uniscan instrumentsPG580 Potentiostat – Galvanostat OPERATING MANUAL Blank Page – Reverse side of front Cover PG580 Potentostat - Galvanostat OPERATING MANUAL Issue 6.0 . 2 Fitting Adapters 15 15 17 17 17 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 23 23 25 25 27 27 27 10 SPECIFICATIONS 29 11 TECHNICAL SUPPORT 31 .4 6.6 7 UiEChem .1 6.3 6.Standard Electrochemical Techniques UiECorr . 9 POWER SUPPLY 9.1 Cell connector detail.2 Com port connector detail.2 Connecting to your electrochemical cell 6 SOFTWARE 6. 8.1 Connecting to a computer 5.5 6.1 Power supply adapters 9.1 Docking Station 7.2 Main menu 5 CONNECTING 5.1 Using the keys 4.2 Spare battery 7.Standard Corrosion Techniques Custom Techniques Stand alone programming Installation Software Manual ACCESSORIES 7.3 Screened Multi Working Electrode Cable 8 CONNECTOR DETAILS 8.PG580 OPERATING MANUAL CONTENTS Section Page 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6 2 INTRODUCTION 9 3 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION 11 4 FRONT PANEL OPERATION 15 4.2 6.3 dc power connector detail. 8. GROUNDING To minimise the hazard of electrical shock it is essential that the equipment is connected to a protective ground whenever the power supply and/or separate measurement devices are connected. At the end of its life the instrument should not be disposed of with conventional refuse. supply. DO NOT insert a fuse of a higher rating. The rating of the a.c. even if the equipment is switched OFF. or any units connected to the equipment in a potentially explosive atmosphere.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The PG580 Potentiostat . Switch the equipment OFF.Galvanostat equipment described in this manual complies with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 72/23/EEC. The PG580 is NOT „Intrinsically Safe‟ and could possibly cause an explosion. line fuse must be in accordance with the voltage of the a. serviced or repaired. FUSES Before switching on the PG580 check that any fuses accessible from the exterior of the equipment are of the correct rating. The PG580 is designed solely for Potentiostat .Galvanostat measurement and should be used for no other purpose.c. These highlight important information for the users attention to prevent damage to the user or the equipment. clearly label it “Unserviceable” and inform a service technician. Should any fuse continually blow. NOTES For guidance and protection of the user „Notes‟ appear throughout the manual. must be strictly adhered to whenever the equipment is operated. Please contact your supplier who will advise you on the correct method of disposal for your instrument. INSTALLATION CATEGORY In compliance with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 72/23/EEC this equipment is designated as Installation Category: Cat II. . For specific operational details refer to the relevant section within this manual. DISPOSAL The PG580 instrument is marked with the crossed out wheelie bin symbol. EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES NEVER OPERATE the PG580. To avoid injury to an operator or service technician the safety precautions given below. The manufacturers and distributors accept no responsibility for accidents or damage resulting from any failure to comply with these precautions. and throughout the manual. or removal of parts could expose live conductors. Equipment has failed to perform the intended operation. risk of electric shock. or make any unauthorised modification. never install non-standard parts in the equipment. Equipment has been subjected to severe physical stress. Adjustments. EQUIPMENT MODIFICATION To avoid introducing safety hazards. Get it properly checked out by a qualified service technician. replacement. Maintenance or repair. LIVE CONDUCTORS When the equipment is connected to it‟s measurement inputs or supply. AVOID UNSAFE EQUIPMENT The equipment may be unsafe if any of the following statements apply: Equipment shows visible damage. do not use it. in accordance with manufacturer‟s instructions is essential for safe operation of the system. the following safety symbols appear on the equipment (where relevant): Symbol ! Meaning Caution (refer to accompanying documents).SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (…FROM PREVIOUS PAGE) SAFETY SYMBOLS For guidance and protection of the user. Equipment has been subjected to prolonged storage under unfavourable conditions. the opening of covers. Caution. To maintain safety. If in any doubt as to the serviceability of the equipment. maintenance or repair must be done by qualified personnel who should refer to the servicing manual. . always return the equipment to your supplier for service and repair. ELECTROLYTES Correct handling and disposal of the electrolyte. Earth (ground) TERMINAL. The equipment must be disconnected from all power and signal sources before it is opened for any adjustment. Page 8 of 31 . it functions as a standard computer controlled lab instrument with standard techniques. The PG580 provides the facilities found in a traditional lab based instrument.Chapter 2 Introduction 2 INTRODUCTION The potentiostat – galvanostat has become an accepted and widely used instrument for the study of electrochemistry and corrosion mechanisms. Page 9 of 31 . it is user programmable on the remote computer and the instrument may be programmed to run stand alone. The PG580 operates in three distinct modes. in a hand held design. without a computer. . Chapter 3 Hardware Description 3 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION Figure.1 PG580 Instrument Hardware Features. Page 11 of 31 . If no activity is detected (buttons.1. No meaningful data is measured when this LED is illuminated.. 2. The power adapter charges the rechargeable battery pack on the instrument and powers the instrument continuously from mains power. dc Power. E (potential) overload LED. This key or button is used to enter information into the PG580 when the instrument is being used stand-alone. 5. Details of the Com port connector pins can be found in the “Connector details” section of this manual. Details of the dc power connector pins can be found in the “Connector details” section of this manual.) of a personal computer. No meaning full data is measured when this LED is illuminated. Please note that the PG580 has an auto power off system (to extend battery life). Only the cable provided with the instrument should be used to connect the PG580 to a computer. The function of this key is dynamic and follows the adjacent icon on the display. experiment in progress etc. This connection is used to connect the supplied power adapter to the PG580. To switch the PG580 off the Centre key should be held for a few seconds until the Display switches off. The Right key is generally used to navigate through menu items or available selections. remote communication. 3. Page 12 of 31 . I (current) overload LED. Optionally the PG580 may be connected to a computer via USB. This connection is also used when the PG580 is placed in the optional docking station unit. The Left key is generally used to navigate through menu items or available selections. 7. 6. The PG580 is normally connected to a standard com port (Com1 etc. though this can be altered by user programming). When the PG580 is off. pressing the Centre key switches the PG580 on. The Centre key is generally used to select menu items or OK options. This key or button is used to enter information into the PG580 when the instrument is being used stand-alone. The I overload LED indicates when the measured current amplitude is too high for the selected current range.. This key or button is used to enter information into the PG580 when the instrument is being used stand-alone. Left key. The function of this key is dynamic and follows the adjacent icon on the display. Only the supplied power supply should be connected to this connector.) the PG580 will switch itself off after a predetermined time (usually several minutes. The E overload LED indicates when the output amplifier (CE) potential amplitude is too high for the instrument. Right key. Centre key. Com port. The display also provides menu icons and labels for identifying the three user keys. Display. 4. The function of this key is dynamic and follows the adjacent icon on the display. This connection is used to connect the PG580 to a host computer. using the optional USB cable. The Centre key is also used to switch the PG580 on and off. The display shows all the relevant information to the operator. 8. The standard screened cell cable has three connections. Page 13 of 31 . The optional base station also has a facility to charge a second optional battery pack. The Battery is charged when the PG580 has external power via the dc power connector or when the PG580 is sited in the optional base station. WE Working Electrode. If you intend to use the PG580 constantly with the external power supply we recommend that you fit the supplied “blank” battery pack. Battery Pack. RE. The battery pack is rechargeable and removable. The PG580 automatically optimises the charging of the battery pack between fast charge and trickle charge. which connects to this connector. 10.Reference Electrode and CE Counter Electrode.9. Details of the Cell connector pins can be found in the “Connector details” section of this manual. which suit different applications. The battery pack is fitted to the rear of the PG580. There are several alternative cell cables available for the PG580. Cell connector. The cable supplied is a screened cable for use with single electrode cells. The cell connector provides the electrical connections between the PG580 and the electrochemical cell. This will maintain the life of your battery pack and reduce the self heating of the instrument. Please consult your distributor for details. The PG580 is shipped with a standard three-electrode cell cable. . 2 Current Range The Current range selection defines the maximum and minimum current measuring capability of the PG580. The function of these keys is context sensitive. The immediate function of the three keys is indicated on the display by a key word or icon adjacent to each key. 4. The options are set by navigating through an interactive menu system and the results are displayed on the display.Chapter 4 Front panel operation 4 FRONT PANEL OPERATION The PG580 operates in several modes. the simplest is from the front panel controls.1 USING THE KEYS The PG580 has three user keys to control its operation. The selected menu option is displayed adjacent to the centre key. In general the centre key is the “enter” or “OK” key and the left and right keys navigate the available options. If the current range is set too Page 15 of 31 . In Potentiostatic mode a constant potential is defined and a variable current is measured.1 Mode The mode option allows selection of Potentiostat or Galvanostat operation modes. 4. The menu options are scrolled round using the left and right keys. 4. The main menu options are considered in detail below. In either operation mode care should be taken in the correct selection of current range.2. or scroll through numerical or alphabetic characters. Please note the PG580 is switched on by pressing the centre key and switched off by holding the centre key. It is possible for the PG580 to have a user program loaded. In this mode of operation the PG580 is able to apply a static potential (Potentiostat) or current (Galvanostat) and measure a static potential and current.2 MAIN MENU When the PG580 has been switched on it displays a screen showing the real time potential and current values of the electrochemical cell at the top of the display. The potentiostat achieves this by controlling the potential of the counter electrode (CE). which runs in place of the standard front panel operation. In Galvanostat mode a constant current is defined and a variable potential is measured (with reference to RE). 4. The bottom line of the display shows the menu options. The Potentiostat maintains the working electrode (WE) at constant potential with reference to the reference electrode (RE).2. to achieve optimum results. In this case the following description of the operation of the instrument does not apply. The Galvanostat maintains a constant current through the working electrode by controlling the potential of the counter electrode (CE). Pressing the centre key invokes the selected option. The current range should be chosen such that the required measured (or applied) current is comfortably in the range. A potential is defined in volts. 4.high. 4.3 Cell On/Off This menu option switches the electrochemical cell on and off.2. The left key increments the selected character.2. If the current range is set too low the IE converter will overload in the event that the current exceeds the maximum. The right key selects the next character.2.2. The centre key accepts the defined potential. This would normally be set to zero. Please note that the standard cell cable supplied with the PG580 is wired for the first WE. then the measured current will be lost in the IE converter noise floor. A Current is defined based on the selected current range(mA. 4. µA. This menu option selects which of the five is used.7 Unit ID This menu option sets the unit ID (address) of the PG580. This is used when the PG580 is communicating with a host computer. nA etc…). The right key selects the next character. This value must match any corresponding unit ID value set on the computer software for the two devices to communicate.6 WE Number The PG580 has connections for five working electrodes (WE). 4. 4.2. The centre key accepts the defined current. Page 16 of 31 . The left key increments the selected character.5 Set Current If the PG580 is set to Galvanostatic mode then the Set Current option is available.4 Set Potential If the PG580 is set to Potentiostatic mode then the Set Potential option is available. A current overload is indicated by the I overload LED on the front of the instrument. 2 CONNECTING TO YOUR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL The PG580 is supplied with a three-electrode cell cable. Some computers use the older style 25pin COM port connectors. The female end should be connected to a serial (Com) port connection on your PC. platinum wire or a carbon rod. The 15 pin D should be connected to the PG5580 cell connector. Page 17 of 31 . The male end of the cable is plugged into the Com-RS232 connector on the front edge of the PG580. The male end of the cable should be connected to the rear of the docking station and the female end to your computer.1 CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER The PG580 is connected to a host computer using the serial cable supplied. which maybe a milli-electrode. Silver/Silver Chloride. Sat Calomel etc. Counter Electrode (CE). The three flying leads are connected to your electrochemical cell: Working electrode (WE). this is supplied with its own serial cable (identical to the PG580 cable). The Counter electrode is typically connected to platinum gauze. in this case an adapter can be procured from a computer store. When the PG580 is placed in the docking station the serial connection is made through the docking station. The RE is connected to a glass reference electrode. microelectrode or electrochemical sensor. In a two-electrode arrangement there is no reference electrode and the RE connection is connected to the CE. The PG580 serial cable is a standard 9way pin to pin serial cable. Reference Electrode (RE).Chapter 5 Connecting 5 CONNECTING In this section we will show how to connect the PG580 to the host computer and to your electrochemical cell. This cable has a 15 pin “D” connector on one end and three cables with 4mm plugs and optional crocodile clips. 5. In a typical three-electrode electrochemical cell the WE is connected to the system under study. If you have the optional docking station. 5. . Normal pulse Voltammetry. Cyclic Voltammetry. 6.3 CUSTOM TECHNIQUES The Windows™ software applications provide a facility to implement custom techniques by programming macro experiments.STANDARD ELECTROCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES The UiEChem software application provides many standard electrochemical techniques including: Chronoamperometry.STANDARD CORROSION TECHNIQUES The UiECorr software application provides many standard corrosion techniques including: ECorr vs. Time. Differential pulse Voltammetry. Page 19 of 31 .1 UIECHEM . Linear Voltammetry. Zero Resistance Ammetry. Chronopotentiometry. This facility gives direct control of the advanced PG580 waveform generator and data acquisition features and allows the custom experiment to be displayed on a user defined window template.Chapter 6 Software 6 SOFTWARE The PG580 is supported by the UiEChem and UiECorr software applications for Windows™. Squarewave Voltammetry. This software runs on a personnel computer. Potentiodynamic Polarization. whilst the UiECorr software provides standard corrosion techniques. Linear Polarization Resistance. The UiEChem software provides standard electrochemical techniques. Potentiostatic Polarization. 6. Tafel. Galvanostatic Polarization. 6.2 UIECORR . 5 INSTALLATION The Windows™ software is normally supplied on CD-ROM. See the “Help” – “Contents” menu in the software application. Page 20 of 31 .4 STAND ALONE PROGRAMMING The Windows™ software applications provide a facility to implement standalone programming of the PG580. To install the software locate the “exe” on the CD and run it. Please note that administrator privliges are required to install the device drivers on your computer. In this mode the PG580 stores a user defined program which controls the instrument actions and display.6 SOFTWARE MANUAL The Windows™ software manual is included with the software in the form of on line help. 6. Loading the CD on a windows system may cause the Set-up to execute automatically.6. 6. The PG580 will execute this user program in place of the normal Potentiostat – Galvanostat panel control. 7.1 DOCKING STATION The optional docking station provides several useful features to your PG580 system. 2. The cable reduces electromagnetic pickup from the cell cable. This will simultaneously power the instrument and recharge the battery attached to the instrument. This will maintain the life of your battery pack and reduce the self heating of the instrument. A convenient mounting unit when using the PG580 on a bench or desk. The docking station provides a convenient port to recharge a second battery pack (optional). This is advantageous when low noise and high-speed measurements are required.Chapter 7 Accessories 7 ACCESSORIES There are several accessories available for the PG580.3 SCREENED MULTI WORKING ELECTRODE CABLE A screened version of the multi electrode cable will be available. Please quote the part number “PG580-1” when enquiring about the Docking Station.2 SPARE BATTERY Spare or replacement battery packs are available for the PG580. Page 21 of 31 . If you intend to use the PG580 constantly with the external power supply we recommend that you fit the supplied “blank” battery pack. 3. Please quote the part number “PG580-3” when enquiring about spare batteries. A simple and permanent connection to your computer. Mains power is regulated and supplied to the PG580 when it is placed into the docking station. 7. 4. by screening the cables with an earthed braid. Several more accessories are planned for the PG580. 7. Place the PG580 into the docking station and it will be connected to your computer via the cable supplied with the docking station. please contact your distributor for the latest information. 1. . Pin 3 WE3 Third Working Electrode. Pin 8 CE Counter Electrode.2V.2 V2. Instruments with firmware versions up to V3. Please consult your distributor for any advanced connection arrangements before attempting modifications. Pin 9 Analog ground. Pin 7 RE Reference electrode. Instruments with firmware V3. (Reserved do not connect. Reserved do not connect). WE2 Second Working Electrode.24 and later have issue 2 pinout.24 (not including) have issue 1 pin-out. (Green on standard cell cable). Two cell connector pin-outs are issued. Reserved do not connect).1 Cell Connector Issue 2 Pin description 8.1. The detail of the 15way female D connector used for the PG580 cell connections are given here.1 CELL CONNECTOR DETAIL. Pin 4 WE4 Fourth Working Electrode. Pin 12 Cell Rxd (I2C bus connection for peripherals. special ground considerations). very limited output current capability). (White on standard cell cable). (Red on standard cell cable).1. Pin 11 Cell Txd (I2C bus connection for peripherals. Page 23 of 31 . which are capable of causing damage to the PG580 if connected incorrectly.Chapter 8 Connector Details 8 CONNECTOR DETAILS 8.24 or later it will have issue 2 cell connector pin-out. ref Analog Ground. Pin 10 +5V (Reserved do not connect. There are several connections on the connector. Please note that the two issued pin-outs have mainly common pins.0 Pin description Pin 1. If your instrument has been factory upgraded to V3. Pin 5 WE5 Fifth Working Electrode. 8. Pin 6 VAux1 (Auxiliary voltage input +/. Pin 2. do not connect to Digital ground). WE1 First Working Electrode. Pin 10 +5V (Reserved do not connect. very limited current capability (Reserved do not connect). (Green on standard cell cable).1. WE1 First Working Electrode. Pin 9 Analog ground. Pin 15 -12V supply for peripherals. use to screen input cables. use to screen input cables. Page 24 of 31 . Pin 8 CE Counter Electrode. Pin 2. Pin 3 WE3 Third Working Electrode.0 Pin description Pin 1. 8. Pin 4 WE4 Fourth Working Electrode. (Red on standard cell cable). Pin 14 Vref (Reserved do not connect). Do not connect to Analog ground). very limited current capability (Reserved do not connect). Pin 13 Digital Ground (earth. (White on standard cell cable). Pin 14 +12V supply for peripherals.1. very limited output current capability). WE2 Second Working Electrode. Pin 15 Vaux2 (Reserved do not connect). Pin 6 Vaux1 (Reserved do not connect). do not connect to Digital ground). Pin 11 Cell Txd (Reserved do not connect). (Reserved do not connect.3 Cell Connector Issue 1 Pin description 8. Do not connect to Analog ground). Pin 7 RE Reference electrode.4 V1.Pin 13 Digital Ground (earth. Pin 5 WE5 Fifth Working Electrode. Pin 12 Cell Rxd (Reserved do not connect). Please note that the PG580 is connected to a standard PC serial port via a standard 1:1 cable.8. Pin 2 Txd Serial data output. 8.2 COM PORT CONNECTOR DETAIL.1 Pin Description Pin 1 VExt External power input. Page 25 of 31 . Pin 3 Rxd Serial data input.3 DC POWER CONNECTOR DETAIL. Pin Description DGnd – Digital ground. +VExt – External power (positive). Pin 5 DGnd Digital ground. there are no “swaps” in the cable. 8.2. . The power supply is compatible with the most common mains electricity systems throughout the world.1 POWER SUPPLY ADAPTERS The power supply adapters supplied with the PG580 are shown in the photograph below. Page 27 of 31 . 9. The power supply features interchangeable adapters for different countries (UK. The photograph below illustrates how to fit the interchangeable adapters. Europe and Australia). USA. The power supply is capable of operating from a wide input voltage range (100V to 240V.2 FITTING ADAPTERS The adapters are fitted to the power supply by a good sliding fit. The power supply connects to the PG580 via the dc power socket on the instrument.Chapter 9 Power Supply 9 POWER SUPPLY The PG580 is shipped with a universal power supply unit. 9. 47 to 63Hz). If you intend to use the PG580 constantly with the external power supply we recommend that you fit the supplied “blank” battery pack. This will maintain the life of your battery pack and reduce the self heating of the instrument. Page 28 of 31 .Power supply shown with the UK adapter fitted. 5mm (max) 37. Into 1k Maximum current: +/-20mA (+/-2mA older models). LED Backlight (newer models only). width (max) 84mm. Page 29 of 31 . Applied Potential Range: +/. Processor: Dual 16 bit H8S @18MHz.20mA (+/-2mA older models). PC Interface: RS232 (interface cable supplied). Rise time: 1V/sec.2Volts.2% Applied Potential Resolution: 16 Bits (61µV). RE input: >1011 Ohms || 5pF. Current Ranges: 1nA to 10mA in 8 decade ranges (1nA to 1mA in 7 decade ranges older models). Weight: approx. Current measurement accuracy < 0. Dimensions: length 180mm.8Volts. Current measurement resolution 16 bits. depth (max) 52.5mm (min). I/E Input Bias: < 10pA. Rechargeable NiMH cells (recharger supplied). >100KHz.Chapter 10 Specifications 10 SPECIFICATIONS Battery Life: approx. Data acquisition: 16Bits.3Kg. Display: Graphic LCD 160x100 pixels. Compliance voltage: +/. Applied Potential accuracy: 0. Maximum measurable current: +/. 5 hours. 0.5%. . We will add you to our PG580 database and keep you informed of all updates including software.uniscan. firmware and accessories for your PG580. please contact your distributor initially. In the event where your distributor cannot provide a solution please contact: - Uniscan Instruments Ltd Sigma House Burlow Road Buxton Derbyshire UK SK17 9JB Tel: 01298 70981 Fax: 01298 70886 Email: PG580@uniscan. Page 31 of 31 .com Web: www.com Please send contact details. instrument serial number and your distributor.Chapter 11 Technical support 11 TECHNICAL SUPPORT For technical support on your PG580.com Please register your PG580 with Uniscan Instruments by sending an email to PG580@uniscan.