Echem Analyst™ Software................................................................................................ 1
Introduction to This Guide .............................................................................................. 2
General Information and Overview ................................................................................. 3
Installation ................................................................................................................... 3File Formats ................................................................................................................. 3
To Open a Gamry Data File......................................................................................... 3
Working with Plots in Echem Analyst ........................................................................... 5
Changing the Axes on a Plot (the): ........................................................ 8
Selecting Portions of a Curve for Analysis ..................................................................... 8
Selecting Portions of a Curve for Analysis ..................................................................... 9
Cutting and Pasting Images and Data ......................................................................... 10
To Get On0Line Help:................................................................................................ 11
and Tabs ............................................................................................... 13
Accessing........................................................................................... 13
List of................................................................................................ 13
Experimental Setup.................................................................................................... 15
Experimental Notes.................................................................................................... 16
Hardware Settings...................................................................................................... 17Open Circuit Voltage (Corrosion Potential) Data........................................................ 19
Analysis of Cyclic Voltammetry Data.............................................................................. 20
Cyclic Voltammetry Special Tools .............................................................................. 20
Integrating the Voltammogram................................................................................... 22
Modeling Polarization Resistance Data .......................................................................... 24
Polarization Resistance Special Tools ......................................................................... 24
Finding the Polarization Resistance ............................................................................ 24
Modeling Potentiodynamic (Tafel) Data......................................................................... 26
Tafel Fit...................................................................................................................... 26
Fit ................................................................................................................... 27
Modeling EIS Data ......................................................................................................... 28
Bode and Nyquist Plot View ...................................................................................... 28
EIS Special Tools ........................................................................................................ 29
Fitting the Data to the Equivalent0Circuit Model ........................................................ 33
Appendix....................................................................................................................... 36
Headings in Data0File Columns.................................................................................. 36
Current Conventions According to Framework™ and Echem Analyst......................... 37
To Edit Visual Basic Scripts:........................................................................................ 37
Simulating an EIS Curve ............................................................................................. 38
Index ............................................................................................................................. 40
Windows®, Excel®, and Powerpoint® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Origin®
is a registered trademark of OriginLab Corporation. DigiSim® is a registered trademark of
Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. Contents of this manual copyright © 2011 by Gamry Instruments.

1

The Echem Analyst™ is Gamry’s dedicated data0analysis program, the companion to
Gamry’s data0acquisition program called Framework™. Data files generated byexperiments in Gamry Framework then can be analyzed in the Echem Analyst. The
Echem Analyst is a single program that runs data0analysis for all types of experiments,
such as those used in DC Corrosion, EIS and Physical Electrochemistry.
The Echem Analyst is designed with the specific functions to make data analysis as
straightforward as possible. This manual will explain the most common analysis routines.
The tools discussed here in the examples are common to many data files created byother experiments. This document is a guide, and is not intended to have the same scopeas the on0line help or a complete operating manual. In order to create a concise
document, we assume the user has a working knowledge of Windows®0based
applications. Details on common functions, such as opening, saving, and closing files, areintentionally ignored, so as not to obscure the goal of this guide.
This textbox indicates a helpful hint to know about Echem Analyst.

2Echem Analyst installs separately from other Gamry software. If Echem Analyst is
not installed yet, you can find it on the CD0ROM, or—if you already own one of
our potentiostats—on our website at www.gamry.com.
You may install copies of the Echem Analyst on multiple computers. Often users
prefer the convenience of performing data0analysis at an office workstation, rather
than the laboratory setting.

Gamry data files acquired using Framework software have the extension.
DTA files are ASCII text, and therefore may be opened directly into various
programs, such as Excel® or Origin®. When DTA files are opened in Echem
Analyst, then saved, their extension becomes. Gdata files include
information on curve0fits and graphing options, thus Gdata files are only viewable
in Echem Analyst.

Do not delete your DTA files! They are the raw data and may need
to be reloaded for certain analyses, such as area normalization.

There are several different methods to open data files in the Echem Analyst:
1. Launch the Echem Analyst icon on your desktop. Then use thefunction.
2. Use the link on your desktop to open thefolder.
Double0click on the data file. You may have to instruct yourcomputer to associate theextension with the Echem
Analyst program.
3. There are two quick ways to open a recent Gamry Data File.
a.

A recently generated file can be opened using the hotlink in themenu in the
Gamry Framework. (The last eight generated data files are listed there for quick access.)
The Echem Analyst automatically launches and opens your selected data file.
b. A recently opened file in the Echem Analyst is shown at the bottom of themenu. Thisis similar to how other Windows®0based programs display links to!
documents.

3

By default, files acquired in the Framework are saved into thefolder. A shortcut for
installs on the Windows® desktop. You canchange this default under\, which opens thewindow. Choose thel tab, and change the " # foreach type of data file as desired.

Don't change the directory for
VBA programs that do the actual analysis.

Files. These are the

The data set appears in the main window. The menu items, tabs, and toolbar are
adjusted for the particular type of data set you chose. In the example below, aPotentiostatic EIS data set is shown:

Note the tab0based display. The $tab displays all theinformation from the parameters used to run the experiment, such as Voltage,
Time, etc. The $%tab stores any notes written into the setup
screen in Framework. The&
tab shows the voltage measured
during the Initial Delay of the experiment. The ' !(tab records
information on the filters, ranges, gains. Additional information on date of lastcalibration, software version, etc. is also stored here.

4

!

"

Echem Analyst boasts a number of graphical tools to help you get the mostinformation out of your data. Once you open a data set, these tools appear in the
toolbars immediately above the plot:
In the data file, Framework writes a line that indicates the type of experimentused to generate that file. Echem Analyst displays both general and specific menus
containing the analysis routines pertinent to your experiment.

The main toolbars are:General)General functions for replotting and printing in various formats

Tools to select and view data points)

5The following charts are references for buttons on the default toolbars.
Descriptions of the most commonly used functions are highlighted in blue.

#$%
Copy toclipboard

Copy the selection to the Windows® clipboard. Can paste directly in
Microsoft programs for reports or presentations.

Gallery

Choose, via the dropdown menu, from scatter (no line), line, curve, andsteps between data points

Color
Vertical Grid

Choose the color of the selection from the dropdown menu. To change thecolor menu, use the "button on the "* .
Toggle between showing and hiding vertical grid lines on the plot

Horizontal Grid

Toggle between showing and hiding horizontal grid lines on the plot

Legend Bar

Toggle between showing and hiding a legend bar underneath the plot

Data Viewer

Toggle between showing and hiding numerical data to the left of the plot

Properties…
3D/2D

Open the&"window, so that you can adjust effects,
colors, markers, 30D effects, lines, etc.
Toggle between two0dimensional and three0dimensional graphing

RotateRotate the three0dimensional graph. Only active if the graph is 3D.

Z0clustered

Offset two data sets so that they can be distinguished within one plot.
Only operates in 3D mode.
Zoom in on a selected region. Also open a zoom slider at the bottom of thegraph for continuous adjustment of zoom.
Open the " !
window to adjust orientation of plot and printermargins
Print the plot

Zoom
Print preview
Print
Tools

6

Open a dropdown menu, for choices of various toolbars and viewers toappear on the screen#$%Show curve selector

Open the Curve Selector area to the right of the plot, so that you canchoose which data are used as the $0, 0, or 20coordinate, andwhich curve is the active trace.

Select x region

Select a desired region of the plot across the $0axis. Commonly used
to specify a region for + ,.
Select a desired region of the plot across the 0axis Commonly used
to specify a region for + ,.
Left0click on the active trace using the mouse to select a section of
the curveOpen an area to the right of the plot, in which you can choose asegment of the trace numerically. See below for more details.
Draw a line on the plot

Select y region
Select Portion of Curveusing the Mouse
Select Portion of Curveusing the Keyboard
Draw Freehand LineMark Found Peaks
Apply Template
Save TemplateShow Disabled Points

Place a tag on peaks that the software finds. A portion of the curve
must be selected first.
Open the' (&window, andchoose a previously created template to apply to the plot
Open the' (&window, and savethe templateShow data points not being used in the plot

7

&

! !

)

"

*

To choose a different variable plotted on an axis, use the+,buttonas follows:(The example shown below is a Differential Pulse Voltammetry plot.)
1. With the plot open and displayed on the screen, click the
button.

Thearea appears on the right side of the window.
2. Choose which trace is active by clicking on the drop0down menu in thearea.
The Active Trace is the data series on which the analysis will be performed.
Use this, for example, if multiple files or cycles are displayed on the graph.
3. Choose which trace is visible on the plot by activating the checkbox next to thedesired trace(s) in the & )
area.
& )
also contain any data fits that are performed.
4. Choose which variable is plotted on the $0axis by highlighting the variable in
the 0- $ column.
5. Choose which variable is plotted on the 0axis by highlighting the variable in
the .- $ column.
6. Choose which variable is plotted on the second 0axis by highlighting thevariable in the ./- $ column.

If there is a data column graphed on the ./- $ , those data appear ina different color and a different scale.

8

!"

&

For certain types of analysis, you must select a region of the curve, for example,
within the " , ! function in Cyclic Voltammetry or 1
function in
Potentiodynamic. You can select regions by mouse or keyboard.
1. Left0click the mouse on the
buttonin the) .
2. Use the left mouse0button to select each endpoint of the curve.
Each endpoint is marked with a blue cross. The selected portion of the curveis shown as a thick blue line. (In the figure below, the color of the data has
been changed to red for contrast to the selected region).

3. Another click on the
button clears the selected region, and readies thegraph for a different region to be selected.

9

&

!

"

!

!

Many users want to present, publish, or otherwise share their data and chartsfrom the Echem Analyst. To create a bitmap image of the graph,

1. Choose the) ! button
2. In the drop0down menu select*from the.

) .

3. A bitmap image of the graph enters the clipboard. This bitmap may be pasted
into a presentation program such as Word® or Powerpoint®.
This is a quick and easy way toimport a picture of the graph fora presentation or report.

Bitmap is not an editable format.

Because Gamry Data Files are ASCII text, they can be opened easily in othergraphing programs, such as Excel® or Origin®. Right0click on the DTA file andselect2 #3 and select for favored program. These programs, however, do
not contain fitting routines specific to the analysis of electrochemical data. This$ feature lets you fit the data in Echem Analyst and then copy and paste thedata and fit into another graphing program.
This is a quick and easy way to import both the data and the fit into anothergraphing program.

If you are using the$ feature, be sure to note the currently
graphed parameters. The coordinates of this currently displayed graph arecopied and can be pasted to graphing programs.

10

By right0clicking the mouse on a non0zero value on an axis, you can choose toshow that axis in logarithmic or linear scale, or to reverse the direction of thenumbers.

Alternatively, you can use the
menu.

1

$

selection (if available) under the

Default plotting of graphs is auto0scale. Therefore, please note the0axis‘s scale when a plot first appears. If bad data points obscure your data
because of auto0scaling, you can choose to disable and hide those offending
points.

(-.

In the toolbar, choose '
a.

,
.

Click
'
to obtain
information about various
commands and functions within
Echem Analyst.

A separate.
window appears. You can find much information about the details of Echem Analyst here, such asplotting and analysis.

On0line help is a great resource for more involved questions. Help
is divided up according to software package.

11

b. Click )

12

#

#

to view the software version number.

#
While each type of experimental data has its own method and parameters, there
are certain commands that are common to many analyses. This section shows you
these
.

!
1. Open a dataset.
In the toolbar, the function
2. Choose

appears.

.
A drop0
down
menu
appears.
3. Select the desired command.
In this example, chronoamperometry’scommands, !!
,, andThe list ofexperiment.

#

includes three.

varies depending upon the type of&
Add E
Constant)
Cyclic Voltammetry, DC Voltammetry,
Differential Pulse Voltammetry, Galvanic
Corrosion, Normal Pulse Voltammetry, Pitting
Scan, Polarization Resistance,
Potentiodynamic Scan, Square0Wave
Voltammetry/
Adds a constantpotential to allvoltages in the plot.
Used to easily
convert between
different ReferenceElectrode’s scales.

Add I
Constant

Chronoamperometry, Chronopotentiometry,
Cyclic Voltammetry, Galvanic Corrosion,
Pitting Scan, Polarization Resistance,
Potentiodynamic Scan

Adds a constantvalue to all currents
in the plot.

C from CPE,
omega(max)Potentiostatic EIS, AC Voltammetry, Mott0
SchottkyCalculates
capacitance frompreviously fit CPE
values and data13

from the Nyquist
plot.

14

C from CPE,
R(parallel)

Potentiostatic EIS, AC Voltammetry, Mott0
SchottkyCalculates
capacitance frompreviously fit CPE
and fit R data.

Linear Fit

Chronoamperometry, Potentiostatic EIS, AC
Voltammetry, Chronocoulometry,
Chronopotentiometry, Cyclic Voltammetry,
DC Voltammetry, Differential Pulse
Voltammetry, EMF Trend, Galvanic
Corrosion, Mott0Schottky, Normal Pulse
Voltammetry, Polarization Resistance,
Potentiodynamic Scan, Square0Wave
Voltammetry

When a region of
the plot is selected,
fits the data to= m$ + ).

Post0Run iR
Correction

Cyclic Voltammetry, Polarization Resistance,
Potentiodynamic Scan

Corrects a previously
run scan for voltage0
drop caused by .

Smooth Data Chronoamperometry, Chronopotentiometry,
Cyclic Voltammetry, DC Voltammetry,
Differential Pulse Voltammetry, EMF Trend,
Galvanic Corrosion, Normal Pulse
Voltammetry, Pitting Scan, Polarization
Resistance, Potentiodynamic Scan, Square0
Wave Voltammetry

Smoothes the data.
Useful for locatingpeaks in regions ofhigh data0density.

Transform
Axes

Changes $0 and 0
axes from linear tologarithmic, etc.

Galvanic Corrosion, Pitting Scan, Polarization
Resistance, Potentiodynamic Scan)This particular $tab is from a Cyclic Voltammetry experiment. This
example has many of the same parameters as other experiments. It shows:Initial E, Scan Limit 1,
Scan Limit 2, Final E

The potentials defining the waveform, and whether measured
vs. a reference electrode (Eref) or the open circuit potential (Eoc).

Test Identifier

Read from the Framework Setup. This field also becomes thedefault title of the plot.
Time the experiment was started
How fast (in mV/s) the scan was taken
The interval between potentials
The size of the electrode
How much time was spent letting the electronics settle before
the scan was started
Automatically adjusted or fixed I/E (Current) Range mode.
The current value that sets the I/E Range in Fixed Mode anddetermines the range in which to start in Auto Mode

Time
Scan Rate
Step Size
Electrode Area
Equil. TimeI/E Range Mode
Max Current
Conditioning
Init. Delay
CyclesIR CompOpen Circuit
Sampling Mode

Whether off or on, for how long, and under what potential.
This Potential is vs. Reference.
Whether off or on. This is when the Eoc is measured.
Number of how many voltammetry cycles were run
If IR Compensation was used and the mode.
The value of the Open circuit voltage (Corrosion Potential). It isthe value of the last point in the Initial Delay.
Data0acquisition mode (for Reference Family Potentiostats)
15

)

%
Click the $%tab:
Any notes entered in the Framework are automatically displayed here. You
may enter any additional comments about the experiment in the %3field.

This is a version of a modern laboratory notebook. Enter as many details about
your experiment as you can. Information here can help you avoid having long
strings of descriptive file names.

16

.

!

This section documents the hardware settings that were used whenthe experiment was run, e.g., everything from the offsets, filters, and gains to
the last time the potentiostat was calibrated.
This information is used primarily by Gamry Technical Support staff to help
troubleshoot. Gamry determines defaults for these settings based on
experience. Advanced users can adjust these settings manually before theexperiment is run.
For DC Corrosion experiments, the ' !(are set in theexperiment code. For Physical Electrochemistry experiments, users haveaccess to these features through the !
!", but Gamry recommends
that only advanced users make changes to these settings. Consult 'orGamry Technical Support for advice.
Click the ' !(tab:

The hardware settings
displayed here are:Potentiostat
Control ModeControl Amp Speed
I/E AutoRange
Ich AutoRange
Ich Range
Ich Filter
Ich Offset Enable
Ich Offset
Positive Feedback IR
Comp
I/E Range Lower Limit
Ach selectShows the potentiostat’s label
How the experiment was controlled
Shows the speed of the control amplifierShows if the I/E autorange function was enabled
Shows if the Ich autorange function was enabled
Shows the Ich range (gain). 3 Volts = x1 Gain.
Shows the Ich cut0off filter frequency
Shows if Ich Offset was enabled
Shows the Ich offset voltage
Shows if the IR positive feedback was enabled
Shows the lowest available I/E Range available to use in thisexperimentShows the input connector for Ach
17

DC Calibration Date
Framework Version
Pstat Model
Current Convention
I/E Stability
I/E Range
Vch AutoRange
Vch Range
Vch Filter
Vch Offset Enable
Vch Offset
Positive Feedback
Resistance
Ach Range
Cable ID
AC Calibration Date
Instrument Version

Shows the date of last DC calibration
Gives the model number of the potentiostat
Shows which currents are positive
Shows the I/E stability speed
Shows the I/E (or current) range used
Shows if Vch autoranging is enabled
Shows the maximum value for Vch
Shows the Vch cut0off filter frequency
Shows if Vch Offset was enabled
Shows the Ich offset voltage
Shows the positive feedback resistance applied to the system
Shows the voltage range of the auxiliary channel(for Reference Family Potentiostats only.) Gives the type ofcable connected to the system
Shows the date of last AC calibration
Shows the Firmware Version of a Reference Family Pstat

Detailed explanations of these parameters are beyond the scope of this guide.

18

&Click the

0

! *&
&

"

+

tab:

Because default plotting of graphs is auto0scale, please note the0axis‘s scale when the&first appears.

19

&

0

This is a sample cyclic voltammetry file that installs in
Framework installs.

&

0This menu analyzes the cyclic voltammetry data.
1. In the main menu, choose&.
A drop0down menu
appears.
2. Choose the desired
tool:

20

when

Min/Max

Quick Integrate
Integrate

Region Baselines
Clear Regions

Finds the minimum and maximum
currents and voltages within the dataset.
Results appear in a window below theplot.
Integrates to find the total charge. Resultsappear in a window below the plot.
Integrates over a specified portion of theplot to find the total charge.
Defines a line as the baseline for a
specified region.
Clears all baselines from the dataset.

Normalize by Scan
Rate
Normalize by
Square Root of the
Scan Rate
Peak Find

Normalizes the dataset based on the scanrate.
Normalizes the dataset based on thesquare0root of the scan rate.

Clear Peaks

Clears all peaks found within the dataset.

Automatic Baseline

Finds the baseline automatically.

Peak Baselines

Defines a line as a baseline for a
specified peak.
Clears all lines from the dataset.

Clear Lines

Delta Ep
Subtract
Background from
File
Export to DigiSim
Options

Finds peaks within a specified region of
the dataset.

Finds the potential difference between
two peaks.
Subtracts a background amount from thedataset.

For multi0cycle CVexperiments
Portion of thecurve must be
selected
Region must be
selected
Region must be
selected

Portion of thecurve must be
selected
Peaks must be
identified
Peaks must be
identified
Peaks must be
identified
Lines must be
associated withgraph
Peaks must be
identified

Exports the file to a DigiSim®0compatible
format.
Changes units and grids for plotting the
data.

21

!

!

0

!

All integration methods integrate current versus time to get the total charge. There
are two different ways to integrate under a curve with Echem Analyst.

+ ,breaks the data into “curves”. Each curve is integrated to a zerocurrent. + ,integrates the entire area of each curve, unless an area is
specified using the $0region icon.

requires you first to select a portion of the curve. (See how to select a
portion of the curve in the “Starting Echem Analyst” chapter.) After an integrationis performed, you can change the baseline from the default 0 A to another line,
either a line that you draw, or an*.
1. Open the data file.
2. Select the(# !
button:3. Left0click and hold on the graphto place an anchor point.
Holding down the mouse button,
extend the line with the mouse.
Move or extend the line as you
wish.
Directions to accept theline are printed at thebottom of the window.
4. Right0click the mouse on
the line and either or.
After you accept theline, it turns fromdashed to solid.
5. Select the portion of thecurve to integrate.
This function is de0
scribed in detail earlier.

22

6. Selectfrom the&menu.
This integrates the sec0
tion between the curve
and the zero amp line.
7. To change the baselineto the desired user0
drawn line, select*from the&menu.

The / !
$
! window appears.
8. Select the*from the available lines. You
may draw multiple lines fromwhich to choose.
Note that the
integrated
region moves
from thedefault 0
Amps baselineto the user0
drawn line.

23

1
"

!"
2

2

/

/

This menu analyzes the polarization resistance data.
1. In the main menu, choose "4.
A drop0
down
menu
appears.

2. Choose the desired tool:
Quick Integrate
Min/Max

Integrates to find the total charge. Results appear in a window
below the plot.
Finds the minimum and maximum currents and voltages within
the dataset. Results appear in a window below the plot.

Polarization
ResistanceWithin a selected portion of the curve, finds the polarization
resistance.

Options

Changes units and grids for plotting the data.

!

"

! "

# !

2

/
$

%

"

1. Select the desired portion of the curve. (See section….)
2. In the main menu, choose "4.
A drop0
down
menu
appears.

3. Choose "
4
.
The "
2
/
window
opens.
4. In the!&area, enter anodic
5*
6 and cathodic 5*
6 Tafelconstants.
5. Click the
button.
The calculated
appears ina window below the plot.
24

! "

&

'

(

Gamry offers another way to select automatically the voltage region over which
this analysis is done.
1. In the "4menu, choose
.

The "
2
/
2. Select thisradiobutton, specify the region
around Ecorr to use, and1. You are prompted
directly for Tafel constants
when a polarization resistancefile is opened.

window opens.

This is how Gamry’s RpEc Trend
experiments calculate corrosion
rate.

25

1

!"

*

+

A Tafel experiment is also a very popular electrochemical corrosion technique.
The following analysis is performed on the sample Potentiodynamic data file.

1. Select the region over which to perform the Tafel fit.
This region must encompass the Ecorr (Open Circuit Potential).
2. Select 1
from the "
!
menu:

3. A
window appears where you may
input seed values optionally for the fit.
The better the information we provide thefitting routine, the more likely it will be able
to generate an acceptable fit.
If you have reasonable starting parameters
for the fit, input them in the!&area, and check the!&checkbox. If you do not have any
confidence at all in your range ofparameters, do not check the!
&checkbox.
We recommend using the seed values
supplied by the Echem Analyst.
4. Click the
button.
When thebutton is pressed, the changes can be subtle. The
following events occur:• The parameters in thewindow become the fit parameters.
26

•
•

A fit line is displayed on the graph.
A new 1 tab is created (to the right of the ' !(holds the information about the fit.

tab) that$)The
fit is a useful fit if you want to fit the data one branch (anodic or
cathodic) at a time. This can be important if one branch doesn’t show linear
behavior, but the other does.
The fit is called
because of the semi0logarithmic nature of a Tafel plot. The$0axis is the logarithm of current, while the 0axis is potential on a linear scale.

! "1. Select a portion of the curve.
Here you need only the linear section of one of the
branches. This selection does not include Ecorr (Eoc
(open circuit potential)).
2. In the - !
window, enter an approximate
value for.
3. Click the
button.
A single branch of the Tafel
data is fit. The fit is shownon the graph, and the resultsof the fit are contained in anewtab.
You can run a Polarization
Resistance fit on thisPotentiodynamic data, if theaxes of current are changed
to the linear scale. Generally
we suggest running a separate experiment on a new sample of the samematerial because of the more0polarizing, more0destructive nature of the
Potentiodynamic experiment.
27

1

!

The data0analysis features shown here are common to many of the AC0based
techniques. By far the most popular type of AC experiment is Potentiostatic EIS.

$

% 3

"

0

Click the * ! tab or the % 7
tab of the plot you prefer to work with. All fits
are displayed on both the Bode and Nyquist plots. Because they are different
representations of the same data, the fit results are identical.

Bode plot

Nyquist plot

28

EIS data0analysis uses an equivalent0circuit approach. This menu creates and runs
fits for EIS data. Commands in this menu allow you to build an equivalent0circuit
model in the! ! , then fit that model to your data. This menu also lets
you run advanced procedures, such as )!
, and run Kramers0
Kronig transforms.
1. In the main menu, choose!
.
A drop0down menu appears.
2. To create oredit anequivalentcircuit,choose!
! .
The
1window appears. See the next page for how to use it.
3. To fit the data using the Levenberg0Marquardt method, choose
!
5
) 7 !
# !6.
The
1
window opens.
Choose the appropriate model file, and click the 8 button.
4. To fit the data using the Simplex method, choose
! 5
$
# !6.
Simplex method weighs the user’s seed values less. We recommend using the
Simplex method.
5. To subtract an impedance from the data, choose )
!
39
The
#
window appears.
Choose:Element
Choose a circuit element from the drop0down menu.
Model
Browse for a previously defined model.
Spectrum Browse for a data0set.
Click thebutton.
6. To use the Kramers0Kronig method,
Choose Kramers0Kronig.
Kramers0Kronig is a model0independent transform that checks the EIS data forconsistency.
The 4(4! window appears.
7. To clear all fits from the plot,
Choose.
8. To change time or impedance units,
Choose.
This option let you normalize the data and fits to the normalized area.
29

" !

$

The
1
drag0and0drop method.

allows you to create an equivalent circuit, via a

There
are several pre0
loaded models.
Often users find it
convenient to startwith one of thesemodels and edit it asneeded.

$SymbolElement
Resistor

Comments
Abbreviated as R. : =Capacitor

Abbreviated as C. : = – /ωInductor

Abbreviated as L. : = ω

Constant
Phase
Element
Wire

Models an inhomogeneous property of the system, or aproperty with a distribution of values. Often abbreviated as
CPE.
Connects one element to the next.

Gerischerelement

Models a reaction in the surrounding solution that happened
already; also used for modeling a porous electrode. Often
abbreviated as G.
Models a linear diffusion to an infinite planar electrode.
Often abbreviated as W.
Models diffusion within a thin layer of electrolyte, such as
electrolyte trapped between a flat electrode and a glass
microscope slide. Often abbreviated as T.
Models diffusion through a thin layer of electrolyte, such as
electrolyte trapped between an electrode and a permeable
membrane covering it. Often abbreviated as O.

Infinite
Warburg
BoundedWarburg
PorousBoundedWarburg30

$*
1. Adding an element
a. Click on an element symbol.
The element appears in the central window.
b. Place the mouse cursor over the element. Left0click and drag to move the element to its
desired position.

2. Connecting elements
a. Click on the 2 symbol.
b. Left0click one end of the wire and drag theend to the element.
The element’s border turns green when the wire’s
end reaches the element.

Be sure to connect
the circuit to the reference0
electrode symbol

and the3. Deleting an elementa.

Right0click on the element.

Thecommandb. Left0click on the
The element vanishes.

working0electrode symbol.

appears.
command.

Here is an example of a simple equivalent circuit (a Randles model) constructedin the1:

4. Relabeling andfixing parameters
for an element
This lets you rename theelement, and specify aLower and Upper Limit
for its value. Renaming
the element helps you
distinguish between
elements of the same type
during fitting. Giving the
program limits on the parameters mayhelp the mathematical algorithm. For
example, we know values are generally
positive, so a Lower Limit = 0 is
reasonable to set.
a. Left0click on the name of theelement (here, R4).
The "window appears.
b. Enter a new "%.
c. Enter an&, i.e., thefirst trial value for fitting.
d. In the (andfields, enter
lower and upper limits, andcheck the) checkbox, as
desired.
e. Click the 8 button.
The "window closes, and the element is set to these parameters.

31

" $*
When the equivalent circuit is complete, the circuit can be compiled before use
to check for connectivity of the wires. Compiling is only used to checkconnections
1. In the toolbar, choose.
A drop0down menu appears.
2. Chooseor click the
buttonin the toolbar.
The software compiles the equivalentcircuit.
If there is a problem, such as a missing
connection, an error message appears,
and a red box outlines the problem
element:
3. Click the 8 button to continue.
4. Inspect the schematic and make necessary corrections.
If the equivalent circuitcompiles properly, the1window
appears:
5. Click the 8 button tocontinue.
6. You may save the equivalent circuit with aextension by clicking
in the toolbar, andchoosing
or.

7. Thewindow
appears.
The default folder for saving
model equivalent circuits isthe! folder.
8. Name and save the file here,or choose a different folder.
The model shown above
was saved as.
Thewindowcloses.

32

!

3

1. With the data open
and plotted, click!
, and choose
! 5
$
# !6.
The
1
window appears.
2. Choose the desiredmodel.
The default folder for models is the
C:\Documents andSettings\All
Users\Application
Data\Gamry
Instruments\Echem
Analyst\Models
by default. As our
example, we choose
the model
createdpreviously.

!

(&

1

folder. This!

folder is in the

3. Click the
button.
The1window closes, and the#)1window appears.
4. Set parameters.
Choose the maximum
number of
to loop
before stopping the fit. Enterestimates for all the circuit
elements in the!
"area. Fix
particular elements byenabling their,
checkboxes.
In our example, we try 100
U for Ru, 2500 U for Rp,
and 100 nF for Cf and leave
all of them free (unlocked).
5. Click the
button to start the fit.
The software attempts to fit the model to the data. When finished, the fitted
parameters appear next to each circuit element.
33

Our model results give
Rp = 3 kU
Rsolution = 199.7 U
Cf = 980 nF

Like other Echem Analyst fits, the fit also appears superimposed upon the data
and a new tab is created that contains those results.

If you try another fit using the same model, this fit will be overwritten. If you fit toanother model, the fit results of both models will be displayed.

34

This new tab shows the residual errors and goodness of fit, along with the various
plotting tools. Residuals are a point0by0point!
1 , which quantifies
how closely the data match the fit. A smaller number indicates a better fit.
The blue data (:) correspond to the ;0axis (on the left); the green data(:
) correspond to the /0axis (on the right).

35

)
.

!

(

&

+ +
Pt
T
Vm, Vf
Im
Vu
Sig
Ach
IE Range
Over
0

$

!
Point number
Time
Measured voltage
Measured current
Uncompensated voltage
Signal from the signal generator
Auxiliary channel
I/E (Current Measurement) range on which measurement wasmade
Any overloads. Numeric record of different overload types
No overloads

+
!
Freq
Frequency
Zreal, Zimag, Zmod, Zphz Calculated values of impedance
Idc, Vdc
DC component of current and voltage,
Yreal, Yimag
Admittance (calculated from Z)

36

&

&

!

The current convention in the Framework for all experimental packages is that an
anodic/oxidation current is positive.
To change the current convention (whether anodic/oxidation currents orcathodic/reduction currents are positive), in the menu\\tab,specify the current you want represented as positive. The current convention can
be changed by editing the experimental script (contact Gamry or your Gamry
representative if you need to do this). Regardless of the current convention usedin the Framework, it can be changed in the Echem Analyst to the one you desireby the user (see below for exceptions).

The current convention affects all experiments run under the
PHE200 Physical Electrochemistry and PV220 Pulse Voltammetry
heading. No other data files are affected.
To change the current convention in the Echem Analyst, in the menu//tab specify the current you want represented as positive.
To change the current convention in other experimental packages (DC105,
EIS300 etc) please contact Gamry or your Gamry representative.

0

$

,

1. In the toolbar, choose.
A dropdown menu appears.

Echem Analyst runs on “Open Source”
scripts written in VBA. Most customized
analysis routines are done by Gamry in thefactory for you, the user, and that makes
Echem Analyst extremely flexible. The typicaluser will never need to edit the scripts forelectrochemical analysis.

37

!

&

It is often useful to simulate the response of an equivalent circuit.
1. Launch the Echem Analyst.
2. Select/%!
/select!
9This opens a blank chart.

3. SelectThe/1(use the! !
window appears.

9

to build or edit the model).

4. Select the saved model, and input parameters for the experiment (frequencies
and data0point density) and values of all circuit elements.
5. Click the
button.
The simulation appears under new tabs.
38

This is a simulated Bode plot.

This is a simulated Nyquist plot.

39

Index

5
3
3
32

6
3D/2D

6

AC Calibration Date

18
22
36
18
17
8
13
13
3
7
window
7
10
10
3, 10
21, 2225

Ach
Ach Range
Ach selectarea
Add E Constant!!
menu
Apply Template' (&*As Text
ASCII
Automatic Baseline
radio button$**
bitmap image* ! tabBounded Warburg

24
18
37
8
7, 8
8
8
10
15
20, 23Current Convention
Current conventions

24
24
10
28
30

Curve Selector area
buttonbuttonCutting and pasting
Cycles&Data Viewer
DC Calibration Date6
1822, 3121
21
22
7

Delta Ep
DigiSim®
(# !
buttonDraw Freehand Line- !

window

27
27
27
38
15
31
29
31
15
29, 30, 31, 32, 38
3, 10
4, 16
4, 15
21

tab
1
window
Electrode Area
element
Element) checkbox
Equil. Timeequivalent circuit
Excel®
$
%
tab
$
tab
Export to DigiSim&
C from CPE, omega(max)C from CPE, R(parallel)
Cable ID
buttonCapacitor
CD0ROM
Changing the axes
Clear Lines
Clear Peaks
Clear Regions
Color
menu
Conditioning
Constant Phase Element
Control Amp Speed
Control Mode
Copy to clipboard) ! button

40

13
14
18
24, 26, 27, 33
30
3
8
29
21
21
21
6
11, 13
11
32
15
30
17
17
6
10

window
Final E
Firmware Version
! 5
) 7
! 5
$
# !6
Framework
Framework Version
Framework™
Freq

!

# !6

Gallerywindow
.
'
&
"
l tab
General)Gerischer element

windowwindow

32
32
15
18
29
29, 33
20
18
2, 37
36

6
4
11
11
6
4
5, 6, 10
30

!

1

35

! "
! folderbutton

.
' !(
help
'
Horizontal Gridtabwindow
area

17
18
17
15
18
17
17
17
17
17

29
window 33
29, 30, 31
29
29
30
30
15
4, 15
15
31
3
18
21, 22, 23
22
15
33

29
29
29

Legend Bar
Levenberg0Marquardt method, checkbox(%
Normalize by Scan Rate
Normalize by Square Root of the Scan Rate%
3 field% 7tab

8 buttonopen
buttonOpen Circuit&
function
2 #3

6
29
13, 1433
31

tab

Origin®
Over"" !
window"
button"*"%"window" #Peak Baselines
Peak Find" , ! function
plots
"
4
"
2
/
window
Porous Bounded Warburg
Positive Feedback IR Comp
Positive Feedback Resistance
Post0Run iR Correction"!
Potentiostat
Powerpoint®
Print
Print preview
Properties…
Pstat Model
Pt 36

7
15
21, 2429
29, 30, 38

6
6
6
31
31
4
21
21
9
5
13, 14, 24, 25, 27
24
30
17
18
14
26
17
10
6
6
6
18

7
Quick Integrate
+ ,-

1

21
21
16
28

29, 31, 32
3
33
15
4, 19
3
10
4, 21, 24, 25, 29
3, 10
36

36

4
Kramers0Kronig method
Kramers0Kronig transforms
4(4! window

32
33
32, 33
9
3, 4

folder4, 17, 27
1111
6

I/E AutoRange
I/E Range
I/E Range Lower Limit
I/E Range Mode
I/E Stability
Ich AutoRange
Ich Filter
Ich Offset
Ich Offset Enable
Ich Range
Idc 36
IE Range
Im 36
!
#
)1
1
1
window#window
Inductor
Infinite Warburg
Init. Delay
Initial Delay
Initial E&
Installation
Instrument Version
Integrate
Integrating the voltammogram
IR CompMark Found Peaks
Max Current
Min/Max
Model
! !

1

21, 22, 24
7/
Randles model*/ !
$! window

31
23
23

41

Region Baselines
Resistor
Rotate21, 2330
61$selection

11

'
tab

Sampling Mode

1
Save Template' (&window
Scan Rate!&area
1
window
Select Portion of Curve using the Keyboard
Select Portion of Curve using the Mouse
Select x region
Select y region
Selecting portions of a curve))Show curve selector
Show Disabled Points
Sig 36
Simplex methodbutton#Spectrum
Step Size
Subtract Background from File
)
!
)
!
3

T 36
Tafel constants11function
window
1 tab
buttonTest IdentifierTime
toolbars
Tools.
Transform Axes

42

15
32
32
25
7
7
15
24, 2629, 33
7
7
7
7
9
9
5, 7
7
7
29
38
38
13, 14
29
15
21
29
29

24, 25
9, 26
9
26
27
32
15
15
5
6, 32
37
14

!&

37
31
26

checkbox

0
Vch AutoRange
Vch Filter
Vch Offset
Vch Offset Enable
Vch Range
Vdc
Vertical Grid
Vf 36
& )
area
Visual Basic
Vm
Vu 36

18
18
18
18
18
36
6
8
37
36

website
Wire
Word®

3
30, 3110

80- $ column

89./- $ column.- $ column
Yimag
Yreal

8
8
36
36

:
Z0clustered
:
Zmod
Zoom
Zphz
:

6
35, 3636
63635, 36