ELC-03XS – Universal Amplifier

Npi's ELC-03XS is a versatile all-in-one amplifier that can serve as a comprehensive patch clamp amplifier suitable for whole-cell and perforated patch configurations.

Overview
Specifications
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Advantages of the ELC-03XS

Acquire a single amplifier for various applications
Recording, staining, electroporation – no need to switch pipette or headstage
The only amplifier available in the market with such multifunctional capabilities
Record in the low pA range while having headroom for up to 1.2 µA
A simplified version of this amplifier is the ELC-01X
A comparable amplifier without voltage clamp is the BA-03X
Pair with npi's miniature headstages to record in freely moving animals

A Versatile All-in-One Amplifier

ELC amplifiers are multi-technique systems that allow researchers to integrate traditional patch and microelectrode recording with electrical stimulation, dye application, or single-cell transfection. All ELC amplifiers enable researchers to identify a single cell by its distinctive spike train and subsequently electroporate or stimulate this cell in situ. Employing the loose-patch clamp technique for recording and stimulation in slice or in vivo preparations facilitates investigations under more natural, i.e., non-invasive conditions. Experiments can be conducted with minimal damage to individual cells, including subcellular structures such as dendrites and axons. As no gigaseal is necessary for these types of experiments, the same pipette can even be utilized for multiple cells. The ELC features a unique headstage with a resistive-feedback circuit capable of operating as follows:

Patch Clamp headstage with pA sensitivity
High-impedance electrometer with bridge balance that can function as a conventional bridge amplifier
Extracellular amplifier with high-pass and low-pass filters and gain up to 1000

ELC amplifiers are available in two models:

The ELC-01X and ELC-01MX (modular version) feature a straightforward voltage clamp function that facilitates cell approach and seal formation.
The ELC-03XS serves as a comprehensive patch clamp amplifier suitable for whole-cell and perforated patch configurations, boasting enhanced series resistance compensation through an abridge balance circuit.

Consequently, the ELC-03XS amplifiers provide an unparalleled array of functionalities with a single headstage, in contrast to other commercial amplifiers that possess a more restricted functional design. Researchers will discover this amplifier to be an outstanding and highly cost-effective option for executing various recording techniques while employing multiple stimulation protocols.

This device can be modified to directly substitute the discontinued Dagan 3900A, Dagan PC-ONE, and particularly the Dagan BVC-700A.

Features of the ELC-03XS:

Recording capabilities with patch, sharp, metal, or carbon fiber electrodes
In vivo recordings utilizing miniature headstages
Extracellular recordings with high gain
Headstages equipped with additional extracellular channels
Juxtasomal filling of dyes or DNA
Intracellular recording in CC (bridge) mode using patch or sharp electrodes
Intracellular recording in VC mode with patch electrodes
Single cell stimulation
Amperometry, voltammetry, and iontophoresis
Enhanced series resistance compensation
Telegraph lines for filters and gains
Dependable recording from astrocytes
Compatibility with all major data acquisition systems
Integration of in vivo whole-cell patch-clamp recordings with extracellular multielectrode recordings using the NEURALYNX system

Specifications of the ELC-03XS Universal Amplifier

Input voltage range: ±12 V

Operating voltage: ±15 V

Enclosure: Size: 23 x 70 x 26 mm, grounded

Dovetail: Size: 70 mm x 17 mm x 3 mm

Electrode connector: BNC with driven shield

REF connector: SMB connector

Ground connector: 2.4 mm connector

Input resistance (CC): >1013 Ω (internally adjustable)

Current range:

±100 nA max. (100 MΩ feedback, x1 range)
±1.0 µA max. (10 MΩ feedback, x10 range)
±10 µA max. (1 MΩ feedback, x100 range)
±10 nA max. (1 GΩ feedback, x0.1 range)

OFFSET: range ±100 mV, ten-turn control

PIPETTE HOLD POTENTIAL (in VC): range ±100 mV, ten-turn control

CAPACITY COMPENSATION: range 0 – 30 pF, ten-turn control

BIAS: range ±100 pA, ten-turn control

BRIDGE BALANCE: 0-100 MΩ, adjustable with ten-turn control

Sensitivity 1 mV / MΩ application of square current pulses ±1 nA

Display: 3 ½ digit, XXX MΩ, activated by key switch (same as POTENTIAL display)

Full power bandwidth (REL = 0 MΩ): >30 kHz

rise time (10% – 90%)

<10 µs (REL = 100 MΩ)
<5 µs (REL = 10 MΩ)

Output impedance: 50 Ω

Max. voltage: ±12 V

Current output: BNC connector, sensitivity 0.1…10 V/nA,

Current output sensitivity: Rotary switch, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 V/nA

Current display: 3 ½ digits, XX.XX nA, resolution 10 pA

Current LP filter: 4-pole BESSEL filter (other options available)

attenuation: -24 dB/octave

corner frequencies (Hz): 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500, 700, 1k, 1,3k, 2k, 3k, 5k, 8k, 10k, 13k, 20k

Potential output x1: BNC connector, sensitivity 1 V/V

Potential output: BNC connector, sensitivity 10…1k V/V

Potential output gain: Rotary switch, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1k

Potential output resolution in AC: 50 µV

Potential LP filter: 4-pole BESSEL filter (other options available)

attenuation: -24 dB/octave

corner frequencies (Hz): 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500, 700, 1k, 1,3k, 2k, 3k, 5k, 8k, 10k, 13k, 20k

Potential HP filter: 1-pole filter, (other options available)

attenuation: -6 dB/octave

corner frequencies (Hz): DC, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10, 30, 50, 100, 300, 500, 800, 1k, 3k

Telegraph potential LP filter -8…+7 V, 1V/step

Telegraph potential HP filter -8…+7 V, 1V/step

Telegraph current filter -8…+7 V, 1V/step

Telegraph potential output sensitivity +1…+7 V, 1V/step

Telegraph current output sensitivity +1…+7 V, 1V/step

Display mV/MΩ 3 ½ digits, XXXX mV or XXX MΩ

Display current 3 ½ digits, XX.XX nA

Input impedance analog 100 kΩ

Input range ±12 V

Input impedance digital (TTL) 10 kΩ

Input range TTL 0-5 V

Current stimulus input CC via BNC connectors, sensitivity 1 nA / V

Current stimulus input CCx10 via BNC connectors, sensitivity 10 nA / V

Step gate input via BNC connector (TTL)

Gated stimulus CC with ten-turn control of holding current resolution: 10 pA, range: ±10 nA

Gated stimulus CCx10 with ten-turn control of holding current resolution: 100 pA, range: ±100 nA

Polarity selectable with toggle switch

Voltage command input VC via BNC connectors, sensitivity: ÷10 mV

Voltage command input VCx10 via BNC connectors, sensitivity: ÷1 mV

Step gate input via BNC connector (TTL)

Gated stimulus VC with ten-turn control of holding potential resolution: 1 mV, range: ±1 V

Gated stimulus VCx10 with ten-turn control of holding potential resolution: 10 mV, range: ±10 V

Polarity selectable with toggle switch

Dimensions: 19” rackmount cabinet, 19” (483 mm), 10” (250 mm), 3.5” (88 mm)

Power requirements: 115/230 V AC, 60/50 Hz, fuse 0.4/0.2 A, slow, 25 W

Weight: 5.0 kg

Ordering Information

ELC-03XS Universal Amplifier
ELC-MOD Cell Model Circuit for ELC System (passive)
ELC-SEAL Surplus for Seal Resistance Test
ELC-PRS Remote Switch for Penetration Unit
ELC-EH-SET Electrode Holder Set for ELC Amplifiers
ELC-EH Standard Micro-/Patch Electrode Holder
ELC-HS ELC Headstage
ELC-DIFF Surplus for Differential Headstage for ELC Amplifiers
ELC-SWI Surplus for switchable Headstage, x1/x100
ELC-MINI Miniature headstage for ELC-series amplifier. Many different configurations available for in-vivo or in-vitro use, housing and cable options.

Please contact us for further information and prices.

You can also visit site of the manufacturer.