There are a variety of interface boards available for use with the CBP bipotentiostat system. When using our AfterMath software to control the bipotentiostat, Pine generally recommends using a 16-bit interface board because these boards produce higher resolution digital waveforms. This higher resolution is especially important when using sweep voltammetry to study surface-bound electrochemical processes (see reference at end of this article).
When using our older PineChem software to control the bipotentiostat, either a 12-bit or a 16-bit board may be used. PineChem uses the true analog sweep generator within the bipotentiostat to generate waveforms, and the resolution (12 bit vs. 16 bit) of the interface board is less of an issue. It is very important to use the correct version of the NIDAQ device driver software when using these boards with PineChem or AfterMath.
CBP Bipotentiostat owners in need of a new interface board are encouraged to order an interface board directly from National Instruments. A summary page providing details and pricing can be found on the National Instruments website at the following link: https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/select/multifunction-io-device
16-bit M-Series (PCI)
16-bit E-Series (PCI)
12-bit E-Series (PCI)
AfterMath* only
AfterMath* or PineChem
AfterMath* or PineChem
* AfterMath version 1.5 or earlier must be used with the CBP Bipotentiostat. Newer versions of AfterMath do not support the CBP Bipotentiostat.
Additional information about obsolete and unofficial interface boards is discussed below.
Obsolete Interface Boards
These boards were used during the era of the ISA slot (1990s) primarily with Pine’s older PineChem software. It is now very rare for any Windows-based computer to have an ISA slot, so it is nearly impossible to make use of these boards now. It is possible (but often very tricky) to use an AT-MIO-16E-10 board with AfterMath if you happen to have a very old computer with an ISA slot that also has Windows XP installed.
Unofficially Supported Interface Boards
Both the PineChem and AfterMath software unofficially recognize several other boards manufactured by National Instruments. These include the PCI-MIO-16E-1, PCI-6070E, PCI-6052E, AT-MIO-16E-2, AT-MIO-16E-1, and AT-MIO-16XE-10 boards. Pine makes no guarantee with regard to how well AfterMath or PineChem will work with these boards, but if you happen to already own one of these boards, you can give it a try.
Further Reading and Information
The issue of digital waveform resolution in sweep voltammetry and its influence on surface-bound voltammetry experiments is discussed in great detail in the article linked below. If you work with electrochemical systems involving adsorption, oxide films, self-assembled monolayers, etc., you are encouraged to read this article: P. He, Analytical Chemistry 67 (1995) 986–992
*All photos of interface boards on this web page are Copyright © 1999-2008 Artisan Scientific (Champaign IL). Used with Permission.
Related Hardware Links: CBP Bipotentiostat, Interface Boards
Related Software Links: AfterMath, PineChem, NIDAQ Device Driver
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