Work smarter, not harder: Tech-tips

EC-Lab as an analysis tool.

EC-Lab/BT-Lab software can be used to process data originating from a variety of sources. You can even use it as an analysis tool even if you use a different control interface.

There is a handy feature that allows you to import the data from text.

You can access this function in the “Experiment” menu.

All analysis tools available in EC-Lab are compatible with imported data if all the information required by the analysis is available in the data set.

Tutorials: ZFit impedance fitting tools

A new article about electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is available on the BioLogic Learning Center! This article is dedicated to the ZFit impedance fitting tools which are available both on EC-Lab® and BT-Lab® software (also available for the M470 and MT-Lab ). Made up of a playlist of five videos, this video series will explain how you can obtain the impedance of typical components and circuits, and also demonstrates how to properly use this fitting tool to model your experimental data using equivalent circuits.

The full range of videos are available on the site by clicking here

The videos are also available on the BioLogic youtube channel

There is a wide range of additional tutorials on this channel. Please subscribe to ensure you keep up to date with new content.

Sampling & time base: Understand the difference to work faster

Sampling & time base are complementary & essential to electrochemical measurements. An instrument’s time base is the minimum time necessary to apply a new setpoint/change a current range/trigger a technical safety limit. The VMP3 & VMP300 react at 200 µs at their fastest.

The response time (EC Lab) is a multiple of the elementary time base (200µs). This response time is rounded up to the second depending on regulation loop complexity.

The more intelligence the feedback loop requires the greater the reaction time increase. The potentiostat monitors logical/safety limits & calculates variables in real-time (power/incremental capacity…)

The sampling rate is related to measurement acquisition time. It depends on settings made for different quantities entered by the user. Sampling is effected by averaging & using raw signal filters. For fast-sampling experiments, data transfer can be a limiting factor. We recommend Ethernet connections to empty buffers more quickly. Sampling can be much faster than time base. A VMP300 equipped with an analog ramp enables microsecond speeds.

Keyboard Shortcuts (BT-Lab): Quick hacks to save you time

• Dezoom graph = ALT + A
• Copy graph data = ALT + D
• Open “Summary per Protocol and Cycle” = CTRL+F3
• Export files: CTRL+T
• Process Data = CTRL+F1
• Remove a trace =ALT+R
• Open the graph properties window =ALT+P