MEDICAL RESEARCH ISX-3

High-performance EIS for medical research

The Medical Research ISX-3 combines the broadband impedance-measurement capabilities of the ISX-3 with medical grade safety features and configurable electrode interfaces developed specifically for research measurements on human subjects.

Configure 2-, 3- or 4-electrode EIS, voltage or current excitation, AC- and DC-coupled measurement paths, MUX32/64, isolated communication and I/O, medical grade push-pull connectors and dedicated electrode cable sets around the research protocol – without first engineering the complete isolation and interface architecture around a conventional impedance analyzer.

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT – NOT A MEDICAL DEVICE — The Medical Research ISX-3 is intended for research and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The complete experimental setup and its use with human subjects remain subject to the applicable institutional, ethical and technical review.

100 mHz–10 MHz

BROADBAND EIS

100 mHz – 10 MHz

Frequency Range

0.01 %

Base Precision

up to 3 h

Battery Runtime

100 mHz–10 MHz

BROADBAND EIS

Detailed spectroscopy with up to 2048 frequency points per sweep.

mΩ–GΩ

WIDE MEASUREMENT RANGE

0.1% specified magnitude accuracy, with a broad central reference region reaching 0.01%.

MEDICAL GRADE

SAFETY FEATURES

Additional electrical-safety measures specified in accordance with DIN EN 60601-1:2013-12.

AC/DC PATHS · MUX32/64

CONFIGURABLE MEASUREMENT PATH

Configure coupling, multiplexing, connectors and dedicated electrode cable sets around the research protocol.
MEDICAL GRADE SAFETY FEATURES

Medical grade safety features in a research instrument

Power, computer communication, synchronization lines, auxiliary equipment, electrode cabling and DC paths to the subject can all become part of the electrical-safety concept. With a conventional impedance analyzer, these paths have to be assessed and, where necessary, isolated around the instrument.

The Medical Research ISX-3 addresses these paths with dedicated medical grade safety features. This gives research teams a technically appropriate starting point for human-connected EIS without having to build every instrument-side isolation measure from external add-ons.

The additional safety measures are specified in accordance with DIN EN 60601-1:2013-12. The complete experimental setup must still be reviewed for the intended study and all equipment connected to the subject.
ENCLOSURE

Prevent contact, shield the frontend and provide mechanical protection

Prevents contact between internal electrical circuitry and external equipment or humans, provides mechanical safety and shields the measurement frontend to reduce interference.

MEDICAL GRADE POWER SUPPLY

Isolated 12 VDC supply with optional stand-alone battery operation

An external isolated AC/DC converter supplies the instrument with 12 VDC. Stand-alone battery operation is also possible, including software-controllable electromechanical switch-off of the DC input lines.

ISOLATED FULL SPEED USB

Keep instrument control and data readout isolated

The isolated Full Speed USB port provides instrument control and data transfer from a PC through a dedicated isolated communication path.

ETHERNET + NETWORK ISOLATOR

Use standard Ethernet with medical grade external isolation

The standard RJ45 Ethernet interface is not internally isolated. An external medical grade network isolator, included with the corresponding offer, can be inserted in the communication path to provide the required isolation ratings.

ISOIO MODULE

Synchronise and communicate with external equipment through isolated I/O

Provides hardware synchronization and flexible programmable I/O, including UART, SPI and I2C, for use with other external equipment without bypassing the intended isolation concept.

AC COUPLING FRONTEND

Block DC current and galvanically isolate the measurement path

The external AC-coupling module blocks DC currents, adds a high-pass filter characteristic that limits low-frequency currents and galvanically isolates the instrument from the measurement object or patient interface.

CONFIGURE THE MEASUREMENT PATH FOR YOUR RESEARCH PROTOCOL

Configure the measurement path for your research protocol.

The Medical Research ISX-3 retains the measurement flexibility of the ISX platform. Electrode topology, excitation, AC/DC coupling, multiplexing and the physical electrode connection can be configured to match the requirements of the research protocol.
2 / 3 / 4 ELECTRODES

Use the topology the physiology and electrode arrangement require

Configure direct 2-electrode bioimpedance measurements, add a reference electrode where needed or separate current injection from voltage sensing with a 4-electrode setup.

VOLTAGE OR CURRENT

Choose the excitation mode around the measurement

Use controlled voltage or current excitation and select the amplitude around the tissue, electrode and impedance range being investigated.

AC + DC COUPLED PATHS

Make both coupling modes available where the study needs them

On request, configure separate AC-coupled and DC-coupled measurement ports in the same instrument. AC coupling blocks DC and limits the low-frequency path; a DC-coupled route preserves access where the protocol requires it.

MUX32 / MUX64

Keep many electrode positions connected

Build the Medical Research ISX-3 with sequential multiplexing for multi-site or multi-electrode studies. Selected MUX paths can be configured with AC coupling according to the required channel architecture.

MEDICAL GRADE PUSH-PULL CONNECTORS

Use connectors suited to medical research environments

Configure robust push-pull connector systems and avoid building the complete electrode connection around ordinary laboratory BNC wiring.

DEDICATED CABLE SETS

Connect directly to established electrode interfaces

Use medical trunk cables and dedicated cable sets matched to standard electrode interfaces in medical environments, or define a custom cable set around the research hardware.

High-performance EIS with safety and interface options for medical research.

The Medical Research ISX-3 is built on the ISX-3 measurement platform. The final usable frequency range and interface performance depend on the configured coupling, multiplexer, cable and subject-side path.
Parameter
Specification
Details
IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY
Frequency range
100 mHz ... 10 MHz standard
Higher-frequency configurations can be reviewed where the complete research interface supports them.
Frequency points
1 ... 2048 per sweep
Linear, logarithmic and block-wise frequency programmes.
Impedance range
mΩ ... GΩ specified
Use the accuracy contour for the actual impedance/frequency operating region.
Magnitude accuracy
0.1% specified
Broad central reference region reaches 0.01% under documented reference conditions.
Phase accuracy
0.1°
Specified phase accuracy for EIS.
Voltage excitation
1 mV ... 1 V peak
Controlled voltage excitation.
Current excitation
10 µA ... 10 mA peak
Controlled current excitation.
Electrode configurations
2-, 3- and 4-electrode
Software-configurable topology.
DC bias
±1 V on DC-coupled measurement path
Combined excitation/bias limits apply; AC-coupled paths block DC.
Compensation
Open / short / load
Compensates cables, fixtures and connection parasitics in the configured path.
MEDICAL RESEARCH SAFETY & INTERFACES
Medical grade safety features
Specified in accordance with DIN EN 60601-1:2013-12
Dedicated instrument-side isolation, power, communication and measurement-path measures for medical research.
Power
External medical grade isolated AC/DC supply
Optional battery operation available for measurements without an active mains connection.
USB
Isolated Full Speed USB
PC control and data transfer through an isolated USB path.
Ethernet
10/100 Ethernet + external medical grade network isolator
Use the external isolator where Ethernet is part of the research setup.
IsoIO
Isolated digital I/O / low-level communication
For synchronization and coordination with external equipment without bypassing the intended isolation path.
Measurement coupling
AC-coupled and DC-coupled configurations
Split AC/DC ports available on request; AC coupling introduces a high-pass characteristic.
Multiplexing
MUX32 / MUX64 configurations
Sequential multi-position measurement; AC-coupled MUX paths configurable according to system architecture.
Electrode interface
BNC or medical grade push-pull / application-specific connector options
Dedicated medical-research cable sets and custom electrode interfaces available.
ACCURACY & MEASUREMENT PERFORMANCE

High accuracy across a wide EIS measurement range.

The ISX measurement core specifies 0.1% magnitude and 0.1° phase accuracy for impedance spectroscopy, with a broad central reference region reaching 0.01% magnitude accuracy under documented conditions.
For human-connected measurements, the complete configured path matters: coupling frontend, multiplexer, cable set, electrodes and the subject itself can all influence the useful frequency range and measured impedance. This is why demanding protocols should be reviewed as a complete measurement chain rather than by analyzer specifications alone.
ACCURACY CONTOUR

Check the actual impedance/frequency region

Show the released ISX accuracy contour and highlight the region relevant to the study.

CONFIGURED SIGNAL PATH

Review the complete measurement chain

Where AC coupling, MUX or specialised cabling is used, document the resulting transfer path and relevant low-frequency limits.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE
RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Medical research applications for Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy.

The Medical Research ISX-3 supports applications ranging from human bioimpedance and electrode-interface research to physiological measurements, multichannel experiments and sensor development. Its dedicated safety and interface options become particularly valuable when electrodes connect the measurement directly to a human subject.
HUMAN BIOIMPEDANCE

Measure frequency-dependent tissue and body impedance

Use 2- or 4-electrode configurations to investigate impedance spectra of tissue and body segments under controlled excitation.

PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPEDANCE CHANGES

Track impedance changes during controlled activity

Use repeated or time-resolved EIS to study changes associated with movement or other experimentally controlled physiological conditions.

ELECTRODE & CONTACT STUDIES

Characterise the subject-electrode interface

Investigate electrode, skin-contact and interface behaviour where connection impedance itself is part of the research question.

MULTI-SITE MEASUREMENTS

Route many electrode positions through one analyzer

Use MUX32/64 configurations when many sites or electrode combinations can be measured sequentially within the protocol.

PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DEVELOPMENT

Develop human-connected sensors with a professional EIS reference

Use the analyzer to establish useful frequency ranges, excitation levels and electrode configurations before committing to dedicated measurement electronics.

RESEARCH SYSTEM INTEGRATION

Coordinate EIS with other experimental equipment

Use isolated communication, IsoIO and application-specific interfaces when impedance measurement is one part of a larger research platform.

DOCUMENTED MULTICHANNEL EXAMPLE

Example application: bioimpedance during hand movement.

A Medical Research ISX-3 with 32-channel multiplexing was used to record changes in forearm impedance during controlled hand movement. Multiple electrode positions remained connected while the system sequentially acquired impedance data through the research-specific measurement configuration.
The example shows the complete platform in use: human-subject electrodes, multichannel routing and EIS acquisition combined in one integrated medical-research setup.

Why not use a standard impedance analyzer?

A standard high-end impedance analyzer may provide perfectly suitable EIS performance. Once a human subject becomes electrically connected, however, power, PC communication, auxiliary equipment, DC paths, multiplexing and electrode-side cabling also become part of the electrical-safety concept. The Medical Research ISX-3 keeps the familiar ISX measurement capabilities, but adds medical grade safety features and configurable research interfaces so that much of this instrument-side work is already addressed within the measurement system.
Parameter
Specification
Details
SETUP QUESTION · CONVENTIONAL ANALYZER APPROACH · MEDICAL RESEARCH ISX-3 APPROACH
Power path
Add and document suitable isolation around the analyzer.
Medical grade isolated supply; optional battery operation.
PC / network control
Assess USB/Ethernet paths and add isolation where needed.
Isolated USB; Ethernet route with external medical grade network isolator.
Subject-side DC path
Design the required blocking/isolation externally.
AC-coupled measurement path available; DC-coupled path can be retained where the study requires it.
Multichannel measurement
Add scanner/multiplexer and then evaluate its effect on the complete safety concept.
Medical Research ISX-3 available with MUX32/64 and configurable AC-coupled paths.
Electrode connection
Build subject-side cabling around laboratory connectors.
Medical grade push-pull connector options and dedicated electrode cable sets.
External equipment
Ensure synchronization/I/O does not bypass the intended isolation concept.
IsoIO route for isolated synchronization and low-level communication.
It does not remove the need to assess the complete study setup. It removes much of the need to invent the instrument-side safety and interface architecture from scratch.

Configure your Medical Research ISX-3

Start with the measurement requirements, then define the coupling, channel architecture, isolated system interfaces and electrode connection. Sciospec reviews the resulting configuration before quotation.

Loading configurator…

SOFTWARE & AUTOMATION

EIS measurement, MUX routing and external control.

Configure and analyse impedance measurements in the standard ISX workflow, route direct or multiplexed electrode paths in software and coordinate acquisition with external research equipment where the protocol requires it.
EIS MEASUREMENT

Configure and run the spectrum

Set frequency range, excitation, precision and topology; inspect the resulting impedance data in Bode, Nyquist and time-based views.

PORT / MUX CONFIGURATION

Route the real electrode setup

Assign C, R, WS and W roles across direct and multiplexed paths in software.

EXTERNAL CONTROL

Integrate the analyzer into the protocol

Use the Sciospec Communication Interface over the appropriate isolated control path when acquisition is driven by external software.

SYNCHRONISATION & I/O

Coordinate with other research equipment

Use IsoIO where external triggers, digital I/O or low-level communication must be integrated without bypassing the intended isolation route.

CUSTOM RESEARCH SYSTEMS & OEM

From medical research to the final application

The Medical Research ISX-3 can establish the EIS method, electrode interface, switching and isolation requirements of a study. If the setup later needs to become a dedicated reader, automated platform or OEM system, those validated requirements provide a strong technical basis for the next engineering stage.
01 - VALIDATE

Establish the measurement

Define useful frequency range, impedance region, excitation, topology, coupling and electrode interface with the configurable research analyzer.

02 - INTEGRATE

Stabilise the research setup

Fix the connector system, MUX map, isolated control paths, mechanics and software workflow around the study.

03 - ENGINEER

Build dedicated hardware where justified

Use the validated requirements to scope separate electronics, firmware, software and mechanics for a dedicated research or OEM system.

A transition toward a regulated medical device is a separate development and regulatory path; it is not implied by the Medical Research ISX-3 configuration.

Medical Research ISX-3 FAQ

Is the Medical Research ISX-3 a medical device?
No. It is a research instrument and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. It includes medical grade safety features specified in accordance with DIN EN 60601-1:2013-12 for research measurements involving human subjects.
They include an isolated medical grade power supply, optional stand-alone battery operation with electromechanical DC-input disconnection, isolated Full Speed USB, an external medical grade network isolator for Ethernet, IsoIO for isolated synchronization and communication, and AC-coupled measurement paths for galvanic isolation where required. The complete research setup must still be assessed for the intended study.

Choose the Medical Research configuration when measurements on human subjects make isolated power, communication, I/O, AC/DC coupling and dedicated electrode interfaces part of the experiment. It provides the same core EIS capabilities as the ISX platform while reducing the amount of safety and interface engineering that otherwise has to be built around a conventional analyzer.

The standard analyzer configuration covers 100 mHz to 10 MHz and a specified impedance range from mΩ to GΩ. The exact usable range of a human-connected setup also depends on the configured coupling path, MUX, cabling and electrodes. Higher-frequency configurations can be reviewed where the complete interface supports them.
An AC-coupled path blocks DC current, galvanically isolates the subject-side measurement path and introduces a high-pass characteristic that limits low-frequency response. A DC-coupled path preserves access to lower-frequency/DC components where the research protocol requires them. The correct path depends on the measurement and complete safety concept.
Yes. On request, Medical Research ISX-3 systems can be configured with separate AC-coupled and DC-coupled measurement ports so that both paths are available within the same research setup.
Yes. Medical Research ISX-3 systems can be built with MUX32 or MUX64 for sequential multi-position measurements. AC coupling can be applied to selected MUX paths according to the required channel architecture.
Yes. Configurations can use medical grade push-pull connector options, medical trunk cables and dedicated cable sets matched to established electrode interfaces, with custom cable assemblies available where the study requires a different connection.
Yes, but those connections form part of the complete safety architecture. The Medical Research ISX-3 provides isolated USB, an Ethernet route using an external medical grade network isolator and optional IsoIO for isolated synchronization and low-level communication with external equipment.
No. Suitability and approval depend on the complete experimental system, protocol, institution and applicable rules. The value of the Medical Research ISX-3 is that the instrument-side isolation, coupling and interface requirements are addressed deliberately rather than being left entirely to external add-ons around a conventional analyzer.
Yes. The research instrument can establish the EIS method, electrode interface, switching and control requirements for a later dedicated system. Any regulated medical-device development would remain a separate engineering and regulatory programme.

What do you need for your research setup?

PLANNING A MEDICAL RESEARCH STUDY

Review the complete setup

Tell us the electrode arrangement, measurement range, coupling requirements, channel count and every other instrument electrically connected to the subject. We will recommend the appropriate Medical Research ISX-3 configuration.

READY TO CONFIGURE

Build the instrument configuration

Select the analyzer, AC/DC path, MUX, isolated interfaces, electrode connector and cable options and send the configuration for review and quotation.

BUILDING DEDICATED RESEARCH HARDWARE

Discuss application-specific integration

Use this route when the measurement is becoming part of a dedicated research instrument, automated platform or OEM system.

Download user manual · Compare with standard ISX-3 · Explore medical & healthcare research applications

Get in touch with us

Headquarters

Sciospec Scientific Instruments GmbH Leipziger Str. 43b 04828 Bennewitz, Germany

Open in Google Maps

Get in touch with us

We typically reply within one business day.