Some Technical Details and a BIG Photo!FAS2 Femtostat 
Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA

The FAS2 Femtostat has been discontinued as of September 1, 2006.  Click here for more details.

The FAS2 Femtostat Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA is, to our knowledge, the most sensitive potentiostat available commercially.  It runs all Gamry software packages. 

The FAS2 is designed for applications requiring very high sensitivity, such as microelectrode experiments, characterization of paints and coatings, and measurement of corrosion-resistant metals.  The highest current range is 30 mA and the lowest range is an amazing 30 picoAmps!  We have several users who are measuring cell currents of less than 100 femtoAmps with the Femtostat!  The Femtostat is an ideal for potentiostat for physical electrochemistry, pulse voltammetry, and making EIS measurements on organic coatings.  It is also well-suited for measuring very low corrosion rates.

The FAS2's is small in current measurement but big in performance.  Its output is a healthy ± 30 mA at ± 12 V.  Its 10 current ranges span 9 decades of current. Post gain offset capability allow for an incredible maximum resolution of 0.01fA (gain=100).  16-bit D/A and A/D converters, along with four terminal current and voltage measurements, provide accurate results down to 1µV resolution.  The on-board circuitry allow EIS scans from 10µHz to 300 kHz without the need for an external FRA or lock-in amplifier.   Extensive voltage and current channel filtering allows quiet measurements in very noisy environments.  A state machine insures accurate data acquisition timing, even when you run other applications on your computer.

For a complete assessment of the ability of the FAS2 to perform EIS, see the Accuracy Contour Plot.

The Femtostat's features was designed by electrochemists  for the most demanding low-current applications.  It is fully isolated from the computer's chassis ground, so it can work with earth grounded cells.  It offers both current interrupt and positive feedback IR compensation.  It works in the field, even when your computer is powered by a generator or a battery power inverter.   Extra I/O interfaces are available to control other equipment.

Click here for a PDF file of the Femtostat brochure.

 

Standard Features
  • Isolation - Our potentiostats  were designed by electrochemists for the real world.  All Gamry Potentiostats are fully isolated (electrically) from the host computer's chassis ground, allowing it to function properly with earth grounded cells.  Use the FAS2 with autoclaves, mechanical stress apparatus, or pipeline probes for  accurate results.
       
  • Excellent Engineering - Gamry's modern electronic design and extensive use of surface mount technology packs tremendous capability onto a small area.  The performance and reliability of a potentiostat is not proportional to the volume or weight of the potentiostat!
     
  • Current Interrupt and Positive Feedback iR Compensation -  No need to adjust your cells with supporting electrolyte or geometric modifications anymore, Gamry potentiostats and their controlling software use control loop algorithms to accurately measure and correct for uncompensated resistance.
     
  • Portability - All Gamry potentiostats were designed to be used in the field as well as a controlled laboratory environment.  The FAS2 Femtostat will will fit in any portable computer containing 1 PCI slot.  Their power supply circuit design  allows for battery and generator powered portables.
     
  • Auxiliary I/O - All Gamry potentiostats allow you to control additional equipment via additional I/O interfaces.

    external signal input
    analog voltage output
    analog current output
    auxiliary A/D input
    miscellaneous I/O connector:  this 15-pin connector provides a number of inputs and outputs to customize an electrochemical experiment, including a software-controlled analog output voltage, two fixed triggers, 4 software-controlled input triggers, and 4 software-controlled output triggers.

       
  • Power Supply - Potentiostats use the computer's power supply, eliminating the need for extra cables and clutter.
     
  • Scalability - Up to eight Potentiostats can be installed in one computer. 
      
  • Built-In EIS - On- board DDS to perform EIS from 10µHz to 300kHz.
  • Easy Installation - The FAS2 Femtostat is a Plug and Play Device, so installation is automated and easy.

 

Warranty

The FAS2 is protected by a 2-year factory service warranty.  

Specifications
Click here for detailed specifications of all Gamry Potentiostats.

Computer Requirements
  • 450 MHz Processor or faster   
  • 25 cm (10 inch) PCI slot for each FAS2 Femtostat
  • 256 MB RAM   
  • 80 MB free hard disk space
  • Microsoft® Windows 2000 or XP
System Information

The FAS2 requires electrochemical software  for specific eletrochemical applications.  The FAS2 Femtostat is shipped with the  Gamry Framework, Gamry Echem Analyst, a Hardware Operator's Manual, a Software Installation Manual, a Universal Dummy Cell 2, cell cables, and a Gamry Mouse Pad.  Special cables, cells and other accessories are available at extra cost. 

System Integration

Gamry Instruments can supply complete systems, including the above items and system software, installed in a desktop or portable computer.  Custom computer configurations, software, training and installation are available by special order.   

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Last revised on Friday, March 09, 2007