Multiplexed EFM Trend Keywords

Definitions of Key Words

The following key terms are used throughout this help section.

Active Cell

• The cell (if any) currently connected to the system potentiostat. Any electrochemical measurements are made on the active cell.

Aux A/D

• An independent switch in each ECM8 channel. It need not be switched along with the cell connections. In the ECM8 this switch is only used in galvanic corrosion tests. It is used to multiplex the reference-electrode signals from each cell to the single Auxiliary A/D input on the system potentiostat.

Cell

• Either an electrochemical cell, or the switches needed to connect an electrochemical cell to the system potentiostat.

Channel

• One of the eight ECM8 channels. A channel includes cell switching, an Aux A/D switch, a local potentiostat, and a D/A converter. The term cell is used when only the cell-switching portion of a channel is discussed.

Inactive Cell

• Any cell not currently connected to the system potentiostat. Inactive is a slightly misleading term, for an inactive cell can still be “actively” controlled by the ECM8.

System Computer

• The computer responsible for coordinating operation of a Multiplexed DC Corrosion system. In a Multiplexed DC Corrosion system, this is a computer running Microsoft Windows®.

System Potentiostat

• The potentiostat responsible for making electrochemical measurements on the cells used in the experiment. The system potentiostat in a Multiplexed DC Corrosion system is a Gamry Instruments potentiostat connected to the system computer.