Gamry Reference 3000 User manual

Reference 3000™
Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA
Operator’s Manual
Copyright ©2012–2015 Gamry Instruments, Inc.
Revision 6.1
December 2, 2015
988-00014

i
If You Have Problems
Please visit our service and support page at www.gamry.com/service support/. 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 www.gamry.com/service support/
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 in installation or use of a system containing a Reference 3000, it would be helpful if you
called 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 Reference 3000
Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA. Reasonable support includes telephone assistance covering the normal
installation, use and simple customization of a computerized system containing a Reference 3000 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 Reference 3000 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.

ii
imited 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 Reference
3000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA 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.

iii
Disclaimers
Gamry Instruments, Inc. cannot guarantee that the Reference 3000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA will work with
all computer systems, operating systems, and third party software applications 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
Reference 3000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA Operator's Manual
copyright 2008 2012, Gamry Instruments, Inc., all rights reserved.
Gamry Framework copyright 1989 2012, Gamry Instruments, Inc., all rights reserved.
Reference 3000, Reference 600, Interface 1000™, PC4, PCI4, ECM8, Series G, Gamry
Framework, DC105, EIS300, and Gamry are trademarks of Gamry Instruments, Inc.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Gamry
Instruments, Inc.

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Table of Contents
If You Have Problems ....................................................................................................................i
Limited Warranty ..........................................................................................................................ii
Disclaimers.................................................................................................................................... iii
Copyrights ..................................................................................................................................... iii
Chapter 1 Safety Considerations ................................................................................................. 1 1
Inspection ........................................................................................................................ 1 1
Product Safety ..................................................................................................................1 1
AC Mains Connection to the Power Brick.......................................................................... 1 2
Grounding in the Reference 3000.....................................................................................1 2
Operation with Earth Grounded Cells and Auxiliary Apparatus .......................................... 1 3
Temperature and Ventilation ............................................................................................ 1 3
Defects and Abnormal Stresses ......................................................................................... 1 4
Environmental Limits ........................................................................................................ 1 4
Cleaning........................................................................................................................... 1 5
Service ............................................................................................................................. 1 5
RFI Warning ..................................................................................................................... 1 5
Electrical Transient Sensitivity............................................................................................ 1 5
CE Compliance................................................................................................................. 1 6
RoHS Compliance ............................................................................................................ 1 6
Chapter 2 Introduction...............................................................................................................2 1
About this Manual ............................................................................................................ 2 1
About the Reference 3000................................................................................................ 2 1
About the Auxiliary Electrometer Option...........................................................................2 2
Notational Conventions .................................................................................................... 2 2
Chapter 3 Instrument Circuitry ...................................................................................................3 1
Reference 3000 Schematic/Block Diagrams....................................................................... 3 1
Chapter 4 Installation ................................................................................................................. 4 1
Initial Visual Inspection..................................................................................................... 4 2
Physical Location..............................................................................................................4 2
Computer Requirements................................................................................................... 4 3
Quick Start Guide for System Installation .......................................................................... 4 3
Software Installation..........................................................................................................4 3
Reboot your Computer after Software Installation.............................................................. 4 3
Power Cord and Power Connection..................................................................................4 4
Power Up Test.................................................................................................................. 4 5
USB Cabling..................................................................................................................... 4 5
Front Panel USB LED........................................................................................................4 5
1st Time Device Installation in Windows XP....................................................................... 4 6
Running the Framework....................................................................................................4 8
Framework Device Status Bar ........................................................................................... 4 9
Gamry Instrument Manager .............................................................................................. 4 10
Authorization Codes and Label .........................................................................................4 11
Firmware Update ............................................................................................................. 4 13
Calibration ....................................................................................................................... 4 15
Separate Calibration for Each Reference 3000 Cable Type.................................... 4 15
DC and AC Calibration........................................................................................ 4 15
Low I Range DC Calibration.................................................................................4 16
Chapter 5 Cell Connections........................................................................................................5 1
Cell Cable Overview......................................................................................................... 5 1

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Ancillary Apparatus.............................................................................................. 5 1
AE Connections ...................................................................................................5 1
Fuses in the Cell Cable...................................................................................................... 5 1
Normal Cell Connections.................................................................................................. 5 1
ZRA Mode Cell Connections.............................................................................................5 3
Stack Mode Cell Connections ...........................................................................................5 4
Membrane Cell Connections............................................................................................. 5 5
Fuses in the Cell Cable...................................................................................................... 5 5
In line Fuse Holders and Fuses ............................................................................ 5 5
Fuses Located in the Cable Hood......................................................................... 5 6
Testing For Open Fuses ....................................................................................... 5 8
Chapter 6 Panel Indicators and Connectors.................................................................................6 1
Front Panel....................................................................................................................... 6 1
Counter/Working Connector................................................................................6 1
Sense Inputs Connector ....................................................................................... 6 1
The Power LED ................................................................................................... 6 1
The USB LED ......................................................................................................6 2
Cell LED..............................................................................................................6 2
Overload LED......................................................................................................6 3
Rear Panel........................................................................................................................ 6 3
Power In Jack ...................................................................................................... 6 3
Power Switch ......................................................................................................6 4
Chassis Ground ................................................................................................... 6 4
USB Port ............................................................................................................. 6 4
Thermocouple Input............................................................................................ 6 5
Misc I/O Connector ............................................................................................. 6 5
I Monitor BNC..................................................................................................... 6 6
E Monitor BNC.................................................................................................... 6 6
Ext. Sig. In BNC................................................................................................... 6 7
Sig Gen Out BNC................................................................................................ 6 7
Aux In BNC......................................................................................................... 6 7
Expansion Interface ............................................................................................. 6 8
Chapter 7 Auxiliary Electrometer Option ....................................................................................7 1
Overview ......................................................................................................................... 7 1
AC Performance and CMRR..............................................................................................7 1
Experiments ..................................................................................................................... 7 2
Connections Using Standard Cables .................................................................................. 7 2
Connections Using Custom Cables.................................................................................... 7 3
AE Specifications .............................................................................................................. 7 3
Chapter 8 Stability in Potentiostat Mode.....................................................................................8 1
Capacitive Cells and Stability ............................................................................................8 1
Improving Potentiostat Stability......................................................................................... 8 2
Chapter 9 Measurement of Small Current Signals........................................................................ 9 1
Overview ......................................................................................................................... 9 1
Problem Description......................................................................................................... 9 1
Measurement System Model and Physical Limitations .......................................................9 1
Johnson Noise in Zcell......................................................................................... 9 3
Finite Input Capacitance......................................................................................9 4
Leakage Currents and Input Impedance ...............................................................9 4
Voltage Noise and DC Measurements .................................................................. 9 5
Shunt Resistance and Capacitance ....................................................................... 9 5
Hints for System and Cell Design ...................................................................................... 9 6

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Faraday Shield.....................................................................................................9 6
Avoid External Noise Sources............................................................................... 9 6
Cell Cable Length and Construction ..................................................................... 9 6
Lead Placement................................................................................................... 9 7
Cell Construction................................................................................................. 9 7
Reference Electrode............................................................................................. 9 7
Instrument Settings .............................................................................................. 9 8
EIS Speed............................................................................................................ 9 8
Ancillary Apparatus.............................................................................................. 9 8
Floating Operation............................................................................................................ 9 8
Chapter 10 – EIS Measurement of Small Impedances .....................................................................10 1
Overview ......................................................................................................................... 10 1
Why Galvanostatic Mode? ................................................................................................ 10 1
DC Errors and Four terminal Measurements......................................................................10 2
What is Mutual Inductance? ............................................................................................. 10 3
Avoid high frequencies ........................................................................................ 10 3
Minimize the Net Magnetic Field......................................................................... 10 3
Separate the pairs................................................................................................ 10 4
Twist the Sense Wires.......................................................................................... 10 4
How Should You Hook Up Your Cell?............................................................................... 10 4
Appendix A Reference 3000 Specifications................................................................................. 11 1
Appendix B Reference 3000 Cell Connectors.............................................................................. 12 1
Appendix C Misc I/O Connector................................................................................................. 13 1
Appendix D Auxiliary A/D Input Characteristics .......................................................................... 14 1
Overview ......................................................................................................................... 14 1
Jumper Identification ........................................................................................................ 14 1
Input Impedance Selection ............................................................................................... 14 2
Bandwidth Selection.........................................................................................................14 3
Aux A/D Specifications .....................................................................................................14 3
Function Call to Set the Aux A/D BNC Characteristics........................................................ 14 3
Appendix E – Auxiliary Electrometer Specifications.........................................................................15 1
DC Voltage Measurement................................................................................................. 15 1
Input Impedance.............................................................................................................. 15 1
Common Mode Rejection................................................................................................. 15 1
Crosstalk........................................................................................................................... 15 1
Other AC Specifications.................................................................................................... 15 2
Appendix F – CE Certificate ........................................................................................................... 16 1
Declaration of Conformity ................................................................................................16 1
Certificate of Conformance...............................................................................................16 2
Comprehensive Index.................................................................................................................... 17 1

Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations--Inspection
1 1
Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations
Your Reference 3000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA has been supplied in a safe condition. This chapter of the
Reference 3000 Operator's Manual contains some information and warnings that you must follow to insure
continued safe operation of the Reference 3000.
The safety information in this chapter applies to both the Reference 3000 and the Reference 3000 equipped
with its AE Auxiliary Electrometer.
Inspection
When you receive your Reference 3000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA you should inspect it for evidence of
shipping damage. If any damage is noted, please notify Gamry Instruments Inc. and the shipping carrier
immediately. Save the shipping container for possible inspection by the carrier.
Product Safety
The Reference 3000 has been designed, tested and certified to meet the requirements of an international
standard, EN 61010, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory
use. As defined in this standard, it is a Category II apparatus, with any "hazardous live voltages" protected by
"reinforced insulation".
The Reference 3000 contains a limited amount of internal circuitry that operate at “hazardous live” voltages as
defined in EN 61010 (the standard mentioned above). “Reinforced insulation” (again defined in EN 61010) is
used to reduce the risk of electrical shock due to this “hazardous live” voltage.
The majority of the Reference 3000’s circuitry does not contain voltages higher than 42 Volts DC. As a
generalization, input and output voltages in the Reference 3000 are limited to 36 volts. This voltage level is
considered safe.
The “AC Adapter” supplied with the Reference 3000 is certified under EN 60950. The AC Adapter converts
the AC mains voltage to 24 volts DC, which is used to power the Reference 3000.
You should always use the AC adapter (power brick) supplied with your Reference 3000 to supply DC power to
the instrument.
WARNING
A Reference 3000 that has been 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 Reference 3000 to indicate that it could be a safety hazard.
WARNING
Do not use a DC power source other than the AC adapter model provided with your
Reference 3000. Other replacements may void the performance and/or safety
characteristics of the Reference 3000.

Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations--AC Mains Connection to the Power Bric
1 2
AC Mains Connection to the Power Brick
The Reference 3000 does not connect directly to an AC Mains supply. Instead, the mains are connected to
desktop AC adapter (power brick), which outputs 24 volts DC, which in turn powers the Reference 3000.
NOTE
The Reference 3000’s AC Adapter is rated for operation from 100 to 240 volts AC, 47 to
63 Hz. It should therefore be useful throughout the world.
The Reference 3000 is normally provided with an AC line cord suitable for your location. This AC line cord
connects the AC mains to the AC power adapter. If your Reference 3000 has been provided without an AC
line cord, or a cord that is not compatible with your local AC mains socket, obtain a line cord certified for use in
your country. Contact your local Gamry Representative or Email to [email protected] if you are
uncertain what AC line cord to use.
Grounding in the Reference 3000
The circuitry and the metal case of the Reference 3000 are not connected to an earth ground. If they were
connected to earth ground, it would compromise the Reference 3000’s ability to make measurements in
electrochemical cells that contain earth grounded conductors. A few examples of such cells include autoclaves,
metallographic stress apparatus, chemical storage tanks, and most large fuel cell stacks.
Most electrochemical cells are isolated from earth ground, so isolation of the Reference 3000 from earth is not
required. In these cases, connection of the Reference 3000 chassis to an earth ground may lower noise seen in
electrochemical tests. A Chassis Ground binding post on the rear panel of the Reference 3000 makes for easy
implementation of this connection. Simply run a wire from this binding post to a suitable source of earth
ground. A black 1.2 meter wire is provided with the Reference 3000 to facilitate this connection.
NOTE
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.
Note this connection of the Reference 3000 to an earth ground is not a “Protective Earth Ground” as defined in
EN 61010. The Reference 3000 is safe in the absence of this connection.
This binding post is not intended for any use other than connecting the Reference 3000 to an earth ground to
improve shielding against noise. Connecting this binding post to a hazardous voltage can create a significant
safety hazard.
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.

Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations--Operation with Earth Grounded Cells and Auxiliary Apparatus
1 3
An earth ground connection can cause problems when testing batteries, fuel cells, or capacitors. Many of these
devices can source huge currents, often 10’s or 100’s of amps. If the Reference 3000 chassis is earth grounded
and another location in the stack is accidentally (or intentionally) connected to earth ground, a portion of the
stack is shorted through the Reference 3000’s cell cable. Very large current flows when this occurs. Fuses in
the cell cable will open up to prevent damage to the instrument. When this happens, the failed fuses must be
replaced before the instrument can be used again. The fuses in the cell cable are not essential for operator
safety. A section in Chapter 5 describes the fuses and their replacement in detail.
NOTE
The fuses in the Reference 3000 cell cable do not protect against a safety hazard. They
are needed to prevent damage to the instrument if it is improperly connected.
Operation with Earth Grounded Cells and Auxiliary Apparatus
As described above, the Reference 3000 circuitry is isolated from earth ground, allowing it to make
measurements on cells that include an earth ground. This ground isolation is often called floating operation.
Cells with earth ground include many autoclaves, pipelines and storage tanks, and many fuel cell systems.
Connection of the Reference 3000 to auxiliary apparatus will often earth ground the Reference 3000,
destroying its ability to float and make measurements on earth grounded cells. Connection of the Monitor
BNCs to an oscilloscope is an example where the instrument is earthed.
The User I/O connector can be connected to earth grounded apparatus without earth grounding the Reference
3000, if the cabling is done carefully. The Metal Shell on the Reference 3000 User I/O Connector is
connected to the instrument's chassis which is a Floating ground. In a system that needs isolation from earth
ground, the shield of a User I/O cable must not connect the D connector's metal shell to earth ground. All
User I/O signals should be referenced to pin 6 of the D connector, which is isolated ground on the Reference
3000.
Caution
Floating operation of the Reference 3000 can be compromised by improper cabling to the
User I/O Connector. Do not use standard 15-pin shielded cables with this connector.
Custom cables with the shield connected to pin 6 of the D-connector are required.
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.
The Reference 3000 contains surge suppressors that limit the voltage difference between the Reference 3000’s
chassis ground and earth ground to about 40 volts. These surge suppressors are not part of the safety
mechanisms in the Reference 3000. Instead they are present to limit the possibility of improper instrument
operation or instrument damage due to electrostatic discharge (static electricity) and other surge events such as
lightening.
Temperature and Ventilation
Your Reference 3000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA was designed for indoor use at ambient temperatures
between 0°C and 45°C.

Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations--Defects and Abnormal Stresses
1 4
The Reference 3000 uses forced air cooling to keep its electronic components within their recommended
operating temperature range. Three fans on the rear panel of the Reference 3000 draw air into the chassis.
The air exits from slots located on the sides of the chassis near the front panel.
Be careful when operating the Reference 3000 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 you determine that there is an excessive temperature
rise within the space.
Defects and Abnormal Stresses
You should treat your Reference 3000 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.).
Do not use your Reference 3000 or any other apparatus if you think it could be hazardous. Have it checked by
qualified service personnel.
Environmental imits
Note that there are environmental limit conditions on the storage, shipping and operation of this equipment.
The Reference 3000 has not been designed for outdoor use.
Storage
Ambient Temperature 40 °C to 75 °C
Relative Humidity Maximum 90% non condensing
Shipping Same as storage plus
Acceleration Maximum 30 G
Operation
Ambient Temperature 0 °C to 45 °C
Relative Humidity Maximum 90% non condensing
CAUTION
Do not block the airflow into or out of the Reference 3000 chassis. While the circuitry
should shut down before it is damaged from excessive heat, the Reference 3000
enclosure may become uncomfortably hot to the touch if insufficient air flows through
the chassis. Running the Reference 3000 without adequate cooling could shorten the
time to failure of some of the circuitry.

Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations--Cleaning
1 5
Cleaning
Disconnect the Reference 3000 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 Reference 3000 enclosure. Alternatively, you can use isopropyl alcohol. Do not use a wet rag or allow
fluid to enter the Reference 3000 enclosure. Do not immerse the Reference 3000 in any type of cleaning fluid
(including water). Do not use any abrasive cleaners.
Service
Your Reference 3000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA has no user serviceable parts inside. You should refer all
service to a qualified service technician.
RFI Warning
Your Reference 3000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy.
The radiated levels are low enough that the Reference 3000 should not create an interference problem in most
industrial laboratory environments.
The Reference 3000 has been tested for both radiated and conducted RF interference and has been found to
be in compliance with FCC Part 18 and EN 61326:1998—Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use— EMC Requirements.
Electrical Transient Sensitivity
Your Reference 3000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA was designed to offer reasonable immunity from electrical
transients, including transients on the incoming AC Mains supply and Electrostatic Discharge. It has been
tested for compliance with EN 61326:1998—Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory
use— EMC Requirements describing acceptable limits for Electrical Transient susceptibility in Laboratory Test
equipment. The Reference 3000 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 EN61326, but may cease normal
operation until it is powered down and restarted.
In severe cases, the Reference 3000 could malfunction as a result of 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 Reference 3000 or its cables):
• Placing your Reference 3000 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 the static electricity.
• Air ionizers or even simple air humidifiers can reduce the voltage available in static discharges.
WARNING
The Reference 3000 is not designed for operation in conditions where liquid water
may enter the chassis, or water vapor may condense within the chassis. Operation of
a Reference 3000 that has water within the chassis can create a safety hazard, which in
extreme cases could result in personal injury.
WARNING
The Reference 3000 must not be operated with any cover or panel on the chassis
open. Dangerous voltages may present at several points within the Reference 3000
chassis, including PC board traces. Always remove the power connection before
opening the Reference 3000 case.

Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations--CE Compliance
1 6
If the problem is AC power line transients (often from large electrical motors near the Reference 3000):
• Try plugging your Reference 3000 into a different AC power branch circuit.
• Plug your Reference into a power line surge suppressor. Inexpensive surge suppressors designed for
use with computer equipment are now generally available.
Contact Gamry Instruments, Inc. if these measures do not solve the problem.
CE Compliance
The European Community has instituted standards limiting radio frequency interference emitted by electronic
devices, setting limits for susceptibility of apparatus to RF energy and transient events, and mandating safety
requirements. Gamry Instruments, Inc. has designed and tested the Reference 3000 to comply with these
standards.
The relevant CE regulations include EN 61010 and EN 61326.
RoHS Compliance
The Reference 3000 has been built using lead free components and lead free solder. It is in compliance with
the European RoHS initiative.

Chapter 2 -- Introduction--About this Manual
2 1
Chapter 2 -- Introduction
About this Manual
This manual covers the installation, safety, and use of the Gamry Instruments Reference 3000
Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA. It also includes information about the Reference 3000’s AE Auxiliary
Electrometer option.
This manual describes use of a Reference 3000 with Revision 6.00 (and later revisions) of the Gamry
Framework software. It is equally useful when setting up a newly purchased potentiostat or modifying the setup
of an older potentiostat for use with new software.
Chapter 1 was an in depth discussion of safety issues. This chapter describes this manual and gives a brief
overview of the Reference 3000 features. Chapter 3 is a description of the electronics circuitry in the Reference
3000. Chapter 4 contains Reference 3000 installation instructions. Chapter 5 describes cell cable connections
and Chapter 6 describes the Reference 3000’s Front and Rear Panels. Chapter 7 discusses the AE Auxiliary
Electrometer option. Chapter 8 covers the difficult issues of potentiostat stability and approaches to prevent
oscillation. Chapter 9 discusses the realities of low current, high impedance measurements while Chapter 10
does the same for low impedance EIS.
You will find dry technical material such as specifications and connector pin outs in the Appendices.
This manual does not discuss software installation or software operation in any detail.
Software support for the Reference 3000 is described in the Gamry Framework’s Help system.
All the Gamry Instruments' applications running under the Gamry Framework, control the Reference 3000 via a
PSTAT object. See the Framework’s Help system for information concerning PSTAT objects and their functions.
About the Reference 3000
The Reference 3000 Potentiostat is a research grade electrochemical instrument packaged in a small, easy to
handle case. It is the larger, higher current brother of Gamry’s extremely popular Reference 600 Potentiostat.
It is especially useful when currents higher than the 600 mA current limit of the Reference 600 are required.
Typical applications for the Reference 3000 include research regarding batteries, fuel cells and super capacitors.
It should also prove useful in studies involving electrochemical synthesis, electroplating and corrosion. While it
can apply and measure ampere level currents, it is also an excellent small signal potentiostat that can work with
picoamp and sometimes even femtoamp current levels.
The Reference 3000 offers measurement capabilities similar to instruments many times larger in size, weight
and price. The Reference 3000 can operate as a potentiostat, a galvanostat, or a ZRA (zero resistance
ammeter). A new stack mode allows precision control and/or measurement of battery stack voltages as large as
± 36 volts.
The Reference 3000 offers two different compliance voltage and compliance current settings. A user can
choose to operate the Reference 3000 set for compliance of ± 1.5 Amperes and voltages up to ± 30 Volts or
he/she can chose to operate at ± 3 Amperes and voltages up to ± 15 Volts. This setting cannot be changed in
the middle of an experimental run.
Reference 3000 features include:
• 11 decade current auto ranging,
• electrical isolation from earth ground,
• switchable compliance current and compliance voltage settings,
• current interrupt iR compensation, and

Chapter 2 -- Introduction--About the Auxiliary Electrometer Option
2 2
• both analog and digital filtering.
A sine wave generator on the Reference 3000 allows its use for impedance measurements at frequencies up to
1 MHz. Data can be acquired at frequencies up to 300,000 points per second, allowing Cyclic Voltammetry at
scan rates of 1500 V/sec with 5 mV per point resolution.
A unique DSP (Digital Signal Processing) data acquisition mode allows the Reference 3000 to reject noise, from
the instrument itself, from the electrochemical cell, and from the lab environment. In many cases where other
instruments require a cell in a Faraday shield to make quiet measurements, the Reference 3000 can be used
with the cell exposed on a bench top.
The Reference 3000 offers an unprecedented combination of high speed, high sensitivity, and low noise. State
of the art analog components were used throughout the design. In all design decisions, performance weighed
more heavily than product cost.
The Reference 3000, like all Gamry potentiostats, requires a computer for its use. Unlike most of Gamry’s
older potentiostats, the Reference 3000 interfaces to the computer through a USB connection. The USB
connection has become truly universal, with USB ports found on all modern computers. Gamry’s software
currently supports up to 16 Reference 3000 Potentiostats connected to one computer.
The Reference 3000 is isolated from earth ground. It can therefore be used to make measurements on cells
that contain an earth grounded metal. A few of examples of such systems include are autoclaves, large metal
storage tanks, stress apparatus, and capillary electrophoresis detectors.
About the Auxiliary Electrometer Option
The Reference 3000 Potentiostat can be equipped with a unique Auxiliary Electrometer option. This factory
installed option is especially useful when you need to measure the performance of individual cells in a multi
cell fuel cell or battery stack.
Up to eight completely independent voltages can be measured using this option. The measurements are fully
differential, so cell voltages at any point in a stack can be measured. Each input can measure a ±5 volt signal
superimposed on a common mode voltage that can be as large as ± 36 volts! The input impedance is greater
than 1011 Ω, so the inputs can even be connected to small diameter Lugin probes.
This option can be used to simultaneously measure electrochemical impedance on up to eight cells in a cell
stack. This is often of great interest since cells in a fuel cell or battery stack are not identical.
The AE is not restricted to energy conversion and storage applications. The electrometer inputs can measure
virtually any voltage. You can measure voltages from temperature, pressure or strain transducers or voltages of
multiple reference electrodes in a cell.
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 will be
capitalized and placed within quotes, for example: “C:\MYGAMRYDATA\CV.DTA" and
“GAMRY5.INI".

Chapter 2 -- Introduction--Notational Conventions
2 3