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EPC10 Quadro – Patch Clamp Amplifier

Continuing the tradition of providing the world’s best electrophysiology amplifiers, the EPC 10 Quadro has all of the features of his predecessors. The EPC 10 Quadro patch clamp amplifier is the optimal instruments for performing multi-patch experiments. Although four amplifiers are combined in a single housing; each amplifier is completely independent with clearly defined operation and handling. HEKA’s software stimulates the desired amplifier and selected channels are programmed without tedious connection of cables by the user.

The amplifiers and headstages are clearly identified, thus, the user can immediately assign the amplifiers to particular patched cells. Although independent, the amplifiers can be stimulated simultaneously with resulting simultaneous data acquisition. Current or voltage signals from multiple amplifiers can be recorded, displayed and even analyzed online.

This versatility makes these amplifiers ideal instruments for experiments such as studying gap junction potentials, pre- and post-synaptic events, and even usage in amperometric measurements. Like all other EPC 9 and EPC 10 patch clamp amplifiers, the versatility of the EPC 10 Quadro stems from its adjustment and control at the software level.

Leak currents, capacitances, and series resistances can instantly be neutralized automatically while you still retain the possibility of full manual control of the amplifier. Voltage- and CurrentClamp experimental protocols are easily automated; not only ensuring simplicity, great speed and accuracy but also providing enormous flexibility for the integration of extensions such as photometric and fluorescence measurements. The EPC 10 Quadro also provides economical solutions in comparison with the combination of several individual instruments.

They also have the advantages of optimized noise performance and grounding over that of multiple external amplifiers. In case more AD/DA channels are required to control peripheral devices, an additional LIH 1600 interface box can be connected to the PCI-1600 interface card in parallel.

The software PATCHMASTER controls both devices in parallel. The additional channels appear in the drop-down channel selection lists of PATCHMASTER as if they were part of the EPC 10 Quadro. In current clamp (CClamp) mode, the membrane potential (Vm) is measured and used to compute a current waveform which is fed back into the cell. As a result, slow voltage drift and other artificial voltage-dependent conductances are controlled and adjusted to a fixed value. This negates any readjustment of the holding current while conducting CClamp experiments.

A new design of the pre-amplifier allows to perform "True CClamp" experiments. In CClamp mode, the headstage acts as a voltage follower circuit, which guarantees very fast and accurate membrane potential recordings. Similar to a classical microelectrode amplifier, the cell voltage is measured on a very high input resistance and C-fast compensation is no longer necessary. Using novel components and a new arrangement of the parts on a multi layer board, we drastically reduced the dimensions of the headstage. The slim shape of the completely new designed headstage allows optimal access to your cells. The connection to the pipette holder is achieved via a stable BNC connector.

Features:
•Full computer control (Mac and Windows based)
•Can be used with PatchMaster on Windows operating systems, on MacOS 9 and Mac OS X. With PULSE and TIDA on Windows operating systems.
•Automatic self-test and calibration
•Automatic Capacitance neutralization
•Capacitance tracking
•Automatic leak subtraction
•Optimized, built-in interface
•Integration with the LIH 1600 AD/DA interface with fiber optic connection to the host computer
•ultra slim-line headstage design with improved noise performance
•True Current Clamp capabilities
•Low Frequency Voltage Clamp
•Digital outputs & telegraphing inputs
•Integration of hardware and software eliminates compatibility problems on Windows operating systems.
•True noise measurements from 100 Hz to 15 kHz
•Suitable for single-channel and whole-cell measurements, loose patch experiments, capacitance measurements, recordings from plant cells and organelles, and studying reconstituted channels in artificial membranes
•100-130 V AC or 200-260 V AC switchable