Abstract: A microelectrode array comprises electrodes array. Each electrode is associated with a sampling circuit for sampling an electrode signal on the electrode, a sample buffer to store a representation of the electrode signal from the electrode, and activity sensor configured to detect an electrode signal event above a predetermined threshold and to set an activity flag based on the detection. The microelectrode array further comprises control logic to activate the sampling circuit and sample buffer of an electrode to sample the electrode signal and store a representation of the sampled signal for that electrode only when the activity flag is set. Electrode signal activity is detected at the electrode level to control electrode signal sampling activity. A plurality of microelectrode arrays may be coupled in a networked configuration for scheduling and controlling transmission of stored representations of the electrode signals over a data bus to a data sink.

Abstract: In the field of cell-based assays, i.e. cellular assays, there is a need for improved cell culture retaining inserts, cell culture retaining insert assemblies, cell culture positioning inserts, and cell culture positioning insert assemblies. A cell culture retaining insert (10; 50; 70), for retaining a three-dimensional biological sample (56) in a cell culture vessel (122; 132) comprises a rigid insert body (12) which has at least one engagement formation (14) to, in use, removably secure the cell culture retaining insert (10; 50; 70) to the cell culture vessel (122, 132). The cell culture retaining insert (10; 50; 70) also includes a retention element (18; 18?; 18?) that is coupled with the insert body (12). The retention element (18; 18?; 18?) has a distal end (28) that is positionable, in use, proximate to a well bottom (90) in a cell culture vessel (122; 132). The entire distal end (28) is resiliently deformable.

Abstract: A plurality of microelectrode arrays may be coupled in a networked configuration for scheduling and controlling transmission of stored representations of the electrode signals over a data bus to a data sink.

Abstract: A probe array comprises a substrate having an array of pillar probes which may be electrodes. Each pillar probe extends in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the substrate and has a first cross-sectional area. Each probe is disposed on a pedestal formed on the substrate where each pedestal has a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area and forms a platform from which the pillar probe extends, the platforms configured to support the underside of a sample structure which has been penetrated by the pillar probes to thereby prevent the sample structure from reaching the substrate. A plurality of channels is formed between the pedestals, the channels each having a width less than the spacing between the pillar probes. The channels ensure that a supply of critical fluids can be delivered to an underside of a cellular sample into which the pillar probes penetrate.

Abstract: The radio-frequency signal frequency conversion device generates intermediate complex signals (IF) for a correlation stage of a low power RF receiver. In order to do this, the device includes a first selective pass-band filter for filtering radio-frequency signals picked up by an antenna. A frequency synthesizer generates first and second high frequency signals, wherein the frequency of the first signals is higher than the frequency of the second signals. This synthesizer receives reference signals from an oscillator unit. A first mixer unit mixes the radio-frequency signals with the first signals in order to generate frequency-converted signals. A second pass-band filter filters the signals from the first mixer unit, and provides signals to a second mixer unit to mix them with the second high frequency signals. Finally, shaping means for the signals provided by the second mixer unit generate the intermediate signals.

Abstract: The radio-frequency signal frequency conversion device generates intermediate complex signals (IF) for a correlation stage of a low power RF receiver. In order to do this, the device includes a first selective pass-band filter for filtering radio-frequency signals picked up by an antenna. A frequency synthesiser generates first and second high frequency signals, wherein the frequency of the first signals is higher than the frequency of the second signals. This synthesiser receives reference signals from an oscillator unit. A first mixer unit mixes the radio-frequency signals with the first signals in order to generate frequency-converted signals. A second pass-band filter filters the signals from the first mixer unit, and provides signals to a second mixer unit to mix them with the second high frequency signals. Finally, shaping means for the signals provided by the second mixer unit generate the intermediate signals.