Ametek PARSTAT MC User manual

PARSTAT MC
Hardware Manual
P/N 224233

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
Safety Instructions and Symbols...................................................................................................................4
Cleaning Instructions.....................................................................................................................................4
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................5
1.1. General..........................................................................................................................................5
1.2. Hardware Circuitry ........................................................................................................................5
1.2.1. Potentiostatic mode...............................................................................................................6
1.2.2. Galvanostatic mode ..............................................................................................................7
1.3. Software........................................................................................................................................7
1.4. Polarity Convention.......................................................................................................................7
1.5. Inspecting Your New Instrument...................................................................................................7
1.6. Maintenance, Service, and Support..............................................................................................8
1.7. About this manual .........................................................................................................................8
2. SAFETY AND COMPONENT PLACEMENT .......................................................................................9
2.1. Safety Considerations...................................................................................................................9
2.1.1. Line Voltage Settings and Fuses ..........................................................................................9
2.1.2. Defects and Abnormal Stresses............................................................................................9
2.1.3. Component Placement..........................................................................................................9
2.2. Ventilation....................................................................................................................................10
2.2.1. Transient Sensitivity............................................................................................................10
2.3. Lifting...........................................................................................................................................11
3. PARSTAT MC (PMC) INSTALLATION..............................................................................................12
3.1. Enabling the USB port on your PC..............................................................................................12
3.2. High Data Acquisition Rates and Number of Channels..............................................................12
3.2.1. USB performance................................................................................................................12
3.2.2. Processor speed .................................................................................................................12
3.2.3. Read/Write speed of the hard drive ....................................................................................12
3.3. Connectors and Indicators ..........................................................................................................13
3.3.1. Rear Panel ..........................................................................................................................13
3.3.2. Front Panel..........................................................................................................................13
3.4. Connecting to the PC and Cell....................................................................................................14
3.4.1. Connecting to the PC..........................................................................................................14
3.4.2. Connecting the Cell.............................................................................................................15
3.5. Floating Operation.......................................................................................................................17
3.5.1. Setting Operation Modes of Float and Normal....................................................................17
4. REPLACING MODULES OF THE PARSTAT MC CHASSIS ............................................................20
4.1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................20
4.1.1. Safety Information...............................................................................................................21
4.1.2. The Power Supply Module..................................................................................................21

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
4.1.3. The Potentiostat Module (PMC-1000) ................................................................................23
4.1.4. The Blank Module ...............................................................................................................24
4.1.5. The Fan Module (PMC FAN01) ..........................................................................................26
4.1.6. The Backplane Module (PMC BPLN01) .............................................................................26
4.1.7. Replacing a Power Supply Module (PMC PWR01)............................................................26
4.2. Replacing a Fuse on the Power Supply Module.........................................................................29
4.3. Installing a New Potentiostat Channel ........................................................................................30
4.4. Replacing an existing potentiostat ..............................................................................................33
4.5. Replacing the Fan Module..........................................................................................................36
4.6. Replacing the Backplane Module ...............................................................................................44
4.7. Airflow considerations .................................................................................................................51
5. SPECIFICATIONS AND PINOUTS....................................................................................................54
5.1. Electronic Specifications .............................................................................................................54
5.1.1. System Performance...........................................................................................................54
5.1.2. Power Amplifier...................................................................................................................54
5.1.3. Voltage Control....................................................................................................................54
5.1.4. Current Control....................................................................................................................54
5.1.5. Differential Electrometer......................................................................................................54
5.1.6. Voltage Measurement.........................................................................................................54
5.1.7. Current Measurement .........................................................................................................54
5.1.8. iR Compensation.................................................................................................................55
5.1.9. Potential/Current Control.....................................................................................................55
5.1.10. Impedance Specifications, available on PMC-1000............................................................55
5.2. Physical and Power Specifications .............................................................................................56
5.3. Standard Environmental Conditions ...........................................................................................56
5.4. AUXILIARY INTERFACE Pinouts...............................................................................................57
5.4.1. Pin Numbers for PMC Auxiliary connection and Analog Connection. ................................57
5.4.2. Pins Outs for PMC AUX01 Cable........................................................................................57
5.4.3. Pin Outs for Analog Output. ................................................................................................58
5.5. Cell Cable Pinouts.......................................................................................................................59
6. AVAILABLE OPTIONS.......................................................................................................................60
6.1. FRA, available with PMC-1000...................................................................................................60
6.2. Auxiliary Cables Options.............................................................................................................60
6.3. Advanced Auxiliary Interface Option...........................................................................................60
7. WARRANTY.......................................................................................................................................61
8. Appendix: Table of Figures. ..............................................................................................................62

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 4
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.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 5
1. INTRODUCTION
The PARSTAT MC (Figure 1), teamed with the VersaStudio software package, comprises a simple, flexible,
and extremely powerful system for performing a wide range of electrochemical techniques. The PARSTAT
MC is a product line and consists of chassis (PMC CHS08A) and a combination of potentiostat channels.
Channels are available as the PMC-1000, which have the ability to perform both DC and AC experiments,
using a frequency response analyzer (FRA) and the PMC-1000/DC variant which performs only DC
experiments. It is controlled from anysuitably equipped PC by a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface using
the VersaStudio electrochemistry software package.
Figure 1. PARSTAT MC. 1 x PMC CHS08A and 7 x PMC channels. Staggered position to demonstrate user-installation of
different models.
1.1. General
The host computer provides memory, data processing, input-output, and interface capabilities. The
PARSTAT MC 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 PMC-1000 circuitry includes:
Two 16-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) for versatile waveform generation.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 6
Three 16-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to measure current (I), potential (E), 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.
Each PMC-1000 operates with VersaStudio in either the potentiostatic or galvanostatic mode, described
below.
1.2.1. Potentiostatic mode
In this mode, the PMC-1000 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 + 12 V compliance of the control amplifier) to establish the desired working potential. The range over
which the working electrode potential can be controlled is + 10 V.
-
+
WORKING
I OUT
I OUT
I/E CONVERTER
CURRENT RANGES (EXAMPLE)
2 mA
200 uA
20 uA
2 uA
200 nA
20 nA
E IN
E IN -
+
POWER AMP
Cell Switch
COUNTER
SINGLE ENDED
-
+
REFERENCE
SENSE
E OUT
E OUT
DIFFERENTIAL
ELECTROMETER
Figure 2. Potentiostat-Mode Block Diagram

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 7
1.2.2. Galvanostatic mode
In galvanostatic operation, the PMC-1000 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
3). The counter electrode is driven to the potential required (consistent with the + 12 V compliance of the
control amplifier) to establish the desired cell current. The reference electrode is not 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.
Figure 3. Galvanostat-Mode Block Diagram
1.3. Software
The PMC-1000 is fully compatible with the VersaStudio software only. The PMC-1000 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 PMC-1000 does not have an open
command set to allow user programming outside of the VersaStudio software. 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 PMC-1000 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

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 8
As soon as you receive your new PARSTAT MC, 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 MC has been designed for optimum reliability and requires no periodic maintenance.
The PARSTAT MC Chassis (PMC CHS08A) is designed on user-replaceable modules. This does not mean
that parts are user-serviceable. A following section of the manual will discuss the PMC CHS08A with details
on how to replace components.
Contact the factory service department or the affiliate in your area if your unit needs service (see the
Warranty in Section 7. for more information).
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.
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 MC to the host computer and test cell.
Chapter 4 gives the instructions on replacing modules, including potentiostats, into the PARSTAT MC
Chassis.
Chapter 5 gives the physical and electrical specifications of the PMC-1000 including the AUXILIARY and
ANALOG connector pinouts.
As noted above, the PARSTAT MC is completely computer controlled; operation and experimental
procedures are covered in the software section of this manual.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 9
2. SAFETY AND COMPONENT PLACEMENT
This chapter lists safety precautions for use when operating the PARSTAT MC; 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 Settings and Fuses
The PMC CHS08A has a Corcom™ Power Entry Module on the left side of the rear panel. The Corcom
module contains the power connector. The fuses are mounted on the back of the power supply module
(PMC PWR01). The PARSTAT MC automatically detects the correct line voltage and frequency, so
there is no line voltage changes required in the Corcom. Consult min/max on box and section 5.2.
The PMC CHS08A is supplied with the line voltage fuses in place. Replacement fuses can be source from
Ametek or locally.
For all power sources, the fuse is a 16 Amp 5mm x 20mm FAST blow.
There are 2 fuses per PWR01 module.
Caution: Do not use makeshift fuses or short-circuit the fuse holders
Please refer to Chapter 4 for specific details on replacement of fuses.
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 PMC CHS08A’s 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 PMC CHS08A chassis contains three different user-replaceable parts –Fan (PMC FAN01), Power
Supply (PMC PWR01) and Backplane (PMC BPLN01).
NOTE: The modules are user-replaceable but the modules themselves are not user-serviceable. The
modules should not be further opened.
Before doing any user-replaceable exchanges, the AC power should be off AND the power cord should be
disconnected. Use caution when replacing fan module.
2.1.3. Component Placement

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 10
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 (PMC FAN01).
Take caution with moving parts.
When you are satisfied that the system is ready to install, connect the units 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.
2.2. Ventilation
PMC CHS08A specifications apply at the nominal line voltage + and at a temperature of 25oC (77 o F)
unless otherwise noted. Ambient temperature must not exceed 40oC (104oF). 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 PMC
CHS08A 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 PMC CHS08A 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.
When the instrument is running all slots of the PMC CHS08A should be occupied by either potentiostat
channels or blank modules. This will successfully baffle the air flow from the fan module of the chassis
(PMC FAN01) over the active potentiostat cards.
If the potentiostats are active and not all slots are occupied, overheating the channels is possible and may
cause them to shut down until they cool.
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

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 11
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.
2.3. Lifting
The recommendation to lift from the front handles.
If you are going to lift from the side, do so from the bottom. The ledge of the side panel should not be used
for lifting.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 12
3. PARSTAT MC (PMC) INSTALLATION
This chapter describes the PARSTAT MC 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 MC. 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 MC 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 potentiostat 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 per channel goes into an overrun condition, data outside of its
buffer will be lost.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 13
3.3. Connectors and Indicators
3.3.1. Rear Panel
The PARSTAT MC rear panel is shown in the figure below
Figure 4. Rear panel of PARSTAT MC (PMC CHS08A Chassis)
3.3.1.1. INPUT POWER
120-240-V; the supplied AC power cord can be connected to 120-240
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.
3.3.2. Front Panel
The PARSTAT MC front panel is shown in the figure below.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 14
Figure 5. Front panel of PARSTAT MC (PMC CHS08A Chassis)
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 PMC-1000 channel is powered on.
3.4. Connecting to the PC and Cell
This section gives instructions on connecting the PARSTAT MC to the host PC and to electrochemical cell
and other equipment.
3.4.1. Connecting to the PC
The PMC CHS08A 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.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 15
Installing the USB Driver
The first time the PARSTAT MC 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. 223945) to the PMC-1000 or PMC-1000/DC:
1. Make sure the POWER switch is off.
Match and attach the D connector side of the Cell cable to the front of the PMC-1000, 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 PMC-1000 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 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 lead connects to the electrode opposite the WE and controls the
power output of the PMC-1000.
Gray –Sense (SE) electrode lead. 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 connects to the reference electrode, a component of the
differential amplifier that measures/controls the voltage between itself and the sense electrode.
Black –Ground lead. 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,
and is used in some open circuit experiments to form a zero-resistance ammeter (ZRA).
The following descriptions and figures explain how to connect a two-, three-, or four-terminal
electrochemical cell to the terminals of the PMC-1000 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.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 16
Figure 6. Two-Electrode Connection
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 7. 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).
Note: Running experiments in this mode requires that the Electrometer Mode setting in the software be set
to Differential for the correct potential to be applied and read.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 17
Figure 8. 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.
After all other connections to the PMC-1000 are made, experiments can be set up and performed.
3.5. Floating Operation
The PMC-1000 and PMC-1000/DC were 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 PMC-1000 and PMC-1000/DC (as well as the cell leads and
external connections at the rear panel) 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 PMC-1000 set to normal mode.
The following section gives instructions on setting the PMC-1000 and PMC-1000/DC to the floating mode.
3.5.1. Setting Operation Modes of Float and Normal

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 18
The PARSTAT MC control software, VersaStudio, provides an Options menu (Tools Options…) where
the mode can be changed to either “normal” or “floating” as shown below:
Figure 9. 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 PMC-1000 and PMC-1000/DC 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 MC. Note: Notch Filters should be set to “None” if performing EIS actions.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 19
Figure 10. Selecting Notch Filters and EIS Filters.
The “EIS Filters” are specific for those systems equipped with the FRA option to perform Electrochemical
Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and can be used when performing EIS techniques where noise pickup
from additional, grounded electrodes in the cell are degrading the EIS data. The selection of “Aggressive”
should be tried first, then “More Aggressive” if needed.

PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual
PARSTAT MC Hardware Manual 20
4. REPLACING MODULES OF THE PARSTAT MC CHASSIS
Figure 11. PARSTAT MC. 1 x PMC CHS08A and 8 x PMC-1000 channels
4.1. Introduction
The PARSTAT MC (PMC) is a multi-channel potentiostat system with a unique modular design.
The front of the PMC chassis has eleven slots: one dedicated power supply slot, and ten slots for up to 8
potentiostat channels. The power supply module (PMC PWR01) is always installed in the power supply
slot at the far left of the chassis (PMC CHS08A). The other ten slots may have up to eight potentiostat
channels installed at one time.
The rear of the PMC chassis has two modules: the fan module (PMC FAN01) and the backplane module
(PMC BPLN01). These modules are protected by the rear cover. Connections for AC mains power and
USB are found on the rear of the chassis.
The user may remove and replace any of these modules: the power supply, any potentiostat module, the
fan module, and the backplane module. Descriptions of these modules and instructions for their removal
and replacement are found in the following sections of this manual.
Please read the entire User’s Manual before operating the PMC or removing any modules or panels.