Integrated Patch Clamp Amplifiers with Data Acquisition System

Sutter IPA & Double IPA
Sutter IPA

IPA® and Double IPA® Integrated Patch Clamp Amplifiers with Data Acquisition System and Software

Sutter Instrument introduces the IPA® family of Integrated Patch Amplifiers, which enables efficient, low-noise whole-cell recordings. The IPA systems, available in either a single headstage (IPA) or dual headstage (DOUBLE IPA) version, combine state-of-the-art amplifier technology with fully integrated D/A and A/D conversion and a high speed USB interface. Acquisition, data management, and streamlined analysis are performed using the bundled SutterPatch® Data Acquisition and Analysis Software, built on the foundation of Igor Pro (WaveMetrics, Inc.).

External Inputs & Outputs
External signals, such as environmental parameters or stimulus information, can be recorded using 4 auxiliary analog input channels. The IPA systems also support the control of peripheral hardware, such as wavelength or solution switchers, with 2 analog and 8 digital (TTL) output channels. As an alternative to the standard breakout cable, an optional Patch Panel provides a tidy way of connecting auxiliary signals on the front of your rack.

SutterPatch Software
The IPA system, in combination with SutterPatch software, has been engineered to automatically capture and store all amplifier settings, stimulus information and external experiment parameters and associate them in time with the raw data traces. This includes all amplifier and acquisition settings, as well as timing and progress of the experiment. Fully integrated computer control of the amplifier stages means that the acquisition software is aware of the internal state of the amplifier and digitizer at all times and can track any changes that may occur. This is independent of whether a change is triggered automatically or initiated by the user.

Data Visualization and Analysis
SutterPatch software has been designed to simplify the navigation and analysis of complex datasets. The scope window supports multiple view modes in both two-dimensional and an innovative three-dimensional display. The 3D view is particularly useful during assay development. Built on top of the latest version of the proven Igor Pro platform, the SutterPatch program combines native Igor Pro functionality with a wealth of features that are tailored to electrophysiology applications. Both the newcomer and experienced user of patch clamp programs will feel comfortable using SutterPatch software.

Application modules provide focused functionality for particular applications.

Currently available:

  • Event Detection Module: A deconvolution algorithm that excels at detecting miniature synaptic events even on a noisy background
  • Action Potential Analysis Module: Phase plane plot, timing and waveform statistics
  • Camera Module: An easy way to document the identity and condition of the recorded cell

The IPA and Double IPA Integrated Patch Clamp Amplifiers are computer-controlled single- or dual-headstage amplifiers optimized for whole-cell recording applications.

Common Applications

  • Tissue slice recordings
  • Cultured-cell experiments
  • Cell line studies from adherent or dispersed cells
  • In-vivo patch clamp
  • Network studies
  • Optogenetics

Features

  • New: Combination of any two IPA or Double IPA devices enables up to four headstage channels for as many as 16 signals
  • Fully integrated patch clamp amplifier and data acquisition system ensures quick and easy setup
  • Optimized for whole-cell patch clamp recordings in tissue slices, adherent or dissociated cells
  • Full computer control provides automated compensation of electrode and whole cell capacitance
  • Voltage and current clamp capability for complete characterization of cells’ electrical activity
  • Bundled SutterPatch software excels in comprehensive data management, intuitive navigation and streamlined data analysis
  • Line frequency reduction in SutterPatch

Accessories

Optional IPA Patch Panel
The IPA and Double IPA Amplifiers come standard with an “octopus” breakout cable for auxiliary inputs and outputs, and digital outputs. The optional IPA Patch Panel, machined from ½” thick billet aluminum stock like the IPA faceplate, brings the auxiliary I/O connections to the front of the rack in a tidy 2U rack mount panel with BNC connectors. The IPA Patch Panel includes a 2.5 ft (76 cm) connector cable and replaces the standard cable that ships with the IPA system.

Sutter IPA Patch Panel

Ground Point
The Ground Point GP-17 provides reliable, low resistance connections for a star ground configuration, the proven method to avoid ground loops in any electrophysiology setup. Accepts 9 banana plugs + 8 bare wires up to 10 gauge or banana plugs. The baseplate mounts directly on imperial or metric air table tops with the included ¼-20 and M6 screws. Made of solid, machined brass with plated banana/clamp connectors.

Sutter Ground Point GP-17

Technical Specifications

Dimensions
IPA: 18.8″ x 11.8″ x 1.8″ | 48cm x 30cm x 4.5cm
Double IPA: 18.8″ x 11.8″ x 3.5″ | 48cm x 30cm x 9cm
IPA Headstage: 3.9″ x 1.4″ x 0.75″n | 10cm x 3.5cm x 1.9cm
Patch Panel: 18.8″ x 2″ x 3.5″ | 48cm x 5cm x 9cm

Weight
IPA: 9 lbs | 4 kg
Double IPA: 8.1 lbs | 3.7 kg
Patch Panel: 3.5 lbs | 1.6 kg

Electrical
110/240 Volts
50/60 Hertz power line

System Requirements

Minimum Configuration:
• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later, or MacOS: 10.11, El Capitan or later
• Processor: Dual-core i5
• Memory: 3 GB
• Solid-state drive (SSD): 500 GB or greater
• Display Resolution: 1024 x 768 (XGA)
• 1 available USB 2.0 High Speed port

Recommended Configuration:
• Windows 10 (64-bit) or later, or MacOS: 10.11, El Capitan or later
• Processor: Dual-core i5
• Memory: 8 GB
• Solid-state drive (SSD): 500 GB or greater
• Display resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
• 1 available USB 2.0 High Speed port

Notes

USB 3.0 ports are compatible with USB 2.0 High Speed specifications.
Slower USB 2.0 ‘full-speed’ ports, which are sometimes found on older Windows PCs or USB add-in cards, are not supported.

To check for High Speed USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 on a PC computer running Windows, look in the Control Panel > Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers section for “Enhanced” host controllers. As this does not provide any mapping information to the computer’s physical ports, and there can be a mix of USB port versions, you should check individual USB ports for USB 2.0/3.0 High Speed operational performance. As a visual indicator, USB 3.0 ports are often color coded blue.

USB hubs are not supported. USB add-in cards, even if they formally meet High Speed or Super Speed specifications, are not recommended. They are often architecturally configured as USB hubs and may lead to intermittent transfer errors that are hard to troubleshoot.

Operating systems installed within virtualization software platforms such as VMware and Parallels are not supported.

CE Mark
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC