Stimulators

Stimulators

A brief overview of our life science collection

Stimulators

Need a stimulator for your life science research?

Welcome to Digitimer Ltd.

As a leading international supplier, we stock a diverse selection of devices – including constant current stimulators, constant voltage stimulators and low noise stimulus isolators for in vitro and small animal use. All of which are innovative, high-quality and competitively priced.

Over the last 50 years, we’ve pushed the boundaries of our product range and devised a collection of stimulators to meet a variety of needs. So whatever the nature of your latest research study, we’re confident we have a suitable device.

To give you a better idea of the life science stimulators currently available, here we’ve rounded up a brief description of each – including a summary of their key features and intended uses. Read on and take the first step towards placing your order today.

3 stimulators designed for life science research

DS2A Isolated Voltage Stimulator

Manufacturer’s Net List Price (exc. VAT) – £840

The DS2A is designed for biomedical research applications, to excite neurons, nerves and muscle fibres.

It’s a battery-powered and low-noise constant voltage stimulator, that delivers precisely controlled voltages (up to 100V) – which are adjustable in pulse duration and amplitude. As the device is isolated from its trigger source and ground, it does this without introducing noise into electrophysiological recordings.

Key features:

  • Low noise battery power supply with up to 99V output
  • Internal (20µs to 2s) or external TTL “gated” control of pulse duration
  • Two voltage ranges (0-9V and 0-99V) allow precise reproducible control of stimulus output
  • Polarity reversal switch
  • Battery test sockets

DS3 Isolated Current Stimulator

Manufacturer’s Net List Price (exc. VAT) – £965

Also designed for biomedical research applications – to excite neurons, nerve or muscle fibres – the DS3 is a constant current stimulator that provides a precise constant current stimulus (up to 32mA). This stimulus is controllable in both pulse duration and amplitude.

Unlike the DS2A, the DS3 features a “clamp” that discharges the output between stimuli. This prevents charge build-up at the electrode tip during stimulus trains – in turn, preventing stimulus loss. Being a constant current source, this device is particularly suited to experiments where variations in electrode/tissue impedance might be expected.

Key features:

  • Low noise battery power supply with 90V compliance
  • Four current ranges allow precise reproducible control of stimulus output between 2µA and 32mA
  • Polarity reversal switch
  • Battery test sockets
  • Output discharge “clamp” circuit

DS4 Bi-Phasic Current Stimulator

Manufacturer’s Net List Price (exc. VAT) – £1695

The DS4 is a stimulus isolator, developed for scientists who require a bi-phasic isolated constant current stimulus in response to an external command voltage signal. Such a requirement is also met by our NeuroLog System, but the DS4 is the first standalone device to meet the need.

Unlike a traditionally triggered stimulator, the DS4 is driven by a bi-phasic voltage waveform that it converts into a proportional constant current stimulus. This means it can produce monophasic or biphasic stimuli, varying in shape from rectangular pulses to sine waves and arbitrary waveforms.

Thanks to its unique “inactivity sensor”, it can also prevent unwanted direct current (DC) stimulation. This sensor monitors the input voltage and disables the DS4 output if this voltage falls below 0.15% of the full-scale value – for a user-selectable timeout. As such, it reduces battery usage and leak currents, whilst maintaining low levels of zero crossing distortion.

Key features:

  • External voltage control permits software-defined waveforms
  • Isolated constant current output for low noise
  • Minimal zero crossing distortion
  • Inactivity sensory significantly reduces leak currents
  • Battery test sockets

Find out more about our life science stimulators

For more information on our stimulators – and how they could play a part in your life science research – please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help and one of our experts will gladly talk you through the features of each, offering advice on the best options to meet your requirements. If you wish, we can also provide a free no-obligation trial of your chosen device.

Either call us on +44 (0)1707 328347 or send an email to [email protected].

It’s important to note, the three stimulators outlined above do not have medical device directive (MDD) certification. This means, they do not have the essential safety features required for use on human subjects – and can only be used for in vitro and small animal applications.

If you’re searching for a device for human/patient connection, we have a separate range of stimulators that are medically approved or specifically designed for this use. Detailed information on these can be found in our product brochure. But again, if you have any questions – or would like tailored guidance on the most appropriate device for your needs – you’re more than welcome to contact us.