Stimulators
Isolated Muscle & Nerve Stimulators
Software-controlled, constant-current stimulators designed to work with a C Series Front End Interface or traditional PowerLab (purchased separately) for direct or field stimulation of in vitro tissue samples. Additionally, the isolated stimulator option can also be used for in vivo animal and human studies involving nerve and muscle stimulation.
Overview
These are two software-controlled ADInstruments Muscle and Nerve Stimulators, which are designed to work with a C Series Front End Interface or traditional PowerLab to provide a range of constant-current stimulations at a compliance voltage of 100 V. As constant-current stimulators, they hold the delivered current steady regardless of changes in tissue resistance, giving repeatable, quantifiable stimulation from one trial to the next, and every pulse is defined in LabChart, so amplitude, duration and timing are set on screen alongside your recording. Depending on the stimulation requirements and protocols, both stimulators may be used for in vitro tissue (nerve, vessel, muscle) stimulation, where:
- Stimulator HC is ideal for field or larger current in vitro stimulations, such as stimulation of larger isolated muscles
- Stimulus Isolator is ideal for direct or smaller current in vitro stimulations, such as isolated nerve stimulation
- also provides isolated stimulation, which allows in vivo nerve and muscle stimulation of animals and humans
Both stimulators are powered by their own Stimulator Power Supply (115/230V:12VAC) and controlled by LabChart software via two PowerLab connections:
- I2C output via DB9M - DB9F Cable (400 mm)
- Analog BNC Output via BNC to BNC Cable (1m)
Choosing Between the Stimulator HC and Stimulus Isolator
The right stimulator depends on the current you need and whether the work is in vitro or in vivo. The Stimulator HC is the high-current option, delivering up to 100 mA for field stimulation of larger isolated muscles and other in vitro preparations that need more drive. The Stimulus Isolator is an isolated constant current stimulator delivering up to 10 mA for direct, smaller-current work such as isolated nerve stimulation; as an electronically isolated tissue stimulator (IEC60601-1 BF), it also serves as an isolated nerve stimulator for in vivo nerve and muscle stimulation in animal and human studies where subject isolation is required. Both deliver rectangular monophasic pulses at constant current up to 100 V compliance, both are controlled from LabChart, and either can be bundled with a C Series Front End Interface for use with PowerLab C. If your protocol spans both large-muscle and isolated-nerve work, the two in vitro stimulators are often used alongside each other.
Product Configurations
Stimulator HC
A LabChart controlled, constant high current stimulator, which is designed for direct or field stimulation of tissue samples in vitro. It is supplied with Stimulator HC Leads (2m).
Stimulus Isolator
A LabChart controlled isolated constant current pulses stimulator designed for direct stimulation of tissue samples in vitro. Additionally, it's electronically isolated for subject safety, making it also suitable for applications in vivo. It is supplied with a set of shrouded plugs (one red, one black) for customizing one's own stimulating electrodes. A variety of stimulator leads are also available (purchased separately), including:
- Stimulator Rod with Cable (1.8 m)
- Stimulating Bar Electrode
- Alligator Clip to 4mm Banana Plug Cable
- Stimulator Cable (4 mm shrouded to Alligator clip, 50 cm)
- Stimulator Cable (4 mm shrouded to Alligator clip, 2 m)
- Isolated Heart Pacing Electrode (STIM ISO, Mice)
- Isolated Heart Pacing Electrode (STIM ISO, Rats)
Related
Products
Research Applications
Cardiovascular Isolated Heart Systems
In Vitro Pharmacology + Isolated Tissue and Organs
Working Heart
Cardiovascular Isolated Heart Systems
In Vitro Pharmacology + Isolated Tissue and Organs
Key Features
- Quick and easy setup and usage with powerful LabChart software control
- Intuitive graphical interface and quick selection of pulse waveform options
- Stimulation generation tracking option
- Automated stimulation options
- Analog OFF/ON switch override
- Current output of up to 10 mA (Stimulus Isolator), and to 100 mA (Stimulator HC) and at 100 V compliance voltage.
- Compact design
- A Status indicator light on the front panel; lights green with every pulse.
- A small internal beeper can be enabled to give an audible beep with every pulse delivered.
Support
Support Articles
Our Support Articles contain answers to common questions, how-tos, solutions, and documentation.
Training and Workshops
Maximize time and resources with our customized training services delivered at your facility, on your equipment, on your terms.
Details and Tech Specs
Technical
Stimulator HC
Output
- Connection type: Two 2 mm touch proof safety plugs
- Output configuration: Constant-current stimulator with hardware limited repetition rate
- Output waveform: Rectangular, monophasic pulses with software selectable pulse amplitude and duration
- Isolation rating: 4000 V ACrms for 1 minute
- Safety indicators: A single multi-color indicator displays the Stimulator HC status. A green flash indicates delivery of a valid stimulus. A yellow flash indicates an out-of-compliance condition (OOC).
- Safety switch: Isolating On-Off switch flicks down to disconnect quickly
- Compliance voltage: 100 V fixed
- Current ranges: 1 mA, 10 mA, 100 mA full scale
- Current rise time: <1 μs (100 Ohm load @ 100 mA) 25 μs (10 kOhm load@ 0.5 mA)
- Current fall time: <1 μs (100 Ohm load @ 100 mA) 25 μs (10 kOhm load @ 0.5 mA)
- Note: Rise and fall times are proportional to load resistance and capacitance.
- Operating duty cycle: up to 20%
- Resolution: 1% of full scale (10 μA, 100 μA, or 1 mA)
- AC line leakage current: <200 nA p–p
- Differential output noise: <1 μA p–p
- Output capacitance: ~70 pF (without cable)
- Power source: Non-isolated circuitry supplied by PowerLab via I2C connection. Isolated and high-voltage circuitry derives power from the external 12 V AC, 300 mArms, wall-plug transformer. High voltage isolation is provided by an internal isolation transformer. No batteries required.
Pulse Control (internal pulse duration control)
- Pulse duration range: 0.02 to 5.12 ms in 0.02 ms steps
- Duration accuracy: ±0.01% +5/-0 μs
- Repetition rate: up to 30 Hz
- Repetition accuracy: ±0.1% (determined by PowerLab)
- Current rise delay: 22–45 μs (variable)
Control Port
- I2C port: Provides control and power
- Interface communications rate of ~50 kbits/s
Physical Configuration
- Dimensions (h × w × d): 55 mm × 120 mm × 260 mm (2.2" × 4.7" × 10.2")
- Weight: 1.3 kg (2 lb 15 oz)
- Operating temperature range: 5–35 °C, 0–90% humidity (non-condensing)
ADInstruments reserves the right to alter these specifications at any time.
Stimulus Isolator
Output
- Connection type: 2 × 4 mm (0.16") shrouded banana plugs
- Output configuration: Constant-current stimulator with hardware limited repetition rate, with following discharge clamp
- Output waveform: Rectangular, monophasic pulses with software-set pulse amplitude and duration
- Safety: Approved to IEC60601-1 BF (body protection) standard
- Isolation rating: 4000 V ACrms for 1 minute
- Safety indicators: A single multi-color indicator displays the isolated stimulator status. A green flash indicates delivery of a valid stimulus. A yellow flash indicates an out-of compliance condition
- Safety switch: Isolating on-off switch flicks down to disconnect quickly
- Compliance voltage: 100 V fixed
- Current ranges: 100 μA, 1 mA, or 10 mA full scale
- Current rise time: <1 μsec (1 kΩ load @ 10 mA) 25 μsec (100 kΩ load@ 0.5 mA)
- Current fall time: <1 μsec (1 kΩ load @ 10 mA) 25 μsec (100 kΩ load @ 0.5 mA)
- Operating duty cycle: up to 20%
- Resolution: 1% of full scale (1 μA, 10 μA, or 100 μA)
- AC line leakage current: <200 nA p–p
- Differential output noise: <1 μA p–p
- Power source: Non-isolated circuitry supplied by PowerLab via I2C connection Isolated and high-voltage circuitry derives power from the external 12-volt AC, 300 mArms, wall-plug transformer. High voltage isolation is provided by an internal isolation transformer. No batteries required.
Pulse Control (internal pulse duration control)
- Pulse duration range: 0.01 ms to 2.56 ms in 0.01 ms steps
- Duration accuracy: ±0.01% +5/-0 μs
- Repetition rate: up to 2000 Hz
- Repetition accuracy: ±0.1% (determined by PowerLab)
- Current rise delay: 12 to 22 μs (variable)
Control Port
- I2C port: Provides control and power.
- Interface communications rate of ~50 Kbits/s.
Physical Configuration
- Dimensions (h × w × d): 55 mm × 120 mm × 260 mm (2.2" × 4.7" × 10.2")
- Weight: 1.3 kg (2 lb 15 oz)
- Operating temperature range: 5 to 35 °C, 0 to 90% humidity (non-condensing)
ADInstruments reserves the right to alter these specifications at any time.
Product Codes
Compatibility
FE155
| Operating System | Recommended Hardware | Alternate Hardware | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LabChart Lightning | cross | cross | cross |
| LabChart 8 | Windows / LabChart 8 Mac | PowerLab C + PLCF1 | Traditional PowerLab |
FE180
| Operating System | Recommended Hardware | Alternate Hardware | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LabChart Lightning | cross | cross | cross |
| LabChart 8 | Windows / LabChart 8 Mac | PowerLab C + PLCF1 | Traditional PowerLab |
