Multi Channel Systems HB MEA-IT Series User manual

MEA-IT-System •Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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MEA-IT-System
USER MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MEA-IT-System •Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Advice ........................................................................................................................................5
Guarantee and Liability...............................................................................................................................................6
Operator's Obligations................................................................................................................................................7
Terms of Use for the Program ....................................................................................................................................7
Limitation of Liability ..................................................................................................................................................7
Hardware .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Mounting the MEA .....................................................................................................................................................9
Compatible Microelectrode Arrays.............................................................................................................................9
Software……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12
Software Installation.................................................................................................................................................12
Installing the MEA-IT Software .................................................................................................................................12
Running a Measurement ..........................................................................................................................................18
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................. 22
Error Messages .........................................................................................................................................................22
Technical Support .....................................................................................................................................................22

IMPRINT
MEA-IT-System •Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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IMPRINT
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express
written permission of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors
or missions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that
may accompany it.
In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been
caused directly or indirectly by this document.
© 2022 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
Printed: 29.07.2022
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustraße 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Phone [phone] - 0
Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.multichannelsystems.com
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Products that are referred to in this document may be either
trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be noted as such. The publisher and the author make no
claim to these trademarks.

WELCOME TO THE MEA2100-SYSTEM
MEA-IT-System •Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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WELCOME TO THE MEA-IT-SYSTEM
Three versions of impedance testing devices MEA-IT are provided: MEA-IT60, MEA-IT120 and MEA-IT256 for microelectrode arrays with
60-, 120- and 256-electrodes allow an easy measuring and monitoring of MEA electrode impedances. The measurement process is controlled
by the software MEA-IT. On a virtual MEA layout, the impedance of each electrode is displayed in an intuitive color code.
It is possible to save the data after each measurement to a database file and to export the data in ASCII format. This way you can monitor
the development of each single electrode's impedance over the entire life span of each microelectrode array.
Based on this information the user can, for example, decide whether a MEA chip can be put to further use or should be discarded, or if a specific
surface treatment or coating has any relevant influence on the electrode impedance.

IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVICE
MEA-IT-System • Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVICE
Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to installation or use of the device and the software. If you do not
fulfill
all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or breakage of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.
Warning: Always obey the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should be allowed to perform laboratory
work. Work according to good laboratory practice to obtain best results and to minimize risks.
The product has been built to the state of the art and in accordance with recognized safety engineering rules. The device may only
→be used for its intended purpose;
→be used when in a perfect condition.
Improper use could lead to serious, even fatal injuries to the user or third parties and damage to the device itself or other material damage.
Warning: The device and the software are not intended for medical uses and must not be used on humans.
MCS assumes no responsibility in any case of contravention.
Malfunctions which could impair safety should be rectified immediately.
High Voltage
Electrical cords must be properly laid and installed. The length and quality of the cords must be in accordance with local provisions.
Only qualified technicians may work on the electrical system. It is essential that the accident prevention regulations and those of the employers'
liability associations are observed.
•Each time before starting up, make sure that the power supply agrees with the specifications of the product.
•Check the power cord for damage each time the site is changed. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately and may
never be reused.
•Check the leads for damage. Damaged leads should be replaced immediately and may never be reused.
•Do not try to insert anything sharp or metallic into the vents or the case.
•Liquids may cause short circuits or other damage. Always keep the device and the power cords dry. Do not handle it with wet hands.
Requirements for the Installation
Make sure that the device is not exposed to direct sunlight. Do not place anything on top of the device, and do not place it on top of another
heat producing device, so that the air can circulate freely.
Grounding
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor on the power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be
connected to earth.
Orient the Equipment Properly
Do not orient the equipment so that it is difficult to manage the disconnection device.

IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVICE
MEA-IT-System • Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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High Voltage
Electrical cords must be properly laid and installed. The length and quality of the cords must be in accordance with local provisions. Only
qualified technicians may work on the electrical system. It is essential that the accident prevention regulations and those of the employers'
liability associations are observed. Each time before starting up, make sure that the power supply agrees with the specifications of the product.
Check the power cord for damage each time the site is changed. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately and may never be
reused. Check the leads for damage. Damaged leads should be replaced immediately and may never be reused. Do not try to insert anything
sharp or metallic into the vents or the case. Liquids may cause short circuits or other damage. Always keep the device and the power cords dry.
Do not handle it with wet hands.
Requirements for the Installation Make sure that the device is not exposed to direct sunlight. Do not place anything on top of the device,
and do not place it on top of another heat producing device, so that the air can circulate freely.
Explanation of the Symbols used
Caution / Warning DC, direct current
Guarantee and Liability
The General conditions of sale and delivery of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH always apply. The operator will receive these no later than
on conclusion of the contract.
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests and data generated by the use of the device
or the software. It is up to the user to use good laboratory practice to establish the validity of his / her findings.
Guarantee and liability claims in the event of injury or material damage are excluded when they are the result of one of the following.
→Improper use of the device.
→Improper installation, commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
→Operating the device when the safety and protective devices are defective and/or inoperable.
→Non-observance of the instructions in the manual with regard to transport, storage, installation, commissioning, operation
or maintenance of the device.
→Unauthorized structural alterations to the device.
→Unauthorized modifications to the system settings.
→Inadequate monitoring of device components subject to wear.
→Improperly executed and unauthorized repairs.
→Unauthorized opening of the device or its components.
→Catastrophic events due to the effect of foreign bodies or acts of God.

IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVICE
MEA-IT-System • Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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Operator's Obligations
The operator is obliged to allow only persons to work on the device, who
→are familiar with the safety at work and accident prevention regulations and have been instructed how to use the device;
→are professionally qualified or have specialist knowledge and training and have received instruction in the use of the device;
→have read and understood the chapter on safety and the warning instructions in this manual and confirmed this with their signature.
→It must be monitored at regular intervals that the operating personnel are working safely.
Personnel still undergoing training may only work on the device under the supervision of an experienced person.
Terms of Use for the Program
You are free to use the program for its intended purpose. You agree that you will not decompile, reverse engineer, or otherwise attempt
to discover the source code of the software.
Limitation of Liability
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests and data generated by the use the software.
It is up to the user to use good laboratory practice to establish the validity of his findings.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH or its suppliers be liable for any
special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, injuries, damages for data loss, loss of business
profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the program
or the provision of or failure to provide support services, even if Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH has been advised of the possibility of such
damages.
Requirements for the Installation
Make sure that the device is not exposed to direct sunlight. Do not place anything on top of the device, and do not place it on top of another
heat producing device. Never cover the vents, not even partially, so that the air can circulate freely. Otherwise, the device may overheat.
Recommended BIOS settings
Recommended operating system settings
The following automatic services of the Windows operating system interfere with the data storage on the hard disk and can lead to severe
performance limits in the data acquisition software. These routines were designed for use on office computers but are not very useful for
a data acquisition computer.
→Turn off Screen Saver.
→Turn off Manual management of automatic Windows Update.
→Power Options: Power scheme: Never turn on system standby.
→It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using the data acquisition software.
→Be careful when using a Virus Scanner. These programs are known to disturb the software and even data loss may occur.
When using a MEA-IT-System it is recommended to connect a high performance computer with a separate hard disk for program files
and data storage. The provided possibility to use up to 256 channels with up to 50 kHz needs high memory capacity. Please remove data
and defragment the hard disk regularly to ensure optimal performance.

HARDWARE
MEA-IT-System • Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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HARDWARE
The MEA-IT is a very compact and portable device for measuring electrode impedances on microelectrode arrays (MEA) with MEA-IT software.
The measurements are transmitted to the connected computer via universal serial bus (USB 2.0 Full Speed). Thus, it is possible to use any
computer as a data acquisition computer, also a laptop.
The device does not need an own power supply. Just connect it to an USB port of the data acquisition computer and the blue LED on the right
side of the front panel lights up. The USB connector is located on the side panel.
The two triangular front edges of the device can be moved outwards and inwards to open and close the MEA-IT device, respectively.
Two identical sockets are provided to connect an Ag/AgCl ground electrode.
Important: Please wait approximately fifteen minutes after filling the MEA dish with conducting solution before measuring the electrodes!
Important: You always have to connect an Ag/AgCl silver wire even though you like to measure a MEA with internal reference electrode.
Otherwise, the impedances are too high.

HARDWARE
MEA-IT-System • Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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Mounting the MEA
Open the upperpart of the device by moving the triangular edges of the lid outwards. The lid swings open. Before inserting the MEA note its
layout and the individual serial number. Please see chapter "Compatible Microelectrode Arrays". Insert the MEA carefully into the provided
area. Make sure that the MEA is correct orientated. Close the device by pressing down the lid and moving the triangular edges of the lid
inwards.
Fill the MEA dish with a conducting solution, usually PBS (phosphate buffered saline) or with ACSF (artificial cerebral spinal fluid for rats
and mice). The impedance of an electrode also depends on the hydrophilic properties of the electrode. If an electrode is hydrophobic,
the measured impedance will be too high. Treatment with a plasma cleaner will make the MEA hydrophilic.
Grounding the MEA
Ground the MEA with the included Ag/AgCl pellet. There are two identical sockets provided to connect the ground electrode. An external
ground electrode is also necessary for MEAs with internal reference electrode.
The reference electrode of a MEA with internal reference is connected to pin 15, the ground pin in MEA-Systems but not in MEA-IT.
In MEA-IT-Systems the electrode connected to pin 15 will be measured just as all others. That is why you always need the silver wire
as an external reference point for grounding the MEA-IT-System during measurements.
Compatible Microelectrode Arrays
The MEA-IT is available for MEAs with 60 electrodes, 120 electrodes and 256 electrodes. The contacting units are different in dependence
of the number of electrodes. Please contact Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH for detailed information.
Each MEA is classified by its type and its individual serial number, which is engraved on the back side of the MEA.
The name of the specific MEA mirrors its parameters: 60MEA100/10iR-Ti, for example.
The total number of electrodes on the MEA is the first part of the name, before the term “MEA”. The number behind "MEA" gives the distance
between the electrodes in the layout grid. The number after the slash is the diameter of the recording electrodes. The character "iR" indicates
whether the MEA has an internal reference or not. Ti (titanium nitride) and ITO (Indium tin oxide) are materials for electrodes and / or tracks
and / or contact pads.
Important: Please wait approximately fifteen minutes after filling the MEA dish with conducting solution before measuring the electrodes!
Important: You always have to connect an Ag/AgCl silver wire even though you measure a MEA with internal reference electrode. Otherwise,
the impedances will be out of range.

HARDWARE
MEA-IT-System • Publication 20220729 • www.multichannelsystems.com
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Positioning the MEA
When placing a special MEA into the amplifier, for example HighDense MEAs, HexaMEAs, 120MEAs or 256MEAs, please read the data sheets
to make sure that the orientation of the MEA is correct, respectively.
Table of microelectrode arrays with 60-, 120-, or 256-electrodes, currently available for the respective impedance testing device MEA-IT.
Important: MEAs are not symmetrical! Therefore, the writing (for example NMI, LEITER, MEA type) on the MEA chip should be on the right side
viewed from the front of the MEA-IT device. MEAs with one big internal reference electrode should be placed with reference electrode to the
left side in the MEA-IT device. Otherwise, the MEA layout will not match with the pin layout of the MEA-IT device.