MultiChannel uPA16, User Manual

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Welcome to the 

μ

PA 

The 

μ

PA

 micro preamplifier with 16 or 32 electrode inputs is connected to the microelectrode probes  

for providing the initial tenfold amplification stage. Gain might be different from default value 
according to customer specification. The use of a headstage preamplifier unit optimizes the signal to 
noise ratio. 

The micro preamplifier is equipped with an Omnetics socket for NeuroNexus probes. It has an additional 

common ground

 and a 

reference electrode input

. The reference electrode is ideally identical to the 

recording electrodes and placed into a comparable but inactive area or tissue. Background or noise 
signals that are picked up by both the reference electrode and the recording electrodes are removed. 

The metal case provides 

electrical shielding

. 

The very high input impedance ensures stable long-term 

recordings. 

 
Ideally, the input impedance would be infinite to minimize electrical current. As low voltages are 
generally recorded, a high current would flow if the input impedance were low. As a result, the 
amplifier would not be able to deliver the current, and the voltage would break down.  
 
The micro preamplifier has a high input impedance to avoid this problem. 

Adapters

 for all standard 

microelectrodes

 such as 

NeuroNexus probes

 (from NeuroNexus 

®

) for acute and chronic 

implantations ensure a close proximity to the probe to minimize signal loss and cross talk. Adapters are 
not included in the standard scope of delivery and have to be ordered separately. For custom adapters, 
please ask your local retailer or contact Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. 
 
To start working with the 

μ

PA and to learn how to handle the system the 

ME/W Signal Generator  

is a convenient tool. The ME/W Signal Generator can produce analogue signals identical to those from  
a variety of biological samples and is therefore a convenient method to test the functionality of the 
recording system. The ME/W-SG is not included in the standard scope of delivery and has to be ordered 
separately. Please read the ME/W-SG data sheet for more information.