BIOPAC MP160 – Advanced Multi-Channel Data Acquisition System, 16-Channel High-Speed Research Platform with Ethernet Connectivity & AcqKnowledge Software
The BIOPAC MP160 is a high-performance data acquisition and analysis system designed for life science research, biomedical engineering, and advanced laboratory applications. It provides multi-channel recording with high sampling rates, flexible signal acquisition, and seamless integration with AcqKnowledge software, making it a powerful platform for physiological signal monitoring, experimental research, and real-time data analysis.
Technical Specifications:
Core System:
- Type: Data Acquisition System
- Model: MP160
- Application: Life science research & biomedical data acquisition
Input / Output Configuration:
Analog Inputs:
- Channels: 16
- Input Range: ±10V (operational)
- Max Input: ±15V
- Resolution: 16-bit
- Accuracy: ±0.003%
- Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
Analog Outputs:
- Channels: 2
- Output Range: ±10V
- Resolution: 16-bit
- Accuracy: ±0.003%
- Output Current: ±5 mA
Digital I/O:
- Channels: 16 (configurable input/output)
- Signal Type: TTL / CMOS
- External Trigger: Supported
Performance:
- Maximum Sampling Rate:
- 200K samples/sec (single)
- 400K samples/sec (aggregate)
- Internal Buffer: 6M samples
- Waveform Output Buffer: 500K samples
Provides high-speed, high-precision acquisition for complex experiments.
Communication & Connectivity:
- Interface: Ethernet (UDP)
- Data Transfer Rate: 10 Mbit/sec
- Max Cable Length: 100 meters
- Connection Method:
- Direct via ETHUSB adapter (recommended)
- Optional multi-unit via switch (not recommended for performance)
According to the diagram on page 7, the system uses an internal microprocessor with multiplexed analog channels, digital I/O blocks, and Ethernet communication for real-time data transmission.
Software & Compatibility:
- Software: AcqKnowledge 5 or higher
- OS Support:
- Windows (64-bit)
- macOS (64-bit)
- API Support:
- BHAPI (Hardware Interface)
- ACKAPI (Software Interface)
Power & Electrical:
- Power Supply: 12V DC @ 2A
- Isolation: Medical-grade isolation (IEC 60601-1 compliant)
- Leakage Current:
- <8 µA (normal)
- <400 µA (single fault)
Physical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10 × 11 × 19 cm
- Weight: 1.15 kg
Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
- Storage Temperature: -10°C to 70°C
- Humidity: 0–95% (non-condensing)
Key Features:
- 16-channel analog input system
- 16 digital I/O channels
- 2 analog outputs
- High-speed acquisition up to 400K samples/sec
- Ethernet-based communication
- 16-bit high-resolution measurement
- External trigger support
- Medical-grade isolation safety
- Flexible API integration
- Compatible with wide range of BIOPAC modules
Applications:
- Biomedical research
- Physiological signal recording
- Neuroscience studies
- ECG / EEG / EMG monitoring
- Laboratory experiments
- Academic research
- Clinical research environments
- Human performance analysis
Connect Gates Professional Opinion:
From Connect Gates’ perspective, the MP160 is not a standard data acquisition device—it is a full professional research platform. It is best suited for universities, medical labs, and advanced research centers where high accuracy, multi-channel recording, and software integration are critical. Compared to basic DAQ systems, the MP160 offers significantly higher precision, scalability, and compatibility with specialized biomedical modules, making it a long-term investment for serious research applications.