Physiological Amplifier Options in Research
When choosing
which physiological amplifier to use in your research, the most important
assets typically are accuracy, ease of use and time efficiency.
BIOPAC’s biopotential
amplifiers
are not only user friendly and intuitive, but they can also easily be
integrated with automatic data acquisition software. When you use AcqKnowledge software with a biopotential
amplifier, you can automatically score data and extract measurements on a
cycle-by-cycle basis.
With over
15,000 amplifiers sold for research, BIOPAC is quickly becoming one of the most
popular choices for universities.
How
Biopotential Amplifiers Work
With a wide
selection of physiological amplifiers to choose from, creating a system that
suits your application requirements is easier than ever.
The amplifiers
are easy to snap together and pull apart for any needed substitutions. BIOPAC’s
amplifiers also utilize advanced technology that allows you to use the
amplifiers as stand-alone devices with the IPS100C isolated power supply mode.
To use the
biopotential amplifiers, simply connect to unshielded or shielded electrode
leads which are terminating with Safelead/Touchproof (1.5 mm) sockets. To increase
performance, you can use two shielded electrode leads and one unshielded
electrode lead per amplifier.
For added
convenience and ease of use, BIOPAC also provides detailed video tutorials for
each of its biopotential amplifiers.
Physiological
Amplifier Types
BIOPAC offers
a wide array of biopotential amplifiers including:
ECG Electrocardiogram Amplifier – This amplifier records
heart generated electrical activity, and can be used to effectively record ECG
in humans, animals and isolated organ preparations. When used with the AcqKnowledge data acquisition software, the
ECG amplifier will record data and pull out measurements of interest on a
cycle-by-cycle basis.
EEG Electroencephalogram Amplifier – The EEG amplifier shows
bioelectric potentials related to neuronal activity of the brain, which is
often used in recording unipolar or bipolar EEG measurements. You can use the
Alpha detection mode to create a smoothed wave with a peak that indicates
maximal alpha activity. Use this amplifier with AcqKnowledge software to automatically filter raw EEG signals and
instantly create a full data analysis.
EGG Electrogastrogram Amplifier – The EGG amplifier
amplifies the electric signal which results from activity in the stomach and
intestinal smooth muscle. Use the EGG amplifier in conjunction with AcqKnowledge software to automate the EGG
gastric wave analysis routine and provide both single and multi-channel
recordings.
EMG Electromyogram Amplifier – Record general and
skeletal muscle electrical activity with the EMG amplifier. The fast response
amplifier can monitor a single-fiber EMG, motor unit and peripheral nerve
action potentials. Much like the other biopotential amplifiers, the EMG
amplifier is easily integrated with AcqKnowledge
software for performing real-time EMG recording and analysis.
EOG Electrooculogram Amplifier – The EOG amplifier
monitors the DC potential on the skin surrounding the eyes, recording the
degree of eye movement in any direction. As it amplifies corneal-retinal potential,
the amplifier works with data acquisition software to automatically measure and
graph eye movement.
ERS Evoked Response Amplifier – The evoked response
amplifier works by amplifying a small response to a certain stimulus. Because
it emits extremely low noise, the amplifier is easily used in applications like
auditory brainstem response, startle response, somatosensory evoked response
and nerve conduction velocity recording. When used with the AcqKnowledge software, the ERS amplifier
automatically generates accurate data recording and analysis.
Learn More
About Biopotential Amplifiers
If you are
interested in learning more about how BIOPAC’s state-of-the-art amplifiers can
ease your application process and help you instantly create detailed analytic
reports of your data, please contact BIOPAC Systems, Inc. You can also learn about
BIOPAC’s extensive collection of transducer amplifiers on the BIOPAC website.
BIOPAC is dedicated to developing innovative, high quality
and competitively priced life sciences educational and research hardware and
software designed to meet customers’ needs.
Data Acquisition Software | Accelerometers
What Are Accelerometers?
Accelerometers are widely used for measuring
vibration in rotating machinery, moving vehicles, aircraft, in
structures. In this case, they are used for measuring small muscle
vibrations in the body.
New types of accelerometers and integrated sensor
systems are now replacing more traditional vibration sensors for a number
of reasons such as lower cost, better performance, rugged design, and smaller
size. The new devices offer increased sensitivity, a wider range of
operating frequencies, and much wider range of application in industry.
How do Accelerometers work?
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| BIOPAC Accelerometer 50 G -TSD109F |
Accelerometers work in many different ways. Some
accelerometers use the piezoelectric effect - containing microscopic crystal
structures that get stressed by accelerative forces, causing a voltage to be
generated. Another is by sensing changes in capacitance. If you have two
microstructures next to each other, they have a certain capacitance between
them. If an accelerative force moves one of the structures, the capacitance
will change. Add circuitry to convert from capacitance to voltage, and you get
an accelerometer. There are many other methods, including use of the
piezo-resistive effect and light.
What should I consider when choosing the right
accelerometer:
-Reproducibility of results
You don't just want great results, you want
results that are as accurate and reproducible as possible.
-Sensitivity - Generally
speaking, the more sensitivity the better. This means that for a given change
in acceleration, there will be a larger change in signal. Since larger signal
changes are easier to measure, you will get more accurate readings.
BIOPAC's TSD250
The TSD250 is a sensitive accelerometer for
use with BIOPAC
Vibromyography Systems that use advanced
signal analysis algorithms to monitor muscle vibration.
Accelerometers are secured over the muscle
belly and record the small vibrations that occur when the muscle is
activated. The technique allows researchers to study muscle performance and
strength balance.
VMG provides extremely reproducible results. The
single sensor solution and the lack of skin preparation improve the reliability
and reproducibility of muscle effort recordings between muscles and across
subjects.
Learn More About TSD250 Data Acquisition Software
If you are interested in learning more about
gaining access to the best data acquisition software in the industry, please
check out BIOPAC's Vibromyography Transducer TSD250. (http://www.biopac.com/VMG-transducer)
BIOPAC is dedicated to developing innovative,
high quality and competitively priced life sciences educational and research hardware and
software designed to meet customers’ needs.