amplifier

ELC series amplifiers are optimized for extracellular recording and juxtasomal filling with patch electrodes, but they can also be used for intracellular recordings.

All systems include a voltage clamp mode for approaching cells and a current clamp mode for recording. In current clamp mode a bridge balance cancels electrode artifacts, and a current pump allows electroporetic dye injection. Two digital displays, an audio monitor, an electrode resistance test and other functions make these amplifiers ideal for extracellular loose-patch experiments.

The ELC-03X includes additionally ten-turn controls for BRIDGE balance (CC) and RS COMPENSATION (VC), Low-pass Bessel filters for current and potential outputs, highpass filter and variable gain on potential output for extracellular recording

Short system description

HEADSTAGE:
Input voltage range: ±1000 mV, other ranges possible
Operating voltage: ±15 V
Enclosure: Size: 23 x 70 x 26 mm, grounded
Holding bar: Size: length 150 mm, O.D 9 mm
Electrode connector: BNC with driven shield
Ground connector: 1 mm connector
Driven shield output: 1 mm connector
Input resistance: >10E13 Ohm (internally adjustable)
Current range: ±120 nA into 100 MOhm, other ranges possible

ELECTRODE PARAMETER CONTROLS:
OFFSET: range ±200 mV, ten-turn control
CAPACITY COMPENSATION: range 0 – 30 pF, ten-turn control
BIAS (internal adjustment): range ±150 pA, current adjustable with trim potentiometer

BRIDGE BALANCE:
0-100 MOhm (0-1000 MOhm possible): Adjustable with ten-turn control

ELECTRODE RESISTANCE TEST:
Sensitivity 100 mV / MOhm, application of square current pulses ±1 nA
Display: 3 ½ digit, XXX.X MOhm, activated by push-button (same as POTENTIAL display)

BANDWIDTH AND SPEED RESPONSE:
Full power bandwidth (REL = 0): >30 kHz, rise time (10% - 90%)
<10 µs (REL = 100 MOhm)
<5 µs (REL = 5 MOhm)

OUTPUTS:
Output impedance: 250 Ohm
Max. voltage: ±12 V
Current output: BNC connector, sensitivity 0.1…10 mV / pA
Current output sensitivity: Rotary switch, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 mV / pA
Current display: 3 ½ digits, XX.XX nA, resolution 10 pA
Potential output x1: BNC connector, sensitivity 1 mV / mV
Potential output x10: BNC connector, sensitivity 10 mV / mV
Potential filter: 2-pole BESSEL filter, other options available
attenuation: -12 dB/octave, corner frequencies (Hz): 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500, 700, 1k, 1,3k, 2k, 3k, 5k, 8k, 10k, 13k, 20k
Telegraph filter: -8…+7 V, 1V / step
Telegraph gain: +1…+7 V, 1 V / step

DIGITAL DISPLAYS:
Display mV / MOhm: 3 ½ digits, XXXX mV or XXX.X MOhm
Display current: 3 ½ digits, XX.XX nA

INPUTS:
Input impedance analog: 100 kOhm
Input range: ±12 V
Input impedance digital (TTL): 10 kOhm
Input range TTL: 0-5 V
Current stimulus input: via BNC connectors, sensitivity 10 nA / V
Step gate input: via BNC connector (TTL)
Gated stimulus: with ten-turn control of current step size, resolution: 10 pA, range: ±100 nA
Polarity: selectable with toggle switch
Voltage command input: via BNC connectors, sensitivity x10 mV
Step gate input: via BNC connector (TTL)
Gated stimulus: with ten-turn control of current step size, resolution: 1 mV, range: ±1000 mV
Polarity: selectable with toggle switch

POWER REQUIREMENTS:
115/230 V AC, 25 W (0.4 A/0.2 A fuse, SLOW).

DIMENSIONS:
19" rackmount cabinet, 19” (483 mm), 10” (250 mm), 3.5” (88 mm),

WEIGHT:
4.5 kg

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All ELC amplifiers are delivered with standard headstage, cable set and connectors for electrode connection and ground, and a user manual. Standard operating voltage is ±15 V.

Customized configurations are possible.

ELC-01
Extracellular Loose-Patch amplifier
Optimized for extracellular recording and juxtasomal filling with patch electrodes

ELC-03X
Extracellular Loose-Patch amplifier with additional filters
Optimized for extracellular recording and juxtasomal filling with patch electrodes. Also suitable for intra- and extracellular recording using sharp micrielectrodes

EH-02
Electrode holder, BNC
Holder with one port for patch electrodes

SEC-EH
Electrode holder set, BNC
Includes one holder without port for sharp microelectrodes, one holder with one port for patch electrodes and a holding bar (bar length: 8 cm, cable length: 45 cm)

SEC-MOD
Cell model (passive)
For all ELC amplifiers