Amplifier System dPatch®

The dPatch Integrated Digital Patch Clamp Amplifier is a computer-controlled single- or dual-headstage system optimized for both single-channel and whole-cell recording applications.

The resulting design represents a complete rethinking of how to best reduce noise and preserve signal to get the cleanest recordings possible, at a bandwidth that far exceeds anything else on the market. The dPatch amplifier system's digital architecture uses state-of-the-art methods in signal processing, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and Arm Core processors – technologies unavailable when the leading amplifiers in the market were designed well over 20 years ago. The processing power of this design FINALLY enables fully integrated dynamic clamp, as well as digital capacitance and resistance compensation. The included SutterPatch® Software facilitates data acquisition, mangement and analysis with an intuitive and easy to learn interface.

Available in either a single- or dual-headstage configuration, the dPatch amplifier system’s architecture makes swapping headstages, or adding a second one to a single-headstage unit, a plug-and-play operation. The two headstages are independently configurable for either voltage clamp or FastFollower™ current clamp.

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.

A LABORATORY WORKHORSE

While the dPatch System is ready for cutting-edge research, its feature set makes it immediately valuable in any lab setting.

• Three headstage feedback ranges for optimal whole-cell and single-channel recording
• Automated compensation of electrode and whole-cell capacitance
• Series resistance compensation
• Simple cabling, quick and easy set-up
• High dynamic range of digitizer means no need for variable gain stages
• High speed of digitizer means no concern about sample rate

COMMON APPLICATIONS:

• Single-channel recordings
• Auditory research and other rapidly changing signals
• Tissue slice recordings
• Cultured cell experiments
• Cell line studies from adherent or dispersed cells
• Optogenetics
• Nanopore and nanogap research

FEATURES

• Free technical support
• Fully integrated single- or dual-headstage patch clamp amplifier and data acquisition system ensures quick and easy setup
• Optimized for single-channel and 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 clamp, FastFollower™ current clamp and fully integrated dynamic clamp capability for complete characterization of cells' electrical activity
• Line frequency reduction in SutterPatch
• Software lock-in amplifier in SutterPatch for high-resolution capacitance measurements
• High bandwidth enables characterization of the fastest signals
• Three headstage feedback ranges for single-channel and whole-cell patch clamp recordings
• Comprehensive digital compensation circuitry provides the utmost precision and signal fidelity
• Bundled SutterPatch® software provides versatile data management, intuitive navigation and streamlined data analysis.

ACCESSORIES

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.

dPatch Expansion Panel

Quartz Pipette Holder

While polycarbonate is a proven material for patch pipette holders, it undergoes significant thermal expansion. Uneven warming may lead to motion of the pipette tip and is often incorrectly perceived as drift in the micromanipulator. Quartz has a significantly lower thermal expansion coefficient and virtually eliminates thermal drift. (Link to video: Minimizing thermal expansion with the Sutter Instrument Quartz Pipette Holder)