Nexus

The Nexus is a compact, high -end benchtop instrument that functions as a potentiostat, galvanostat, Zero Resistance Ammeter (ZRA), and impedance analyzer for electrochemical cell applications. It precisely controls the potential or current applied to a sample while measuring the corresponding response. Featuring a broad current range from 100 pA to 1 A, the Nexus is built with the latest advancements in electronics technology. Communication is enabled via our proprietary MethodSCRIPT™ protocol.

The Nexus offers high-end specifications in a small form factor. Specifications include:

  • ±1A range of current control or measurements;

  • 1M samples per second data acquisition;

  • iR-compensation;

  • Bipotentiostat functionality (optional);

  • Dual EIS up to 1 MHz.

Connecting to the Nexus directly is quick and easy via its USB-C port, however for a more robust and remote connection, the built-in ethernet (LAN) port offers a solid alternative. Typical applications for the Nexus include electroanalytical chemistry, energy conversion, corrosion studies and life sciences / (bio)sensors.

Hardware capabilities

The Nexus circuitry encompasses the hardware for the following aspects:

  • Signal generation (DAC and DSP) and signal acquisition (ADC);

  • Analog Front-End with different filter settings for optimal signal acquisition;

  • Filters and signal conditioning;

  • Current-to-voltage converter (TIA);

  • Dual-core microcontroller for parsing and running MethodSCRIPTs, hardware control, communication and user interaction;

  • Memory for buffering and storing data and parameters;

  • Mass storage for data back-up purposes.

Modes

The Nexus can work in two different modes, the potentiostatic (PSTAT) mode and the galvanostatic (GSTAT) mode.

Potentiostatic mode: in this mode, the Nexus regulates the potential at the working-sense electrode relative to the reference electrode. To achieve the desired working potential, the counter electrode is adjusted accordingly, within the constraints of the control amplifier’s +12 V compliance limit. The working electrode potential can be controlled over a range of ±10 V.

Galvanostatic mode: in this mode, the Nexus precisely controls the current between the working and counter electrodes, maintaining it at the specified fraction of the selected current range (up to its maximum limit). The counter electrode is adjusted to the necessary potential, within the control amplifier’s +12 V compliance limit, to achieve the desired cell current. While the reference electrode is not part of the control loop, it is typically used to monitor the potential at a specific point in the electrochemical cell relative to the working-sense connection