Ivium HiMUX.XR High-Performance 8-Channel Electrochemical Sample Switcher

Overview

The Ivium HiMUX.XR is a high-precision, 8-channel electrochemical sample switcher engineered for automated, multi-sample electrochemical characterization in research and quality control laboratories. Unlike conventional multiplexers relying on mechanical relays or shared current paths, the HiMUX.XR implements fully isolated, parallel galvanostatic circuitry—eight independent potentiostat/galvanostat front-ends housed within a single compact module. Each channel features dedicated analog signal conditioning, low-leakage switching architecture, and true four-electrode (working, counter, reference, and sense) support, enabling accurate measurement of complex electrochemical interfaces without cross-talk or residual charging artifacts. Its design eliminates transient capacitive currents typically induced during channel switching—a critical limitation in dynamic techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and pulse-based methods—thereby preserving data fidelity across the full frequency range (DC to >1 MHz). The device operates under precise synchronization with Ivium’s flagship potentiostats (IviumStat and CompactStat series), supporting time-resolved, sequence-driven experiments across heterogeneous sample sets.

Key Features

• Eight electrically isolated channels, each equipped with independent galvanostatic control and ultra-low leakage capacitance (<1 pF typical), ensuring minimal signal distortion during high-frequency EIS measurements.
• No-switching transients: proprietary solid-state switching topology prevents charge/discharge spikes upon channel selection—eliminating baseline disturbances in fast-scan CV or transient chronoamperometry.
• Full four-electrode capability per channel (WE, CE, RE, SE), supporting both standard three-electrode configurations and advanced setups requiring separated current and potential sensing (e.g., corrosion studies, battery electrode evaluation).
• Maximum WE–CE current rating of ±5 A per channel, compatible with high-current applications including battery cycling, electrolyzer testing, and industrial electroplating process monitoring.
• Native integration with IviumSoft v6.x and later: automatic channel enumeration, programmable switching sequences, synchronized data logging, and real-time status feedback via USB or Ethernet interface.
• Rugged aluminum chassis with EMI-shielded internal layout, designed for stable operation in shared lab environments with multiple instrumentation systems.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HiMUX.XR supports a broad range of electrochemical cell types—including standard beaker cells, rotating disk electrodes (RDE), flow cells, microfluidic electrochemical chips, and custom-designed multi-compartment reactors—provided they conform to Ivium’s 4-mm banana plug or BNC termination standards. All channels meet IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and comply with EN 61326-1 for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in test and measurement applications. When used with IviumStat systems operating under GLP/GMP-aligned workflows, the HiMUX.XR enables audit-ready experiment tracking through IviumSoft’s built-in metadata tagging, user authentication, and electronic signature support—fully compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with appropriate IT controls.

Software & Data Management

Control and configuration are exclusively managed through IviumSoft, Ivium’s native electrochemical analysis platform. The software provides intuitive channel mapping, batch scripting for sequential multi-sample protocols (e.g., screening catalyst libraries or electrode coatings), and synchronized acquisition across all active channels. Raw current/voltage/time datasets are stored in open-format .idf files (Ivium Data Format), exportable to ASCII, MATLAB (.mat), or CSV without loss of timestamp resolution or channel attribution. Audit trails record every switching event, parameter change, and user action—including timestamps, operator ID, and system state—supporting traceability in regulated environments. Optional Python and LabVIEW SDKs allow third-party automation integration for high-throughput platforms.

Applications

• High-throughput electrocatalyst screening for fuel cell and water-splitting applications.
• Accelerated corrosion testing across alloy libraries under identical environmental conditions.
• Quality assurance of electrodeposited coatings in semiconductor and PCB manufacturing.
• Multi-cell battery electrode evaluation under galvanostatic/potentiostatic stress protocols.
• Time-resolved EIS monitoring of biofilm formation or polymer electrolyte hydration dynamics.
• Automated calibration verification using standardized redox couples across multiple reference cells.

FAQ

Can the HiMUX.XR be used with non-Ivium potentiostats?
No—it requires hardware-level synchronization and firmware-level command interpretation unique to IviumStat and CompactStat instruments.
Is remote triggering of channel switching supported?
Yes, via IviumSoft’s TCP/IP API or external TTL pulse input on the rear panel (configurable per channel).
Does each channel support independent compliance voltage settings?
Yes—compliance limits are set individually per channel in IviumSoft and enforced in real time by dedicated analog protection circuitry.
What is the maximum recommended cable length between HiMUX.XR and the potentiostat?
For optimal signal integrity and noise immunity, Ivium specifies ≤2 m for USB control and ≤1.5 m for analog signal cables; longer runs require active shielding and grounding best practices.
Can the HiMUX.XR operate in continuous unattended mode for extended periods?
Yes—designed for 24/7 operation with thermal management optimized for ambient temperatures up to 40 °C and relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing.