White Matter NanoZ User manual

nanoZ™
User Manual
!

Disclaimer
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 White Matter LLC.
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.
nanoZ™ is a trademark of White Matter LLC. Other product and company names
mentioned in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
October 2011 revision © 2009-2011White Matter LLC. All rights reserved.

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What’s!in!the!box?......................................................................................................................................................1!
Software!installation.................................................................................................................................................2!
Firmware!updates......................................................................................................................................................2!
Setting!up!the!nanoZ.................................................................................................................................................3!
Probe!adaptors............................................................................................................................................................4!
Calibration!adaptor ...................................................................................................................................................5!
Tips!for!accurate!Z!measurements .....................................................................................................................5!
*#*'1!4'(+5#6&2222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222227!
Overview........................................................................................................................................................................7!
Channel!mapping........................................................................................................................................................8!
Adaptor!window.........................................................................................................................................................8!
Probe!window..............................................................................................................................................................9!
Report!window.........................................................................................................................................................10!
89&6#+:*;!<'=&, 22222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222223>!
Manual!control!mode.............................................................................................................................................12!
Impedance!test!mode ............................................................................................................................................13!
DC!electroplate!mode ............................................................................................................................................14!
Impedance!spectroscopy!mode ........................................................................................................................16!
Activation!mode.......................................................................................................................................................17!
<#+%#$!4'(+5#6&!?&@&%'9/&*+!A:+ 222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222223B!
nanoz!MEX!library ..................................................................................................................................................19!
Sample!scripts...........................................................................................................................................................20!
Function!descriptions............................................................................................................................................21!
getversion....................................................................................................................................................................21!
enumdevs.....................................................................................................................................................................21!
open ...............................................................................................................................................................................21!
close ...............................................................................................................................................................................22!
getdeviceversion.......................................................................................................................................................22!
selectchannel .............................................................................................................................................................23!
setfreq ...........................................................................................................................................................................23!
startimpmetering ....................................................................................................................................................23!
getimpdata .................................................................................................................................................................24!
getwaveformcaps ....................................................................................................................................................25!
getplatingcaps ..........................................................................................................................................................26!
preparewaveform....................................................................................................................................................26!
startplating ................................................................................................................................................................27!
getplatingdata ..........................................................................................................................................................28!
stop.................................................................................................................................................................................28!
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Hardware....................................................................................................................................................................31!
Software ......................................................................................................................................................................31!
C99&*=:D!)E!!)0#**&%!<#99:*; 2222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222GG!

Adaptor!definitions ................................................................................................................................................33!
Electrode!definitions .............................................................................................................................................34!
C99&*=:D!?E!J1K)CL!)'/9'*&*+!M#%N&,222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222GO!
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1
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The nanoZ was specifically designed for multichannel microelectrode arrays. It
features extremely low test currents for measuring impedance or electrode
impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Several inbuilt electroplating modes are provided
for automated electrode impedance matching, activation, and cleaning.
!
The setup and operation of the nanoZ is described in this user manual, including
detailed information about the Matlab Software Development Kit (SDK) for
developing your own, customized nanoZ applications.
-0#+R,!:*!+0&!$'DS!
Each nanoZ comes supplied with:
onanoZ device
o1.8m USB cable
oNZA-DIP16 adaptor
oNZ-CAL test adaptor
o3-pin to alligator clip cable
oInstallation CD
o(4) stick-on feet (optional)
If any item is missing or appears to be damaged or faulty, please contact the
distributor from whom you purchased your nanoZ.
FEATURES
•64 channels
•1k ~ 100MΩworking range
•1Hz ~ 5kHz test frequencies
•1kΩdisplay resolution, 1% accuracy
or better for 5k ~ 15MΩelectrodes at
test frequencies < 2kHz
•low (nanoamp) test currents suitable
for in vitro or in vivo testing
•constant current electroplating with
±12μA range, ±5V compliance
•intuitive graphical user interface
•software development kit for Matlab

nanoZ User Manual
2
4'(+5#6&!:*,+#%%#+:'*!
1. Connect your nanoZ to the computer using the USB cable provided. Let
Windows search for the driver on the installation CD (in the Drivers subfolder).
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the USB drivers. Note that Windows 7
may have compatible drivers inbuilt, which are fine to use instead.
2. Run 'setup.exe' from the installation CD. Follow the on-screen instructions to
install the application suite, including the optional Matlab SDK if you want to
develop your own nanoZ applications under Matlab.
3. The software is ready for use. You can run the nanoZ control program from the
Windows Start Menu or Desktop Shortcut.
If you are re-installing or updating the software and either the ʻelectrodes.iniʼor
ʻprefs.iniʼfiles already exist, the installer will ask if you want to overwrite these files. If
you say no, the old files will remain unchanged. If you say yes, the old files will be
renamed with a ʻ.bakʼextension, and the new ʻ.iniʼfiles will take their place. You can
use a text editor to copy any electrode or adaptor maps from the ʻ.bakʼfile to the new
ʻelectrodes.iniʼfile.
T:6/5#6&!N9=#+&,!!
The firmware version currently installed on your nanoZ can be determined by
selecting the Help | About box from the main menu. When new versions of the
firmware are released, follow these instructions to update the firmware:
1. Plug in the nanoZ and run the 'nanoZ' application.
2. Select Device | Update firmware from the main menu.
3. Click File to select the new firmware (e.g. 'nanoZ_firmware_1_15.nzf').
4. Select the nanoZ device you wish to update by serial number. If only one
device is plugged in, only one serial number will appear in the drop-down list.
5. Click Update. While the new firmware is being uploaded the green LED on the
nanoZ will flicker. Do not unplug the nanoZ during the upload. The message
'Firmware updated successfully' indicates when the process is complete. You can
now click Exit and continue using the nanoZ application.
6. If the update is interrupted or cancelled the nanoZ may not function properly.
Repeat these instructions to upload the firmware completely.
It is advisable to update both the firmware and the software suite to the most recent
versions at the same time. Older firmware and device drivers may not work with the
latest software, and vice versa.
The latest software and firmware updates can be obtained from the download
page of your vendorʼswebsite, or from here: http://whitematter.serveftp.net.

3
4&++:*;!N9!+0&!*#*'1!
The nanoZ requires no additional hardware other than a PC with a USB port.
`
A simple way to mount the nanoZ is with a
regular laboratory retort stand and a three-prong
clamp. Position the nanoZ over a beaker of
saline (or plating) solution. With this setup, it is
easier to put the beaker on a height-adjustable
laboratory jack and raise or lower the jack to
immerse the probe in the solution, rather than
adjusting the height of the nanoZ on the stand.
Alternatively, MultiChannel Systems
provides an adaptor (sold
separately) with an integrated
aluminum rod, shown here. A
second option is to remove a screw
on one of the nanoZʼs endcaps and
replace it with a threaded rod
(3.40mm outer thread diameter) that
can then be attached to a
micromanipulator. Both of these
mounting options are suitable for in
vivo applications or regular use.
probe
connector
USB port
future I/O
(some models)
thread
mount
LED
indicators

nanoZ User Manual
4
To use the nanoZ with in vitro
electrode arrays from MultiChannel
Systems, plug the MCS MEA adaptor
into the nanoZ,then turn the nanoZ
face down and plug it into the MEAʼs
68 pin Honda socket, as shown here.
If the probe is connected directly to
the nanoZ (e.g. a NeuroNexus A32 or
A64 packaged probe), use a short
jumper wire to connect one of the ʻGʼ
pins on the probe PCB to the bath electrode. If using a NZA series adaptor, such
as the supplied NZA-DIP16, connect the bath electrode to the adaptor using the
3-pin-alligator cable supplied. A piece of platinum or platinum-iridium alloy wire
immersed in the bath solution makes an ideal reference connection, as does a
silver-silver chlorided wire or other inert metal. With the MCS MEA adaptor
(shown above) the reference connection of the bath is already connected to the
nanoZʼs reference input, so no external reference wire is required. For other 3rd
party adaptors, refer to the documentation provided to determine the appropriate
point of connection to the bath electrode.
Take care not to expose the nanoZ to liquids of any kind. If liquid gets
splashed on the nanoZ, wipe it off with a moist cloth and allow to dry. If
solution gets spilled inside the nanoZ, immediately unplug it and remove
any attached electrodes or electrode adaptors. For water spills, allow the nanoZ
to dry completely before resuming use. For saline or other solutions, remove the
two screws that secure the end-cap closest to the probe connector. Slide out the
printed circuit board, being careful not to damage the probe connector on the
enclosure opening. Flush with distilled water to remove all traces of the spillage,
and allow the circuit board to completely dry before re-assembling the nanoZ.
F6'$&!#=#9+'6,!
Probes or electrode arrays that have Samtec connectors (i.e. model number
MOLC‐110‐01‐S‐Q) can be plugged
directly into the nanoZ, assuming they
conform to the nanoZʼs native pin
mapping (see Appendix C).
The nanoZ comes supplied with a
NZA-DIP16 adaptor for probes that
use a DIP16 connector, and a variety
of other adaptors are available for
commonly used interconnects such as
those from Omnetics, Millmax, and
Hirose. Contact your vendor for more
Omnetics NZ-EIB-36 (Neuralynx)

5
information about the pin mapping of these adaptors.
All NZA series adaptors should be plugged into nanoZ so that the 3-pin header
on the adaptor is closest to the USB port end of the nanoZ. If using the NZA-
DIP16 adaptor mapping defined in ʻelectrodes.iniʼ, be sure to plug the adaptor
into the ʻlowerʼSamtec socket closest to the bottom edge of the nanoZ.
In the current version of the nanoZ, only R1 is connected to the internal circuitry.
R2 and R3 are reserved for future expansion. If you wish to make your own
reference electrode cable, be sure that it connects to R1 (see Appendix C).
)#%:$6#+:'*!#=#9+'6!
The nanoZ is supplied with a 32 channel calibration adaptor (NZ-CAL) that
comprises a bank of resistors and capacitors of various impedances (Appendix
D). Use this adaptor to check the accuracy of your nanoZ across the specified
working range (Appendix B).
The nanoZ does not require routine calibrations, however future firmware and
software upgrades may necessitate a device re-calibration, for example, to
extend the nanoZʼs functionality or working range. The NZ-CAL adaptor may also
be used to test whether 3rd party electrode adaptors or tether cables introduce
errors in the impedance measurements.
The calibration adaptor should be orientated with the ʻNZ-CALʼ
text closest to the USB port, and the software should be set to No
Adapter / Probe not selected.
":9,!('6!#..N6#+&!1!/&#,N6&/&*+,!
The nanoZ is capable of providing very accurate measurements across a wide
range of test frequencies and impedances (Appendix B). Nonetheless, care
should be taken to protect the test setup from electromagnetic interference (EMI)
such as 50/60Hz power line interference. The nanoZ is susceptible to EMI
plug adaptor into the nanoZ
with this end oriented
towards the USB port
R1

nanoZ User Manual
6
because it uses very small test signals for measuring impedance. To ensure
accurate results, periodically check the signal quality using the Scope display of
the nanoZ application (or the signal buffers if using the Matlab SDK). Moderate
levels of power line noise or band-limited noise outside the impedance test
frequency of interest are not a problem. However, if the test signal is excessively
noisy and the amplifier is saturated (i.e. the cyan trace on the scope is either not
visible or appears ʻclippedʼ), then the measured impedance will not be accurate.
The nanoZ software will report if any part of the test signal is clipped, and
highlight in yellow the affected channels in the Report window.
If necessary, enclose the setup in wire mesh or aluminum foil to shield it from
EMI, and be sure to connect the shield to the reference wire. Move the setup
away from common sources of 50Hz noise, in particular fluorescent table lamps,
electric motors, or other lab equipment. In especially noisy environments it may
also help to run the nanoZ on a battery-powered laptop.
Clipping of the test sinusoid may also occur immediately after switching
channels, or if an impedance measurement is made immediately after applying
an electroplating current, before charge on the electrode site has had sufficient
time to dissipate. In both cases the nanoZ will report an artifactually low post-
plating impedance and a warning message, and attempt to re-test the electrode
several times before proceeding to the next channel. Refer to the subsequent
sections describing the various automated modes of operation for how to avoid
this artifact if and when it arises.
Finally, we recommend that the electrode and reference connections are kept as
short as possible. Long wires may distort results due to their capacitance. Avoid
open ends which act as antennas.
clean test signal test signal clipped warning in DMM display

7
*#*'1!4'(+5#6&!
8@&6@:&5!
There are two options for interfacing with the nanoZ: a Windows-based nanoZ
application, and the Matlab SDK, which runs under Matlab. Refer to the ʻMatlab
software development kitʼsection of the User Manual for detailed instructions on
how to control the nanoZ from Matlab.
The nanoZ application can be run from the Windows Start menu or Desktop
shortcut. The application will connect with the first available nanoZ device. If one
or more nanoZs are plugged into the USB port after the application has already
started, they can be selected from the Device list on the main menu.
An intuitive graphical user interface makes the nanoZ easy to use.
User-programmable electrode site configurations (see Probe window) provide a
meaningful way to visualize the integrity of the electrode array, and allow subsets
of channels to be tested and/or conditioned by selecting the relevant sites with a
few mouse clicks.
A virtual digital multimeter (DMM) displays impedance measurements or the real-
time plating voltage, depending on the mode of operation. If R||C is checked, the
resistive and capacitive components of the current impedance measurement will
be displayed, assuming a parallel RC equivalent circuit model.
Clicking on Scope or selecting View | Scope from the main menu will display a
virtual oscilloscope with the Z test or plating waveform (output) in green, and the
virtual DMM,
scope display
device status
settings for
current mode
mode
selection
adaptor/
electrode
selection

nanoZ User Manual
8
measured (input) waveform in cyan. Use the arrow icons to the right of the DMM
to change the horizontal (time) and vertical (amplitude) zoom. To switch back to
the DMM display, click DMM or select View | DMM from the main menu.
The status bar displays information about the nanoZ device hardware, including
error conditions. The LED icon on the left hand corner of the status bar reflects
the mode LED on the actual nanoZ device, and indicates the currently selected
mode of operation: off for passive mode, glowing green for impedance mode, and
glowing red for electroplating mode.
Impedance data are displayed in an Excel-like spreadsheet (see Report window),
which can be saved to file for storage or further analysis in programs like
Microsoft Excel or Matlab.
The mode-specific settings for the various automated modes of operation are
described in the next chapter of the User Manual.
)0#**&%!/#99:*;!
To support the various electrode adaptors that are available for the nanoZ, the
nanoZ application seamlessly translates the probe site layout to the adaptor pin
mapping, and from the adaptor pins to the nanoZʼs internal multiplexer (MUX). By
mapping in two stages, rather than directly from the probe layout to the nanoZ, it
is unnecessary to construct a new probe mapping for different adaptors.
Both adaptor mappings and electrode site layouts are defined in ʻelectrodes.iniʼ.
Refer to Appendix C for information on how to configure additional probe layout
and adaptor mappings.
C=#9+'6!5:*='5!
Adaptors can be selected from the drop-down list of known adaptors (i.e. those
defined in ʻelectrodes.iniʼ) located in the left top corner of the nanoZ main
application window. Select View | Adaptor from the main menu to display a
window depicting the adaptor. If no adaptor is attached to the nanoZ, selecting
No Adaptor from the drop-down list of adaptors will show the layout of the 64
channels used by the native connector.
When a channel is active, the corresponding pin on the Adaptor window is
highlighted. In passive or impedance testing mode, the pin is highlighted in
green; in electroplating mode the pin is highlighted in red. In Manual Control
probe!site!layout! adaptor!pin!
mapping!
nanoZ!MUX!
channel!

9
mode (only), left clicking on an adaptor pin will switch the nanoZ to the channel
that corresponds to that pin.
Channels that have no connection for a given adaptor (as defined in
ʻelectrodes.iniʼ) cannot be selected, regardless of operating mode. For example,
the NZA-DIP16 adaptor uses 16 of the 64 available channels, and accordingly
only these 16 channels can be selected. To re-enable all 64 channels, select No
Adaptor.
F6'$&!5:*='5!
The nanoZ application supports arbitrary probe site configurations and, once
defined in ʻelectrodes.iniʼ,handles the channel mapping transparently. Several
example probes are provided with the default installation. Probe definitions can
be modified and new definitions can be added; refer to Appendix C for a detailed
description on how to do this.
Select View | Probe from the main menu to display a window showing the probe
electrode site layout with numbered sites.
When a channel is active, the corresponding electrode site on the Probe window
is highlighted. In passive (channel selected) or impedance
testing mode, the site is highlighted in green; in
electroplating mode the site is highlighted in red.
The probe layout window can be used to select a subset of
electrode sites for testing or electroplating. You can select
and deselect one or multiple electrode sites using the
mouse. Double clicking the left mouse button selects or
deselects all sites. Selected site numbers are displayed in
green; deselected sites are displayed in grey.
The Probe window site selection applies to all automated modes of operation, but
not the Manual Control mode channel selector. In Manual Control mode (only),
left clicking on a site switches the nanoZ to the channel corresponding to that
site, taking into account the adaptor mapping. This provides an easy way to test
the impedance of selected sites by simply clicking on the sites of interest.
The Probe window can also be used to visualize impedance test results
according to the probe site layout, which may be more intuitive than reading
tabular results. Once a probe has been tested, holding down the right mouse
button highlights the condition of every recording site (red for short, blue for open,
green for normal, according to the settings in the Report window). With the right
mouse button held down, moving the mouse pointer over individual electrode
sites will display a small pop-up window with the measured impedance
magnitude and phase for that site.

nanoZ User Manual
10
U&9'6+!5:*='5!
When using any of the automated modes of operation, the nanoZ stores
impedance and electroplating results in an Excel-like spreadsheet.
To view or hide the report
window, select View | Report
from the main menu.
The upper panel of the report
shows information about the
currently selected probe and
when it was most recently
tested, user-defined criteria for
flagging whether or not an
electrode site is faulty, and
several display options.
If an electrode has been selected in the main nanoZ program, the probe name
and description is shown. This metadata is extracted from the ʻelectrodes.iniʼfile.
The time and date when the last impedance test or plating procedure began is
also displayed.
The Short and Open user input boxes are editable. An electrode is considered
shorted when the measured impedance magnitude falls below the value entered
in Short, and is considered open circuit when the impedance magnitude is
greater than the value entered in Open. Impedances within this range are
considered normal.
The left-most column in the spreadsheet displays the electrode site index.
The column titles show the impedance test frequency and, if applicable, the
plating current that was applied. In electrode impedance spectroscopy mode
there will be additional columns, two for each test frequency.
The body of the spreadsheet contains the most recent site impedance
measurements for all tested sites. If the Phase checkbox is checked, then both
the impedance magnitude and phase are displayed. If unchecked, only the
impedance magnitude is shown. For electroplating modes, the cumulative plating
time is shown for each individual electrode, which may vary from site to site, for
example, if impedance matching mode was run. Both pre- and post-plating
impedances are stored in separate columns to the left and right of the cumulative
plating time, respectively.
If the Statistics checkbox is checked, then the average impedance magnitude
and phase ± standard deviation of all tested sites is shown at the bottom of each
column. Note that if the Condition checkbox is checked, only ʻnormalʼsites are
included in these aggregate statistics.

11
If the Condition checkbox is checked then shorted site impedance values are
highlighted in red on the spreadsheet and Probe layout window. Open sites are
highlighted in blue. Normal sites are displayed in green.
The report can be saved to file by clicking the icon in the Report window, or
selecting File | Save report from the main menu. Data are saved in tab-delimited
ASCII format according to the current checkbox settings (i.e. phase information
will be exported only if the Phase checkbox is checked, aggregate statistics are
exported according to the Statistics checkbox, etc).

nanoZ User Manual
12
89&6#+:*;!<'=&,!
The nanoZ application has five separate modes of operation for performing a
variety of different tasks. These modes can be selected by clicking a button on
the left pane of nanoZ application or via the Mode menu on the main menu.
The following instructions assume that a suitable electrode adaptor and probe
configuration have been chosen, and the electrode sites of interest have been
selected in the Probe window.
The screenshots below were taken from Windows 7. The appearance of the user
interface may vary depending on the version of Windows you are using.
<#*N#%!.'*+6'%!/'=&!
This mode provides manual control of the nanoZʼs site selection, impedance
testing, and DC constant current electroplating functions.
Selecting Impedance (A)will continuously measure the impedance of the
currently selected channel (B)at the specified Test freq (C). The impedance (in
Mohms), and phase angle (in degrees) will be displayed on the DMM. If the test
signal is saturated (e.g. high levels of 50/60Hz noise) the ʻTest signal clippedʼ
warning message will be displayed and the DMM will show the last valid
impedance measurement.
If One shot is checked, a single impedance measurement will be made. To stop
continuous impedance measurements, select Off (A).
Selecting Current (A) mode will apply a DC constant current to the currently
selected channel (B) at the level indicated adjacent to the Current level slider
(C). The current can be adjusted from -12uA (electrode negative) to +12uA
A
B
C

13
(electrode positive) in ~100nA steps by moving the position of the slider with the
mouse or arrow keys. The voltage across the electrode site will be displayed on
the DMM. The DMM has limited measurement resolution (39mV) and should be
considered approximate, however the calibrated current reading adjacent to the
slider is accurate to within a few nA. The DMM also indicates if the voltage is out
of compliance, that is, if the voltage needed to achieve the desired current is
greater than the nanoZ can generate. To stop applying the current, select Off.
V/9&=#*.&!+&,+!/'=&!
This mode rapidly cycles through all (or a subset) of the channels on the selected
probe, measuring the impedance of each electrode. The impedance results are
tabulated in the Report window (View | Report).
(A) Set the impedance Test frequency to the desired value. The actual test
frequency that will be used is shown in the status bar.
(B) Choose the number of Test cycles. The default setting of 40 cycles is a good
trade-off between accuracy and speed. Increasing the number of cycles will
marginally improve the accuracy due to averaging, at the expense of a longer
testing duration, whereas decreasing the number of cycles may lower accuracy
due to insufficient localization of the test signal in the frequency domain. The
testing time per site is displayed in the status bar.
(C)The Pause setting specifies a delay, in millisconds, after switching channels
before impedance testing is begun on the currently selected electrode. In most
cases this delay can be set to zero, however with some high capacitance
electrodes the test signal may take some time to settle to baseline after switching
A
B
C
D

nanoZ User Manual
14
channels. Increase the pause setting if the ʻtest signal clippedʼwarning is
reported or some channels are not measured (i.e. skipped measurements are
blank and highlighted in yellow in the Report window).
(D) Click the Test probe button to begin the test.
Clicking on Test probe again or pressing ESC at any time will pause the test,
and you will be given the option of continuing the test or stopping.
Impedance test results in the Probe report can be saved by clicking the icon or
selecting File | Save report from the main menu.
!
?)!&%&.+6'9%#+&!/'=&!
This mode cycles through all (or a subset) of the electrodes on the selected
probe, applying a controlled DC constant current to each site. It has two sub-
modes of operation: fixed plating time per channel; and match impedances
mode, whereby the nanoZ will only advance to the next channel when the
electrode site impedance is lowered to the specified Target impedance.
The DC Electroplate mode has many possible applications, including:
oplating with gold or other metals to lower electrode site impedances
odeposition of conductive polymers such as PEDOT to simultaneously
lower the electrode site impedance and improve the site charge capacity
oelectrode site cleaning
oin vivo or in vitro rejuvenation of electrode sites
otissue lesioning and electrode track marking
(A) Select the plating mode, either Fixed plating time, or Match impedances.
A
B
C
D

15
(B) Set the desired DC plating current. The current can be adjusted from -12uA
(electrode negative) to +12uA (electrode positive) in ~100nA steps by moving the
position of the slider. The exact current that will be applied to the electrode is
indicated adjacent to the slider. The DMM has limited measurement resolution
(39mV) and should be considered approximate, however the calibrated current
reading adjacent to the slider is accurate to within a few nA.
(C) For a fixed plating time per site, set the desired plating Duration.If Test Z
is checked, the electrode impedances will be measured before and after plating
at the specified test frequency. The Pause setting specifies a delay between
electroplating and testing the post-plating impedance, which may be necessary
for some plating procedures where the test signal can take several seconds to
settle to baseline due to charge buildup on the electrode site. In most situations
this delay can be set to 0~1 second. Use the scope display to check that the
impedance test signal is at or close to baseline, and increase the delay if the ʻtest
signal clippedʼwarning is reported.
For match impedancesmode, set the desired Target impedance, test
frequency, and plating Interval. The plating interval specifies how long to apply
the plating current before re-testing the electrode impedance. For example, a
setting of 5 (with a pause of 3) will apply the specified current for 5 seconds, wait
3 seconds before testing the impedance, and alternate between these two modes
every 8 seconds until the target impedance is achieved. The total plating time per
electrode is limited by the Runssetting. Once this number of plating cycles has
occurred the nanoZ will advance to the next channel even if the target impedance
has not been reached. Note that if the initial electrode impedance measurement
is already less than or equal to the target impedance, no current will be applied to
that electrode.
(D) Click the Autoplate button to begin the electroplating sequence.
Clicking on Autoplate again or pressing ESC at any time will pause the plating,
and you will be given the option of skipping the current electrode (Ignore),
continuing the sequence, or stopping.
The (pre- and post-plating) impedance test results and cumulative plating time
per site will be displayed in the Probe report window. The report can be saved by
clicking the icon or selecting File | Save report from the main menu.

nanoZ User Manual
16
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This mode cycles through all (or a subset) of electrodes on the selected probe,
measuring the impedance of each electrode at multiple test frequencies.
(A) Select the impedance Test Frequencies (in Hz) from the check-box list, or
check All to test at all frequencies in the list. Click the notepad icon to edit the list
of test frequencies. Valid frequencies are between 1Hz and 4986Hz. The nanoZ
will generate sinusoidal test waveforms as close as possible to the specified test
frequencies. The exact test frequencies used will be displayed in the status bar
and in the column titles of the Probe report.
(B) Choose the number of Test cycles. The default setting of 40 cycles is a good
trade-off between accuracy and speed. Increasing the number of cycles will
marginally improve the accuracy due to averaging, at the expense of a longer
testing duration, whereas decreasing the number of cycles may lower accuracy
due to insufficient localization of the test signal in the frequency domain. The total
testing time per site is displayed in the status bar.
(C)The Pause setting specifies a delay, in millisconds, after switching channels
before impedance testing is begun on the currently selected electrode. In most
cases this delay can be set to zero, however with some high capacitance
electrodes the test signal may take some time to settle to baseline after switching
channels. Increase the pause setting if the ʻtest signal clippedʼwarning is
reported or some channels are not measured (i.e. skipped measurements are
blank and highlighted in yellow in the Report window).
(D) Click the Test probe button to begin the test.
Clicking on Test probe again or pressing ESC at any time will pause the test,
and you will be given the option of continuing the test or stopping. The
A
B
D
C