Axon Axoclamp 900A Microelectrode Amplifier
A complete microelectrode current clamp and voltage clamp amplifier, useful for a wide range of intracellular microelectrode recording techniques.
The Axoclamp™ 900A Microelectrode Amplifier features many enhancements that improve its recording capability, make the amplifier easier to use, and help your experiments last longer.
The Axoclamp 900A Microelectrode Amplifier provides the following modes of operation:
- I-Clamp: Current clamp using two independent bridge amplifiers for voltage measurements
- DCC: Discontinuous current clamp for accurate voltage measurements, even when the electrode resistance changes
- TEVC: High-compliance two-electrode voltage clamp for Xenopus oocytes and mammalian cells
- dSEVC: Discontinuous single-electrode voltage clamp for small cells with large currents
- HVIC: High-voltage current clamp for extracellular applications such as iontophoresis
Excellent amplifier performance
The ±180 V output compliance used for TEVC and HVIC modes makes it possible to pass larger currents and ensures faster clamp speeds. TEVC and dSEVC modes both have wide AC voltage clamp gain ranges for excellent voltage control. When DC Restore is enabled, the DC voltage clamp gain is greater than 1,000,000, ensuring optimal voltage control for constant-voltage measurements. The new dSEVC design is more stable and twice as fast as before, providing an excellent alternative to standard continuous single-electrode voltage clamping.
Related Products
Optional SoftPanel
Although the Axoclamp 900A Amplifer is a computer-controlled amplifier, the mouse and keyboard are not the only means of controlling the instrument. The optional SoftPanel was designed for those who prefer the more conventional feel to amplifier control of knobs and buttons. By way of a USB connection, the SoftPanel physically replicates all essential amplifier functions by acting as a hardware extension of the Axoclamp 900A Commander Software. SoftPanel knobs replicate continuous mouse controls ("gliders"), while buttons replicate single-click mouse controls.
Data Acquisition
In combination with a Digidata® 1550 Data Acquisition System and pCLAMP™ Software, the Axoclamp 900A Amplifier forms the core of a recording setup like those used in many electrophysiology labs around the world. Computer control of the amplifier ensures correct scaling and logging of experimental parameters. The Clampex Data Acquisition Module in pCLAMP Software makes optimal use of the features of the Axoclamp 900A Amplifier.
Headstages
A variety of different headstages are available for use with the Axoclamp 900A Amplifier. Three headstages with current-passing gains for applications as diverse as extracellular recording, bath potential recording, ion-sensitive recording, iontophoresis and intracellular recording from small or large cells are available as follows:
- HS-9A x0.1U
- HS-9A x1U
- HS-9A x10U
Virtual-ground headstages may be optionally used with the Axoclamp 900A amplifier to measure and control whole-bath current. Available models are:
Two HS-9A headstages must be ordered with the Axoclamp 900A Amplifier main unit. Additional headstages can be ordered for more flexibility. Any combination of two HS-9A headstages can be used with the Axoclamp 900A Amplifier. The two auxiliary headstage connectors accept any HS-9A or VG-9A headstage and allow operation with up to a total of four headstages.
- Five modes of operation provide the broadest range of electrophysiological applications
- Software control of all amplifier settings for automated optimization features, reduction of manipulation steps, and convenient, reliable telegraphing
- Optional SoftPanel allows amplifier control using knobs and buttons for a more conventional feel to amplifier control
- Large output compliance range (±180 V in TEVC and HVIC modes) enable passing larger currents and ensures faster clamp speeds
- Wide AC voltage clamp gain ranges in TEVC and dSEVC modes for excellent voltage control
- Space-saving headstage design for easier access to the preparation on a crowded microscope stage
- New dSEVC design with more stability and faster clamp provides an excellent alternative to standard continuous single-electrode voltage clamping
- Pipette Capacitance Compensation neutralizes the contribution of the glass pipette and the pipette holder to the capacitance of the circuitry
- Automatic oscillation detection prevents damage to a cell when electrical feedback occurs
- Selectable output gain with 11 settings to scale the output signal to the desired level
- Audio monitor for acoustic tracking of the signal while you are busy looking down a microscope
- Fine-tunable 4-pole Bessel and Butterworth low-pass filters act as anti-aliasing filters and can be used to pre-condition the output signal
- Buzz feature with a hand-held remote switch facilitates breaking through cell membranes
- Two included pipette holders of different barrel lengths accept glass pipettes in most standard dimensions
- User guide written by scientific consultants, with the assistance of Axon Instruments staff, for straightforward start-up and as an in-depth reference
General Specifications
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Dimensions (in.)
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4.3 (H) x 19 (W) x 14.3 (D)
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Dimensions (cm)
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10.9 (H) x 48.3 (W) x 36.3 (D)
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Weight
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9.5 lbs. (4.3 kg)
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Headstage (in.)
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0.75 (H) x 0.70 (W) x 2.25 (D)
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Headstage (cm)
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1.9 (H) x 1.8 (W) x 5.7 (D)
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Rack use
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Standard 19" rack-mount (2U) with handles
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Benchtop use
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Bayonet feet
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Power
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100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz, 30 W max
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Safety
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CE marking (Conformité Européenne)
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Detail Specifications
Downloadable PDF Datasheet
Requirements
Computer Specifications
1 GHz or better processor
Windows 2000/XP
CD-ROM drive
512 MB RAM
500 MB HD space
Two USB 2.0 ports (amplifier control and monitor signal in discontinuous modes)
One additional USB 2.0 port is required if the optional SoftPanel is used
Experimental Control and Data Acquisition
Although the Axoclamp 900A Amplifier is controlled by a software interface, it remains a conventional analog input/output amplifier. Thus, it requires a system for controlling your stimulus protocols and recording the output. Our pCLAMP Software and Digidata 1550 Data Acquisition System provide the most complete, integrated solution. Note: pCLAMP 9 Software or higher is required for automatic telegraphing.
Axoclamp Commander Software
Instead of the traditional front panel knobs and switches, the Axoclamp 900A Amplifier is controlled by the Axoclamp 900A Commander Software, a program that runs on a Windows PC computer (see system requirements) and communicates with the amplifier via a USB interface. This control interface reports resistance, voltage, and current measurements and provides automation of Bridge Balance, Pipette Offset, and Pipette Capacitance Neutralization for improved ease of use. In addition, Axoclamp Commander has "smart" features that protect cells from potentially damaging signal oscillations and automate mode changes based on internal signal thresholds or externally applied signals. Amplifier settings such as gain, filter frequency, recording mode, and input/output scale factors are automatically telegraphed to the pCLAMP 10 Data Acquisition Software via the USB connection. This ensures that the amplifier settings are accurately and conveniently stored in the recorded data files.
To obtain the installer for a more in-depth look at Axoclamp 900A Commander Software, please go to our Customer Support page.
In combination with a Digidata 1550 Data Acquisition System and pCLAMP Software, the Axoclamp 900A Amplifier forms the core of a recording setup like those used in many electrophysiology labs around the world. Computer control of the amplifier ensures correct scaling and logging of experimental parameters. The Clampex Data Acquisition Module in pCLAMP Software makes optimal use of the features of the Axoclamp 900A Amplifier.
- Basic Ion Channel Research: Ion channels are pore proteins that are involved in a large variety of physiological processes. Basic research in the ion channel field furthers the understanding of ion channel function as well as their roles within cellular pathways and processes. Single-channel research helps with elucidating the mechanisms underlying ion channel function on a single-molecule level. Whole-cell and perforated patch clamp recordings are typically used to investigate the action of modulators on entire populations of ion channels in the membrane of a cell. Learn more.
- Cell Pathway Analysis: Ion channels are involved in many cell pathways and understanding the function of ion channels in response to changes in membrane potential or the presence or absence of other molecules is important in order to understand exactly how ion channels participate in normal and abnormal biological processes such as cell differentiation and migration, disease states, neuronal communications, etc. Learn more.
- Disease Research: Ion channels play a role in many diseases, including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, gastrointestinal, immune and neuromuscular disorders, pathological pain and cancer. By understanding the exact role that ion channels play in a particular disease, researchers might be able to find a way to affect the ion channel in such a way as to alter the course of the disease. Learn more.
- Safety Assessment: A critical part of drug discovery involves safety assessments, such as hERG testing, in order to eliminate any compounds with potential safety concerns. Conventional patch clamp has played an important role in collecting evidence for the absence of side effects before submission of a drug candidate to regulatory authorities. Even if automated electrophysiology has shifted safety testing to earlier stages in the drug discovery process, follow-up with conventional patch clamp is an essential step in the workflow. Learn more.
Accessory Categories
Headstages
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Part Number
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Description
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Details
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1-2950-0359
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Axoclamp 900A Headstage HS-9A X0.1U
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x0.1 headstage
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1-2950-0360
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Axoclamp 900A Headstage HS-9A X1U
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x1 headstage
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1-2950-0361
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Axoclamp 900A Headstage HS-9A X10U
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x10 headstage
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1-2950-0362
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Axoclamp 900A Headstage VG-9A X10U
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x10 virtual ground headstage
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1-2950-0363
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Axoclamp 900A Headstage VG-9A X100U
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x100 virtual ground headstage
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Electrode holders, adapters, and holder components
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Part Number
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Description
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Details
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1-HL-U
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Electrode Holder for U-Type Headstages
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Fits glass pipettes with outer diameter of 1.0 - 1.7 mm
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1-HL-CAP
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Electrode Holder Replacement Caps
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Set of 2 polycarbonate caps for HL-U holders
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1-HLC-11
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Cone Washers 1.1 mm ID
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Set of 10 orange cone washers for HL-U holders, fit glass with outer diameter of 1.0 - 1.1 mm
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1-HLC-13
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Cone Washers 1.3 mm ID
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Set of 10 orange cone washers for HL-U holders, fit glass with outer diameter of 1.1 - 1.3 mm
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1-HLC-15
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Cone Washers 1.5 mm ID
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Set of 10 orange cone washers for HL-U holders, fit glass with outer diameter of 1.3 - 1.5 mm
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1-HLC-17
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Cone Washers 1.7 mm ID
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Set of 10 orange cone washers for HL-U holders, fit glass with outer diameter of 1.5 - 1.7 mm
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1-HLP-U
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Pins 1 mm for HL-U Holders
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Set of 3 brass pins for HL-U holders, 1 mm
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1-HLP-0
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2 mm Plugs With Solder Cups
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Set of 5 general purpose gold plugs, 2 mm, with solder cups
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1-HLA-005
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Silver Wire
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Set of 5 Ag wires, 0.25 mm dia., 50mm long
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1-HLT-70
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Silicone Tubing for Silver Wire
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1 mm ID x 70 mm Long Silicon Tubing
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1-HLA-003
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Silver/Silver Chloride Pellet Assemblies
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Set of 3 Ag/AgCl pellet assemblies
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1-HLB-U
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Adapter For BNC Holders To U-Type Headstages
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Connects BNC holders to CV and HS headstages with threaded collets (U-type)
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1-HLR-U
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Right-Angle Adapter for HL-U Electrode Holders
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Fits CV and HS headstages with threaded collets (U-type)
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Model cells
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Part Number
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Description
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Details
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1-MCO-2U
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Model Cell for Oocytes
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Axoclamp / GeneClamp model cell for oocytes. Connects to U-type HS series headstages
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1-CLAMP-1U
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Model Cell for TEVC / DSEVC
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Axoclamp / GeneClamp model cell for two-electrode voltage clamp / discontinuous single-electrode voltage-clamp conditions. Connects to U-type HS series headstages
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Cables
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Part Number
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Description
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Details
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1-2100-0934
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Cable To Connect Axoclamp-2 Headstages To Axoclamp 900A Amplifier
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Allows Axoclamp-2 headstages (HS-2, VG-2) to be used on Axoclamp 900A Amplifiers
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Miscellaneous
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Part Number
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Description
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Details
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1-SOFTPANEL (USB)
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SoftPanel Amplifier Control Unit
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Provides physical knob and button control for computer-controlled Axoclamp 900-series and MultiClamp 700-series amplifiers. Requires a USB connection
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1-2950-0366
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Remote Buzz For Axoclamp 900A
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Hand-held buzz duration control for Axoclamp 900A Amplifier (1 - 50 ms)
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