Impedance Testing Adapters for nanoZ and Imp™ – Omnetics

Plexon is pleased to offer the nanoZ™ and Imp™ multi-electrode impedance testers. In addition, we offer adaptors so that the nanoZ can be used with a wide range of electrodes. The information below describes adaptors that have been designed to interface various Omnetics connectors with the nanoZ.

How to Use the NanoZ with Plexon Adaptors to Measure Impedance

The nanoZ can be used with custom designed adaptors to test the impedance of all electrodes offered by Plexon. The information below describes how to measure the impedance of electrodes with Omnetics connectors. Information specific to each Omnetics connector type can be found under the appropriate tab.

Open the nanoZ software and make sure that the drop down menus for the adaptor and probe say “No adaptor” and “Probe not selected.”

The nanoZ measures impedance relative to a return electrode. After an electrode array has been implanted, the impedance is typically measured relative to one of the ground electrodes within the array. Prior to implantation, the impedance of the ground electrodes themselves (and the other electrodes) can be measured relative to an external electrode that is not part of the array. This is useful for verifying the integrity of the ground electrodes. To do this both the G1 and G2 jumpers should be set in the 35 and 36 positions (ground electrode 1 = nanoZ channel 35 and ground electrode 2 = nanoZ channel 36) and connect an external return electrode to the point labeled EXT on the circuit board. The impedances of the ground electrodes in the array will show up as channels 35 and 36 in the nanoZ impedance file. Note that the ground electrodes typically have a low impedance value. This configuration is typically used for measuring the impedance of the array in a beaker of saline, and especially for verifying the integrity of the ground electrodes, prior to implantation.

 

 

 

 

To measure impedance relative to one of the ground electrodes within the array, position ONE of the jumpers in the RET (return) position. This configuration is typically used for in vivo impedance measurements of chronically implanted electrode arrays. There are two possibilities for the pair of jumpers to be set. G1 can be in the RET position and G2 can be in the 36 position as shown above (ground electrode 1 = nanoZ return, ground electrode 2 connected to impedance channel 36). In this configuration, all electrodes including Ground 2 (whose impedance will appear as channel 36 in software) are measured using Ground 1 as the return path for current. This means that the integrity of Ground 2 can be checked in vivo.

 

nanoZ to 8 Channel Omnetics Adaptor with .050 pitch

This is an adaptor cable for connecting a nanoZ impedance meter to 8o50 style electrode implants. The cable is 36 inches long.

Software Channel Mapping

  • Channels 1-8 on the nanoZ software correspond to neural channels 1-8.
  • Channel 33 in the nanoZ software corresponds to the Reference electrode.
  • Channel 35 in the nanoZ software corresponds to the Ground electrode if the jumper is placed in the 35 position and an external electrode is connected to the EXT point on the circuit board.

nanoZ to 16 Channel Omnetics Adaptor with .025 pitch

This is an adaptor cable for connecting a nanoZ impedance meter to 16V style electrode implants. The cable is 36 inches long.

Software Channel Mapping

  • Channels 1-16 on the nanoZ software correspond to neural channels 1-16.
  • Channels 33 and 34 in the nanoZ software correspond to Ref 1 and Ref 2 respectively.
  • Channels 35 and 36 in the nanoZ software correspond to Gnd 1 and Gnd 2 respectively if the jumpers are placed accordingly.

nanoZ to 16 Channel Omnetics Adaptor with .050 pitch

This is an adaptor cable for connecting a nanoZ impedance meter to 16o50 style electrode implants. The cable is 36 inches long.

Software Channel Mapping

  • Channels 1-16 on the nanoZ software correspond to neural channels 1-16.
  • Channels 33 and 34 in the nanoZ software correspond to Ref 1 and Ref 2 respectively.
  • Channels 35 and 36 in the nanoZ software correspond to Gnd 1 and Gnd 2 respectively if the jumpers are placed accordingly.

nanoZ to 32 Channel Omnetics Adaptor with .025 pitch

This is an adaptor cable for connecting a nanoZ impedance meter to 32m-V style electrode implants. The cable is 36 inches long.

Software Channel Mapping

  • Channels 1-32 on the nanoZ software correspond to neural channels 1-32.
  • Channels 33 and 34 in the nanoZ software correspond to Ref 1 and Ref 2 respectively.
  • Channels 35 and 36 in the nanoZ software correspond to Gnd 1 and Gnd 2 respectively if the jumpers are placed accordingly.