Sensapex uMp micromanipulators

Key Features

• Plug and Play installation and an easy user interface make it simple to use
• Market-leading accuracy is provided by ZERO DRIFT piezo technology, which has excellent stability
• The only closed-loop controlled micromanipulator on the market has the highest precision
• Ultra-compact and ideal for applications with limited space
• Battery-powered, no electrical interference
• High resolution with a 20 mm range and a 5 nm resolution
• Scalability is infinite, with a maximum of 65536 manipulators per system
• Ethernet PC connection with an open-source SDK provides the lowest control latency

Unique and Patented Technology

The uMp micromanipulators are based on a patented ZERO DRIFT piezo-technology, in which the position is held by a powerful friction force and the motors are only powered when the object is being moved. According to physical rules, under conditions of static external force and steady temperature, the linear position remains exactly the same with zero drift.

In order to measure the position in real time for closed-loop control, each axis incorporates integrated linear position sensing with a 5 nm resolution. Each micromanipulator has its own "brains," which are a CPU, memory, and real-time operating system. So all motion control is integrated into the micromanipulator itself.

Sensapex' cutting-edge solutions outperform conventional stepper motor alternatives in terms of stability and accuracy, and they are also future-proof for automated pipette and microelectrode procedures.

uMp Products Overview

• In conjunction with uMp-RW3/4 wheel controllers, the uMp-TSC touch screen unit offers a simple standalone user interface. In addition to basic operation, which includes manipulator selection and speed adjustment, many distinctive features are provided, including configurable wheel-to-axis and movement direction definitions, absolute vs. relative coordinate views, re-configurable memory positions with a single click, virtual axis use, and automated pipette cleanup for immediate re-use.
• There are two versions of uMp micromanipulators: a four-axis uMp-4 version and a three-axis uMp-3 version with an optional fourth virtual axis. In contrast to uMp-3, which is frequently chosen for in vitro work, uMp-4 is frequently chosen for in vivo investigations, where a closer approach angle to the vertical and a greater placement range are necessary.
• A standard accessory is the uMp-HUB, which can be used when using more than 2 micromanipulators or for PC control only scenarios. Each uMp-HUB has an additional Li-ion battery back to help power the additional manipulators, and it may connect four additional uMp micromanipulators. There is no restriction on the number of uMp-HUBs and uMp micromanipulators that can be linked to a single system, offering limitless scalability.
• Additional common attachments include stands with easy pipette swap mechanisms and a wide range of adapters for connecting amplified headstages and other rod-like objects.

Since the beginning, Sensapex has collaborated with users of Neuropixel probes, and offers a full assortment of Neuropixel probe holders (both for 1.0 and 2.0 versions).

Configuration Examples

Classic Single Micromanipulator System for Patch-Clamp

• uMp-TSC touch screen controller
• uMp-RW3 rotary wheel unit
• uMp-3 micromanipulator
• uMp-DVT headstage adapter

Single Micromanipulator System for in Vivo Electrophysiology and/or Optogenetics

• uMp-TSC touch screen controller
• uMp-RW4 rotary wheel unit
• uMp-4 micromanipulator
• uMp-RHL rod-holder adapter

Dual Micromanipulator System for Patch-Clamp

• uMp-TSC touch screen controller
• uMp-RW3 rotary wheel unit
• uMp-3 micromanipulators, 2 pc
• uMp-DVT headstage adapters, 2 pc
• uMp-ROT rotation stand modules, 2 pc

Dual Micromanipulator System for Neuropixel Recordings

• uMp-TSC touch screen controller
• uMp-RW4 wheel control unit
• uMp-4 micromanipulators, 2 pc
• uMp-ROT rotation stand modules, 2 pc
• uMp-RHL rod holder adapter, 2 pc
• uMp-NPH Neuropixel adapter heads, 2 pc
• uMp-NPR-200 rod for Neuropixel adapter heads, total length with adapter head 200 mm, 2 pc