Product Development News
SPP-100 Extracellular Amplifier/Filter Launched
Digitimer is pleased to announce the imminent availability of our new SPP-100 Extracellular Amplifier/Filter. Based on proven low-noise amplifier circuitry and specifications of existing Digitimer NeuroLog System amplifier/filter modules, the new standalone SPP-100 facilitates AC-coupled, differential electrophysiological recordings from animals or a variety of in vitro preparations, including isolated nerve preps and brain slices. The SPP-100 includes a remote, manipulator-mounted headstage and features a signal gain of up to x20k with flexible high-cut, low-cut and 50/60Hz notch filters.
Because the SPP-100 is a standalone extracellular amplifier, using an external AC/DC power supply, it is a cost-effective alternative to the modular NeuroLog System, especially when only one biological signal is being recorded. The SPP-100 will be equally at home within life science research labs or undergraduate teaching facilities and is compatible with commercially available data acquisition hardware/software. The amplifier is suitable for extracellular single-electrode recordings with high-impedance metal or glass micro-electrodes, but is wholly appropriate for differential recordings from pairs of gross electrodes, such as nerve hooks. Digitimer can supply a range of electrode adaptors and micro-pipette chambers.
The SPP-100 Extracellular Amplifier/Filter is the first device developed using Digitimer’s new Small Product Platform (SPP) concept. It and future SPP products will share modular hardware design principles enabling a common power supply, display and control interface to be rapidly reconfigured to create new life science research instruments, through the use of product-specific application circuit boards.
Pre-amplifier Headstage
The compact anodised metal headstage connects to the main amplifier/filter via the 4-pole Lemo connector at the end of the 2m long pre-wired cable.
The SPP-100HS headstage features a removable aluminium rod for micromanipulator mounting and input sockets for connection to the +INP electrode (2mm), -INP reference (inverting) electrode (1mm) and COM/Ground (1mm).
The supplied headstage accessory kit includes connectors for these three inputs as well as a “U”-shaped jumper that allows linking of the –INP and COM inputs when single-ended recordings are being made. The headstage is compatible with our NL04/NL08 tungsten microelectrode holders and glass microelectrode holders (NL111) which are available to purchase from Digitimer.
Main Amplifier/Filter Unit
The SPP-100 main amplifier/filter unit incorporates an external power supply input socket, a 4-pole headstage connection socket and a BNC connector for the amplified signal output.
There are five controls, a single multi-function rotary encoder/button, and four further push buttons. Gain and filter settings are displayed via an adjustable brightness colour LCD screen. A single LED next to the rotary encoder control indicates the power state of the amplifier.
The main amplifier unit includes two fold-out feet that offer an alternative viewing angle and the display brightness is also controllable.
Would you like to trial the SPP-100?
We are delighted to be able to offer a small batch of SPP-100’s available for short-term loans and user evaluation/demonstrations. If you are interested in trialling one, there is no obligation to purchase, but we would request that any trial sites feedback their experiences of the SPP-100 to Digitimer, so we can consider potential improvements or additional features. Please contact Digitimer or your local Digitimer representative if you have an interest in trying out the SPP-100 for your particular extracellular recording application.
