Ametek PARSTAT 3000 User manual

PARSTAT 3000
PARSTAT 3000A
Hardware Manual
P/N 234551 Rev. B

PARSTAT 3000, PARSTAT3000A Hardware Manual P/N 234551 Rev. B

PARSTAT 3000, PARSTAT3000A Hardware Manual P/N 234551 Rev. B
Safety Instructions and Symbols...................................................................................................................5
Cleaning Instructions.....................................................................................................................................5
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................6
1.1. General..........................................................................................................................................6
1.2. Hardware Circuitry ........................................................................................................................6
1.2.1. Potentiostatic mode...............................................................................................................7
1.2.2. Galvanostatic mode ..............................................................................................................7
1.3. Software........................................................................................................................................8
1.4. Polarity Convention.......................................................................................................................8
1.5. Inspecting Your New Instrument...................................................................................................8
1.6. Maintenance, Service, and Support..............................................................................................8
1.7. About this manual .........................................................................................................................9
2. SAFETY AND COMPONENT PLACEMENT .....................................................................................10
2.1. Safety Considerations.................................................................................................................10
2.1.1. Line Voltage and Power Cords ...........................................................................................10
2.1.2. Defects and Abnormal Stresses..........................................................................................10
2.1.3. Safe Operating Area for Energy Storage Devices ..............................................................10
2.1.4. Component Placement........................................................................................................11
2.2. Ventilation....................................................................................................................................12
2.2.1. Transient Sensitivity............................................................................................................12
3. PARSTAT 3000 INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................13
3.1. Enabling the USB port on your PC..............................................................................................13
3.2. High Data Acquisition Rates and Number of Channels..............................................................13
3.2.1. USB performance................................................................................................................13
3.2.2. Processor speed .................................................................................................................13
3.2.3. Read/Write speed of the hard drive ....................................................................................13
3.3. Connectors and Indicators ..........................................................................................................14
3.3.1. Rear Panel ..........................................................................................................................14
3.3.2. Front Panel..........................................................................................................................15
3.4. Connecting to the PC and Cell....................................................................................................15
3.4.1. Connecting to the PC..........................................................................................................15
3.4.2. Connecting the Cell.............................................................................................................16
3.4.3. Cell Cables and Compatibility.............................................................................................19
3.5. Floating Operation.......................................................................................................................19
3.5.1. Setting Operation Modes of Float and Normal....................................................................20
4. SPECIFICATIONS AND PINOUTS....................................................................................................22
4.1. Electronic Specifications of the PARSTAT 3000A......................................................................22

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4.1.1. System Performance...........................................................................................................22
4.1.2. Power Amplifier...................................................................................................................22
4.1.3. Voltage Control....................................................................................................................22
4.1.4. Current Control....................................................................................................................22
4.1.5. Differential Electrometers....................................................................................................22
4.1.6. Voltage Measurement.........................................................................................................22
4.1.7. Current Measurement .........................................................................................................22
4.1.8. iR Compensation.................................................................................................................23
4.1.9. Impedance Specifications ...................................................................................................23
4.2. Electronic Specifications of the PARSTAT 3000 ........................................................................23
4.2.1. System Performance...........................................................................................................23
4.2.2. Power Amplifier...................................................................................................................23
4.2.3. Voltage Control....................................................................................................................23
4.2.4. Current Control....................................................................................................................23
4.2.5. Differential Electrometers....................................................................................................23
4.2.6. Voltage Measurement.........................................................................................................24
4.2.7. Current Measurement .........................................................................................................24
4.2.8. iR Compensation.................................................................................................................24
4.2.9. Impedance Specifications ...................................................................................................24
4.3. Bandwidth Limits.........................................................................................................................24
4.4. Physical and Power Specifications .............................................................................................24
4.5. AUXILIARY INTERFACE Pinouts...............................................................................................26
4.5.1. Pin Numbers for PARSTAT 3000 Auxiliary connection and Analog Connection................26
4.5.2. Pins Outs for PMC AUX01 Digital Cable.............................................................................26
4.5.3. Pin Outs for PMC ALG02 Analog Cable .............................................................................27
4.6. Cell Cable Pinouts.......................................................................................................................28
5. AVAILABLE OPTIONS.......................................................................................................................29
5.1. Auxiliary Cables Options.............................................................................................................29
5.2. Advanced Auxiliary Interface Option...........................................................................................29
6. Appendix: Table of Figures. ..............................................................................................................29

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Safety Instructions and Symbols
This manual contains up to three levels of safety instructions that must be observed in order to avoid
personal injury and/or damage to equipment or other property. These are:
DANGER Indicates a hazard that could result in death or serious bodily harm if the safety
instruction is not observed.
WARNING Indicates a hazard that could result in bodily harm if the safety instruction is
not observed.
CAUTION Indicates a hazard that could result in property damage if the safety instruction
is not observed.
Please read all safety instructions carefully and make sure you understand them fully before attempting to
use this product.
Cleaning Instructions
WARNING: Using this instrument in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may impair the
protection provided by the instrument.
To clean the instrument exterior:
Unplug the instrument from all voltage sources.
Remove loose dust on the outside of the instrument with a lint-free cloth.
Remove remaining dirt with a lint-free cloth dampened in a general-purpose detergent and water solution.
Do not use abrasive cleaners.
CAUTION: To prevent moisture inside of the instrument during external cleaning, use only enough
liquid to dampen the cloth or applicator.
Allow the instrument to dry before reconnecting the power cord.

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1. INTRODUCTION
The PARSTAT 3000 (Figure 1), teamed with the VersaStudio software package, comprises a simple,
flexible, and extremely powerful system for performing a wide range of electrochemical techniques. This
manual covers models PARSTAT3000 and PARSTAT3000A; the term PARSTAT3000 in the manual text
represents both variants unless explicitly identified.
It is controlled from any suitably equipped PC by a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface using the
VersaStudio electrochemistry software package.
Figure 1. The PARSTAT 3000 in vertical rendition.
1.1. General
The host computer provides memory, data processing, input-output, and interface capabilities. The
PARSTAT 3000 electronically controls the measurement under the direction of the software and parameter
values entered from the host computer. The computer must be equipped with a USB port, and the operating
system must support the USB interface.
1.2. Hardware Circuitry
The PARSTAT 3000 circuitry includes:
Two 16-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) for versatile waveform generation.
Four 18-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to measure current (I), potential (E), 6th- WIRE potential
(E2) and SYNC ADC INPUT.
An onboard microprocessor to perform the experiment defined by the operating software.
Onboard memory to store the programmed parameters and data point values.

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Each PARSTAT 3000 operates with VersaStudio in either the potentiostatic or galvanostatic mode,
described below.
1.2.1. Potentiostatic mode
In this mode, the PARSTAT 3000 controls the potential at the working-sense electrode with respect to the
reference electrode (see Figure 2). The counter electrode is driven to the potential required (consistent with
the + 30 V compliance of the control amplifier) to establish the desired working potential. The range over
which the working electrode potential can be controlled is the entire + 30 V window.
The PARSTAT3000A has both a + 6 V and + 30 V range.
Reference the section on Safety Considerations for recommendations on maximum currents / voltages on
batteries.
Requested
Current
or Voltage
Requested
Current
or Voltage -
+
Power Amp
Cell Switch
COUNTER
GSTAT Mode
I Report
-
+
WORKING
Current Range
Resistors
PSTAT Mode
E1 Report
-
+
SENSE (E1)
REFERENCE (E1)
-
+
E2 Report
E2 POS
E2 NEG
Figure 2. Potentiostat-Mode Block Diagram
1.2.2. Galvanostatic mode
In galvanostatic operation, the PARSTAT 3000 controls the current between the counter and working
electrodes at the specified fraction of the selected current range (up to the maximum of the current range;
see Figure 2). The counter electrode is driven to the potential required (consistent with the + 30 V
compliance of the control amplifier) to establish the desired cell current. The reference electrode is not

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PARSTAT 3000, PARSTAT3000A Hardware Manual 8
used in the control loop, but is usually used to measure the potential at some point in the electrochemical
cell relative to the working-sense connection point.
Reference the section on Safety Considerations for recommendations on maximum currents / voltages on
batteries.
1.3. Software
The PARSTAT 3000 is fully compatible with the VersaStudio software as well as the VersaSTAT
Developer’s Kit (VDK). The PARSTAT 3000 will not operate with any other software other than that
specified in this manual or the most recent documentation available on the web site
(http://www.princetonappliedresearch.com). Likewise, the PARSTAT 3000 does not have an open
command set to allow user programming outside of the VersaStudio software, beyond the functionality
provided as part of the VDK. The software is designed specifically to work with Windows 7, Windows 8 and
Windows XP. It is highly recommended that either Windows 7 or XP be used.
1.4. Polarity Convention
The PARSTAT 3000 hardware follows the American polarity convention. (Positive current is cathodic; that
is, a current is defined as positive if reduction is taking place at the working electrode. Negative current is
anodic; that is, a current is defined as negative if oxidation is taking place at the working electrode. If the
working electrode is driven positive with respect to the equilibrium potential, the resulting current is anodic.
If the electrode is driven negative with respect to the equilibrium potential, the resulting current is cathodic.)
1.5. Inspecting Your New Instrument
As soon as you receive your new PARSTAT 3000, inspect it for shipping damage. If any damage is noted,
immediately notify Princeton Applied Research and file a claim with the carrier. Save the shipping container
for possible inspection by the carrier.
WARNING: If your instrument has been damaged, its protective grounding might not work. Do not
operate damaged equipment! Tag it to indicate to a potential user that it is unsafe to operate.
1.6. Maintenance, Service, and Support
The PARSTAT 3000 has been designed for optimum reliability and requires no periodic maintenance.
Contact the factory service department or the affiliate in your area if your unit needs service.
Remember that our worldwide staff continues to support you after you have purchased your instrument.
We provide top quality service, applications support, and a variety of helpful information in the form of
application notes, technical notes, and training materials. For more information, visit our website at
www.princetonappliedresearch.com.

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1.7. About this manual
Chapter 2 describes recommended safety precautions for operating this instrument, including the provision
of adequate ventilation. It also tells how to deal with transients on the power line, and discusses the unlikely
possibility of the instrument causing radio frequency (RF) interference.
Chapter 3 shows how to set up the hardware. It describes the functions of the connections and indicator
lights, and shows how to connect the PARSTAT 3000 to the host computer and test cell.
Chapter 4 gives the physical and electrical specifications of the PARSTAT 3000 including the AUXILIARY
and ANALOG connector pinouts.
As noted above, the PARSTAT 3000 is completely computer controlled; operation and experimental
procedures are covered in the software section of this manual.

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2. SAFETY AND COMPONENT PLACEMENT
This chapter lists safety precautions for use when operating the PARSTAT 3000; please read them. There
are suggestions for system component placement and information on possible RF interference and
transient sensitivity.
2.1. Safety Considerations
2.1.1. Line Voltage and Power Cords
The PARSTAT 3000 connects to AC MAINS with the provided universal plug set and is rated for:
100 to 240 V AC,
1.8 A
50 / 60 Hz.
Select the plug attachment that is correct for your country and verify that your mains voltage complies with
these stated values. No fuse selection or replacement is necessary.
2.1.2. Defects and Abnormal Stresses
WARNING: If your instrument has been damaged, its protective grounding might not work. Do not operate
damaged equipment! Tag it to indicate to a potential user that it is unsafe to operate.
The instruments ground protection is likely to be impaired if, for example, the instrument
shows visible damage
fails to perform the intended measurement.
has been subjected to prolonged storage under unfavorable conditions, or
has been subjected to severe transport stresses.
The instrument should not be used until its safety has been verified by qualified service personnel.
The PARSTAT 300 does not contain any user serviceable parts.
2.1.3. Safe Operating Area for Energy Storage Devices
A low-impedance device that sources energy, such as a battery, can cause a high-level of stress to a
potentiostat. Given the high polarization capability of the PARSTAT 3000, the following recommendations
for a Safe Operating Area have been determined. The PARSTAT 3000 should not be operated outside of
these recommendations.
Case (1): Resistive Cells, e.g., traditional 3-electrode experiments.
If any resistor is connected between the Counter Electrode and the Working Electrode, then the maximum
current is 1.00 Amp and this can be used at up to 35 °C ambient lab temperature.
Figure 3 does not apply in this case.
Case (2): Energy Storage Devices, e.g. batteries and capacitors.
For cases where the Counter Electrode and Working Electrode are connected to energy storage cells,
additional stress is placed on the amplifier in terms of heat dissipation. These cases illustrate:
-A battery that is at 20 V, with the Counter Electrode at the (+) battery terminal and the Working Electrode
at the (-) terminal. The maximum current must be read off of Figure 3. The graph indicates that for 20 V,
0.9 Amps is available for moving the battery voltage towards 0 V (discharge). For moving the battery voltage

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PARSTAT 3000, PARSTAT3000A Hardware Manual 11
the other way, greater than 20 V (charging), the graph does not apply, and a full 1 A is available at 25 °C
and 35 °C.
-Now consider the case where the 20 V battery is placed with the Counter Electrode at the (-) battery
terminal and the Working Electrode at the (+) terminal. This is treated as a -20 V battery. For this case,
again, the graph is used to determine how much current may be used to move the battery towards 0 V
(discharge): 0.9 Amps is available. To move the battery voltage the other way, less than -20 V (charge),
the graph does not apply and a full 1 A is available at 25 °C and 35 °C.
To simplify, the graph can be used to determine the maximum recommended current that can be charged
and discharged into an energy storage device. More current is available in the charging case though, as
shown in the previous two examples. Be sure to pick the correct curve based on your ambient lab
temperature.
Figure 3. Safe Operating Area for PARSTAT 3000 on Energy Storage Devices
2.1.4. Component Placement
Before assembling the system, give some thought to component placement. You will of course need
convenient access to the computer keyboard and, if applicable, the printer. Depending on the application,
you might also need to connect and disconnect the cell leads regularly.
Prevent objects from contacting or interfering with the chassis fan.
Take caution with moving parts.
When satisfied that the system is ready to install, connect the unit according to the instructions in Chapter
3.
NOTE: The standard system does not include an electrochemical cell. You must supply a suitable cell and
electrodes.
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
0.50
0.60
0.70
0.80
0.90
1.00
1.10
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
ABS( Maximium Charge/Discharge Current
Toward 0 V ) (A)
ABS( CE Output ) (V)
PARSTAT 3000 Safe Operating Area
25 deg C SOA
35 deg C SOA

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2.2. Ventilation
PARSTAT 3000 specifications apply at the nominal line voltage + and at a temperature of 25oC (77 o F)
unless otherwise noted. Ambient temperature must not exceed 35oC (95oF). See Section 5 for more
detailed environmental specifications.
To maintain a safe operating temperature, allow some free space (minimum 15 cm) at the back of the
PARSTAT 3000 for adequate air circulation. There must be adequate circulation between the spaces at
the back of the chassis and the ambient laboratory air. In a typical bench top installation, these
requirements are satisfied with a large safety margin.
CAUTION Because the ventilation for the PARSTAT 3000 is at the back and bottom of the chassis,
rack mounting in an enclosed cabinet is not recommended. Well ventilated rack mounts should not pose
any issue.
2.2.1. Transient Sensitivity
Princeton Applied Research instruments are designed and constructed to ensure normal operation in the
presence of moderate transient levels. Although these provisions are sufficient for operation in most places
where the equipment is used, it is certainly possible for transient levels in particular environments to be so
severe that they make reliable operation uncertain. There are three general types of high-level transients:
1. Static discharge
Transients from this source generally affect input or output circuits, input circuits that include MOS field-
effect transistors to achieve high input impedance are particularly susceptible to damage from this source.
Damage typically occurs when the charge built up on a user’s body discharges into an input or output
connector as a connection is being made. Among the factors determining the tendency for charges to build
are the kind of clothing fabrics worn, shoe materials, and the materials in the floor or floor covering.
2. High-level transients generated internal to the place of use
Such transients almost always enter the instrument via the line cord. Possible sources include heavy-duty
electric motors, RF equipment, diathermy machines, arc welder, spark chambers, and others.
3. Lightning
Transients caused by lightning almost always enter the instrument via the line cord.
Static discharge problems can sometimes be avoided by judiciously selecting the floor covering in the work
area. The simplest approach to the problem is to discharge your body by touching a grounded metal object
just before touching the instrument, particularly when making connections to the cell. External line-transient
filters can generally suppress transients that enter the instrument via the line cord. A suitable transient
suppressor is available from Princeton Applied Research. Various kinds of power-line conditioners are also
commercially available.

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3. PARSTAT 3000 INSTALLATION
This chapter describes the PARSTAT 3000 connectors and indicators and shows you how to connect it to
the host PC, electrochemical cell, and other equipment you might wish to use with it. The pinouts for
Auxiliary and Analog Connector and cell cable connector are listed in Sections 6.
3.1. Enabling the USB port on your PC
Some PC manufacturers ship their PCs with the USB port disabled. Check for this before trying to use the
PARSTAT 3000. If the port is disabled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for enabling it.
3.2. High Data Acquisition Rates and Number of Channels
The VersaStudio control software can run up to 32 channels of potentiostats from a single computer. High
channel counts especially in combination with high data acquisition rates can burden the system with the
requirement for high-speed data transfer.
There are three possible rate-limiting parameters that should be considered if operating this configuration:
data from the potentiostat (USB performance), data at the PC (Processor speed), and data to the hard drive
(Time to Write for the Hard Drive).
3.2.1. USB performance
VersaStudio and the PARSTAT 3000 are compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is
recommended for faster data transfer rate requirements.
3.2.2. Processor speed
The processor of the computer itself is another possible bottleneck to fast data transfer
While minimum specifications are published, the fastest processor possible will help ensure that this does
not limit the performance of the system at high-speed data transfer.
3.2.3. Read/Write speed of the hard drive
There is a certain amount of time required to both read and write from/to the hard drive. Minimizing this
time helps to make sure it is not a bottleneck. Currently solid-state drives are the fastest write/read
technology in the market. However, large sizes may be difficult to source. The faster the Read/Write time,
the better.
The consequence of data acquisition rate of the total number of channels exceeding the capability of the
system to process the data is latency in the display of the data on the computer.
There is a 4 million data point buffer per PARSTAT 3000 channel. Data collection is not affected by latency
in display. The experiment continues to run and data files and display are populated as data transfer
happens. However, if the 4 million data point buffer PARSTAT 3000 goes into an overrun condition, data
outside of its buffer will be lost.

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3.3. Connectors and Indicators
3.3.1. Rear Panel
The PARSTAT 3000 rear panel is shown in the figure below
Figure 4. Rear panel of PARSTAT 3000
3.3.1.1. INPUT POWER
120 to 240 V AC is provided to an external AC/DC converter (“a power brick”) that provides 24 V DC to the
instrument. See section 2.1.1 for details.
3.3.1.2. USB
Attach the supplied USB cable to this connector and to the USB connector on the PC. You can connect to
and disconnect from the PC without shutting down or restarting Windows or VersaStudio.

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3.3.2. Front Panel
The PARSTAT 3000 front panel is shown in the figure below.
Figure 5. Front panel of PARSTAT 3000
3.3.2.3. CELL CABLE Connector The cell cable connector provides a means of connecting a cell cable to
the instrument. The cell cable is described in more detail below.
3.3.2.4. INDICATORS
OVERLOAD: This red LED lights if the working electrode current exceeds 2x the full-scale current range.
POWER: This green indicator lights when the PARSTAT 3000 channel is powered on.
3.4. Connecting to the PC and Cell
This section gives instructions on connecting the PARSTAT 3000 to the host PC and to electrochemical
cell and other equipment.
3.4.1. Connecting to the PC
The PARSTAT 3000 is shipped with a standard USB cable. Connect it between the rear-panel USB
connector and a USB port on the PC. As noted above, it is not necessary to shut down and restart Windows
or VersaStudio.
Installing the USB Driver

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The first time the PARSTAT 3000 is connected to the host PC and powered on, Windows®should display
a “Found New Hardware” message, and request driver installation. Upon this request, insert the
VersaStudio CD into the CD-ROM drive, and select “Automatic” to install the driver. This driver should be
located in the C:\Program Files\Princeton Applied Research\VersaStudio\ folder.
3.4.2. Connecting the Cell
To connect the cell cable (part no. 234272) to the PARSTAT 3000:
Figure 6. Cell Cable for PARSTAT 3000. Part Number 234272.
NOTE: The cell cable 234272 is different than those used on the other PAR potentiostats.
Though not required, best practice recommends that you first power off the Chassis. Match and attach the
D connector side of the Cell cable to the front of the PARSTAT 3000, and secure the screws on either side.
After cell cable is connected to front panel, power the unit on and let it boot fully (approximately 1 min to
boot up) before connecting a cell to the leads of the cell cable.
CAUTION: Having a cell connected at power-on or at power-off should be avoided to prevent any
voltage or current spikes from reaching the cell, or in the case of energy storage devices (such as batteries,
capacitors, or fuel cells), preventing spikes from discharging back into the PARSTAT 3000 and causing
damage to the instrument.
The opposite end of cell cable is color-coded at the tip as follows:
Green –Working (WE) electrode lead. This is labelled WE. This lead connects to the electrode of interest
at which the desired reactions will occur. The current (I) is measured through the WE.
Red –Counter (CE) electrode lead. This is labelled CE. This lead connects to the electrode opposite the
WE and controls the power output of the PARSTAT 3000.

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Gray –Sense (SE) electrode lead. This is labelled SE. This usually connects to the working electrode (the
combination often referred to as the working-sense), and is a component of the differential amplifier that
measures/controls the voltage between itself and the reference electrode.
White –Reference (RE) electrode lead. This is labelled RE. This connects to the reference electrode, a
component of the differential amplifier that measures/controls the voltage between itself and the sense
electrode.
Yellow –E2 Positive (E2+) electrode lead. This is labelled E2 POS. Along the E2 NEG this is an input to
the additional electrometer of the PARSTAT 3000. This is used for 6th-WIRE measurement. Common
applications are for Anode/Cathode experiments, measuring single cell in a stack, or any additional external
voltage or probe
Blue –E2 Negative (E2-) electrode lead. This is labelled E2 NEG. Along the E2 POS this is an input to
the additional electrometer of the PARSTAT 3000. This is used for 6th-WIRE measurement. Common
applications are for Anode/Cathode experiments, measuring single cell in a stack, or any additional external
voltage or probe
Black –Ground lead. This is labelled GND. The use of the ground lead depends on the application, but it
is not ordinarily used in most experiments. It can be used to supply a ground point to a Faraday shield for
the experimental cell.
The following descriptions and figures explain how to connect a two-, three-, or four-terminal
electrochemical cell to the terminals of the PARSTAT 3000 cell cable.
a) Batteries, capacitors, resistors, fuel cells, and some sensors are generally connected using a two-
terminal connection (Figure 6). The connectors for the cable leads are designed to allow easy
interconnection of the working/sense and reference/counter leads. Note: If your cell has low impedance
(battery) and/or your experiment generates currents in excess of 100mA, do not connect the leads into one
another for a two-terminal connection. Instead, connect the leads independent of one another to their
proper terminal at the cell to prevent voltage offsets that can result from milliohms of contact resistance in
a “piggy-back” connection as shown below.
Figure 7. Two-Electrode Connection

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b) General aqueous electrochemistry, corrosion experiments and most EIS experiments are connected
using a three-terminal connection (Figure 7). The voltage at the working-sense is controlled relative to a
stable reference electrode positioned in close proximity to the working electrode.
Figure 8. Three-Electrode Connection
c) There are some applications for which a four-terminal (Figure 8) connection is required. In this case, the
sense electrode serves as a second reference electrode, useful for controlling the potential between the
reference and sense (for instance, in controlling the potential across a membrane in a H-cell setup).
Figure 9. Four-Electrode Connection
CAUTION: Take care that the leads do not accidentally short together. Because the black ground lead
is often unused, it tends to be overlooked and is more likely to accidentally short together with another lead.
The polarity of the potential at the counter electrode will be opposite the “applied potential”. This is
necessary to establish the correct polarity relationship at the working electrode versus the reference
electrode.

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After all other connections to the PARSTAT 3000 are made an experiment can be set up and performed.
3.4.3. Cell Cables and Compatibility
The cell cable for the PARSTAT 3000 uses a different connector than is used on the other PAR
potentiostats. This is in order to accommodate the additional voltage leads (E POS and E NEG) of the 6th-
WIRE experiment. The standard PARSTAT 3000 cell cable is 2-meters long.
Figure 10. PARSTAT 3000 (left) and PMC-1000, VersaSTAT, PARSTAT4000 Cell Connector (right).
A variety of cell cables are available as standard. Customized solutions may be available.
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
234272
Replacement cell cable for PARSTAT 3000. 2-meters
Series of direct connection Battery holders
3.5. Floating Operation
The PARSTAT 3000 is designed to operate in either a “normal” mode or a “floating”mode. The floating
mode provides the capability to operate with cells where one of the electrodes or the cell itself is at earth
ground. Examples of earth grounded cells include autoclaves, strain apparatus, storage tanks and
pipelines, and additional electrodes connected to a separate potentiostat that is not floating.
In floating mode, the internal ground of the PARSTAT 3000 (as well as the cell leads and external
connections) is allowed to float with respect to earth ground which allows it to operate with these grounded
cells.
NOTE: Instrument performance, particularly with regards to current and voltage noise, can be substantially
degraded when operating in float mode on grounded cells, the level of degradation depending on the
technique and the impedance between the electrodes and ground. Therefore specifications listed in
Section 5 apply only to isolated cells with the PARSTAT 3000 set to normal mode.
The following section gives instructions on setting the PARSTAT 3000 and to the floating mode.

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3.5.1. Setting Operation Modes of Float and Normal
The PARSTAT 3000 control software, VersaStudio, provides an Options menu (Tools Options…) where
the mode can be changed to either “normal” or “floating” as shown below:
Figure 11. Changing from "Normal" operation to "Floating" operation
It is recommend that after one changes modes, a new calibration for DC accuracy be performed byselecting
the “Calibrate Now” button above the Flaoting Settings option.
In addition to the mode selections, the PARSTAT 3000 also provides additional filters that could be required
with some cells in order to enhance the signal to noise.
The “Notch Filter” is specific for those frequencies associated with line power (50/60Hz), and can reduce
noise pick-up from power sources. The filter selection would depend on the line power frequency supplied
to the PARSTAT 3000. Note: Notch Filters should be set to “None” if performing EIS actions.