Oocyte Clamp Amplifier

Overview

An amplifier designed for two-electrode whole-cell voltage clamping of large cells (Xenopus oocytes) and cell structures (squid axons). Measurements can then be recorded via a PowerLab and LabChart data acqusition system, which is purchased separately. This two-electrode voltage clamping (TEVC) amplifier features:

High AC and DC gains
High compliance voltage (±180 V) - ensuring fast, non-saturating clamp performance under nearly any condition
Two clamp speeds (Slow or Fast)
Improved Bath Clamp Headstage – extended current measuring range
- amplifies smaller currents to usable levels
- records larger currents (up to 1 mA) without output saturation
Unique bath clamp circuitry - eliminates the need for series resistance compensation, and accurately measures bath current
Simultaneous displays of membrane voltage (V_m) and membrane current (I_m)
Buzz controls (1 kHz square wave) - aids in penetration of cell membranes with a minimum of leakage
Capacitive compensation for the V_m

Supplied with:

Accessories (purchased separately):

Oocyte Recording Chamber
Clamp Mount Micromanipulators (Left and Right)
Magnetic Base for Clamp Micromanipulator (x2)
Magnetic Steel Base Plate (305x610x9.5mm)
E Series Electrode Holders

The Oocyte Clamp Amplifier is supplied when purchasing:

Features

High compliance voltage (±180 V)
Unique bath clamp circuitry
Ideal for clamping large cells and cell structures, e.g. squid axons
Extended current measuring range
Decreased noise level and 4-pole Bessel filter
An internal switch permits measurements of the current in series with the current electrode, instead of in the bath
Optional differential voltage headstages
Buzz controls (1 kHz square wave) for each electrode aid in penetration of cell membranes with a minimum of leakage
Overload alarm (audible and visual) indicate when the compliance voltage is exceeded safeguarding the oocyte and indicating that current records are subject to saturation
DC Offsets for both voltage and current electrodes
Electrode Test for both electrodes
Capacity Compensation for the Vm voltage input

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Details and Tech Specs

Technical

Ordering Information

When ordering the Oocyte Clamp Amplifier please specify the following: Mains Power (V) = 115 for 110-115 V or 220 for 220-240 V.

Oocyte Clamp Amplifier Specifications

Test Condition #1	Model cell used to obtain specifications. Model membrane: 1 MΩ in parallel with 220 nF. Current and voltage electrodes both 1 MΩ impedance.
Test Condition #2	Noise measurements made with an 8-pole Bessel filter.
Voltage Recording Channel (Vm)	V Probe Input Impedance	0.5 x 10¹²Ω, 1 pF
	Output Resistance	100Ω
	DC Offset	± 200 mV at input. Variations from zero with 10 turn control (20 mV/turn).
	Noise (0-10 kHz)	3 µV RMS with input grounded 20 µV RMS with model cell
	Electrode Test	10 mV/MΩ read on meter 100 mV/MΩ at Vm x10 output
	Meter Range	± 199.9 mV full scale
	Capacity Compensation	0 - 90 pF
Current Sensing Channel (Bath Clamp) (Im)	Noise (0-1 kHz)	4.5 nA RMS with bath clamp 10 nA RMS in output leg
	I Monitor Output	1 nA/mV to 1 mA/10V in 7 steps and 3 ranges, x0.1, x1, and x10.
	Gain Telegraph Output	0.2 to 2.6 V in 7 steps (200 mV/step) and 3 ranges, x0.1, x1, and x10. Compatible with data acquisition software*
	Meter Range, full scale	Clamp Current: ± 199.9 µA
	Electrode Voltage (Ve)	± 199.9 mV; current meter reads Ve when clamp mode switch is off.
Current Electrode Channel	Compliance Voltage	± 180 V
	Clamp Speed	350 µsec; (10-90%) with 100 mV square wave command applied to model cell
	Gain	Variable AC/DC: 0 to 2000
	Fixed DC Gain	Switch selected: 1 x 10⁶
	Ve DC Offset	± 200 mV at input (20 mV/turn)
	Electrode Test	10 mV/MΩ read on current meter 100 mV/MΩ at Ve x10 output rear panel
Commands	Hold	Manually set with digital potentiometer, 2 digit resolution and 2 ranges: x1 range: ± 1 to 99 mV in 1 mV steps x2 range: ± 2 to 198 mV in 2 mV steps
Commands	External	Signals applied to COMMAND IN÷10 are attenuated by a factor of 10, 1 V applied = 100 mV command
Physical Dimensions	Case	8.9 cm H x 43.2 cm W x 30.5 cm D
	Voltage Headstage	12.5 mm D x 5 cm L with 1.8 m cable
	Mounting Handle	4.8 mm D x 6.3 cm L
	Bath Headstage	2.3 cm H x 3.5 cm W x 4.2 cm L with 1.8 m cable
Shipping Weight	6.8 kg
Warranty	Three years, parts & labor
Power Requirements	100-130 V or 220-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 20 VA