Z100 Quick Start
ManualDocument ERZ100_ZNAV_0212

www.edaq.com

Z100 Quick Start Manual
The Z100 EIS is a complex system comprising of a number of elements each of which needs to be present
in order for the system to operate correctly. The installation procedure outlined below should result in a
fully working system. In the event that a problem occurs the diagram below may help in troubleshooting.

WindowsOS (XP or W7)

Navigator Utility files

LabView

Z100Navigator

Navigator Data files

Results
ZMAN

Z100 DRIVER

PC Hardware

Z100Hardware

Z100 SYSTEM ELEMENTS

Z100 FirmWarePotentiostat

Experiment

System Elements:
Potentiostat: This will typically be an EDAQ EA163 Potentiostat. A User supplied potentiostat can also
be used but gains will need to be set manually.
Z100 Hardware: This is a microprocessor based unit that consists of waveform generator and two
precision measuring channels for Voltage and Current so that Impedance can be calculated.
Z100 Firmware: This is the program internal to the Z100 Hardware that performs all the low level
operations necessary to generate the required waveforms and perform the necessary measurements. Thisprogram also provides the communications between the Z100 Hardware and the PC hardware. Thisprogram will from time to time be upgraded to either correct errors or to enhance system performance.
Z100 Driver: This software routine provides the link between the Operating System and the Z100
Firmware. It must be installed correctly in order for the Z100 Navigator application to communicate withthe attached Z100 Hardware.
Z100 Navigator: This program controls and executes the measurements required by the user and storesthe resulting data in files that are then accessible by the ZMAN display, analysis and modeling program.
EDAQ Z100 Quick Start Manual1Z100 Navigator also uses data files related to its operation – such files may contain calibration, setup andLinearisation data.
LabView: A Run-time version of LabView is installed to support the Z100 Navigator program. This is not
an operating version (License) of LabView and may only be used with the Z100 Navigator.
ZMAN: This program reads the Z100 Navigator data files and provides the means to display analyse andmodel the data.
PC Hardware and Windows operating software: This provides the hardware and softwareenvironment for Z100 Navigator and ZMANSystem Installation:
The following installation procedure should be used:a) Unpack the system and check that all items on the packing List. Locate the CD containing theinstallation program.
b) Install the softwarec) Connect the hardware and Run Z100 Navigator.
d) Perform validation tests: Z100 Self Test, Test network

Software Installation
Ensure your PC has sufficient disk space to install the Z100 material (at least 512.6 MB). Check that thesystem has an XP or Windows & Operating system (32 Bit or 64 Bit system).
Insert your Installation CD in the CD tray. The Z100 Navigator and ZMAN Setup screen will be displayed.
Carefully follow the instructions provided by the Setup program.

Please note: a number of different programs ( Labview, Z100 Navigator, ZMAN and Z100 Drivers (ZIVEZ#) will be installed during this process and some will take a few minutes to install – so be patient and let
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the process take its course. The setup program provides a choice of which programs you choose to install.
For the first installation choose Everything

During the installation of the Z100 Drivers the following warning message will be displayed. It is safe toContinue with the installation.

During the installation of the Z100 driver you will be given a choice regarding the type of driver to install.
Make sure you choose the appropriate driver to suit the operating system on your PC.

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Continue the installation process until it is completed.
You are now ready install the Hardware and run the software.

EDAQ Z100 Quick Start Manual4Hardware Installation
Connect the Z100 hardware unit as shown below:

CPUZ100 cabling for system check
When your hardware has been connected as shown above apply power:

All indicator lights should come on momentarily and then go off except for the Green Power LED.
Initial Loop back tests can be run on this configuration without connecting a potentiostat. However if
you choose to connect the potentiostat at this stage then turn the Power Off and connect thepotentiostat to the system as described below.

Connecting a Potentiostat
Advice: Whenever you need to change the hardware configuration, first save your results, exit theprogram and then switch off the hardware unit. DO NOT CONNECT or DISCONNECT thePOTENTIOSTAT while POWER IS ON.
With the system powered down connect the external potentiostat as shown:
Z100 Sig Out> Potentiostat Ein

Potentiostat I out> Z100 I in

Potentiostat E Out> Z100 E inCPUCEREWE

Systemunder Test

Z100 cabling with EA163 POTENTIOSTATEDAQ Z100 Quick Start Manual5

Running Z 100 Navigator
Start the Z100 Navigator program. It may take a little longer to complete the startup phase if it needs toconnect to the Potentiostat and complete its identification process. The startup screen shown below
indicates that the system has identified its Hardware Unit serial Number, Firmware version and thesuccessful installation and detection of the EA163 Potentiostat.

In order to complete the installation and Quick Start process two simple tests will be carried out:
LoopBack Test which tests the Z100 hardware and a Z100 Test Network procedure..

Validation tests
The following validation tests will be performed:
Loop Back test: Checks operation of Z100 Hardware without a potentiostat.
Blank Run: Tests complete system including a potentiostat and a simple 5000 Ohm resistor.
Simple Test network: using the Z100 Test Network card in simple configurations.

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Loop Back Test
The Z100 has an operating mode in which its output waveform is connected internally to its two input
channels so that a Loop back test can be performed. This test provides the means to check all Z100
system operation without using the external potentiostat. To set up suitable Loop Back conditions:
1) Select Loopback from the Device menu
2) Select Potentiostatic EIS from the Experiment Menu - this will display a settings menu whichshould be checked before the Loop back test is run>>>>>

Set the following as shown above:
Initial Frequency = 10 KHz
Mid Frequency = 10 KHz
Final frequency = 100 mHz
Phase Correction = FALSE
All other settings remain unchanged.
Close Potentiostatic EIS settings Menu.
Hint Choosing Initial Frequencies: When initially selecting operating frequencies for anexperiment start by selecting a restricted range (e.g. from 10Hz to 10,000Hz) that you areconfident will produce a representative output. This will result in faster experiment execution.
Slow frequencies and multiple points per decade frequency such as 10mHz take 100 seconds forevery point! Once correct operation is established the range can be extended to the limits andresolution required by your experiment.

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Hint Choosing Frequencies: The system allows the selection of an Initial, Middle and Final
Frequency. Typically start from a high frequency and end with a Low frequency. Final andMiddle can have the same value if it is required to make a single unidirectional scan.
Hint system settings: Typically an experiment will consist of a number of runs or scans so thesystem remembers its settings from run to run. If it is required to start a new set of experiments
make sure you review and set all parameters correctly for your new experiment.
Hint Choosing AC Amplitude. As a general comment – the higher the AC amplitude used thebetter the Signal to Noise ratio. When dealing with passive components relatively high AC
amplitude (e.g. 1000mV) can be chosen. However when dealing with electrochemical systems
the applied AC amplitude will be limed to less than 200mV so as not to cause unnecessary
electrochemical effects.
Hint Choosing Current range. The best Potentiostat frequency response is achieved at higher
current amplitudes. At currents below 1mA the Potentiostat frequency response will bedegraded and should be tested prior to commencing experiments. 100mA range is a usefulrange to start experiments.
Run can now be initiated to start the EIS measurement cycle.
The system will now commence operation and the system performs a number of measurements todetermine the appropriate internal gain levels that should be used for subsequent measurements, eachtime producing an audible alarm when an unsuccessful trial measurement is made.
Once the system finds appropriate settings it will commence testing and generate results in the Result
window one line at the time – starting with the Initial Frequency and ending with the Final Frequency.
Measurement progress can be followed by choosing one of the following Display tags:
Result: displays all the numerical impedance values measured and computed at each frequency.
Monitoring: will show the applied voltage and the output current
Lissajous: displays an X-Y display of applied voltage and output current
Nyquist plot: Plots Real Z vs Imaginary Z values
Bode Plot: Amplitude and Phase vs Frequency
These display modes can be selected during the measurement cycle to check on progress.
Measurement progress can be followed by choosing one of the Display tags:
Typical results

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EDAQ Z100 Quick Start Manual9

AI 1 & AI 2: These selections display the current and voltage AC and DC values. In addition, Time &Frequency Domain plots (power spectrum) are displayed as well as the signal to noise ratio achieved. Ahigher “Signal In Noise and Distortion” (SINAD) value and a lower Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise(%THD+N) indicate better measurements.
This completes the initial Loopback tests. It confirms that the system is performing correctly. Disable theloop back test in the Device menu.
The next step will connect a Potentiostat and perform a test on a sample cell using the Z100 Test
Network.

Z100 Test Network
The system is provided with a test network whose circuit is shown below. The Test Network can be used
to test the operation of the system and to provide a predictable and reproducible test environment.
The test network circuit is provided with a number of shorting links that allow different circuits to beconfigured. Some typical configurations are detailed below.
0.100 inch shorting jumpers

J4TP3TP1C2 10n

J3C1 1u

R1 499TP2J2J1
R2 1k

R3 2k

TP5R4 1k
R6 5k

TP4Blank Test: In this configuration only the isolated 5Kohm Resistor (R6) is used to measure the system
performance. It provides a useful indication of the overall frequency response of the complete system.
This technique is generally useful in testing whether a particular set of settings is appropriate to theexperiment.
It may be used to make minor corrections to the phase shift that occurs at high frequencies andSimple Model – 1 timing element: In this configuration the network between TP1 and TP3 is used andJumper J1 and J4 are removed.
Complex Model – 2 timing elements: In this configuration total network between TP1 and TP2 is used
and the Jumpers are configured as follows: J1 OUT; J2 OUT; J3 OUT; J4 IN.

Running a “Blank” Sample
This test requires a potentiostat (EDAQ EA163) to be connected to the Z100 Hardware.
The purpose in running a “blank” sample is to establish correct system operation and in addition toprovide an optional phase correction file that removes minor phase shifts introduced by the system athigher frequencies. The blank sample used is typically a relatively low value resistor which is assumed tohave zero phase shift within the 100kHz system bandwidth.
Connect the potentiostat to the 5Kohm test resistor on the Z100 Test Network with the RE, and AE
connected together at one end of the resistor and the WE at the other. Before starting operations ensure
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10that the Loop back test in the Device menu is disabled and the Potentiostatic EIS experiment is selected asindicated at the bottom of the Startup screen.
Launch the Z 100 Navigator, note that it takes a little longer to complete its startup phase because it
needs to connect to the external potentiometer and complete its identification process. The startup
screen indicates that the system has identified a potentiostat in this case an EA163.
The potentiostat Green On-Line LED should be On and the Overload LED should be OFF.

Procedure
1. Use the Z100 Test network 5kOhm Resistor.
2. Open parameter dialog by selecting Experiment >> Potentiostatic EIS… in the main menu.
Please make sure that Real Cell is selected,
Phase Correction = FALSE. .
Adjust Scan from 100kHz to 100mHz with 10 steps per decade.
Set AC Amplitude to 1000mV
Set Speed to Normal
Current Range to 100mA
3. Run the experiment.

4. In the Bode plot the phase shift and magnitude is plotted. A phase shift indicates that there is atime delay between the Current path and Excitation voltage path. This time delay tends to beconstant (with this simple resistor) over frequency and its effect is more pronounced at highfrequencies. There are many cumulative factors that cause this phase shift: time delay of control
loop, time delay of current measuring circuit, signal conditioning path and the input cable. With
the EA163 the uncompensated phase shift at 100 kHz should be less than 10º and is less than 1º
at frequencies less than 10 kHz.
5. When finished, save the data by selecting File >> Save as Binary Format…,

Running a simple modelThis simple experiment will include one 1 timing element: In this configuration the network between TP1and TP3 is used and Jumper J1 and J4/J3 is removed, J2 is fitted.
0.100 inch shorting jumpers

J4TP3TP1C2 10n

J3C1 1u

R1 499TP2J2J1
R2 1k

R3 2k

TP5EDAQ Z100 Quick Start Manual

R4 1k
R6 5k

TP411

A quick circuit evaluation indicates that at low frequencies the total impedance should trend towards
3.5KOhms and at High frequencies it should trend towards

Procedure
1. Use the Z100 Test network configured as shown above
2. Connect the potentiostat to the Z100 Test Network with the RE, and AE connected together on
TP1 and the WE (green) to TP3.
3. Run Z100 Navigator.
4. Open parameter dialog by selecting Experiment >> Potentiostatic EIS… in the main menu.
Please make sure that Real Cell is selected
Phase Correction = FALSE.
Adjust Scan from 100 kHz to 100 MHz with 10 steps per decade.
Set AC Amplitude to 1000mV
Set Speed to Normal
Current Range to 100mA
5. Run the experiment.
6. When finished, save the data by selecting File >> Save as Binary Format…
The Bode Diagram for this simple network is shown below

EDAQ Z100 Quick Start Manual

12More Complex ModelContains 2 timing elements: In this configuration total network between TP1 and TP2 is used and theJumpers are configured as follows: J1 OUT; J2 OUT; J3 IN; J4 OUT.
Same settings as used in Simple Model.
The Nyquist diagram clearly shows two energy elements.

Next Step
Once you have successfully recorded data from an experiment the next step is to analyse the data using
ZMAN the Z100 Analysis and Modelling software

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