Current Measurement Accuracy

Potentiostat: Minimum possible accuracy is 0.1% of measured value 100 pA, which makes it suitable for precise low-current measurements.

Cycler: Minimum possible accuracy is 0.1% of range ± 250.0 µA, for the lowest current range. The 750 µA floor makes the Cycler unsuitable for precise low-current measurements, such as coin-cell studies.

EIS Performance

Potentiostat: Frequency range is 10 µHz – 2 MHz for EIS capable units.

Cycler: Frequency range is 10 µHz – 10 kHz. Impedance measurements below 1 Ohm often require larger input amplitudes compared to a potentiostat due to limited current measurement accuracy.

Temperature Measurements

Potentiostat: Incapable of measuring temperature. Only boosted units (Penta, Decka and Venta) are compatible with a thermocouple connection. Temperature can be monitored on Squidstat User Interface software during and after the measurement.

Cycler: Each channel is equipped with a thermistor (-55°C to 80°C with ± 1.25°C accuracy). Temperature can be monitored on Squidstat User Interface software during and after the measurement. Not compatible with a thermocouple connection.

Intended Application

Potentiostat: Ideal for 3-electrode systems, coin cells and small cylindrical batteries.

Cycler: Suitable for all battery types (except coin cell) and fuel cells.

Note: Channels of the Squidstat potentiostat cannot be combined to increase the current or voltage ranges. This is only applicable for Squidstat cyclers. Additionally, we offer longer channel cabling only for Squidstat cyclers.

Yes Cyclers can go above 60A up to 1000A per unit.

Parallel operation increases the maximum current output by combining multiple channels to function as a single channel.

When channels are configured in parallel, the current limit becomes the sum of the current limits of all combined channels.

The graphic below illustrates the lead configurations: the image shows parallel operation with two channels Voltage sense leads can be stacked, but current leads must be connected individually.

Any two or more channels can be combined in parallel, provided they are correctly configured in the Squidstat User Interface. See Section 10.6.15 on Squidstat Operating Manual for instructions on how to configure parallel operation in the software.

Yes, Cycler offer bipolar capability (testing at both negative and positive voltages).

Bipolar operation pairs two channels to extend the voltage range of a single channel, enabling operation at negative voltages. For example, when two channels on the Base Model Cycler are configured for bipolar operation, the resulting limits are ±5 V and ±5 A for the combined channel.

On models with more than two channels, only adjacent channels can be configured for bipolar operation. For instance, on a 4-channel Cycler, the two valid combinations are channels 1 and 2 or channels 3 and 4; other combinations are not supported.

The graphic below illustrates the lead setup for bipolar operation using channels 1 and 2. The positive (red) output leads connect to the battery or device under test, while the negative (black) output leads are stacked and set aside.

See Section 10.6.15 on Squidstat Operating Manual for instructions on how to enable bipolar operation in the Squidstat User Interface software.

Yes. Bipolar and parallel configurations can be used simultaneously, allowing you to combine higher voltage capability with increased current capacity in a single setup.

If the Squidstat Cycler has at least 4 channels, it is possible to configure all 4 channels as a single channel with both bipolar and parallel operation. This provides access to negative voltages and also increases the maximum current limit. Using the Base Model Cycler (0-5 V, ±5 A per channel) as an example, when all 4 channels are configured for bipolar and parallel combined operation, the current and voltage limits are ±10 A and ±5 V, respectively.

The graphic below shows how the leads should be connected to the cell for bipolar/parallel combined operation. As in bipolar mode, the red leads are connected to the cell, while the black leads are stacked and set aside. The lower numbered channels (1 and 3) are always connected to the positive terminal of the battery or device under test, while the higher numbered channels (2 and 4) are always connected to the negative terminal. As in parallel mode, the current carrying leads should be connected to the cell individually while the voltage sensing leads can be stacked.

Multiple steps are required to enable this operating mode in the software. See Section 8.8 on Squidstat Operating Manual for instructions on how to configure it in the software.

Cyclers have five-leads:

Working (+) Current Lead Black wire / Red plug Current-carrying lead connected to the working electrode.

Counter (–) Current Lead Black wire / Black plug Current-carrying lead connected to the counter electrode. Current flows only between the working and counter current leads.

Working (+) Sense Lead White wire / Red plug Voltage-sensing lead and an integral part of the feedback loop used to control and accurately measure the potential at the working electrode. Can be stacked with the working current lead.

Counter (–) Sense Lead White wire / Black plug Voltage-sensing lead typically connected to the counter electrode. Can be stacked with the counter current lead. Since it is not part of the feedback loop, it may also be placed anywhere a voltage measurement is required.

Thermistor Lead

In addition to the four electrical leads, cyclers include a thermistor for temperature monitoring, which is separate from the electrical connections.

Channel cabling for the Squidstat Cycler Base Model consists of five total leads: four leads terminating in a 2 mm male/female banana plug and 1 thermistor lead terminating in a 3 mm ring.

Customized Squidstat Cyclers are shipped with three cables that function together as one channel cable with five leads: two separate current leads terminating in an M6 Lug connection, one sense lead cable consisting of two voltage leads terminating in a 2 mm male/female banana plug, and 1 thermistor lead terminating in a 3 mm ring.

All Squidstat potentiostat and Cycler models come with a standard channel cable that is 1 m in length.

Extended length cabling options are available for the Squidstat Cyclers at two additional lengths, 2 m and 3 m.

If you wish to purchase a longer length cable for the Cycler, please contact sales@admiralinstruments.com for pricing and additional information.

Two-Electrode Configuration

Three-Electrode Configuration

Two-Electrode Configuration with Four-Point Connections

Four-Electrode Configuration

Multichannel Bipolar Operation

Multichannel Parallel Operation

Bipolar and Parallel Combined Operation