Gamry Instruments eQCM 10M User manual

eQCM 15M™
Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Operator’s Manual
Copyright  2023 Gamry Instruments, Inc.
Revision 1.1
August 1, 2023
988-00089

If You Have Problems
3
If You Have Problems
Please visit our service and support page at https://www.gamry.com/support-2/. This page contains information
on installation, software updates, and training. It also contains links to the latest available documentation. If you
are unable to locate the information you need from our website, you can contact us via email using the link
provided on our website. Alternatively, you can contact us one of the following ways:
Internet https://www.gamry.com/support-2/
Telephone [phone]:00 AM−5:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time
[phone] Toll-free US & Canada Only
Please have your instrument model and serial numbers available, as well as any applicable software and
firmware revisions.
If you have problems with installation or use of a system containing an eQCM 15M, please call from a phone
next to your computer, where you can type and read the screen while talking to us.
We will be happy to provide a reasonable level of free support for registered users of the eQCM 15M.
Reasonable support includes telephone assistance covering the normal installation, use and simple
customization of a computerized system containing an eQCM 15M connected to a Windows
®
-compatible
computer.
A service contract that extends both the hardware warranty and software update period is available at an
additional charge. Software updates do not include software enhancements offered to our customers at
additional cost.
Enhancements to the eQCM 15M and Gamry’s standard applications software that require significant
engineering time on our part can be performed on a contract basis. Contact us with your requirements.
Limited Warranty
Gamry Instruments, Inc. warrants to the original user of this product that it shall be free of defects resulting from
faulty manufacture of the product or its components for a period of two years from the original shipment date
of your purchase.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. makes no warranties regarding either the satisfactory performance of the eQCM 15M
including the software provided with this product or the fitness of the product for any particular purpose. The
remedy for breach of this Limited Warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, as determined by
Gamry Instruments, Inc., and shall not include other damages.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. reserves the right to make revisions to the system at any time without incurring any
obligation to install same on systems previously purchased. All system specifications are subject to change
without notice.
There are no warranties which extend beyond the description herein. This warranty is in lieu of, and
excludes any and all other warranties or representations, expressed, implied or statutory, including
merchantability and fitness, as well as any and all other obligations or liabilities of Gamry Instruments,
Inc; including but not limited to, special or consequential damages.
This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have others, which vary from state to state.
Some states do not allow for the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages.
No person, firm or corporation is authorized to assume for Gamry Instruments, Inc., any additional obligation
or liability not expressly provided herein except in writing duly executed by an officer of Gamry Instruments,
Inc.

Disclaimers
4
Disclaimers
Gamry Instruments, Inc. cannot guarantee that the eQCM 15M will work with all computer systems, operating
systems, or third-party hardware/software.
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate as of the time of
printing. However, Gamry Instruments, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors that might appear.
Copyrights
eQCM 15M™ Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance Operator’s Manual copyright  2023, Gamry
Instruments, Inc., all rights reserved.
Gamry Framework copyright  1989−2023, Gamry Instruments, Inc., all rights reserved.
Interface 1010, Interface 5000, Interface Power Hub, EIS Box 5000, Reference 620,
Reference 3000
TM
, Reference 3000AE
TM
, Reference 30K, LPI1010, eQCM 15M, IMX8, Gamry
Framework, Faraday Shield, and Gamry are trademarks of Gamry Instruments, Inc.
Windows
®
is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of
Gamry Instruments, Inc.

Table of Contents
5
Table of Contents
If You Have Problems ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Limited Warranty ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Disclaimers ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Copyrights ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Chapter 1: Safety Considerations .................................................................................................................... 7
Inspection ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Product Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Grounding in the eQCM 15M ................................................................................................................. 7
Temperature and Ventilation ................................................................................................................... 8
Defects and Abnormal Stresses ................................................................................................................ 8
Environmental Limits ............................................................................................................................... 9
Cleaning ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Service .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Emission Warning ................................................................................................................................... 9
Electrical Transient Sensitivity ................................................................................................................ 10
CE Compliance ..................................................................................................................................... 10
RoHS Compliance ................................................................................................................................. 10
Chapter 2: Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 11
About this Manual ................................................................................................................................. 11
About the eQCM 15M .......................................................................................................................... 11
Notational Conventions ......................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 3: Instrument Circuitry ..................................................................................................................... 13
eQCM 15M Schematic/Block Diagram .................................................................................................. 13
Chapter 4: Installation ................................................................................................................................... 15
Initial Visual Inspection ......................................................................................................................... 15
Physical Location .................................................................................................................................. 15
Computer Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 16
Plug & Play System Configuration .......................................................................................................... 16
USB and Power Connection .................................................................................................................. 16
Power-Up Test ...................................................................................................................................... 17
First-time Device Installation in Windows
®
............................................................................................ 18
Chapter 5: Cell Connections ......................................................................................................................... 19
Normal Cell Connections ...................................................................................................................... 19
Quartz Crystal Installation ..................................................................................................................... 19
Environmental Considerations ............................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 6: Panel Indicators and Connectors .................................................................................................. 31
Front Panel ........................................................................................................................................... 31
Quartz Connector ......................................................................................................................... 31
Working Electrode Connectors ...................................................................................................... 31
Power LED .................................................................................................................................... 31
USB LED ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Rear Panel ............................................................................................................................................ 32
USB Port ....................................................................................................................................... 32
GND ............................................................................................................................................. 32
Appendix A: eQCM 15M Specifications ........................................................................................................ 33

Table of Contents
6
Frequency Characteristics ...................................................................................................................... 33
General ................................................................................................................................................. 33
Environmental ....................................................................................................................................... 33
Appendix B: Certifications............................................................................................................................. 35
Declaration of Conformity: No. DOC-2023-CE-eQCM15M ................................................................... 35
Certificate of Conformance ................................................................................................................... 36
Declaration of Conformity: No. DOC-2023-UKCA-eQCM15M ............................................................. 37
Appendix C: Comprehensive Index ............................................................................................................... 39

Safety Considerations
7
Chapter 1: Safety Considerations
Your eQCM 15M is supplied in a safe condition. This chapter of the eQCM 15M Operator’s Manual contains
some information and warnings that you must follow to insure continued safe operation of the eQCM 15M.
Inspection
When you receive your eQCM 15M Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance, inspect it for evidence of
shipping damage. If you note any damage, please notify Gamry Instruments Inc. and the shipping carrier
immediately. Save the shipping container for possible inspection by the carrier.
Product Safety
The eQCM 15M has been designed, tested, and certified to meet the requirements of EN 61010, Safety
requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. As defined in this standard,
it is a Category I apparatus, designed for connection to circuits other than the power mains.
The instrument contains no internal circuitry that is at “hazardous live” voltages as defined in EN 61010 (the
standard mentioned above).
The eQCM 15M requires a minimum voltage of 5 V for operation.
The provided USB-A to USB-C cable is specified for a higher current rating (max. 2 A) to ensure that the
eQCM 15M is provided with enough power.
Grounding in the eQCM 15M
A Chassis Ground binding post on the rear panel of the eQCM 15M is provided for a connection to earth
ground. Simply run a wire from this binding post to a suitable source of earth ground. A black 1.2-m wire is
provided to ease this connection.
Warning:
An eQCM 15M damaged in shipment can be a safety hazard. Do not operate
damaged apparatus until a qualified service technician has verified its safety. Tag a damaged eQCM 15M to
indicate that it could be a safety hazard.
Warning:
Use only Gamry-approved USB-A to USB-C cables with your eQCM 15M. Other
cables may alter the performance and/or safety characteristics of the eQCM 15M.

Safety Considerations
8
Note that this connection of the instrument to an earth ground is not a “Protective Earth Ground” as defined in
EN 61010.
This binding post is not intended for any use other than connecting the eQCM 15M to an earth ground to
improve shielding against noise. Connecting this binding post to a hazardous voltage can create a significant
safety hazard.
Temperature and Ventilation
Your eQCM 15M Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance was designed for indoor use at ambient
temperatures between 0°C and 45°C.
Be careful when operating the instrument in an enclosed space (such as an enclosed relay rack or NEMA
enclosure). The temperature within the enclosure must not exceed 45C. You may need to provide ventilation
holes or even forced air-cooling for the enclosed space if excessive temperature rise occurs.
Defects and Abnormal Stresses
Treat your eQCM 15M as potentially hazardous if any of the following is true of the unit:
 It shows visible damage,
 It does not operate properly,
 It has been stored for a long period of time under unfavorable conditions,
 It has been dropped or subjected to severe transport stress,
 It has been subjected to environmental stress (corrosive atmosphere, fire, etc.).
Sources of earth ground include:
 Most metal water pipes,
 the chassis of most electronic apparatus (which are generally earth-grounded), and
 the protective ground terminal of an AC mains power plug.
We recommend that you discuss grounding with an electrical or electronics professional prior to making
this earth-ground connection.
Warning:
Do not connect the chassis-ground binding post to any voltage other than earth
ground. An improper connection can create a safety hazard, which could result in personal injury or death.
Caution:
Do not block the airflow around the instrument chassis. While the circuitry
should suffer no damage due to excessive heat, the enclosure may become uncomfortably hot to the touch
with insufficient air flow around the chassis.

Safety Considerations
9
Do not use your eQCM 15M or any other apparatus if you think it could be hazardous. Have it checked by
qualified service personnel.
Environmental Limits
There are environmental-limit conditions on the storage, shipping, and operation of this equipment. The
eQCM 15M is not designed for outdoor use.
Storage
Ambient Temperature
−25C to 75C
Relative Humidity
Maximum 90% non
-
condensing
Shipping
Ambient Temperature
−25C to 75C
Acceleration
Maximum 30 G
Operation
Ambient Temperature
0C to 45C
Relative Humidity
Maximum 90% non
-
condensing
Cleaning
Disconnect the eQCM 15M from all power sources prior to cleaning.
Use a cloth lightly dampened with either clean water or water containing a mild detergent to clean the outside
of the eQCM 15M enclosure. Alternatively, you can use isopropyl alcohol. Do not use a wet rag or allow fluid
to enter the eQCM 15M enclosure. Do not immerse the eQCM 15M in any type of cleaning fluid (including
water). Do not use any abrasive cleaners.
Service
Your eQCM 15M Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance has no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all
service to a qualified service technician.
Emission Warning
Your eQCM 15M generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy. The radiated levels are low enough
that the eQCM 15M should not create an interference problem in most industrial laboratory environments.
The eQCM 15M has been tested for radiated RF interference and has been found to be in compliance with
EN 61000-4-3.
Warning:
This instrument is not designed for operation in conditions where liquid water
may enter the chassis, or water vapor may condense within the chassis. Operation of an eQCM 15M that
has water within the chassis can create a safety hazard, which could result in personal injury or death.
Warning:
Never operate eQCM 15M with any cover or panel on the chassis open.
Always remove the power connection before opening the eQCM 15M case.

Safety Considerations
10
Electrical Transient Sensitivity
Your eQCM 15M Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance was designed to offer reasonable immunity
from electrical transients, including transients on the incoming USB supply and Electrostatic Discharge.
The eQCM 15M is not rated for continuous use when subject to ESD events. It should suffer no permanent
damage when subject to the standard ESD events defined in EN61000-4-2 but may cease normal operation
until it is switched off and restarted.
In rare cases, the instrument could malfunction as a result of severe electrical transients such as a static
discharge. If you are having problems in this regard, the following steps may help:
If the problem is static electricity (sparks are apparent when you touch the eQCM 15M or its cables):
 Placing your eQCM 15M on a static-control work surface may help. Static-control work surfaces are
now generally available from computer-supply houses and electronics-tool suppliers. An antistatic floor
mat may also help, particularly if a carpet is involved in generating static electricity.
 Air ionizers or even simple air humidifiers can reduce the voltage available in static discharges.
If the problem is AC power-line transients (often from large electrical motors near the eQCM 15M):
 Try plugging your eQCM 15M into a different USB-port.
 Move your eQCM 15M away from any interfering source.
Contact Gamry Instruments, Inc. if these measures do not solve the problem.
CE Compliance
The European Community has instituted standards limiting radio-frequency interference from electronic
devices and mandating several safety requirements. Gamry Instruments, Inc. has designed the eQCM 15M
Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance to comply with these standards.
The relevant CE regulations include EN 61326-1:2013.
RoHS Compliance
The eQCM 15M Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance has been built using lead-free components and
lead-free solder. It is in compliance with the European RoHS initiative.

Introduction
11
Chapter 2: Introduction
About this Manual
This manual covers the installation, safety, and use of the Gamry Instruments eQCM 15M Electrochemical
Quartz Crystal Microbalance.
This manual describes use of an eQCM 15M with Revision 7.9 (and later revisions) of the Gamry Framework
software. It is equally useful when setting up a newly purchased instrument or modifying the setup of an older
instrument for use with new software.
Chapter 1 includes an in-depth discussion of safety issues. This chapter describes this manual and gives a brief
overview of the eQCM 15M features. Chapter 3 is a description of the electronic circuitry in the eQCM 15M.
Chapter 4 contains installation instructions. Chapter 5 describes inserting a crystal into a holder and connecting
the holder to the eQCM 15M, and Chapter 6 describes the eQCM 15M’s front and rear panels. Specifications
are in Chapter 7.
This manual does not discuss software installation or software operation in any detail.
Software support for the eQCM 15M is described in the Gamry’s online Help system and associated
documentation.
About the eQCM 15M
The eQCM 15M is a research-grade electrochemical instrument packaged in a small, easy-to-handle case. It
offers measurement capabilities similar to instruments that are more than ten times its size and weight, and
more than two times its price. The instrument can operate as a stand-alone quartz-crystal microbalance or with
a potentiostat.
eQCM 15M features include:
 1–15 MHz operating range with no need to send the unit back to the factory in order to recalibrate for
different frequency crystals
 DC-decoupled output for interface with a potentiostat
 0.02 Hz resolution
 Reporting of both the series and parallel resonance frequencies
 An insulated USB connection avoiding ground loops
The eQCM 15M requires a host computer for its use. Unlike some other quartz crystal microbalances, the
instrument connects to the computer through a USB cable. Both powering the eQCM 15M as well as data
transfer are realized using this USB connection.
Notational Conventions
In order to make this manual more readable we have adopted some notational conventions. These are used
throughout this manual and all other Gamry Instruments manuals:
 Numbered lists. A numbered list is reserved for step-by-step procedures, with the steps always
performed sequentially.
 Bulleted list. The items in a bulleted list, such as this one, are grouped together because they represent
similar items. The order of items in the list is not critical.
 File names and folders. Inside paragraphs, references to computer files and Windows
®
folders are
capitalized and placed within quotes, for example: “C:\MYGAMRYDATA\EQCM.DTA” and
“GAMRY.INI”.

Instrument Circuitry
13
Chapter 3: Instrument Circuitry
eQCM 15M Schematic/Block Diagram
If you are not familiar with electronic schematics or quartz crystal microbalances, you probably want to skip this
chapter. This information is for expert use only and is not required for routine use of the instrument.
The following figure is part schematic diagram and part block diagram. They are intended to show the basic
principles of the instrument without the confusion of the full circuitry details.
The schematic/block diagram figure shows the quartz-crystal microbalance board.
Figure 3-1
eQCM15M Impedance Scanning Quartz Crystal Microbalance board,
simplified schematic/block diagram
Notes for Figure 3-1:
 The programmable logic device (PLD) acts as the core of the QCM. Sine waves of varying frequencies
and amplitude are generated by the DDS, in 4096 steps from 0.05 to 8.33 V
rms
. The PLD and DDS are
driven by the same primary 80 MHz clock (CLK).
 Output from the DDS is filtered through a 4
th
-order low-pass filter (LP) with a cut-off range of 15 MHz.
This signal is amplified by a high-speed operational amplifier. The amplified signal is passed through
the AC coupler (AC cpl.) and injected into the quartz crystal.
 The coupler allows integration to a potentiostat for electrochemical studies. The output signal from the
crystal is coupled out by the same network. The signal is then passed through an RMS-to-DC (TRMS)
converter and evaluated by an A/D-converter (ADC).
 The PLD then performs some low-level mathematical functions and delivers the data to a ground-
isolated (ISO) USB interface (USB).

Installation
15
Chapter 4: Installation
This chapter of the eQCM 15M Operator’s Manual covers normal installation of the instrument.
These instructions assume use with Gamry’s Framework Software Revision 7.9 or higher.
Figure 4-1
Front View of an eQCM 15M
Initial Visual Inspection
After you remove your eQCM 15M from its shipping carton, check it for any signs of shipping damage. If you
find any damage, please notify Gamry Instruments, Inc., and the shipping carrier immediately. Save the
shipping container for possible inspection by the carrier.
Physical Location
Place your eQCM 15M on a flat workbench surface. You need access to the rear of the instrument because
some cable connections are made from the rear. The eQCM 15M is generally operated in a horizontal position
(see Figure 4-1). Operation in other positions is possible as long as you ensure that air movement around the
chassis is not restricted.
Warning:
Do not operate damaged apparatus until a qualified service technician has
verified its safety. Tag a damaged eQCM 15M to indicate that it could be a safety hazard.
Caution:
If the eQCM 15M is taken from a cold location (for example, outdoors in
winter conditions) to a warm, humid location, water vapor could condense on the cold surfaces inside the
instrument, possibly creating a hazardous condition. Before connecting power to a “cold” eQCM 15M,
allow at least one hour for the instrument to warm up to room temperature.

Installation
16
If you place your eQCM 15M within an enclosed space, make sure that the temperature within that space does
not exceed the 45C ambient temperature limit of the eQCM 15M. Be particularly careful if a computer or
other heat-dissipating equipment is mounted in the same enclosure as the eQCM 15M.
The eQCM 15M has not been designed for outdoor use.
Computer Requirements
Before you connect an eQCM 15M to a host computer, you must ensure that your computer meets these
simple requirements:
 A computer based on one of the x86family ofIntel
TM
microprocessors or a 100%-compatible
processor from another vendor.
 Microsoft Windows
®
10 or newer is required with Gamry Framework software version 7.9.1 and
above. Only the 64-bit version of these operating systems is supported.
 A USB port that supports Full Speed (12 Mbits/second) or High Speed (480 Mbits/second) USB
transfers. It must be compatible with Revision 1.1 or Revision 2.0 of the USB specification.
Plug & Play System Configuration
The eQCM 15M is completely compatible with the Windows Plug & Play configuration system. Like most Plug
& Play hardware, it is best if you install the software for the eQCM 15M before you install the hardware.
The latest Gamry software is not provided on a DVD anymore but is now available for download as *.exe or
*.iso file on Gamry Instruments' Client Portal after creating an account and registering your instrument:
https://www.gamry.com/client-portal/my-account/
Note: Verify that the Resonator software is added to the list of programs that are installed.
USB and Power Connection
The eQCM 15M connects to the computer using a High Speed USB cable. Both data transfer as well as
powering the eQCM 15M are done via this connection. There is no need for an additional power supply to be
connected.
To accommodate different computer setups, two different USB cables and a powered USB hub are shipped
with your instrument. You can get a replacement at Gamry Instruments if a part is lost. Contact your local
Gamry Representative or e-mail to [e-mail] if you experience problems.
If your computer already has a USB-C input, we recommend using the provided USB-C (M) to USB-C (M)
cable with Gamry P/N 985-00234. Connect one end to the USB port on the eQCM 15M rear panel (see Figure
4-2) and the other end to your computer.
If no USB-C input is available, use the provided USB-C (M) to USB-A (M) cable with Gamry P/N 985-00235.
Again, connect the smaller USB-C plug into the USB port of the eQCM 15M on the rear panel. Connect the
larger USB-A plug into a USB3.0 input of your computer. If none if available, use the included powered
USB-hub (Gamry P/N 950-00101). It comes with a universal power adapter for general use.
Caution:
Do not block the airflow around the chassis. While the circuitry should suffer
no damage due to excessive heat, the enclosure may become uncomfortably hot to the touch if no air
flows around the chassis. Running the instrument without adequate cooling could shorten the time to
failure of some of the circuitry.

Installation
17
Only this USB-type provides enough power
An A/C USB cable has different connectors on each end. The end with a wider, rectangular-shaped connector
(type A) plugs either directly into a USB port on your computer or you can plug it into a power USB-hub that is
connected to the computer. The end with a smaller connector (type C) plugs into the USB port on the
eQCM 15M (see Figure 4-2).
Figure 4-2
Rear Panel of the eQCM 15M with USB connection
You can also safely remove the USB cable without powering down the eQCM 15M and your computer.
However, be aware that this may have undesirable consequences if the system is currently taking data or
performing an electrochemical experiment.
Power-Up Test
Before you make any other connections to your eQCM 15M, check that the instrument is at least nominally
functional.
One quick test is to turn on the eQCM 15M and watch the blue Power LED indicator on the front panel. After
connecting DC power to the instrument, turn press the Power button.
Standard USB1.0 or 2.0 (type A) inputs on your computer do not provide enough power to
power up your eQCM 15M. Only USB3.0 inputs provide at least 0.9A/4.5W power. Use the powered
USB-hub if your computer has no USB3.0 input, otherwise your eQCM 15M cannot be powered.

Installation
18
The Power LED should illuminate and remain on. The status of the other LED indicator is not important at this
time.
First-time Device Installation in Windows
®
Caution:
If the Power LED goes on, then turns off and does not come on, the
eQCM 15M is not working properly! Contact Gamry Instruments or your local Gamry Instruments
representative as soon as possible if this power up test fails.
These instructions presume you have already installed Gamry software Revision 7.10 or
higher.

Cell Connections
19
Chapter 5: Cell Connections
Normal Cell Connections
Each eQCM 15M is shipped with a standard, shielded BNC cable terminated with a ceramic adapter (P/N 985-
00124). Attach the male end of the cable to the front panel of the eQCM 15M (see Figure 5-1).
Figure 5-1
Connection of the BNC Cable to the Quartz
Quartz Crystal Installation
This section describes how to mount a quartz crystal in a Temperature Controlled QCM Cell (990-00400) and
shows the general assembly procedure for this cell type.
1. Attach vial-side plate to main block with two long screws. Tighten to snug-fit.
2. Attach side plate to main block with two short screws. Tighten to snug-fit.

Cell Connections
20
3. Press PEEK crystal holder into main block.
4. Carefully place O-ring into mounted crystal holder.
5. Using tweezers, carefully place quartz crystal into crystal holder.