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BVC-700A

BRIDGE AND VOLTAGE


CLAMP AMPLIFIER

Operating Manual
Version 2.0

Dagan
Corporation
2855 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407 USA
(612) 827-5959
FAX: (612) 827-6535
Email: info@dagan.com
Web: www.DAGAN.com

Warning: This equipment is not designed or intended for use in Human applications or experimentation
BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BVC-700A Block Diagram Page 2

Introduction and Features Page 3

Control Description Page 5

Procedure for Intracellular I or V Clamping Page 14

Procedure for Patch Pipette I Clamping Page 18

Specifications Page 19

Accessories Page 21

Warranty/Service/Repair Page 22

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

Figure 1.1 Dagan Model BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Amplifier

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

INTRODUCTION

The BVC-700A is a both a Bridge Current


Clamp preamplifier and a Continuous
Voltage Clamp amplifier designed to serve
a wide variety of applications including:
patch pipette current and voltage
clamping, intracellular recording;
extracellular recording; Teaching
applications requiring ease of use.

The BVC-700A is a complete instrument with


DC and pulsed voltage and current clamping
capability, filtering, and electrode
impedance testing.

Features
· Operates as both a Bridge Current
Clamp and a Continuous Voltage Clamp
Amplifier.

· Small Box Probe in five current


ranges with automatic decimal point
selector on current meter.

· Separate Holding Current and Holding


Voltage ten turn programming dials.

· Gatable, continuous, or oscillating


independent Step Command current or
voltage generator with three-digit
push wheel programming dial.

· LED indicator lights for headstage


multiplier and meter mode

· Buzz with frequency control


facilitate cell penetration.

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· Small size...takes up less rack


space, yet is uncluttered, easy to
use, with well-defined controls.

· Optional X1000 Voltage Gain AC


Coupled Headstage for extracellular
recording (Model 8024-15).

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

CONTROL DESCRIPTION

AMPLIFIER:

BRIDGE BALANCE/SERIES RESISTANCE CONTROL

This control doubles as the Bridge Balance


control in the Current Clamp mode and the Series
Resistance control in the Voltage Clamp Mode. The
range in both modes is 10 Megohms (1 MΩ/Turn)
divided by the headstage current multiplier or 1
Megohm (.1 MΩ/Turn) divided by the headstage
current multiplier. Thus, for the X.1 headstage,
the range will be 100 Megohms (10 MΩ/Turn) or 10
Megohms (1 MΩ/Turn).

Bridge Balance (Current Clamp Mode)


In Current Clamp Mode it is used to null out the
effects of current passing through the recording
electrode. The bridge is balanced by turning the
knob on the dial housing. When the bridge is
balanced the voltage seen at the 10Vm connector
will be nulled to zero and the resistance of the
electrode and cell membrane is read on the dial.
The bridge Balance is disabled when Z Test is used.

Series Resistance(Rs)(Voltage Clamp Mode)


The Series Resistance control is used to correct
for the effects of the access resistance between
the pipette and the inside of the cell when a whole
cell is studied. When a current flows though this
access resistance an error in the clamp potential
will result. This error can be corrected by
adjusting the command voltage as a function of the
membrane current. Excess resistance also slows down
the charging of the cell capacitance after a step
command because it limits the charging current.
Cell capacitance charging is speeded up by Series
Resistance compensation. The Series Resistance adds
a scaled replica of the membrane current to the
command voltage applied to the pipette.

BUZZ OPERATION

The buzz or tickle function contained in the


BVC-700A is used to impale an electrode in the cell

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

and can be used in ether the Voltage Clamp or the


Current Clamp Mode. The BVC-700A has a controlled
buzz magnitude. Start with the Buzz frequency in the
counterclockwise or minimum position and increase
while initiating buzzes until you achieve desired
cell penetration. (Buzz frequency is a trimpot
located under the buzz switch).

CAPACITANCE COMPENSATION CONTROL

This control provides input capacitance


neutralization. Without this compensation high
frequency signals from a high impedance source such
as a micropipette would be lost because of stray
capacitance at the input. Start with this control
at its minimum in the counterclockwise position.

The amount of capacitance compensation


available depends on the capacitance compensation
range ordered with the probe you are using. Ranges
as small as 10 pf and as large as 100 pf are
available (20 pf standard). Smaller ranges produce
less noise and are ideal for very low capacitance
microelectrodes used with high switching
frequencies. The larger capacitance compensation
ranges are ideal for doing typical bridge preampli-
fier procedures and also switched single electrode
voltage clamping in deep tissue, where the
microelectrode has a high capacitance associated
with it.

OFFSET VOLTAGE CONTROL

This control cancels electrochemical potentials


developed between reference electrodes and the probe
input. These potentials are nulled by offsetting
the output level of the amplifier. The range is +/-
200 mV. Be careful not to touch this control during
the experiment, as it will change the baseline.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

Vm FILTER SWITCH

The low pass filter limits the high frequency


response of the amplifier to minimize noise. The
bandwidth should be set to the lowest setting, which
will not distort the desired input signal. The Wide
Band WB position removes the filter and leaves the
amplifier with as wide as possible frequency
response. The filter switch only affects the 10 Vm
and 100 Vm connectors.

ELECTRODE IMPEDANCE TEST (BRIDGE Z TEST)

This switch provides a rapid check of electrode


impedance. The Z test function operates in the
Bridge Current Clamp mode only. A known square wave
current, scaled by the headstage multiplier, is
injected through the electrode at about 100 Hz. This
current gives a resulting membrane voltage
proportional in amplitude to the electrode impedance
scaled at 1mV/MΩ times the headstage multiplier.
This scaling is assuming X1 Vm so the actual output
is scaled up 10 for the 10Vm BNC or 100 for the
100Vm BNC. The electrode resistance also reads out
in MΩ/100Ν on the meter. The actual scaling for the
BNC outputs and the meter for the specific headstage
can be found in the following table.

Headstage (N) 10Vm BNC 100Vm BNC Meter Reading =


0100
.001 .01mV/MΩ .1mV/MΩ 1000MΩ
.01 .1mV/MΩ 1mV/MΩ 100MΩ
.1 1mV/MΩ 10mV/MΩ 10MΩ
1 10mV/MΩ 100mV/MΩ 1MΩ
10 100mV/MΩ 1000mV/MΩ 100KΩ

MONITOR:

The monitor has three functions. They are:

(1) Measuring the membrane voltage at a gain of one


(reads in mV's).

(2) To measure the membrane current “Im”


; scaled by the headstage for automatic decimal
point on the meter.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

(3) To measure electrode resistance in MΩ

The Source switch determines if the meter is


reading the Im or the Vm signal. When the Z test
switch is turned on it over rides the source switch
enabling the meter to read the electrode resistance.
The four LED indicators just to the right of the
meter indicate whether the meter is reading in mV’s,
nA’s, µA’s, or MΩ’s. When the source switch is in
the Im position the Headstage (N) value determines
whether the meter is reading in nA’s or µA’s and
also automatically selects the correct decimal point
position. (The meter reads in nA’s for all
headstages except with the N=10 headstage it reads
in µA’s).

HEADSTAGE (N):

LED indicator lights automatically displaying


the correct headstage multiplier (N) for the
headstage in use.

MODE:

Selects Continuous Voltage Clamping of Bridge


Current Clamping modes of operation.

I Clamp:

DC CURRENT 10-TURN DIAL

The current dial provides a depolarizing


(positive) or hyperpolarizing (negative) current
selected by the corresponding Positive/Off/Negative
polarity switch. The range of the current is 100 nA
(10nA/Turn) full scale times the headstage
multiplier. Thus, the X.01 headstage would change
the full-scale dial reading to 1 nA (.1 nA/Turn).
The current control is linear and the readout
corresponds to the actual current selected. This
current is algebraically added to the currents
produced by the External Command BNC connector and
also the Step Current Command Generator, if
selected.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

CLEAR SWITCH

The Clear Switch can be used to clear blocked


microelectrode tips by passing a large current
through the recording electrode. It is also useful
for impaling cells, and typically, the Clear
positive will be (100n X N) the most common
polarity, although negative currents are also
available. In addition, the Buzz Switch is many
times useful for clearing a blocked microelectrode
and impaling cells.

IG CALIBRATION

The headstage bias current can be adjusted in


current clamp mode by shorting the headstage Input
to ground (headstage rod or black pin jack) and
setting 10 Vm output to zero using the OFFSET
Control. Then put a 10 to 100 megohm resistor from
the headstage input to ground and then use a small
screwdriver or trimpot adjustor for 10 Vm equal
zero.

V CLAMP:

HOLDING VOLTAGE 10-TURN DIAL

The voltage dial provides a positive or


negative holding voltage command selected by the
corresponding Positive/Off/Negative polarity switch.
The range of the voltage command is 100 mV
(10mV/Turn) full scale. The voltage control, 10-turn
dial, is linear and the readout corresponds to the
actual voltage command selected. This voltage
command is algebraically added to the voltage
commands produced by the External Command BNC
connector and also the Step Voltage Command
Generator, if selected.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

GAIN CONTROL

This one turn control determines the overall


feedback gain of the internal voltage clamp
amplifier. For the best performance the gain should
be turned up as high as possible without causing
oscillations in the voltage or current outputs.
Under most circumstances this control can be run in
the MAX. position.

STEP COMMAND:

The step command section is common to both the


Current Clamp and the Voltage Clamp modes. Although
both modes share the command controls the
destination switch allows commands to be
reprogrammed when switching between clamp modes
before reactivating the new command. This also
allows one to periodically switch from Voltage
clamp to an I zero clamp and back to voltage clamp
without changing voltage clamp command settings.

DESTINATION SWITCH

The destination switch determines where the


command is directed. If the destination is not set
the same as the Clamp Mode setting (i.e.
Destination set to V Clamp Mode set to I Clamp)
then no command is sent.

FUNCTION SWITCH

The function switch determines if the command


is Continuous, Oscillating, or Gated. In the
continuous position the command is a DC holding
voltage or current. The oscillate position outputs
an approximately 10 Hz, 50% duty cycle square wave
command. The gate enables the back panel Gate BNC
to gate the command (TTL high enables Command).

LED INDICATOR

LED lights when command is active.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

THREE DIGIT PUSH WHEEL PROGRAMMING DIAL

Selects the command value. Reads in mV’s for


the Voltage commands and nA’s times the Headstage
multiplier for Current commands. Each of the three
digits is independently operated so commands can be
stepped in factors of tenths, hundredths, or
thousandths of range.

X1 - X0.1 SWITCH

Scales push wheel dial (X1 = 999), (X0.1


=99.9).

POS.-NEG. SWITCH

Determines polarity of step command.

EXTERNAL COMMAND:

DESTINATION SWITCH

Controls commands coming from the rear panel


EXT. COMMAND BNC. External commands can be turned
OFF or directed to the Voltage Clamp or Current
Clamp command circuits.

I CLAMP SCALING SWITCH

This switch Determines the external current clamp


commands scaling when the Destination switch is in the I
CLAMP position.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

REAR PANEL:

10 Vm and 100 Vm Output BNC CONNECTORS

These outputs of the voltage recording


amplifier scaled up by +10 and +100. This output is
processed by the filter switch and has added to it
the Offset voltage. The output impedance is 500 Ohms
and the range is + 12 volts.

I MONITOR BNC CONNECTOR

Actual currents being passed through the


microelectrode are monitored and available at the I
MON connector. Sensitivity is +10 mV per nA divided
by the headstage multiplier. Thus, for the X.01
probe sensitivity is 1000 mV per nA. The usable
dynamic range of the I MON connector is +12V. The I
MON connector is unfiltered. Output impedance is
500 ohms.

GATE COMMAND BNC CONNECTOR

+5 volt input level turns on programmed step


current or voltage command.

EXTERNAL (EXT.) COMMAND BNC CONNECTOR

The External Command BNC allows for externally


generated voltage or current step commands to be
directed to the external command destination
switch. The command scaling is 20mV/V for V Clamp.
For I Clamp the command scaling is selectable by
the front panel switch in the External Command
section. The I Clamp commands can be set for 20nA/V
or 100nA/V times the headstage multiplier N.

SYNC. COMMAND BNC CONNECTOR

Synchronization (trigger) output pulse from the


step command section. Used to trigger computer of
scope to the step command output.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

HEADSTAGE

15 pin DB female type connector to mate to


headstage connector.

CIRCUIT/CHASSIS GROUNDING POSTS

This pair of five way banana jacks provides two


different ways to ground the BVC-700A internal
(CIRCUIT) ground to the room power line ground
(CHASSIS).

1. With the jacks not connected together (as


shipped from the factory) the power line room
ground is connected to the BVC-700A cabinet but
not to the amplifier circuit ground. This
enables grounding of the amplifier to room
ground through other pieces of equipment in the
setup (such as oscilloscope or computer) that
may not have any way of isolating it’s circuit
ground from chassis ground. This then
eliminates potential ground loops that could
pick up inductive noise.

2. With the two jacks connected together, the BVC-


700A amplifier circuit ground and the room line
grounds are tied together at the BVC-700A.
Experiment to determine the best way to ground
the power line for best results.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

PROCEDURE FOR INTRACELLULAR CURRENT OR VOLTAGE


CLAMPING
SETUP

When beginning, ascertain that the system is


grounded properly and that the noise is low. Connect
the current and voltage outputs to an oscilloscope.
Set the gain on the oscilloscope to yield 10mV/div.
(i.e., 1mV/ div for the 10V output; also scale Imon
by headstage N). Set the mode to I Clamp; turn the
capacity compensation and bridge balance to the
minimum, and the offset voltage and holding current
to zero. Make sure that the step command and the Z
test are also off.

ADJUST DC OFFSET

Insert the electrode tip into the bath


solution. Adjust the DC offset control so that the
voltage is at ground potential (ground voltage
trace, adjust position on oscilloscope to desired
position, uncouple voltage channel, and return trace
to the same position using the DC offset control).

Z TEST

The Z Test can now be used to determine the


resistance of the electrode. Turn the Z test switch
to ON. There should be a square wave on the
oscilloscope voltage trace of 1mV/megohm of
electrode resistance. This measurement is obtained
by passing a 1nA square wave through the pipette.
Note that this resistance test (scale by headstage
multiplier N) disables the bridge balance control.
Providing the electrode resistance is within the
range you are interested in working with, you can
proceed to balancing the bridge.

BALANCE THE BRIDGE (I clamp only)

The bridge must be balanced to effectively


"subtract out" the effect of the potential drop
across the microelectrode while current clamping,

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

allowing you to record only the events at the cell


membrane. The bridge balance is disabled in voltage
clamp mode. The procedure for balancing the bridge
is as follows:

With the electrode tip in the bath solution


apply a train of current pulses to the electrode.
Note that the Z test may not be used for this as it
disables the Bridge Balance control. This can either
be from an external source or from the Step Current
Command. You will see a train of pulses on the
voltage trace of the oscilloscope. These pulses are
due to the voltage drop across the series resistance
of the microelectrode. Rotate the bridge balance
control clockwise until the pulses on the amplifier
output reach a minimum amplitude. Rotation past the
null point will reverse the polarity of the
displayed pulses. Adjust the bridge balance for the
best null. The bridge is now balanced and a stimulus
from any source will give minimum voltage at the
amplifier output. The resistance of the electrode
can be read on the ten-turn dial. The bridge balance
may be locked into this position if desired.

An alternative method of balancing the bridge


is as follows: Zero the voltage trace using the
offset control and note the position. Set the
holding current to some value other than zero and
switch to either the + or - position. The
oscilloscope trace will depart from its previous
position. Adjust the bridge balance control until
the scope trace returns to its initial position.
Switch to the opposite polarity and readjust the
bridge balance. When the trace does not move when
you switch polarity, the bridge is balanced.

The main disadvantage with a bridge circuit


arises from changes in the microelectrode
resistance. The circuit works on the assumption that
the bridge is balanced for the electrode resistance.
Often the resistance of the electrode changes
slightly as you penetrate the cell. In some
applications this will not be significant, while in
others it will. One method to attempt to correct for
this change is to balance the bridge after you have
penetrated the cell. This method takes advantage of
the time it takes to charge the membrane
capacitance. If the pulse duration used to balance
the bridge is sufficiently short, the potential drop

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

recorded will be predominantly a result of the drop


across the electrode. However, this does not account
for the local potential that is developed within the
cell in the region of the electrode. For a more
complete discussion of this phenomena, see Peskoff
and Eisenberg (1973). Allowing for this
generalization, the bridge can be balanced within
the cell (as above), but with very short pulses.
Ideally these would be in the nanosecond range, but
1 msec will usually work. Because both methods
(inside and outside cell) involve approximations, it
is a good idea to try balancing the bridge both ways
to see if the results are similar. Another good
routine practice is to check the electrode
resistance immediately upon leaving the cell to
compare the values. Data obtained when there is a
large discrepancy between these values should be
discarded, as the true membrane potential will be
unknown.

COMPENSATING FOR THE CAPACITY

The capacity compensation control provides


capacitance neutralization, or "negative
capacitance" at the headstage input. Without this
compensation, high frequency signal components from
a high impedance source such as a microelectrode
would be lost because of stray capacitances at the
input. Apply a square wave (such as in balancing the
bridge) to the electrode. Since you have already
balanced the bridge, there should not be a step
pulse on the voltage trace of the oscilloscope. What
you will see, however, are capacitative transients
at the initiation and termination of the pulsed
current. Turn the capacitance compensation clockwise
until these are at a minimum without overshooting,
ringing or oscillating.

IMPALING THE CELL

Cell impaling is normally done in the current


clamp mode with intracellular electrodes but also
can be done in voltage clamp mode. With the system
calibrated, the electrode in good condition, and the
amplifier compensated, you are ready to penetrate

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

the cell. As the barrel of the electrode enters the


tissue, further adjustments of the capacitance
compensation may be necessary.

As you approach the cell and the electrode tip


is abutted against the membrane, you may wish to use
the Buzz feature to aid in penetration. The BVC-700A
is equipped with Buzz circuitry of variable
frequency. The exact configuration and parameters
with which you "buzz" your cells is something that
must be determined individually for your particular
system. The type of cell, electrode resistance, and
nature of dissection are all factors affecting the
ideal parameters. A bit of trial and error
methodology must be employed here.

Iclamp - Now the Holding Current may be set at


the desired level and the Step Current Command or an
external command current can be directed to I Clamp.

Vclamp - With the mode set to Vclamp turn the


gain to Max. Now the Holding Voltage may be set at
the desired level and the Step Voltage Command or an
external command current can be directed to V Clamp.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

PROCEDURE FOR PATCH PIPETTE CURRENT CLAMPING


The BVC-700A can be used as a bridge
preamplifier or a continuous voltage clamp
amplifier. This combination makes this an ideal
instrument for patch pipette current clamping. The
procedure for patch pipettes is the same as for
intracellular up to the step of impaling the cell.

ESTABLISHING A PATCH

Set the mode to Vclamp and the Vclamp Gain to


MAX (if recording becomes unstable the Gain control
can be backed off slightly). The step command
Oscillate function can now be used as a test pulse
for establishing the patch seal. Set an oscillating
test pulse of approximately 1mV, set the destination
to Vclamp. Monitor the I Monitor BNC with data
acquisition system or scope.
As the tip of the pipette approaches the cell
membrane, the fluid coupling will decrease, and
therefore, the resistance to the bath will increase.
Thus, the current flowing through the “Voltage
Clamped” pipette series resistance will decrease
(i.e., the total voltage between the headstage input
and the bath ground is clamped to 1mV by the test
pulse). The current pulse resulting from the test
pulse (seen at the I Monitor BNC) will become very
small. This is the indication that sealing is
starting to occur, a slight back pressure (suction)
can now be used by drawing a slight amount of air
out of the microelectrode holder (suction port), and
consequently drawing the membrane up against the
heat polished patch pipette.
Assuming that a gig ohm seal has been obtained
the 1mV test pulse will now be lost in the
background “white” current noise. Now the cell
membrane at the tip of the pipette can be ruptured
to go whole cell by again using suction or with the
BUZZ function of the BVC-700A. The established whole
cell penetration can be best observed by the large
increase in capacitance transients on the Im signal.
Now that the whole cell patch is established
the mode can be returned to I Clamp and the Holding
Current may be set at the desired level and the Step
Current Command or an external command current can
be directed to I Clamp.

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

SPECIFICATIONS
Electrode Holders: Low noise polycarbonate in two sizes: 1.0
to 1.2mm(#HB120), 1.5 to 1.8 mm (#HB180)
(order separately)

Headstage: Box Probe, 1.5" x 1.2" x .88", 3.5" long,


3/8" rod, BNC Input Connector, Standard
Headstage: N=0.1

Current Multiplier Feedback Resistor Noise Bridge Balance Input


(N) Max I RE RMS/BW/Re Range Cp
Resistance

10 10µA 1MΩ 25µv, 10kHz, 1MΩ 100KΩ/1MΩ 20 pf 1010MΩ

1 1µA 10MΩ 50µv, 10kHz, 10MΩ 1MΩ/10MΩ 20 pf 1011MΩ

.1 (Standard) 100nA 100MΩ 50µv, 1kHz, 100MΩ 10MΩ/100MΩ 20 pf 1012MΩ

.01 10nA 1GΩ 40µv, 100Hz, 1GΩ 100MΩ/1000MΩ 20 pf 1013MΩ

.001 1nA 10GΩ 35µv, 10Hz, 10GΩ 1GΩ/10GΩ 20 pf 1014MΩ

Extracellular Recording: Works with 8024 voltage, gain 1000


AC coupled headstages

Filter Response: Switch selectable DC to 1kHz, 3kHz,


5kHz, 10kHz, 30kHz and Wide Band

Input Bias Current: 1 x 10-12 Amps (Adjustable to zero)


Rise Time to Pulse: Typically 10 microseconds into 10
megohm resistor (10 to 90%), 50
microseconds into 100 megohm

Output Voltage Gain: X10 and X100

Output Current Gain: 20nA/V scaled by headstage


multiplier N

Output Impedance 500 ohms all outputs

Offset Voltage: +/-200mV

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

Balance/Rs Reading: 0 to 1 or 0 to 10 megohms divided


by headstage scaling N (ten-turn
dial)

Electrode Impedance Test: 1mV per megohm square wave scaled


by headstage multiplier N

Holding Current Range: 0 to +/-100 nA (ten-turn dial)


scaled by headstage multiplier N

Step Current Range: 0 to +/-99.9 nA (X0.1) or 0 to +/-


999 nA (X1), (digital push wheel
dial) scaled by headstage
multiplier N

Holding Voltage Range: 0 to +/-200 mV (ten-turn dial)

Step Voltage Range: 0 to +/-99.9 mV (X0.1) or 0 to +/-


999 mV (X1), (digital push wheel
dial)
Gated Step Command: +5 volt level turns on programmed
step current or voltage command.

Monitor: 1999 mV meter displays voltage,


current and electrode resistance
(decimal point is automatically set
for current measurements)

Size: 3 1/2 inch by 19-inch rack

Power: 115/230VAC 50/60 Hz

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ACCESSORIES

Electrode Holders: HB120: 1.0 to 1.2 mm outside glass


diameter
HB180: 1.5 to 1.8 mm outside glass
diameter

Model 7001 Spare Box Headstage (Specify


N=0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10), (comes
with BNC input)

8024-15 Extracellular Headstage (AC


Coupled, Voltage gain = 1000)

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

WARRANTY, SERVICE, AND REPAIR INFORMATION

The Dagan BVC-700A Bridge & Voltage Clamp Amplifier


is warranted to be free from defects in construction
caused by materials and workmanship for a period of
one year from the date of purchase. During this
period, Dagan Corporation will service your
instrument at no charge.

We prefer that any MAJOR service work that might


become necessary be performed in our laboratory.
However, you may be able to service your own
instrument if you desire in certain situations.
There are a few MINOR problems that you may correct
yourself and not void the warranty. These include
changing the fuses and replacing defective printed
cards:

MINOR REPAIRS

For safety, always be sure to disconnect the line


power to the instrument before working inside the
cabinet.

MAIN FRAME COVER REMOVAL

Remove the four screws on the top cover and slide it


backwards.

PRINTED CIRCUIT CARD REMOVAL

Unscrew the desired PC board locking screws. Unsnap


the connectors and pull them upwards.

FUSE REPLACEMENT

The BVC-700A has a fused power supply. The fuse is


located inside the cabinet on the side panel printed
circuit board. It is easily snapped out for
inspection if the power switch pilot light should
fail to function. It is a 1 amp. 250-volt 3AG type.

A phone call to us can usually provide enough data


to confirm the problem. We will immediately ship to
you the replacement parts that are necessary to fix
the instrument. If your problem is more serious, or
if you prefer that we replace any faulty cards,
please call us first. We will issue you a return

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BVC-700A Bridge and Voltage Clamp Amplifier

authorization number. You must put this return


number on the outside of the box and on the packing
slip or instruction sheet accompanying the
instrument. We will immediately repair all
instruments that are accompanied by an authorization
number and return them to you.

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