PalmSens4

Compact, versatile and powerful

  • (Bi)Potentiostat / Galvanostat / Impedance Analyzer
  • FRA / EIS: 10 μHz up to  1 MHz
  • 9 current ranges: 100 pA to 10 mA
  • 18-bit resolution
  • Bluetooth or USB connection
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is an electrochemical technique to measure the impedance of a system in dependence of the AC potentials frequency. With this option you can select the maximum AC frequency for EIS.
Get an additional Working Electrode and make a BiPotentiostat of your instrument. continue reading
Compensate for the voltage drop between the RE and the outside of the electrochemical cell continue reading
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Description

Our flagship instrument, the PalmSens4, is a USB and battery powered Potentiostat, Galvanostat, and optional a Frequency Response Analyser (FRA) for Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The PalmSens4 has a large potential range (-5V to 5V or -10V to 10V) and current range (100 pA to 10 mA) with a high resolution and low noise. The economical PalmSens4 is a complete laboratory instrument but its compact and rugged design makes it also ideal for field work. Connecting via Bluetooth guarantees a perfectly floating measurement.

Configurable

PalmSens4 comes in different configurations:

  • ±5 V or ±10 V potential range
  • EIS/FRA with maximum frequency of 100 kHz or 1 MHz
  • optional BiPotentiostat module for second WE
  • optional iR-Compensation

Standard included

  • Rugged carrying case
  • High quality, double shielded cell cable with
    2 mm banana connectors for Working, Counter, Reference electrode and Ground
  • Crocodile clips
  • Dummy cell
  • USB cable
  • Manual and Quick Start document
  • PSTrace software for Windows

Always a backup

Every PalmSens4 is equipped with an internal storage of 8 GB. This means all your measurements* can automatically be saved on-board as backup.
Measurements can be browsed and transferred to the PC easily using the PSTrace software for Windows.
* Not supported for on-device backup: EIS, MultiStep and MixedMode

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
Fast Cyclic Voltammetry (FCV)
Fast Cyclic Voltammetry is cyclic voltammetry with a very high scan rate up to 1 V per microsecond. Continue reading
AC Voltammetry (ACV)
In AC Voltammetry a potential scan is made with a superimposed sine wave which has a relatively small amplitude of 5 ~ 10 mV and a frequency of 10 to 250 Hz. 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
Zero Resistance Amperometry (ZRA)
A ZRA measures the current flowing through it without adding any resistance. This means the current is measured without the ZRA influencing the current. 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
Fast Amperometry (FAM)
Fast Amperometry (FAM) is a form of amperometric detection with very high sampling rates or respectively very short interval times. 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
Multiple-Pulse Amperometric Detection (MPAD)
Multiple-Pulse Amperometric Detection (MPAD) is an electrochemical technique that can be used when higher sensitivity is required. Using pulses instead of constant potential might result in higher faradaic currents Continue reading

Potentiometric techniques

Linear Sweep Potentiometry (LSP)
With Linear Sweep Potentiometry, a current scan is performed from the begin current to the end current. Continue reading
Chronopotentiometry (CP)
Chronopotentiometry (CP)is an electrochemical technique in which a controlled current, usually a constant current, is caused to flow between two electrodes; the potential of one electrode is monitored as a function of time with respect to a suitable reference electrode. Continue reading
MultiStep Potentiometry (MSP)
MultiStep Potentiometry allows the user to specify the number of current steps they want to apply and how long each step should last. The potential response is continuously sampled with the specified interval. Continue reading
Open Circuit Potentiometry (OCP)
Open Circuit Potential (OCP) is the potential where no current is flowing, because the circuit is open. Continue reading
Stripping Chronopotentiometry (SCP / PSA)
Stripping Chronopotentiometry (SCP / PSA) starts with a deposition stage at the deposition potential. After this stage, the potential versus time is recorded. In this stage, the potentiostat is switched off and the measurement starts. 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
Galvanostatic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
(GEIS)
During GEIS a current sine wave is applied and the resulting potential 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.
EIS time scan

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
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

General
configuration PS4.F#.05 PS4.F#.10
dc-potential range
The maximum potential difference, that can be applied between WE and RE.
±5 V  ±10 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
±10 V
maximum current ±30 mA (typical)
Potentiostat (controlled potential mode)
applied dc-potential resolution
The lowest observable difference between two values that a measurement device can differentiate between.
76.3 µV (
18-bit
An 18 bit input can measure in 2^18 or roughly 262 thousand different steps. If you measure for example an analog voltage that can go from 0 to 5V, the accuracy is 5 divided by 262k, resulting in resolution of 20 uV. Continue reading
)
applied potential accuracy
The applied potential accuracy describes how close to the real values your applied potential is.
≤0.1% ±1 mV offset
current ranges
A current range defines the maximum current a potentiostat can measure in a certain range. Continue reading
100 pA to 10 mA (9 ranges)
current accuracy
The current accuracy describes how close to the real values your measured current is. Continue reading
< 0.2% of current
±10 pA ±0.1% of range
measured current resolution
The lowest observable difference between two values that a measurement device can differentiate between. Continue reading

0.005 % of current range

(

18-bit
An 18 bit input can measure in 2^18 or roughly 262 thousand different steps. If you measure for example an analog voltage that can go from 0 to 5V, the accuracy is 5 divided by 262k, resulting in resolution of 20 uV. Continue reading
, 5 fA on 100 pA range)

0.0025% of 10 mA range

Galvanostat (controlled current mode)
1 nA to 10 mA (8 ranges)
applied dc-current ±6 times applied current range
applied dc-current resolution 0.0076% of applied current range (<10 mA)
0.0038% of 10 mA range
applied dc-
current accuracy
The current accuracy describes how close to the real values your measured current is. Continue reading
< 0.2% of current
±10 pA ±0.1% of range
potential ranges 10 mV, 100 mV, 1 V
measured dc-potential resolution 78.13 μV at ±10 V
7.813 μV at ±1 V
0.7813 μV at ±0.1 V
measured dc-potential accuracy ≤ 0.05% or ±1 mV (for |E| < ±9 V)
≤ 0.2% (for |E| ≥ ±9 V)
FRA / EIS (impedance measurements)
 Configuration PS4.F0.## PS4.F1.##
frequency range 10 μHz to 100 kHz 10 μHz to 1 MHz
ac-amplitude range 1 mV to 0.25 V rms, or 0.7 V p-p
GEIS (galvanostatic impedance measurements)
frequency range 10 μHz to 100 kHz
ac-amplitude range 0.001 x
CR
CR is the acronym we use for Current Range. A current range defines the maximum current a potentiostat can measure in a certain range. Continue reading
to 0.4 x
CR
CR is the acronym we use for Current Range. A current range defines the maximum current a potentiostat can measure in a certain range. Continue reading
(<10 mA)
0.001 x
CR
CR is the acronym we use for Current Range. A current range defines the maximum current a potentiostat can measure in a certain range. Continue reading
to 0.2 x
CR
CR is the acronym we use for Current Range. A current range defines the maximum current a potentiostat can measure in a certain range. Continue reading
(10 mA)
(
CR
CR is the acronym we use for Current Range. A current range defines the maximum current a potentiostat can measure in a certain range. Continue reading
= current range)
Optional: Bipotentiostat
dc-potential range
The maximum potential difference, that can be applied between WE and RE.
± 5 V
dc-potential resolution 153 µV (16-bit)
dc-offset error ≤ 0.1%, ±  1 mV offset
accuracy ≤ 0.1 %
current ranges
A current range defines the maximum current a potentiostat can measure in a certain range. Continue reading
100 pA to 10 mA (9 ranges)
maximum measured current i(WE1) + i(WE2) < 30 mA
current resolution

0.005% of current range (5 fA on 100 pA range)

0.0025% of 10 mA range

current accuracy
The current accuracy describes how close to the real values your measured current is. Continue reading

≤ 0.1% at Full Scale Range

all with additional 0.2% of offset error

connection

Comes with a sensor cable with an additional (yellow) connector for WE2

power

Comes with additional USB Y-cable for extra power

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
1 MHz
Other
housing aluminium with rubber sleeve: 15.7 x 9.7 x 3.5 cm
weight +/- 500 g
temperature range 0 ºC to + 50 ºC
power supply USB or internal LiPo battery
communication USB and Bluetooth (Dual Mode)
battery time > 16 hours idle time
> 4 hours with cell on at max. current
extendable by means of power bank
internal storage space 8 GB
or +/- 800000 measurements incl. method info (assuming 200 data points per measurement)
Auxiliary port (D-Sub 15)
analog input ±10 V,
18-bit
An 18 bit input can measure in 2^18 or roughly 262 thousand different steps. If you measure for example an analog voltage that can go from 0 to 5V, the accuracy is 5 divided by 262k, resulting in resolution of 20 uV. Continue reading
analog output 0-10 V, 12 bit (1 kOhm output impedance)
4 digital outputs 0-5 V
1 digital input 0-5 V
i-out and E-out raw output of current and potential
E-out ±10 V (1 kOhm output impedance)
i-out ±6 V (1 kOhm output impedance)
power 5 V output (max. 150 mA)
EIS Accuracy Contour Plot

Software

PSTrace

PSTrace is designed to be productive immediately after installation, without going through a long learning period. It has three modes; the Scientific mode which allows you to run all the techniques our instruments have to offer, and two dedicated modes for Corrosion analysis and the Analytical Mode. PSTrace is suitable for all levels of user experience.

Features include:

  • Direct validation of method parameters
  • Automated peak search
  • Equivalent Circuit Fitting
  • Scripting for running an automated sequence of measurements
  • Open data in Origin and Excel with one click of a button
  • Load data from the instrument’s internal storage
  • and many more…
More information about PSTrace
PSTrace Method Editor

PStouch

PStouch is an app for Android devices compatible with all PalmSens, EmStat and Sensit potentiostats. The app connects to your potentiostat via USB (depending on the Android device) or via Bluetooth.

PStouch features include:

  • Setting up and running measurements
  • All files compatible with PSTrace
  • Analysing and manipulating peaks
  • Sharing data directly via e-mail, Dropbox, or any other file sharing service

Get it on Google Play

More information about PStouch

Software Development Kits

PalmSens provides several Software Development Kits (SDKs) to help developers create custom software to control their potentiostat. Each SDK comes with documentation and examples that shows how to use the libraries.

SDKs are available for:

  • .NET (WinForms, WPF and Xamarin for Android)
  • Python
  • LabVIEW
  • Matlab
More information about our SDKs

Downloads

Documentation (4)

Name Last updated
PalmSens4 Brochure PalmSens4 Brochure 10-03-25
PalmSens4 Operator’s Manual Learn how to connect the instrument, understand the specifications, use the features and troubleshoot if needed. 13-03-24
PalmSens4 IR Compensation Module – Brochure This document describes the IR Compensation Module for PalmSens4. The module is available as an in-factory add-on module and provides positive feedback to compensate for the IR drop between the Reference electrode and the outside of the double layer of the electrochemical cell. 09-09-22
PalmSens4 BiPot – Brochure For using an additional working electrode with your PalmSens4 to make it an BiPotentiostat. 09-09-22

Software (1)

Name Last updated
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

Application Note (4)

Name Last updated
Potentiostatic and Galvanostatic EIS What is GEIS? When to use GEIS or PEIS? 14-12-20
PalmSens4 Connecting via Bluetooth This document shows how to connect the PalmSens4 via Bluetooth to PSTrace (for Windows) or PStouch (for Android) 08-04-20
PalmSens4 example calibration report PalmSens4 example calibration report 08-04-20
Galvanic Isolation In this application note the galvanic isolation options are discussed for the different PalmSens instruments as well as the effect of galvanic isolation on your measurement. 08-04-20
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