Overview

The MEA2100-Mini-Systems is a compact, high-performance in vitro electrophysiology recording system designed for flexible and scalable neuronal and cardiac network studies. Each headstage offers 60 or 120 recording channels at 24-bit resolution and 50 kHz per channel, with 2 independent stimulation channels built in. For high-throughput applications, up to 8 headstages can be connected in parallel—enabling simultaneous acquisition of up to 480 or 960 channels across multiple preparations.

IFB-C Multiboot Interface Board

The MEA2100-Mini is powered by the new IFB-C Multiboot interface board, a next-generation platform compatible with MEA2100(-Mini), Multiwell-MEA, CMOS-MEA5000, ME2100, and W2100 headstages. It features real-time signal detection, a freely programmable DSP for custom processing pipelines, and SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity for high-bandwidth data transfer.

System Setup

A complete MEA2100-Mini setup consists of Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs), a miniaturized headstage, a Signal Collector Unit (SCU), the IFB-C interface board, and a PC running Multi Channel Suite software. This modular architecture allows researchers to scale their recording capacity incrementally.

Headstage

The MEA2100-Mini headstage features a small footprint compatible with standard incubators, making it suitable for long-term recordings under physiological conditions. It supports 60 or 120 recording channels at 24-bit resolution, with 2 independent stimulation channels per headstage for closed-loop and stimulation-response protocols.

Signal Collector Unit (SCU)

Each Signal Collector Unit (SCU) supports up to 4 headstages, and two SCUs can be connected per IFB-C interface board—enabling control of up to 8 headstages simultaneously. The SCU also controls up to 4 optical stimulation units, supporting optogenetic experimental designs.

Software: Multi Channel Suite

The MEA2100-Mini integrates with Multi Channel Suite, a comprehensive software package including:

• Multi Channel Experimenter – Real-time data acquisition and experiment control
• Multi Channel Analyzer – Offline analysis with video synchronization capabilities
• Multi Channel DataManager – Data export to HDF5, Matlab, Python (.nex, .ced) formats

Expert Support

Multi Channel Systems provides PhD-level scientific support in neuronal and cardiac electrophysiology, Xenopus oocyte recordings, and Patch Clamp techniques. A dedicated sales and applications team is available for product demonstrations and on-site installation assistance.

FAQ

How many channels can the MEA2100-Mini-Systems record simultaneously?

Each MEA2100-Mini headstage provides 60 or 120 recording channels at 24-bit resolution and 50 kHz per channel. For high-throughput applications, up to 8 headstages can be connected in parallel via Signal Collector Units, enabling simultaneous acquisition of up to 480 or 960 channels across multiple preparations.

Can the MEA2100-Mini headstage be used inside an incubator?

Yes. The headstage has a small footprint specifically designed for use in restricted spaces such as inside a standard CO₂ incubator, making it well suited for long-term recordings under stable physiological conditions.

What software is included with the MEA2100-Mini-Systems?

The system integrates with the Multi Channel Suite software package, which includes Multi Channel Experimenter for real-time data acquisition and experiment control, Multi Channel Analyzer for offline analysis with video synchronization, and Multi Channel DataManager for export to HDF5, Matlab, Python, .nex, and .ced formats.

Does the IFB-C Multiboot interface board support other MCS headstages?

Yes. The IFB-C Multiboot is a next-generation interface board compatible with MEA2100(-Mini), Multiwell-MEA, CMOS-MEA5000, ME2100, and W2100 headstages, allowing cost-effective multi-system combinations using a single interface board with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity.