EmStat Pico Core

Proven and validated dual-channel potentiostat chip

  • Attractive for high-volume applications
  • Small footprint of 5 x 6 mm
  • Works with MethodSCRIPT
  • PalmSens reference design for easy integration
  • Support from Analog Devices & PalmSens
You'll usually get an answer to your quotation request within one business day.

Description

The EmStat Pico Core is a high-volume potentiostat chip for use with MethodSCRIPT™ that enables you to perform electrochemical measurements using your own electrochemical sensor without programming skills. You can integrate this small dual-channel chip of 6 by 5 mm on your PCB without any technical knowledge of potentiostats thanks to the joint development by Analog Devices Inc and PalmSens. Our reference design, network, experience and support will help you succeed and save development time with the smallest potentiostat chip on the market.

  • Dimensions: 5 x 6 mm
  • Dual channel (2x WE, 2x RE, 2x CE)
  • EIS frequency range: 0.016 Hz to 200 kHz
  • Full dc-potential range: -1.7 V to +2 V
  • Current ranges: 100 nA to 5 mA
  • Four different versions available, each with different electrochemical techniques.

Prototype the features of the EmStat Pico Core easily using the EmStat Pico Module and the Development Kit, since the firmware of the EmStat Pico Core is exactly the same as the EmStat Pico Module. The firmware includes proven internal calibration modules for onboard calibration. A host microcontroller is not required in many cases, saving an additional microcontroller. The power consumption during hibernation of 10 µA enables low-power (wearable) applications. The robust UART bootloader enables firmware updates in the field if needed. The open-source parsing examples and libraries on GitHub will quickly get a programmer started in C, C#, Python and Android.

Advantages and Overview

The EmStat Pico Core is at the heart of the EmStat Pico Module. There are two main advantages of the EmStat Pico Core, compared with the EmStat Pico module:

  • Economical solution for high volumes
  • Small footprint

The EmStat Pico Core is an attractive option if you need >10k units. Lower quantities are available for prototyping. The EmStat Pico Core is distributed via PalmSens and .

Pico vs Pico Core

EmStat Pico

EmStat Pico Core

Based on ADuCM355

Works with MethodSCRIPT

Minimum Order Quantity

1

10k

Footprint

18 x 30 mm 

6 x 5 mm

1TΩ Input impedance

Optional

Extra 100 nA current range

Optional

Calibration of external TIA resistors

Optional

The optional items depend on the implementation of the PalmSens reference design.

Techniques

Voltammetric techniques

Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV)
In Linear Sweep Voltammetry a potential scan is performed from the begin potential, to the end potential. The voltage during the scan increases with small potential steps. Continue reading
Cyclic Voltammetry (CV)
Cyclic voltammetry is a known method of demonstrating the presence of a substance in a given liquid by drawing a graph with a characteristic wavy line. Continue reading

Pulsed techniques

Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV)
In Differential Pulse Voltammetry a potential scan is made using pulses with a constant amplitude of E pulse superimposed on the dc-potential. Continue reading
Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV)
Square Wave Voltammetry is a special version of Differential Pulse Voltammetry is, where the pulse time is equal to half the interval time. Continue reading
Normal Pulse Voltammetry (NPV)
In Normal Pulse Voltammetry (NPV) a potential scan is made by making constantly larger potential steps of pulse. Continue reading

Amperometric techniques

Chronoamperometry (CA)
The instrument applies a constant dc-potential and the current is measured with constant interval times. Continue reading
Chronocoulometry (CC)
Chronocoulometry is an electrochemical technique during which a potential is set. Continue reading
MultiStep Amperometry (MA)
MultiStep Amperometry (MA) is an electrochemical technique which simply allows the user to specify the number of potential steps they want to apply and how long each step should last. Continue reading
Pulsed Amperometric Detection (PAD)
With Pulsed Amperometric Detection a series of pulses (pulse profile) is periodically repeated. Pulsed Amperometric Detection can be used when higher sensitivity is required. Continue reading

Potentiometric techniques

Open Circuit Potentiometry (OCP)
Open Circuit Potential (OCP) is the potential where no current is flowing, because the circuit is open. Continue reading

Impedimetric techniques

Potentiostatic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
(PEIS)
During a conventional EIS (PEIS) a potential sine wave is applied and the resulting current is measured. Continue reading
DC-potential sweep
The Impedance is measured at a fixed frequency, varying the DC-potential (also called DC-Bias or DC-level). This setup is the same as for Mott-Schottky, but currently our software doesn't support data plotting as required for Mott-Schottky.
Impedance time scan
The Impedance is measured versus time, at a fixed frequency. Continue reading

Other

Mixed Mode (MM)
Mixed Mode is a flexible technique that allows for switching between potentiostatic, galvanostatic, and open circuit measurements during a single run. Continue reading
Custom techniques (MethodSCRIPT)
MethodSCRIPT gives you full control over the instrument. It allows you to customize and combine measurement techniques and perform actions including using on-board storage, data analysis and controlling external peripherals. Continue reading
BiPotentiostat techniques
Refer to our BiPotentiostat article to check which techniques are available when using BiPotentiostat mode. Continue reading
Missing a technique? See cross-reference list

Specifications

The EmStat Pico Core works at three different modes;
Low Speed mode: for scan rates up to 1 V/s or a bandwidth of 100 Hz.
High Speed mode: for high scan rates and frequencies.
Max Range mode: a combination of the Low and High Speed modes for optimal dynamic dc-potential range.

General
  Low Speed mode High Speed mode Max Range mode
Full
dc-potential range
The maximum potential difference, that can be applied between WE and RE.
-1.2 to +2 V -1.7 to +2 V -1.7 to +2 V
Dynamic
dc-potential range
The maximum potential difference, that can be applied between WE and RE.
 [1]
2.2 V 1.2 V 2.6 V
Compliance voltage
The compliance voltage is the maximum voltage that can be applied between the working and counter electrode. Another name could be the maximum cell potential. Continue reading
-2.0 to +2.3 V [2]
Maximum current ± 3 mA
Max. acquisition rate
(datapoints/s)
100 1000 100
Supports FRA/EIS NO YES NO

[1]  The dynamic range is the range that can be covered during a single scan within the full potential range. For example; a linear scan can start at -1.5 V and end at 1.1 V or vice versa, covering 2.6 V dynamic range.
[2] The compliance voltage is the maximum potential between Working and Counter electrode and depends on the selected mode.
[3] If your main WE1 is scanning from -0.5V to +0.5V, the WE2 can only have a maximum offset of 0.6V.

Dual-channel and Bipotentiostat functionality
  • The second channel of the EmStat Pico Core can be used for running sequential measurements on two different cells each with their own Reference, Counter and Working electrodes.
  • The second channel can also be used in Bipotentiostat mode, functioning as second Working Electrode versus the Reference and Counter electrode of channel 1. Both channels are recorded simultaneously in the Bipotentiostat mode.
  • The second Working Electrode (WE2) can either be set at a potential offset with respect to WE1 or at a fixed potential with respect to RE1.
  • The Bipotentiostat mode is supported in Low Speed mode (see table above) for all techniques, excluding EIS and OCP.
Potentiostat (controlled potential mode)
Channels 2 (2x WE, 2x RE and 2x CE)
Applied dc-potential resolution
The lowest observable difference between two values that a measurement device can differentiate between.
537 µV 395 µV 932 µV
Applied potential accuracy
The applied potential accuracy describes how close to the real values your applied potential is.
< 0.2% < 0.5% < 0.5%
Current ranges
A current range defines the maximum current a potentiostat can measure in a certain range. Continue reading
100 nA, 2 uA,
4 uA, 8 uA,
16 uA, 32 uA,
63 uA, 125 uA,
250 uA, 500 uA,
1 mA, 5 mA
100 nA, 1 uA,
6 uA, 13 uA,
25 uA, 50 uA,
100 uA,
200 uA, 1 mA,
5 mA
100 nA, 1 uA,
6 uA, 13 uA,
25 uA, 50 uA,
100 uA,
200 uA, 1 mA,
5 mA
Current accuracy
The current accuracy describes how close to the real values your measured current is. Continue reading
< 0.5 % of current ±0.1% of range < 1 % of current ±0.1% of range
Measured current resolution
The lowest observable difference between two values that a measurement device can differentiate between. Continue reading
0.006% of selected current range
(5.5 pA on 100 nA range)
Measured potential resolution (for OCP) 56 uV
FRA / EIS (impedance measurements)
Frequency range 0.016 Hz to 200 kHz
Ac-amplitude range 1 mV to 0.25 V rms, or 0.708 V p-p
Bipotentiostat
Modes 1. WE2 at fixed potential (E offset vs RE1)
2. WE2 scanning (E offset vs WE1)
Max. potential WE2 ΔE(WE1) + ΔE(WE2) < 1.6 V  [3]
Electrometer
Electrometer amplifier input
The amplifier input resistance of the amplifier in the electrometer determines the load that the amplifier places on the source of the signal being fed into it. Ideally the resistance is infinite, and the load to be zero to not to influence your measurement.
> 1 TΩ // 10 pF
Bandwidth
Bandwidth defines the range of frequencies a system can accurately measure or respond to. Continue reading
 250 kHz
Communications and peripherals
Communication UART
Communication with external peripherals SPI and I2C
Analog I/O 3 analog input pins
Digital I/O 7 general-purpose I/O pins
1 wake-up pin
On-chip temperature sensor ±2 °C
Other
Power Consumption

Hibernate: 10 μA

Active: 5 mA to 15 mA (depending on activity)

Storage 4000 datapoints on-chip (supports optional external SD card or NAND chip for mass storage)
Mounting 72-lead LGA package
Dimensions 6 mm X 5 mm 
Operation temperature range -40°C to +85°C
EIS Accuracy Contour Plot

Software Development

Develop software for PC, smartphone or microcontroller

Whether you want to write a simple or advanced Windows application, develop an Android or iPhone app or integrate the EmStat Pico in your own hardware, you can do it with our software development tools and code examples.

The EmStat Pico Development Board can also be controlled directly with our PSTrace software for Windows and PStouch app for Android.

Overview of software development tools

Software Development Kits for .NET

The PalmSens Software Development Kits (SDKs) for .NET can be used with any of our instruments or OEM potentiostat modules to develop your own software. The SDK’s come with a set of examples that shows how to use the libraries.

PalmSens SDKs with examples are available for the following .NET Frameworks:

  • WinForms
  • WPF
  • Xamarin (for Android)
  • UWP
SDKs for .NET

MethodSCRIPT™ communications protocol

The EmStat Pico potentiostat module has an on-board parser for the MethodSCRIPT scripting language. This language allows developers to program a human-readable script for the EmStat Pico module on any platform or operating system. The simple script language allows for running electrochemical techniques supported by EmStat Pico and makes it easy to combine different measurements and other tasks.

More information about MethodSCRIPT

Downloads

Documentation (11)

Name Last updated
EmStat Pico OEM risk considerations Creating a medical or high risk application? Please read these OEM risk considerations to help you implement the EmStat Pico in a safe way. 11-07-25
EmStat Pico communication protocol v1.5 This document describes the “online” communication protocol of the EmStat Pico. Initial communication with an EmStat Pico is always done using this online communication. Measurements and other scripts can be started by sending a MethodSCRIPT, 26-03-25
MethodSCRIPT v1.7 The MethodSCRIPT scripting language is designed to improve the flexibility of the PalmSens potentiostat and galvanostat devices for OEM users. It allows users to start measurements with arguments that are similar to the arguments in PSTrace. PalmSens provides libraries and examples for handling low level communication and generating scripts for MethodSCRIPT devices such as the EmStat Pico and EmStat4. 26-03-25
MethodSCRIPT v1.5 The MethodSCRIPT scripting language is designed to improve the flexibility of the PalmSens potentiostat and galvanostat devices for OEM users. It allows users to start measurements with arguments that are similar to the arguments in PSTrace. PalmSens provides libraries and examples for handling low level communication and generating scripts for MethodSCRIPT devices such as the EmStat Pico and EmStat4. 25-03-24
EmStat Pico and EmStat4 bootloader commands This document explains how to enter the bootloader of the EmStat Pico or the EmStat4M and update the firmware. 05-10-23
MethodSCRIPT v1.4 The MethodSCRIPT scripting language is designed to improve the flexibility of the PalmSens potentiostat and galvanostat devices for OEM users. It allows users to start measurements with arguments that are similar to the arguments in PSTrace. PalmSens provides libraries and examples for handling low level communication and generating scripts for MethodSCRIPT devices such as the EmStat Pico and EmStat4. 01-02-23
EmStat Pico Core – Brochure EmStat Pico Core brochure, Development kit, SDK and more. 12-09-22
EmStat Pico communication protocol v1.3 This document describes the “online” communication protocol of the EmStat Pico. Initial communication with an EmStat Pico is always done using this online communication. Measurements and other scripts can be started by sending a MethodSCRIPT, 13-06-22
MethodSCRIPT v1.3 The MethodSCRIPT scripting language is designed to improve the flexibility of the PalmSens potentiostat and galvanostat devices for OEM users. It allows users to start measurements with arguments that are similar to the arguments in PSTrace. PalmSens provides libraries and examples for handling low level communication and generating scripts for MethodSCRIPT devices such as the EmStat Pico and EmStat4. 19-01-22
MethodSCRIPT v1.2 MethodSCRIPT v1.2 protocol description 28-04-20
EmStat Pico communication protocol v1.2 Describes the EmStat Pico communications protocol which is based on MethodSCRIPT 08-04-20

Software (9)

Name Last updated
EmStat Pico Firmware v1.5 See app note "EmStat Pico firmware updating" for more information about updating built-in and bare EmStat Pico modules. 26-03-25
PSTrace PC software for all single channel instruments PSTrace software is shipped as standard with all single channel and multiplexed instruments. The software provides support for all techniques and device functionalities. 08-07-24
MethodSCRIPT code examples MethodSCRIPT code examples include:
- MethodSCRIPTExample_C
- MethodSCRIPTExample_C_Linux
- MethodSCRIPTExample_C#
- MethodSCRIPTExample_Arduino
- MethodSCRIPTExample_Python
- MethodSCRIPTExample_iOS
- MethodSCRIPTExample_Android
Every code example comes with a "Getting Started" document.
07-07-24
PalmSens SDK for Python PalmSens Python SDK 5.12 with support for instruments from PalmSens BV on Windows systems. 07-11-22
EmStat Pico Firmware v1.3.4 See app note "EmStat Pico firmware updating" for more information about updating built-in and bare EmStat Pico modules. 13-12-21
EmStat Pico Firmware v1.2 See app note "EmStat Pico firmware updating" for more information about updating built-in and bare EmStat Pico modules. 13-12-21
Getting started with PalmSens SDK for WPF This manual explains how to use the SDK with the included libraries and examples. 07-06-21
Getting started with PalmSens SDK for WinForms This manual explains how to use the SDK with the included libraries and examples. 07-06-21
Getting started with PalmSens SDK for Android This manual explains how to use the SDK with the included libraries and examples. 07-06-21

Other (1)

Name Last updated
Introduction to electrochemical sensing – Tutorial The first part of this presentation contains how electrochemistry works and how it can be used for sensing applications. The second half explains what a potentiostat is and which applications are suitable for the EmStat Pico potentiostat offered by PalmSens. Details of the EmStat Pico’s capabilities will be shown, as well as instructions on how to use it. 15-07-21

Application Note (2)

Name Last updated
Limitations for EIS on EmStat Pico 18-12-20
pH Measurement using EmStat Pico This article shows the ease of integration of the device into a system and demonstrates the range of applications of the potentiostat module by detailing three different electrochemical measurements: OCP (pH), cyclic voltammetry, and EIS. 07-09-20
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