Multi Channel Systems USB-ME64-System User guide

USB-ME-System Manual
USB-ME64-System
USB-ME128-System
USB-ME256-System

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 omissions, 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.
© 2015 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
Printed: 13. 05. 2015
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustraße 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon [phone] - 0
Fax [phone]
[email protected]om
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 trademark.

iii
Table of Contents
1Important Safety Advice 1
1.1 Important Safety Advice 1
1.2 Guarantee and Liability 2
1.3 Operator's Obligations 2
2Introduction 3
2.1 About this Manual 3
2.2 Welcome to the USB-ME-System 3
3Software Installation 4
3.1.1 System requirements 4
3.1.2 Recommended BIOS settings 4
3.1.3 First Use of MC_Rack 5
4Connecting the USB-ME-System 10
5USB-ME-Systems 11
5.1 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME64-System 11
5.1.1 Front Panel 11
5.1.2 Power LED 11
5.1.3 Analog Input A 11
5.1.4 Digital Trigger Input 11
5.1.5 Rear Panel 12
5.1.6 Digital In / Out 12
5.1.7 Digital Output D0 12
5.1.8 Synchronization Out- and Input 12
5.1.9 Audio Output 13
5.1.10 Analog Input 1 to 4 13
5.1.11 USB 13
5.1.12 Power Input 13
5.1.13 Ground 13
5.1.14 External Power Supply 13
5.2 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME128-System 14
5.2.1 Front Panel 14
5.2.2 Power LED 14
5.2.3 Analog Inputs A and B 14
5.2.4 Digital Trigger Inputs 14
5.2.5 Rear Panel 15
5.2.6 Digital In / Out 15
5.2.7 Digital Output D0 15

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5.2.8 Synchronization Out- and Input 15
5.2.9 Audio Output 16
5.2.10 Analog Input 1 to 4 16
5.2.11 USB 16
5.2.12 Power Input 16
5.2.13 Ground 16
5.2.14 External Power Supply 16
5.3 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME256-System 17
5.3.1 Front Panel 18
5.3.2 Power LED 18
5.3.3 Analog Inputs A, C, B, and D 18
5.3.4 Digital Trigger Inputs 18
5.3.5 Rear Panel 19
5.3.6 Digital In / Out 19
5.3.7 Digital Output D0 20
5.3.8 Synchronization Out- and Input 20
5.3.9 Audio Output 20
5.3.10 Analog Input A1 to A4 20
5.3.11 USB 20
5.3.12 Power Input 21
5.3.13 Ground 21
5.4 External Power Supply 21
Troubleshooting 22
5.5 About Troubleshooting 22
5.6 Technical Support 22
5.7 No Computer Connection / No Recording Possible 23
5.8 Cable Connection not correct / No Recording Possible 23
5.9 Triggering / Digital Input does not Work 24
6Appendix 25
6.1 Contact Information 25
6.2 Scope of Delivery 26
6.3 Pin Layout 27
6.4 Technical Specifications 29
7Index 31

1
1 Important Safety Advice
1.1 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.
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.

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2
1.2 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.
1.3 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.

3
2 Introduction
2.1 About this Manual
It is assumed that you already have a basic understanding of technical and software terms. No special skills
are required to read this manual.
If you are using the device for the first time, please read the Important Safety Advice before installing
the hardware and software, where you will find important information about the installation and first
steps.
The device and the software are part of an ongoing developmental process. Please understand that the
provided documentation is not always up to date. The latest information can be found in the Help.
Check also the MCS web site (www.multichannelsystems.com) for downloading up-to-date manuals
and help files.
2.2 Welcome to the USB-ME-System
The USB-ME-System is a stand-alone solution for acquiring data from up to 256 channels. It can replace
the internal computer hardware MC_Card. The analog input signals are acquired and digitized by the
USB-ME-System and the digital electrode signals are transmitted to the connected computer via universal
serial bus (High Speed USB 2.0). Thus, it is possible to use any computer for data processing. Recorded data
are graphed, analyzed and reviewed with the powerful and easy-to-use Multi Channel Suite, the newest
software package from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH or the well-proved MC_Rack program. You can
export the data in standard formats.
The USB-ME-System supports up to 256 channels with an amplification factor 1 that means no
amplification, data acquisition only.
It is a high flexible system: You can connect, for example, four MEA60-Systems via MCS high grade cables
or two MEA120-Systems or ME-Systems in different configurations or whatever comes with 68-pin MCS
standard connectors. Please see "Microelectrode Array Systems" and "Microelectrode Array USB-Systems"
for more information. You can stack several USB-ME-Systems but you need a separate data proceeding
computer with software for each system.

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3 Software Installation
Please check the system requirements before you install the data acquisition software. MCS cannot
guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled. Please see the software
help or manual for more information. It is recommended that you check the MCS web site for software
updates on a regular basis.
The USB-ME-System is a plug and play device. The driver is automatically installed together with the
Multi Channel Suite or MC_Rack program. It is easier to connect the USB-ME-System first to the data
acquisition computer and then install the software.
Important: Please make sure that you have full control over your computer as an administrator. Otherwise,
it is possible that the installed hardware does not work properly.
3.1.1 System requirements
One of the following Microsoft Windows ® operating systems is required: Windows 8 and 7, VISTA
or XP (English and German versions supported) with the NT file system. Other language versions may
lead to software errors. Windows 8 is essential for the Multi Channel Suite software.
Hardware: (Not required for offline analysis or demo mode). The data acquisition board USB-ME-System.
If no USB-ME-System is present, MC_Rack opens in a simulation mode. A computer with low
performance may lead to performance limits more often; therefore, MCS recommends an up-to-date
computer optionally with a separate hard disk. Please note that there are sometimes hardware
incompatibilities of the USB-ME-System and computer components; or that an inappropriate computer
power supply may lead to artifact signals. Please contact your local retailer for more information on
recommended computer hardware.
Important: You need to have installed the latest USB-ME-System driver to operate the USB-ME-System,
which is automatically installed with the software. The installation may be invalid if the USB-ME-System
does not respond. Please contact Multi Channel Systems or your local retailer in this case.
3.1.2 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 MC_Rack. These routines were designed for use on
office computers, but are not very useful for a data acquisition computer.
 Turn off Screensaver.
 Turn off Windows Indexing Service. Only important for data hard drive.
 Manual management of automatic Windows Update.
 Power Options: Power scheme: Never turn off monitor, hard disk and system standby.
 It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using the software. Remove
all applications from the Autostart folder.
 Be careful when using a Virus Scanner. These programs are known to disturb the software, and even data
loss may occur.
When using an USB-ME-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 40 kHz needs high memory capacity. Please remove data and defragment the hard disk regularly
to ensure optimal performance.

Introduction
5
3.2 Multi Channel Experimenter 
Double-click the Multi Channel Experimenter icon or select Multi Channel Experimenter from the "Start"
menu. The program starts. The main window opens automatically: "Multi Channel Experimenter (Instance:
1)". It is possible to open up to four instances in parallel. Operation is independent for each instance.
This is your virtual rack configuration in the "Experiment Setup" window, which is blank after program
start. On the left side five classes of instruments are provided: "Data Sources", "Recorder" and
“Stimulators" are hardware components. The virtual instruments available up to now are divided in
"General" and application specific "Neuro".
The header of the dialog contains five buttons: "Start DAQ", "Start Recording", "Load Experiment" and
"Save Experiment" in the main toolbar on the left and the "Menu" button on the right. In the bar down
under the "Recording Time" and the "DAQ Time" are registrated.

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Building a Rack
It is very easy to build a rack: Please click onto the button of the desired instrument and move it via drag
and drop from the left to the right side of the main window!
It is also easy to connect the instruments: Please click onto one of the symbols on the lower part of an
instrument button to connect this output port via drag and drop with the input port (symbol on the upper
side) of the target instrument. Please read the next chapter.

Introduction
7
Conventions for Building a Rack
Please consider the rules for connecting the instruments. The Multi Channel Experimenter program allows
only connections between output ports at the lower side of the device to the input port on the upper side
of the target device. The input and output ports of the devices are color coded for a better assignment of
the instruments. The blue symbol represents the port for the "Electrode Raw Data". The green symbol
represents the port for the "Auxiliary Analog Data". The red symbol represents the port for the "Digital
Data".
Three color coded output ports of the MEA2100 data acquisition device.
Example: Click on the blue symbol output port of the data source and connect it by drag and drop with the
blue symbol input port of the filter. The electrode raw data stream will flow from the data source to the
filter. Connect the blue symbol output port from the filter with the black symbol input port of the recorder.
The electrode raw data stream will flow from the filter to the recorder. The black input port of the recorder
accepts all types of input data streams and you can connect more than one data stream.
The Multi Channel Experimenter Rack
Move as many instruments as you need via drag and drop into the "Experiment Setup" window.
It is possible to use the virtual tools more than one time.

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8
3.3 MC_Rack
It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using MC_Rack.
Remove all applications from the Autostart folder.
Warning: The operating system settings of the data acquisition computer were pre-configured
by MCS and should not be changed by the user. Changing these settings can lead to program
instabilities and data loss.
Installing MC_Rack with the USB-ME-System connected to the computer
The Windows operating system detects a new hardware when the USB-ME-System is connected to
the computer, if the program has not been installed beforehand. Please make sure the device has power,
that is, the power LED is lighting. Simply cancel the "Found New Hardware Wizard" and proceed with the
installation of the MC_Rack program.
Connecting the USB-ME-System to a computer with installed MC_Rack
If MC_Rack had already been installed on the computer before the hardware was connected, the operating
system needs to load the driver once. After this procedure, the USB-ME-System will be automatically
recognized by the operating system.
1. Connect the USB-ME-System to the USB port of the data acquisition computer. Please make sure the
device has power, that is, the power LED is lighting.
2. Switch the computer on.
The "Found New Hardware Wizard" is displayed.
3. Choose the option "No", not this time and continue with "Next".
4. Choose the option "Install" the software automatically (recommended) and continue with "Next".
5. The Wizard will automatically find the appropriate USB-ME-System driver. Continue with "Next".
6. The driver installation is finished.
Please check the system requirements before you install the MC_Rack software. MCS cannot guarantee
that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled. Please see the MC_Rack help or
manual for more information. It is recommended that you check the MCS web site for software updates
on a regular basis.
Double-click Setup.exe on the installation volume.
The installation assistant will show up and guide you through the installation procedure.
Follow the instructions of the installation assistant.
The USB-ME-System driver and MC_Rack are installed (or updated) automatically.

Introduction
9
Setting up MC_Rack
Please refer to the MC_Rack Manual for more information.
 Start MC_Rack.
 Open the file MPA8I_NoiseTest.rck and / or MPA32I_NoiseTest.rck on the installation volume (see folder
Tutorial). This rack contains the virtual MC_Card instrument with a continuous raw data display and an
Analyzer to measure the peak-to-peak amplitude.
 Click Start to start the recording.
 — OR — Set up the rack on your own:
Click Set Channel Layout on the Edit menu. In Data Source, select USB-MEA from the left drop down menu
and USB-ME32 from the right drop down menu.
 Add the USB-ME32-FAI to your virtual rack.
 In the tree view pane of the virtual rack, select the USB-ME32-FAI-System and click the Hardware tab. Enter
the total amplifier gain according to the specifications of the instruments. For example, for a miniature
preamplifier with a gain of 10 and a following filter amplifier with a gain of 100, the total gain is 1000.
 Select an input voltage range of –819.2 to 818.8 mV and a sampling rate of 10000 Hz.
 On the Edit menu, click Add Data Display to add a raw data display to your virtual rack.
 In the virtual rack tree view pane, select the Display 1 and click the Layout tabbed page. Set up a channel
map with channels 1 to 32.
 Adjust the display ranges to 500 ms and +/–50 μV.
 On the Edit menu, click Add Analyzer to add an Analyzer to the virtual rack. Select all or two typical
channels on the Channels tabbed page. Select the Peak-Peak Amplitude parameter on the Analyzer tabbed
page.
 On the Edit menu, click Add Parameter Display to add a Parameter Display to the virtual rack.
 In the virtual rack tree view, select the Display 2 and click the Layout tabbed page. Set up a channel map
with all channels that were assigned to the Analyzer.
Click the Ranges tabbed page and enter 0 to 10 s for the x range and 0 to 100 μV for the y-range.

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4 Connecting the USB-ME-System
 Provide a power supply in the immediate vicinity of the installation site.
 Place all devices on a stable and dry surface, where the air can circulate freely and the devices
are not exposed to direct sunlight.
 Set up the computer (with installed MC_Rack program).
 Set up the four MEA1060 amplifiers as described in the MEA1060 manual.
 Connect the MEA amplifiers with one, two or four MCS high grade cables (C68x1M) to the 68-pin MCS
standard connectors A, B, C, and D on the front panel of the USB-ME-System.
 Connect the USB output connector to a free USB 2.0 port of the data acquisition computer.
It is not recommended to use an USB hub.
 Connect the USB-ME-System via power supply unit to a power outlet of the same electrical system
(connected to the same ground / earth wire) as all other components of the setup, for example, the
computer or shielding.
 Ground the system.
 Check the power LED on the front panel. It should light up as soon as the power line is connected.
If not, check the power source and cabling.
 Install the MC_Rack program from the installation volume if it is not already installed.
 Start the MC_Rack program and select the USB-ME-System as the data source.
Please see the MC_Rack help / manual for more details on how to define the data source.
Connecting the USB-ME-System with a STG
Connect up to four MEA1060 amplifiers with MCS high grade cables (C68x1M) to the 68-pin MCS
standard connectors A, B, C, and D on the front panel of the USB-ME device. Connect a Sync Out of
a STG via T- connector at one hand to the BNC connector of the MEA1060 amplifier, and at the other
hand to the Digital Trigger IN 0 to 3 at the front panel of the USB-ME device. Make sure that 68-pin MCS
standard connector A of MEA amplifier A communicates with Digital Trigger IN 0, MEA amplifier B with 1,
C with 2 and D with 3. Please see the following suggestion.

11
5 USB-ME-Systems
5.1 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME64-System
USB-ME64-System is a high flexible system. Via MCS high grade cables it is possible to connect,
for example, a MEA60-System or ME-Systems with at least 64 channels to the 64 analog inputs.
Example: The description of the installation includes an example setup with a MEA1060 amplifier without
blanking circuit.
Warning: Please read the separate manuals of all devices before installation, especially the warnings
and safety information. Make sure all devices are switched off before you connect them to the power
supply. Damage to the devices and even fatal injuries may result from improper installation or use.
Note: Using a USB hub for connecting the USB-ME64-System to the computer is not recommended.
The system needs a broad bandwidth for the data transmission. Recording might not be possible, especially
if a second device that sends or receives continuous data streams, for example a web cam or USB speakers,
is connected to the same USB port.
5.1.1 Front Panel
5.1.2 Power LED
The Power LED lights up when the USB-ME64 is connected via power supply unit to the power supply
system.
5.1.3 Analog Input A
The 68-pin MCS standard connector on the front panel of the device is an analog input for the
data stream coming from the connected amplifier. The connector on the front panel labeled with
A communicates with the digital Trigger Input 0. The MCS high grade cables (C68x1M or C68x3M)
with 68-pin MCS standard connectors on both heads are used to connect MEA or ME amplifier to the
USB-ME64 for analog data transfer. Please read chapter "Pin Layout" (68-pin MCS standard connector)
in the Appendix.
5.1.4 Digital Trigger Input
The Digital Trigger Input 0 needs Lemo coaxial cables with BNC connectors for the MEA amplifier at one
head and a Lemo connector at the other head for the USB-ME64 device (C-BNC-Lemo). The Digital Trigger
Inputs accept TTL pulses from any device, for example, signals from a stimulus generator STG for triggering
the system, and they control the recording.

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5.1.5 Rear Panel
5.1.6 Digital In / Out
A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available (68-pin MCS standard connector). The
Digital IN / OUT connection accepts or generates standard TTL signals. TTL stands for Transistor-Transistor
Logic. A TTL pulse is defined as a digital signal for communication between two devices. A voltage between
0 V and 0.8 V is considered as a logical state of 0 (LOW), and a voltage between 2 V and 5 V means 1
(HIGH).
The Digital OUT allows generating a digital signal with up to 16 bits and read it out, for example by using
a Signal Divider SD16 from MCS. You can utilize this digital signal to control and synchronize other
devices with the USB-ME64. Bit 0 of the Digital OUT is separated and available as Lemo connector DIG
OUT D0. So if you need only one bit of the digital signal, you don’t need the additional signal divider SD16.
Please read chapter "Pin Layout" (Digital IN / OUT Connector) in the Appendix for more information.
The Digital IN can be used to record additional information from external devices as a 16-bit encoded
number. The Digital IN is most often used to trigger recordings with a TTL signal from a stimulator.
Therefore, the bit 0 of the Digital IN is accessible as Lemo connector on the front panel as Digital Trigger
Input 0.
The 16 digital input channels are represented as the digital data stream that is, a stream of 16-bit values,
each bit (0 to 15) representing one digital input. Standard TTL signals are accepted as input signals on the
digital inputs. Unused input bits, which have an undefined state, should be masked in the Trigger Detector
of MC_Rack.
Warning: A voltage that is higher than +5 Volts or lower than 0 Volts, that is, a negative voltage,
applied to the digital input would destroy the electronics. Make sure that you apply only TTL pulses
(0 to 5 V) to the digital inputs.
5.1.7 Digital Output D0
The Bit 0 of the Digital OUT is also accessible independently from the 68-pin Digital IN / OUT connector.
The digital output channel D0 is generally used for synchronizing the USB-ME64-System with a stimulus
generator, or with another data acquisition system, for example, an imaging or a patch clamp system.
The DIG OUT D0 generates standard TTL pulses.
5.1.8 Synchronization Out- and Input
If you want to use several USB-ME64-Systems in parallel, the SYNC OUT and SYNC IN can be used to
synchronize the individual devices. The SYNC OUT of the first device must be connected to the SYNC IN of
the second, and so on. For the connection you need cable with Lemo plugs on both heads (C-Lemo-Lemo).
Warning: Do not use the SYNC IN and SYNC OUT to connect the USB-ME64 to any other device
than another USB-ME64.

Troubleshooting
13
5.1.9 Audio Output
To the AUDIO OUT (3.5 mm phone jack) you can connect an audio system to make the electrical activity
audible. By software control, it is possible to convert signals from one data channel into sound. A computer
with a sound card and speakers or a headset is required. You can use this feature to hear Electrode Raw
Data, for example, or to replay recorded sound. Or you can use an analog channel as a sound input and
record any sounds. Thus, you can add spoken commentary to document your data.
Only Analog Raw Data, Electrode Raw Data, and Filtered Data can be converted into sound. The quality
of the sound is mono.
Note: You can add only one sound instrument to your rack, and you can convert only one channel into
sound.
5.1.10 Analog Input 1 to 4
When connecting a MEA1060 amplifier to the USB-ME64 data acquisition, four additional analog inputs
are available, separated from 68-pin MCS standard connector on the front panel, Pin Number 63, 64, 65
and 66. See Appendix chapter ”Pin Layout” (68-pin MCS standard connector). If you connect, for example
two 32-channel miniature preamplifiers MPA32I, no additional analog inputs are available, all channels are
used for recording.
The MEA1060 amplifier delivers analog data streams from 60 channels to the input connector on the front
side of the USB-ME64. Pin Number 1, 67 and 68 are used for the external power supply, Pin Number 2
is for grounding the signal, GNDS. There are four free channels left, Pin No. 63, 64, 65 and 66, that is for
Analog IN 1 to 4. In MC_Rack you see the analog channels on channel 61, 62, 63 and 64.
The additional analog inputs 1 to 4 are intended for recording additional information from external devices,
for example, for recording patch clamp in parallel to the MEA recording, for monitoring the temperature,
or for recording voice. You could also use the analog inputs for triggering, but please note that the digital
inputs, especially DIG OUT D0, are intended for accepting TTL pulses. As the gain is generally completely
different on the electrode inputs and on the additional analog inputs, signals on the analog channels are
recorded "as is", with no respect to the gain specified in MC_Rack.
5.1.11 USB
The USB connector is used to transfer the digitized data from all data channels and the additional digital
and analog channels to any connected data acquisition computer via USB High Speed 2.0 (type A - mini B)
cable.
5.1.12 Power Input
Connect here the power supply unit. This power supply powers the USB-ME64 main unit only. The device
needs 12 V and 410 mA / ~5 W.
5.1.13 Ground
If an additional ground connection is needed, you can connect this plug with an external ground using
a standard common jack (4 mm).
5.1.14 External Power Supply
Plug in for the external power supply, for example, PS40W. The PS40W is a standard power supply
delivering supply voltages to connected devices. Please read chapter “External Power Supply”.

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5.2 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME128-System
USB-ME128-System is a high flexible system. Via MCS high grade cable it is possible to connect,
for example, one MEA1060 amplifier or two MEA1060 amplifiers or a ME-Systems with at least
128 channels to the 128 analog inputs.
Example: The description of the installation includes an example setup with a MEA1060 amplifier two
MEA1060 amplifiers without blanking circuit.
Warning: Please read the separate manuals of all devices before installation, especially the warnings
and safety information. Make sure all devices are switched off before you connect them to the power
supply. Damage to the devices and even fatal injuries may result from improper installation or use.
Note: Using a USB hub for connecting the USB-ME128-System to the computer is not recommended.
The system needs a broad bandwidth for the data transmission. Recording might not be possible, especially
if a second device that sends or receives continuous data streams, for example a web cam or USB speakers,
is connected to the same USB port.
5.2.1 Front Panel
5.2.2 Power LED
The Power LED lights up when the USB-ME128 is connected via power supply unit to the power supply
system.
5.2.3 Analog Inputs A and B
The 68-pin MCS standard connectors on the front panel of the device are analog inputs for the data
streams coming from the connected amplifiers. The connectors on the front panel labeled with A and B
communicate with the digital Trigger Inputs 0 and 1. The MCS high grade cables (C68x1M or C68x3M)
with 68-pin MCS standard connectors on both heads are used to connect MEA or ME amplifiers to the
USB-ME128 for analog data transfer. Please read chapter "Pin Layout" (68-pin MCS standard connector)
in the Appendix.
5.2.4 Digital Trigger Inputs
The Digital Trigger Inputs 0 and 1 need Lemo coaxial cables with BNC connectors for the MEA amplifier
at one head and Lemo connectors at the other head for the USB-ME128 device (C-BNC-Lemo). The Digital
Trigger Inputs accept TTL pulses from any device, for example, signals from a stimulus generator STG for
triggering the system and they control the recording.

Troubleshooting
15
5.2.5 Rear Panel
5.2.6 Digital In / Out
A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available (68-pin MCS standard connector). The
Digital IN / OUT connection accepts or generates standard TTL signals. TTL stands for Transistor-Transistor
Logic. A TTL pulse is defined as a digital signal for communication between two devices. A voltage between
0 V and 0.8 V is considered as a logical state of 0 (LOW), and a voltage between 2 V and 5 V means 1
(HIGH).
The Digital OUT allows generating a digital signal with up to 16 bits and read it out, for example by
using a Signal Divider SD16 from MCS. You can utilize this digital signal to control and synchronize
other devices with the USB-ME128. Bit 0 of the Digital OUT is separated and available as Lemo connector
DIG OUT D0. So if you need only one bit of the digital signal, you don’t need the additional signal divider
SD16. Please read chapter "Pin Layout" (Digital IN / OUT Connector) in the Appendix for more information.
The Digital IN can be used to record additional information from external devices as a 16-bit encoded
number. The Digital IN is most often used to trigger recordings with a TTL signal from a stimulator.
Therefore, the bits 0 and 1 of the Digital IN are accessible as the Lemo connectors on the front panel
as Digital Trigger Inputs 0 and 1.
The 16 digital input channels are represented as the digital data stream that is, a stream of 16-bit values,
each bit (0 to 15) representing one digital input. Standard TTL signals are accepted as input signals on the
digital inputs. Unused input bits, which have an undefined state, should be masked in the Trigger Detector
of MC_Rack.
Warning: A voltage that is higher than +5 Volts or lower than 0 Volts, that is, a negative voltage,
applied to the digital input would destroy the electronics. Make sure that you apply only TTL pulses
(0 to 5 V) to the digital inputs.
5.2.7 Digital Output D0
The Bit 0 of the Digital OUT is also accessible independently from the 68-pin Digital IN / OUT connector.
The digital output channel D0 is generally used for synchronizing the USB-ME128-System with a stimulus
generator, or with another data acquisition system, for example, an imaging or a patch clamp system.
The DIG OUT D0 generates standard TTL pulses.
5.2.8 Synchronization Out- and Input
If you want to use several USB-ME128-Systems in parallel, the SYNC OUT and SYNC IN can be used to
synchronize the individual devices. The SYNC OUT of the first device must be connected to the SYNC IN of
the second, and so on. For the connection you need cable with Lemo plugs on both heads (C-Lemo-Lemo).
Warning: Do not use the SYNC IN and SYNC OUT to connect the USB-ME128 to any other device
than another USB-ME128.

USB-ME-System Manual
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5.2.9 Audio Output
To the AUDIO OUT (3.5 mm phone jack) you can connect an audio system to make the electrical activity
audible. By software control, it is possible to convert signals from one data channel into sound. A computer
with a sound card and speakers or a headset is required. You can use this feature to hear Electrode Raw
Data, for example, or to replay recorded sound. Or you can use an analog channel as a sound input and
record any sounds. Thus you can add spoken commentary to document your data.
Only Analog Raw Data, Electrode Raw Data, and Filtered Data can be converted into sound. The quality
of the sound is mono.
Note: You can add only one sound instrument to your rack, and you can convert only one channel into
sound.
5.2.10 Analog Input 1 to 4
Four additional analog inputs are available, separated from 68-pin MCS standard connector B on the front
panel, Pin Number 125, 126, 127 and 128. See Appendix chapter ”Pin Layout” (68-pin MCS standard
connector).
The MEA1060 amplifier delivers analog data streams from 60 channels to the input connector on the front
side of the USB-ME128. Pin Number 1, 67 and 68 are used for the external power supply, Pin Number 2
is for grounding the signal, GNDS. There are four free channels left, Pin No. 63, 64, 65 and 66, that is for
Analog IN 1 to 4.
The additional analog inputs 1 to 4 are intended for recording additional information from external devices,
for example, for recording patch clamp in parallel to the MEA recording, for monitoring the temperature,
or for recording voice. You could also use the analog inputs for triggering, but please note that the digital
inputs, especially DIG OUT D0, are intended for accepting TTL pulses. As the gain is generally completely
different on the electrode inputs and on the additional analog inputs, signals on the analog channels are
recorded "as is", with no respect to the gain specified in MC_Rack.
5.2.11 USB
The USB connector is used to transfer the digitized data from all data channels and the additional digital
and analog channels to any connected data acquisition computer via USB High Speed 2.0 (type A - mini B)
cable.
5.2.12 Power Input
Connect here the power supply unit. This power supply powers the USB-ME128 main unit only. The device
needs 12 V.
5.2.13 Ground
If an additional ground connection is needed, you can connect this plug with an external ground using
a standard common jack (4 mm).
5.2.14 External Power Supply
Plug in for the external power supply, for example, PS40W. Please read chapter “External Power Supply”.