Each channel can be controlled independently or be used in conjunction with other channel to perform the same or a different experiment on different electrodes
BioLogic has recently announced the introduction of its new multi-channel system, the BiStat.
The BiStat is a computer-controlled two-channel potentiostat/galvanostat commonly called a bipotentiostat.
Each channel of the BiStat can be controlled independently or be used in conjunction with other channel to perform the same or a different experiment on different electrodes.
In addition, the two channels can be used with one reference and one counter electrode (N'stat mode). Each potentiostat is capable of +/-10V scan ranges, 250mA current capabilities with 20V control voltage, and a timebase of 200uSec. The BiStat has a maximum continuous current specification of 250mA on each channel and each channel can be boosted up to 20 amps.
The minimum current range is 10uA, with a measurement resolution of 763 pA.
Each channel of the BiStat can be equipped with the 'p' low current option providing a sub pA resolution.
This option extends the current ranges down to 1nA with a resolution better than 0.1 pA.
A BiStat unit can contain a mixture of standard channels and channels equipped with the 'p' low current option.
The reference voltage is +/-10V.
The minimum potential step is 300uV on the 20V dynamic range.
Using adaptive signal generation, the resolution of the BiStat can be as low as 3uV depending on the voltage scan range desired.
Programmable control voltage is a new BiStat feature. The BiStat has a 20V control voltage specification.
Because the BiStat is a virtual ground instrument, the control voltage can be adjusted based on where the virtual ground is set.
For example, one can program the virtual ground to -5V, allowing the BiStat to operate between -5V to +15V.
The data acquisition rate of the BiStat has been upgraded to 200,000 samples per second.
The BiStat has two general-purpose analogue inputs with programmable ranges of +/-2.5V, +/-5V and +/-10V.
These can be used to record temperature, pressure, or another variable that can be converted to a voltage.
There is also a TTL signal in and TTL signal out to enable experiments to be synchronised precisely with other instrumentation events in the experiment.
The firmware for the BiStat can be downloaded so the newest version of the software is always available.
In this way, as new techniques are implemented in the software, the correct firmware modifications can be downloaded to the BiStat hardware unit to allow the unit to execute the relevant commands.
The BiStat also includes automatic calibration for the individual channels that can correct for internal offset and gain errors.
The user can run the calibration, when needed, simply by disconnecting the cell cable. This calibration information is stored into the channel memory. As a result, channels can be swapped without worrying about calibration and also permits the BiStat to perform power-up tests on each of the channels.
The BiStat can be configured as a zero resistance ammeter, and can be used in the three, four, or five terminal modes.
The five-terminal mode can be used to eliminate the ohmic drop in contacts when recording a second electrode potential with respect to the reference electrode (eg, counter electrode potential).
The BiStat memory buffering capability allows the BiStat unit to continue working in the event of a computer lockup.
Data will be retained in its buffer section until reconnected.
The BiStat unit comes complete with Windows-based electrochemistry and battery test software. Communication is ethernet-based.
This instrument and other models in the multi-channel potentiostat range are available from Trogone Instruments.
