Sutter Instrument IPA User manual

One Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949 USA
Voice: [phone] Web: www.sutter.com
Fax: [phone] Email: in[email protected]m
IPA™
Integrated patch amplifier
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
PATCH-CLAMP SYSTEM
WITH
SUTTERPATCH™SOFTWARE
Operation Manual
Rev. 1.0.6 (20160729)

INTEGRATED PATCH AMPLIFIER SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL –REV.1.0.6 (20160729)
2
Copyright © 2016 Sutter Instrument Company. All Rights Reserved.
IPATM and SutterPatchTM are trademarks of Sutter Instrument Company.
Other brand names mentioned may be trademarks of other companies.

INTEGRATED PATCH AMPLIFIER SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL –REV.1.0.6 (20160729)
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DISCLAIMER
The IPA consists of one electronic amplifier with integrated digitizer and one headstage. The
purpose of the system is for the stimulation and measurement of cellular preparations. No other
use is recommended.
This instrument is designed for use in a laboratory environment. It is not intended for, nor
should it be used in human experimentation or applied to humans in any way. This is not a
medical device.
Do not open or attempt to repair the instrument.
Do not allow an unauthorized and/or untrained operative to use this instrument.
Any misuse will be the sole responsibility of the user/owner, and Sutter Instrument Company
assumes no implied or inferred liability for direct or consequential damages from this instru-
ment if it is operated or used in any way other than for which it is designed.
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Electrical
§Operate the IPA using 110 – 240 VAC, 50-60 Hz line voltage. This instrument is de-
signed for use in a laboratory environment that has low electromagnetic noise
and mechanical vibration. Surge suppression is recommended at all times.
Fuse Replacement: Replace only with the same type and rating:
Line Voltage: 110 – 240 VAC
Fuse
Rating
Manufacturer Examples
RoHS Compliant (Lead Free)
§
T2.0,
250V
Bussmann: GMC-2-R, S506-2A
Littelfuse: 239.002.P
Type: 5 x 20 mm glass tube, Medium Time Delay (Slow Blow), RoHS compliant.
Rating: T2.0A 250V (Time Delay, 2 Amps, 250 Volts)
Examples: Bussmann: GMC-2-R, S506-2A
Littelfuse: 239.002.P
§Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury
§Always use the grounded power cord provided to connect the system’s power
adapter to a grounded/earthed mains outlet (3-prong). This is required to protect
you from injury in the event that an electrical hazard occurs.
§Do not disassemble the system. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
§To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

INTEGRATED PATCH AMPLIFIER SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL –REV.1.0.6 (20160729)
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Operational
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this instrument.
§This instrument is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (Pollution
Degree I) that is free from mechanical vibrations, electrical noise and transients.
nOperate this instrument only according to the instructions included in this man-
ual.
nDo not operate this instrument near flammable materials. The use of any
hazardous materials with this instrument is not recommended and, if undertak-
en, is done so at the users’ own risk.
nDo not operate if there is any obvious damage to any part of the instrument.
Other
§Retain the original packaging for future transport of the instrument.
§Sutter Instrument reserves the right to change specifications without prior no-
tice.
§Use of this instrument is for research purposes only.
Handling Micropipettes
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may result in injury to
the users of this instrument as well as those working in the general area near the in-
strument.
§The micropipettes used with this instrument are very sharp and relatively fragile.
Avoid contact with micropipette tips to prevent accidentally impaling yourself.
§Always dispose of micropipettes by placing them into a well-marked, spill-proof
“sharps” container.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER.....................................................................................3!
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS .............................................3!
Electrical!............................................................................................................................................................................!3!
Operational!......................................................................................................................................................................!4!
Other!.....................................................................................................................................................................................!4!
Handling Micropipettes!..........................................................................................................................................!4!
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................8!
Overview!............................................................................................................................................................................!8!
Features!......................................................................................................................................................................................................!8!
Advanced Design!..................................................................................................................................................................................!8!
Software Feature Comparison!...........................................................................................................................!9!
1.1 Experiment Structure!....................................................................................................................................!10!
2. INSTALLATION ............................................................................14!
2.1 System Requirements!....................................................................................................................................!14!
2.2 SutterPatch System Environment!........................................................................................................!14!
2.3 Mounting Instructions!..................................................................................................................................!15!
2.4 Electrical Connections!..................................................................................................................................!15!
2.5 Install Hardware!...............................................................................................................................................!15!
Initial Set-Up!................................................................................................................................................................!16!
2.6 Install Software!..................................................................................................................................................!16!
2.7 INSTALL DRIVER!............................................................................................................................................!17!
2.8 Test System!............................................................................................................................................................!17!
3. HARDWARE OPERATION...............................................................20!
3.1 IPA Front Panel!.................................................................................................................................................!20!
3.2 IPA Rear Panel!...................................................................................................................................................!20!
3.3 IPA Control Panel!.............................................................................................................................................!21!
3.4 Peripheral I/O!......................................................................................................................................................!25!
3.5 External Amplifiers!.........................................................................................................................................!25!
3.6 External Digitizers!...........................................................................................................................................!26!
4. SOFTWARE OPERATIONS..............................................................26!
WINDOWS DIALOGS AND PANELS .....................................................26!
4.1 Dashboard Panel!...............................................................................................................................................!26!
4.2 Scope Window – Data Acquisition!.........................................................................................................!27!
Right-Click Menus!....................................................................................................................................................!36!
4.3 Scope Window – Membrane Test!............................................................................................................!36!
4.4 Scope Window – Free Run (Scope)!.......................................................................................................!36!
4.5 Scope Window - Data Analysis!.................................................................................................................!37!
Right-click!Menus!...........................................................................................................................................................!39!
4.6 Analysis Window!................................................................................................................................................!39!
4.7 3D View Window!................................................................................................................................................!40!
4.7.1 Axis Definitions!.....................................................................................................................................................................!40!
4.8 Layout Window!...................................................................................................................................................!42!

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4.9 Command Window!...........................................................................................................................................!42!
4.10 Log Window!........................................................................................................................................................!44!
Dialogs............................................................................................45!
4.11 Routine Editor!..................................................................................................................................................!45!
4.12 Routine Editor: Acquisition & Routine Parameters!.............................................................!52!
4.13 Routine Editor: Input Channels!..........................................................................................................!56!
4.14 Routine Editor: Output Channels & Waveform!........................................................................!56!
4.15 Routine Editor: Waveform Editor!.......................................................................................................!59!
4.16 Routine Editor: Real Time Measurements & Graphs!...........................................................!64!
4.17 Paradigm Editor..............................................................................................................................................!69!
4.18 Variables Window!..........................................................................................................................................!79!
4.19!Equation!Editor!.....................................................................................................................................................!80!
4.20 Data Navigator!.................................................................................................................................................!84!
4.21 Data Table!............................................................................................................................................................!86!
4.22 Routine Review!................................................................................................................................................!86!
4.23 Preferences!.........................................................................................................................................................!87!
4.24 Set Metadata!......................................................................................................................................................!90!
4.25 Review Metadata!............................................................................................................................................!92!
4.26!Menus!........................................................................................................................................................................!93!
4.27 Import/Export Data!.......................................................................................................................................!94!
5. APPLICATIONS ............................................................................95!
5.1 Data Acquisition!................................................................................................................................................!95!
5.2 Data Analysis!........................................................................................................................................................!96!
5.3 Voltage-Gated Currents!................................................................................................................................!96!
5.4 Ligand-Gated Currents!.................................................................................................................................!96!
5.5 Event Detection!..................................................................................................................................................!96!
5.6 Use Dependence!.................................................................................................................................................!97!
6. MAINTENANCE ............................................................................98!
7. TECHNICAL SUPPORT ..................................................................99!
APPENDIX A. Software license ............................................................................................ 100!
APPENDIX B. LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................ 101!
APPENDIX C. ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................ 102!
APPENDIX D. Fuse Replacement ........................................................................................ 103!
APPENDIX E. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................ 104!
E.1. IPA Amplifier!............................................................................................................................................................................!104!
E.2. Electrode Holder!.....................................................................................................................................................................!106!
E.3. Glossary of Terms!..................................................................................................................................................................!107!
E.4. Bioelectric Terminology!....................................................................................................................................................!107!
E.5. Software Limits!.......................................................................................................................................................................!107!
E.6. Hardware Limits!...................................................................................................................................................................!107!
APPENDIX F. Programming ................................................................................................ 109!
INDEX ..........................................................................................109!
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. SutterPatch execution paths............................................................................................ 11!

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Figure 2-1. Rear of IPA cabinet ........................................................................................................... 15!
Figure 2-2. Front of IPA cabinet .......................................................................................................... 16!
Figure 2-3. IPA Control Panel ............................................................................................................. 18!
Figure 2-4. Dashboard – Acquire Data ............................................................................................... 19!
Figure 2-5. Dashboard – Membrane Test........................................................................................... 19!
Figure 4-1. SutterPatch Dashboard. ................................................................................................... 26!
Figure 4-2 Scope View of SutterPatch ................................................................................................ 28!
Figure 4-3 Signals ................................................................................................................................. 29!
Figure 4-4. Signal Display Mode ......................................................................................................... 29!
Figure 4-5. Axis magnification............................................................................................................. 30!
Figure 4-6. Axis scroll bar..................................................................................................................... 31!
Figure 4-7. Auto scale all axes ............................................................................................................. 32!
Figure 4-8. Amplitude Meters.............................................................................................................. 33!
Figure 4-9. Reanalysis View of Scope Window .................................................................................. 37!
Figure 4-10. Navigation Pane. ............................................................................................................. 38!
Figure 4-11. 3D View and axis definition. .......................................................................................... 41!
Figure 4-12. Routine Editor ................................................................................................................. 45!
Figure 4-13. Routine Settings and sub-items..................................................................................... 49!
Figure 4-14. Acquisition Parameters Menu ....................................................................................... 52!
Figure 4-15. New Routine..................................................................................................................... 57!
Figure 4-16. Waveform Editor ............................................................................................................. 60!
Figure 4-17. Time Analysis Graph ...................................................................................................... 65!
Figure 4-18. Paradigm Editor .............................................................................................................. 69!
Figure 4-19. Data Table Example ....................................................................................................... 86!
Figure 4-20. SutterPatch Routine Review.......................................................................................... 87!
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1-1. Software Comparison.............................................................................................................9!
Table 1-2. Software Terminology......................................................................................................... 13!
Table 4-1. Routine Editor Buttons ...................................................................................................... 49!
Table 7-1. IPA cables and receptacles/connectors............................................................................ 106!

INTEGRATED PATCH AMPLIFIER OPERATION -MANUAL –REV.1.0.6 (20160729)
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1. INTRODUCTION
Welcome to a new era in Patch-Clamp Technology! Our passion is creating the next generation of elec-
trophysiology research instrumentation. With over two centuries of combined experience from across
the patch-clamp industry, our experienced team has designed a new microelectrode amplifier-
recording system that is powerful enough to satisfy experienced patch-clampers, yet easy-to-use for
new entrants, such as Molecular Biologists.
Sutter Instrument Company is a leading manufacturer of innovative precision instrumentation in the
Neuroscience field. We have a worldwide reputation for the highest quality and performance of pipette
pullers, micromanipulators, light sources and wavelength switchers. We now bring this same com-
mitment to the next generation of patch-clamp instrumentation.
Overview
Features
§Single program for data acquisition, data analysis and amplifier control
§Sophisticated data file structure with context retention and metadata capabilities
§Both online and offline data analysis
§Complex experimental control
Advanced Design
The IPA™ Integrated Patch Amplifier is the world’s first fully integrated microelectrode patch-
clamp system, which minimizes and streamlines your experimental setup. All of the electron-
ics and cabling used in stimulating, monitoring, compensating and recording from cells are in-
tegrated by design into a single-board instrument, the IPA.
The accompanying SutterPatch™ software brings the controls and displays for full-featured
data acquisition, data analysis, and graphics/layout together into a single unified program, in-
cluding a software control panel for direct access to all of the IPA amplifier functions.
The SutterPatch software was developed in the powerful Igor Pro 7 system environment. Igor
Pro, by WaveMetrics, Inc., is a data collection, management and analysis platform with a rich
set of built-in functions and routines for scientific programs.
From concept to production, from hardware to software, the IPA was designed as a fully inte-
grated computer-controlled patch-clamp amplifier-recording system. Your immediate benefits
are an affordable, easier-to-use, easier-to-setup, more robust, and more flexible patch-clamp
system for your electrophysiology experiments.

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Software Feature Comparison
The SutterPatch program is a full-featured electrophysiology software package. In spite of a number
of conceptual similarities that help shortening the training, there are several major differences in how
the SutterPatch software compares to the Axon Instruments conventional electrophysiology software,
and some smaller differences compared to the HEKA electrophysiology software:
Table 1-1. Software Comparison
Topic
Sutter
Instrument
Axon
Instruments
HEKA
Elektronik
Sutter
Advantages
Software
Programs
SutterPatch
pCLAMP:
Clampex, Clampfit;
MultiClamp 700B
Commander
PATCHMASTER,
FITMASTER
A single program
for amplifier con-
trol, data acquisi-
tion, data man-
agement and data
analysis
Data Files
One “experiment”
data file (*.pxp)
for all data record-
ings per cell or per
day
One data file
(*.abf) per protocol
execution. Multi-
ple data files be-
longing to the
same recording
have no intrinsic
connection.
One “bundle” data
file (*.dat) for all
data recordings per
day or a longer pe-
riod
All acquisition
controls and con-
texts saved with
data in a compre-
hensive
experiment file
Flow
Control
Paradigms: com-
plex conditional
links
Sequencing Keys:
simple "go to" links
Protocols:
complex
conditional links
Create sophisticat-
ed assays and ex-
perimental
pathways
Sampling
Rates
Differing input
and output rates
Same input and
output rates
Same input and
output rates
Flexible acquisi-
tion parameters
for data through-
put and data stor-
age concerns
Command
Waveform
50 “segments” per
sweep
10 "epochs" per
sweep
Unlimited
"segments" per
sweep
Extended resolu-
tion of the com-
mand waveform

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1.1 Experiment Structure
Experiment:
An Experiment is the highest-level structure in the SutterPatch world. An Experiment file (*.pxp)
can encompass all SutterPatch activity for the entire day, such as instructions (Paradigms),
settings, data acquisition parameters (Routines), recorded data (Series), program history and
comments. During reanalysis, data can be included from multiple experiments.
Some users may prefer to start a new Experiment for each new preparation, or even each new
cell they record. To avoid clutter, it is recommended not to collect data from more than one day
in a single Experiment file.
Paradigm:
A Paradigm is a sequence of control instructions in an Experiment. Every Experiment contains at
least one Paradigm.
Multiple Paradigms can exist in a Paradigm “pool”. To acquire data, a Paradigm runs one or
multiple Routines.
Paradigms can contain simple or sophisticated control structures using a rich set of operators.
Some of the operations include conditional processing via if-then statements, nested loops, user-
defined variables and hardware commands.
Paradigm Data:
The collection of all data points and metadata event tags acquired during the execution of a
paradigm is referred to as Paradigm Data. A copy of the paradigm is stored as part of the
Paradigm Data and enables repetition of the Paradigm the same way it was originally executed.
Routine:
A Routine is the set of data acquisition and online data analysis parameters that control input and
output channel timing, triggering, command waveforms, leak subtraction and display.
Multiple Routines can be held in a Routine “pool” for rapid access and execution.
Series (= Routine Data):
Acquiring data produces a Series composed of sweeps of data from all input signals. Multiple
runs of a Routine produce multiple Series of data. All Series are automatically stored in the
Experiment file.
In a planned Experiment, running a Paradigm will automatically execute any included Routines.
However, if a Routine is manually executed while no Paradigm is running, an “auto-triggered”
Paradigm is started;this default Paradigm ensures that each Series is associated with a Paradigm
in the context of an Experiment. See Figure 1-1

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Figure 1-1. SutterPatch execution paths
Top: A planned Experiment with two Paradigms that automatically control Routines.
Bottom: Manual execution of a Routine outside a Paradigm creates a default “auto-triggered” Paradigm for that Routine.
Channel:
A Channel corresponds to a physical input (A/D) or output (D/A) of the IPA.
Input channels are used to record data, and are displayed in their own panes in the Scope
window. There are two dedicated analog input channels for Current and Voltage measurements
from the IPA headstage, and four Auxiliary analog input channels. These are connected to BNC
cables using either the standard breakout cable or the available Sutter Patch Panel.
Output channels are used to send electrical stimuli, such as analog command waveforms. There
is one dedicated, internally configured, analog output channel for Stimulus commands to the IPA
headstage, and two Auxiliary (BNC) analog output channels. These are connected to BNC cables
using either the standard breakout cable or the available Sutter Patch Panel.

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Digital Output bits are also referred to as TTL output “channels”. There are 8 digital output
channels available, which are connected to BNC cables using either the standard breakout cable
or the available Sutter Patch Panel.
Signal:
Named analog input and output channels are referred to as Signals in the program. A Signal is
either the logical representation of a physical channel, or the result of a computation that
generates an equivalent number of samples.
Sweep:
A Sweep is the data from all Signals, triggered from a time zero, that occur before the next
trigger.
Segment:
A Segment exists as a user-defined section of the command waveform. Each Segment has a
waveform type, an amplitude, and a duration. A command waveform can be composed of up to
50 Segments.
Metadata:
Metadata are additional information associated with stored raw data. These can include
information about preparation (cell/tissue/animal), instrumentation (hardware and software),
environmental parameters (temperature, atmospheric composition, etc.), stimuli (chemical
compounds, light, acoustic, etc.) and other parameters.Metadata information is associated with
each paradigm and dynamically recorded with a timestamp during an experiment.
Information that can automatically be determined, such as the SutterPatch version, user Login
Name, or the change of a digital output level, are automatically recorded without user
intervention. See the Metadata section for more details.

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Terminology Comparison:
A table of equivalent terms to other electrophysiology software packages:
Table 1-2. Software Terminology
SutterPatch
Patchmaster
pCLAMP
Experiment
Compound
Data
N/A
Paradigm
Protocol
Sequencing
Keys
Routine
Sequence
Protocol
Series
Series
Trial
Sweep
Sweep
Sweep
Signal
Signal
Signal
Trace
Trace
Trace
Segment
Segment
Epoch

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2. INSTALLATION
2.1 System Requirements
Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 10: 64-bit versions
Check your OS version via: Control Panel > System settings.
Mac OS X: 10.11 (El Capitan)
Check your OS version via: Apple > About this Mac menu
CPU (Central Processing Unit): Dual-core
RAM (Random Access Memory): 3 GB
Hard Disk Free Space: 500 GB
Display Resolution: 1024 x 768 (XGA)
Computer Ports: (1) USB 2 high-speed or USB 3 port*
* USB 2 computer ports are usually implemented with a ‘high-speed’ transfer rate, but a slower ‘full-
speed’ specification can sometimes be found on older PC (Windows) computers or USB add-in cards.
To check for high-speed USB 2 or USB 3 on a PC computer running Windows, look in the Control
Panel / Device Manager / Universal Serial Bus controllers section for “Enhanced” host controllers. As
this does not provide any mapping information to the computer’s physical ports, and there can be a
mix of USB port versions, you should check individual USB ports for USB 2/3 high-speed operational
performance.
2.2 SutterPatch System Environment
Igor Pro 7 is the system environment that runs the SutterPatch software on your Windows or Mac OS
X computer. Igor Pro is widely used to acquire and analyze scientific data, and create publication-
quality presentation graphics. Igor Pro 7 is automatically installed with the SutterPatch software.
Igor Pro features include:
• High-quality presentation graphics
• High-speed data display
• Large data set handling
• An extensive set of built-in data analyses-
• Waveform arithmetic
• Image display and processing
• Graphical and command-line user interfaces
• Automation

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• Extensibility via C and C++ modules
Igor functionality can be further explored via its extensive online help and PDF manual.
2.3 Mounting Instructions
Rack Mounting: The IPA amplifier is ready for mounting in a standard 19” wide equipment rack
in a 1U space. (4) Rack screws are needed (not included).
Benchtop Usage: Attach the four included stick-on feet to the bottom of the IPA amplifier.
2.4 Electrical Connections
AC Power: 60 Hz, 120 V
50 Hz, 240V
The IPA amplifier will run with either 120 or 240 VAC power, no switches need be set.
However, the AC power should be as clean as possible. If you experience brownouts or voltage sags, a
switching power supply (SPS) can be used to supply clean power to your instruments. In case of brief
power interruptions, a universal power supply (UPS) can provide stable power levels. At a minimum,
a surge protector should be used. The building’s electrical grid should have an excellent earth ground;
if not, consider creating your own physical earth ground for your laboratory rigs.
1. Plug the female end of the power cord into the IPA rear panel power receptacle.
2. Plug the male end of the included power cord into a grounded electrical mains outlet.
Figure 2-1. Rear of IPA cabinet
Power Switch
A power button for the IPA amplifier is located on its front panel. The silver power button lights up
blue when the power is ON.
2.5 Install Hardware
1. Start with the IPA power button OFF (unlit position).
2. Plug the IPA headstage into the HEADSTAGE port on the front of the IPA amplifier.
3. Plug the IPA breakout cable into the AUXILIARY I/O port on the back of the IPA amplifi-
er’s rear panel.

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4. Connect the supplied USB cable to the computer’s USB and the IPA amplifier’s rear panel
USB port.
Figure 2-2. Front of IPA cabinet
Initial Set-Up
2.6 Install Software
1. Power on the computer.
2. It is strongly recommended to use the latest SutterPatch Software version available online.
Download the latest version of SutterPatch installer software and USB driver from
www.sutter.com/AMPLIFIERS/SutterPatch.html and choose the “Download” tab. Navigate
your file browser to the downloaded files.
3. If internet access is not available, attach the included USB flash drive to your computer’s
USB port, and navigate to the flash drive.
Windows
1. Double click on ‘SutterPatch_installer_with_Igor’ to install the software for ‘All Us-
ers’.
2. Follow the installer prompts.
i. If an old version of Igor is found, choose to delete or keep it.
ii. If an existing version of Igor 7 is found, choose to replace or keep it.
3. The installer should report a successful installation.
4. Launch Igor Pro and activate the Igor license as instructed. You will need your Igor
Pro 7 Serial Number and Activation Key from the sticker included in the Quick
Start Guide.
5. Safely eject the Flash Drive and remove it from the computer.
Macintosh
1. Double click on ‘setupIgor7.exe’ to install the software for ‘All Users’.
2. Follow the installer prompts
i. If an old version of Igor is found, choose to delete or keep it.
ii. If an existing version of Igor 7 is found, choose to replace or keep it.
3. The installer should report a successful installation.

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4. Launch Igor Pro and activate the Igor license as instructed. You will need your Igor Pro 7
Serial Number and Activation Key from the sticker included in the Quick Start Guide.
5. Safely eject the Flash Drive and remove it from the computer.
2.7 INSTALL DRIVER
Windows
1. Power on the IPA amplifier.
2. Wait ~3 seconds for the USB module to load.
3. If asked for driver files:
a. Browse to the "C:/Program Files/SutterPatch" folder on your computer.
b. Select 'Next'.
c. You should see 'Windows has successfully updated your driver software’.
4. If computer does not ask for files:
a. Open the Windows Device Manager.
b. Right-click on 'Sutter Patch Clamp Amplifier-IPA'.
c. Click ‘Update Driver’.
d. Select ‘Browse my computer for driver software’, and browse to the
"C:/Program Files/SutterPatch" folder on your computer.
e. Select ‘Next’.
f. You should see the message “Windows has successfully updated your driver
software”.
5. Safely eject the flash drive and remove from the computer.
Macintosh
No driver installation is necessary on a Macintosh computer.
2.8 Test System
Install Model Cell
1. Attach the model cell to the headstage and tighten its collar.
2. Attach the 1 mm ends of the supplied grounding wire into the gold sockets on the headstage
and model cell.
3. Completely surround the model cell/headstage assembly with electromagnetic shielding,
such as aluminum foil.

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4. Connect the shielding material to the headstage ground connector. This can be done using
a short wire with alligator clips on both ends.
Startup
1. Power ON the IPA amplifier by pressing the silver POWER button on its front - it lights up.
2. Launch the SutterPatch application.
3. Click on the ‘Start’ button in the SutterPatch Welcome window.
4. SutterPatch loads up in DEMO mode if the IPA amplifier is OFF or disconnected from
the computer.
5. Create an Experiment file name when prompted.
6. Check the IPA Control Panel.
a. If the title bar in the IPA Control Panel reads DEMO (see Error! Reference
source not found.), uncheck SutterPatch > Demo Mode and wait for about 3
seconds.
b. Make sure that the IPA Control panel is in the voltage-clamp operational mode
- click on the VC button at the top of the IPA Control panel.
Figure 2-3. IPA Control Panel
7. Run a Membrane Test
1. Go to the Dashboard window:

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Click on the Acquire Data icon.
Figure 2-4. Dashboard – Acquire Data
Click on the Membrane Test icon.
Figure 2-5. Dashboard – Membrane Test
The Membrane Test is used to do a quick check of the basic IPA functionality. It tests the three
basic steps necessary for recording in a whole-cell configuration. These test values assume a 5
kHz filter.
2. Select the BATH mode.
This mode tests simulating an electrode in the bath solution and sending a
pulse through the solution.
Set the Model Cell switch to ‘Bath’.
Click on the Analysis window ‘Bath’ button.
Verify this reading:
•Pipette Resistance: ~10 MΩ
2. Select the SEAL mode.
This mode tests simulating an electrode after making contact with a cell and
forming a high-resistance gigaohm seal to the membrane.
Set the Model Cell switch to ‘Seal’.
Click on the Analysis window ‘Seal’ button.
Verify this reading:

INTEGRATED PATCH AMPLIFIER OPERATION -MANUAL –REV.1.0.6 (20160729)
20
•Seal Resistance: > 10,000 MΩ
3. Select the CELL mode.
This mode tests simulating an electrode after breaking into a cell and achieving a
successful whole-cell patch.
Set the Model Cell switch to ‘Cell’.
Click on the Analysis window ‘Cell’ button.
Verify these readings:
•Series Resistance: ~10 MΩ
•Membrane Resistance: ~500 MΩ
•Membrane Capacitance: ~28 pF
3. HARDWARE OPERATION
3.1 IPA Front Panel
Figure 3-1. Front of IPA cabinet
From left to right…
<Unlabeled> 2 Screw holes: left rack-mount
HEADSTAGE Connector: IPA headstage
SCOPE
SIGNAL OUTPUT BNC: analog response
COMMAND MONITOR BNC: analog Command output
COMMAND IN BNC: analog stimulus input
TRIGGER OUT BNC: digital output
POWER Button: Power On/Off
<Unlabeled> 2 Screw holes: right rack-mount
3.2 IPA Rear Panel