ZIF-Clip® ZC Analog Headstages
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| 32-Channel ZIF-Clip® Headstage |
ZIF-Clip® ZC Overview
ZIF-Clip® standard headstages are analog headstages recommended for use with probe impedance that range from 20 Kohm to 5 Mohm. They are designed to connect directly to a PZ preamplifier/neurodigitizer but may be connected to an RA16PA with the use of an adapter. Analog signal are buffered inside the headstage and digitized on the preamplifier/neurodigitizer for transfer to a base station processor, such as the RZ2 or RZ5D.
By default, ground and reference are separate on all ZIF-Clip® headstages yielding a referential configuration. Reference and ground may be tied together on the headstage adapter or ZIF-Clip® microwire array for single-ended configurations.
The ZIF-Clip® headstage (Patent No. 7540752) features an innovative, hinged headstage design that ensures quick, easy headstage connection with almost no insertion force applied to the subject. ZIF-Clip® headstage contacts seat inside the probe array and snap in place, firmly locking the headstage and probe with very little applied pressure. These self-aligning headstages provide long lasting low insertion performance for a variety of channel number and electrode configurations. An aluminum finish provides increased durability.
Part Numbers:
ZC16 - 16-channel Aluminum ZIF-Clip® headstage
ZC32 - 32-channel Aluminum ZIF-Clip® headstage
ZC64 - 64-channel Aluminum ZIF-Clip® headstage
ZC96 - 96-channel Aluminum ZIF-Clip® headstage
ZC128 - 128-channel Aluminum ZIF-Clip® headstage
ZIF-Clip® Passive Headstages
ZIF-Clip® passive headstages contain no active electronics. They provide passive cabling in 16, 32, 64, 96, 128 channel ZIF-Clip® form factors.
Part Numbers:
ZC16-P - 16 channel ZIF-Clip® passive headstage
ZC32-P - 32 channel ZIF-Clip® passive headstage
ZC64-P - 64 channel ZIF-Clip® passive headstage
ZC96-P - 96 channel ZIF-Clip® passive headstage
ZC128-P - 128 Channel ZIF-Clip® passive headstage
ZIF-Clip® LED Headstages
ZIF-Clip® LED headstages have built-in red and green LEDs on each side. The LEDs provide an ample amount of light for tracking test subjects and are available for 16, 32 and 64-channel ZIF-Clip® standard headstages.
Note
ZIF-Clip® headstage LEDs cannot be added to existing non-LED headstages.
Part Numbers:
ZC16-LED - 16-channel ZIF-Clip® headstage with LEDs
ZC32-LED - 32-channel ZIF-Clip® headstage with LEDs
ZC64-LED - 64-channel ZIF-Clip® headstage with LEDs
Adapter and Probe Connection
Warning
The headstage has sensitive electronics. Always ground yourself before handling.
ZIF-Clip® headstages are designed to automatically position the high density connectors on the headstage and probe (or adapter).
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| Standard ZIF-Clip® Headstage |
Connect probes and adapters to the headstage as described below.
Warning
The ZIF-Clip® headstage must be held in the fully open position while being slid into position. The headstage should only be closed when fully engaged. Sliding the headstage into position while applying pressure to the tip will permanently damage the ZIF-Clip® headstage and micro connectors.
ZIF-Clip® Headstage O-Rings
All ZIF-Clip® headstages are shipped with two o-rings for additional connection security. Gently slip the o-ring onto the headstage sleeve and then roll the o-ring towards the back of the headstage. Connect the probe or adapter to the headstage as described above. Once the connection is secure, roll the o-ring forward until it settles into the sleeve on the front of the headstage.
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| O-Ring Use and Positioning |
ZIF-Clip® Headstages to Amplifier Connection
One or more MiniDB26 connectors are used to connect the ZIF-Clip® standard headstage to a PZ5 or Subject Interface depending on the number of channels in the headstage. Each MiniDB26 connector carries 16 channels and is labeled with a bank letter that corresponds to its matching bank on the preamplifier. For example the MiniDB26 connector labeled "Bank A" should connect to bank A on the PZ5 or Subject Interface bank 1 and will carry channels 1-16. Subsequently, "Bank B" corresponds to the next 16 channels of the headstage, etc. See PZ5 NeuroDigitizer or SIM Subject Interface for more information.
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| Headstages to PZ5 Connection |
Headstage Voltage Range
When using a TDT preamplifier the voltage input range of the preamplifier (PZ5, Subject Interface, RA16PA) is typically lower than the headstage and must be considered the effective range of the system. Also keep in mind that the output range of the headstage varies depending on the power supply provided by the preamplifier. PZ5 and Subject Interface supply ±2.5 V. PZ2 and RA16PA preamplifiers supply ±1.5 V. Third party preamplifiers may vary. TDT recommends using preamplifiers which deliver ±2.5 V or less. The table below lists the input voltage ranges for the ZIF-Clip® standard headstage for either ±1.5 V or ±2.5 V power sources.
ZIF-Clip® ZC Headstages Technical Specifications
Dimensions
* Form factor for both the ZC16 and ZC32 is the same.
Important
When using multiple headstages, ensure that a single ground is used for all headstages. This will avoid unnecessary noise contamination in recordings. See the Headstage Connection Guide for more information.
ZIF-Clip® Headstage Pinouts
If you are interested in using a third party electrode see ZIF-Clip® Headstage Adapters. If there is no adapter offered for the desired electrode, the following diagrams show the headstage pinouts (channel connections to the amplifier) and board dimensions for connectors to match ZIF-Clip® headstages. A black square guide is used to align the headstage to ZIF-Clip® compatible connectors and can be used in the diagrams below to orient "left" and "right" sides of the headstage shell.
16- and 32-Channel Headstage Pinouts
Images are not to scale. Pinouts are looking through the headstage shell (or into a matching board connector). All board dimensions are in millimeters and are identical for both sides, board thickness is 0.75 mm, and connectors are centered as shown.
G Common/Ground Connection
R Reference Connection
Note
The 16-channel ZIF-Clip® headstage does not have any pins connected on the right side of the headstage; the Hirose connector is there for mechanical support. See Hirose specification for recommended footprint.
Hirose Connectors:
ZC16 - DF30FC-20DS-0.4V x 1
ZC32 - DF30FC-20DS-0.4V x 2
64-Channel Headstage Pinouts
Images are not to scale. Pinouts are looking through the headstage shell (or into a matching board connector). All board dimensions are in millimeters and are identical for both sides, board thickness is 0.75 mm, and connectors are centered as shown.
G Common/Ground Connection
R Reference Connection
See Hirose specification for recommended footprint.
Hirose Connectors:
ZC64 - DF30FC-34DS-0.4V x 2
96-Channel Headstage Pinouts
Images are not to scale. Pinouts are looking through the headstage shell (or into a matching board connector). All board dimensions are in millimeters and are identical for both sides, board thickness is 0.75 mm, and connectors are centered as shown.
G Common/Ground Connection
R Reference Connection
See Hirose specification for recommended footprint.
Hirose Connectors:
ZC96 - DF30FC-50DS-0.4V x 2
128-Channel Headstage Pinouts
Images are not to scale. Pinouts are looking through the headstage shell (or into a matching board connector). All board dimensions are in millimeters and are identical for both sides, board thickness is 0.75 mm, and connectors are centered as shown.
G Common/Ground Connection
R Reference Connection
See Hirose specification for recommended footprint.
Hirose Connectors:
ZC128 - DF30FC-34DS-0.4V x 4