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Reference 3000

The Reference 3000™ is a high-performance potentiostat/galvanostat/ZRA recommended for battery, capacitor, or fuel cell development, as well as general electrochemical measurements requiring higher currents.

Key features include:

  • High-current, high-performance for researchers studying batteries
  • Maximum Applied Potential - Up to +/-32V@+/-1.5A or +/-15V@+/-3A
  • EIS - 10 μHz - 1 MHz

For techniques including:

  • Physical Electrochemistry
  • Pulse Voltammetry 
  • DC Corrosion

System Highlights

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

The Reference 3000 is fully equipped to perform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy up to 1 MHz.  The Accuracy Contour Plot below provides a detailed look at the performance you can expect from your instrument in real-world situations. The results include the cell cable.

Options

Auxiliary Electrometer
The auxiliary electrometer is a factory installed option that adds an array of eight differential voltage inputs. Each of the eight channels can measure a ± 5 volt signal anywhere over the Reference 3000’s entire compliance voltage range. Impedance measurements up to 100 kHz can also be performed using the auxiliary electrometer.

Extended Cable Lengths
Extended length cell cables (1.5 and 3 meter) are also available for your convenience.
Auxiliary Electrometer Cables: The standard Auxiliary Electrometer cables are 90 cm. Extended length cables (1.5 and 3 meter) are available.

More details

Below are additional details regarding the capabilities of the Reference 3000 potentiostat. Each bullet point contains a list of the type of techniques available for the instrument to run.

  • Physical Electrochemistry  - Techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and chronopotentiometry and derivatives of these techniques.  
  • Pulse VoltammetryTechniques such as pulse voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and associated stripping techniques such as anodic stripping voltammetry.  
  • DC CorrosionRun standard DC corrosion tests such as polarization resistance, potentiodynamic, cyclic polarization, and galvanic corrosion in addition to a number of others.
  • Electrochemical EnergyTest single-cells and stacks of various batteries, fuel cells or supercapacitors. Includes charge, discharge, cyclic charge-discharge techniques, potentiostatic, galvanostatic, self-discharge, leakage rate, and read cell voltage.
  • Electrochemical Signal Analyzer -  Designed specifically for the acquisition and analysis of time-dependent electrochemical noise signals. Cell voltage and current are continuously monitored at rates from 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz. A full featured set of analysis tools provides powerful analysis features such as statistical analysis, detrending, impedance spectra, and histogram analysis.
  • Electrochemical Frequency ModulationA non-destructive corrosion rate measurement technique. It allows for measurement of the corrosion rate without prior knowledge of the Tafel constants. In addition, the technique determines the Tafel constants and provides 2 internal validity checks.
  • Critical Pitting Temperaturecontrols a Gamry Potentiostat, TDC4 Temperature Controller, and associated accessories to automatically measure the Critical Pitting Temperature of a material.
  • Electrochemical NoiseA more general form of electrochemical noise testing. It is also an ECM8 Multiplexer compatible electrochemical noise software package. 
  • Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopyincludes experimental scripts for potentiostatic, galvanostatic and hybrid impedance spectroscopy experiments in addition to single frequency techniques like Mott-Schottky. We also have our unique power-leveling multisine technique that improves signal-to-noise across the spectrum. On the analysis side, it provides tools for fitting spectra to equivalent circuit models, Kramers-Kronig transform for data validation and a graphical model editor. Our software even includes a script for EIS simulation.
  • eChemDC Toolkitcontains all of the capabilities of the eChemBasic and further extends these capabilities by adding advanced signals and data acquisition modes to simplify implementing experiments like cyclic voltammetry, pulse voltammetry, and dynamic DC corrosion techniques. Also includes more advanced stop tests, particularly useful in fast experiments.
  • eChemAC - Includes full capabilities of eChemDC Toolkit plus allows electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and EFM experiments.

Other features

  • 2, 3, and 4 electrode measurements
  • Electrical Isolation
    • Floating instrument: use with autoclaves, mechanical stress apparatus, or pipeline probes.
  • Built-In EIS
    • On-board DDS to perform EIS from 10 µHz to 1 MHz. 
  • DSP (Digital Signal Processing) Mode
    • Oversamples for improved signal-to-noise and accurate capacitance measurements.
  • Current Interrupt and Positive Feedback iR Compensation
    • Gamry potentiostats and their controlling software use control loop algorithms to accurately measure and correct for uncompensated resistance.
  • Auxiliary I/O
    • Control additional equipment via additional I/O interfaces: external signal input, analog voltage output, analog current output, auxiliary A/D input, and digital I/O connector.
  • Warranty
    • Protected by 2-year factory service warranty.

 

 

Manuals

Specifications

SYSTEM

Potentiostat Yes
Galvanostat Yes
Zero Resistance Ammeter Yes
Floating (Isolated from Earth Ground)  Yes
Cell Connections 2, 3, 4 5 or 21+
Maximum Current ±3 A or ±1.5 A @ 32V
Current Ranges 11 (300 pA – 3 A)
Current Ranges
(including internal gain)
13
Minimum Current Resolution 92 aA
Maximum Applied Potential ±32 V
Rise Time <250 ns
Minimum Time Base 3.333 μs
Noise and Ripple (typical) <2 μV rms
Weight 7 kg
Dimensions 20 (W) x 23 (H) x 30 (D) cm
   

CONTROL AMPLIFIER

Compliance Voltage ±32 V
Output Current >±3 A
Speed Settings 5
Unity Gain Bandwidth 1100, 330, 50, 5.0, 0.5 kHz
   

EIS MEASUREMENT

EIS 10 μHz - 1 MHz
EIS Accuracy See Accuracy
Contour Plot
Voltage AC Amplitude 3 V maximum
Current AC Amplitude 3 A maximum
   

ELECTROMETER

Input Impedance >1014 Ω || <0.2 pF
Input Current (typical) <6 pA
Bandwidth >15 MHz at - 3 dB
CMRR >80 dB (100 kHz)
>60 dB (1 MHz)
   

POTENTIAL

Applied Accuracy    ±1 mV ±0.2% of setting
Applied Resolution 12.5 μV, 50 μV, 200 μV/bit
Measured Accuracy ±1 mV ±0.2% of reading
Measured Resolution High-Resolution Electrometer:
400 μV, 100 μV, 10 μV, 1 μV/bit
High Voltage Electrometer:
1.6 mV, 400 μV, 40 μV, 4 μV/bit
   

CURRENT

Applied/Measured Accuracy ±5 pA ± 0.05% of range
±0.2% of value (3 A - 3 nA)
or 0.5% of value (300 pA)
Applied/Measured Resolution 0.0033% full-scale/bit
Bandwidth >10 MHz (3 A - 3 mA)
>0.15 MHz (30 μA)

 

Reviews

Highly customisable for many different applications

Rating: 4.7 4.67 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: University of Cambridge

Application Area: Electrophoretic Deposition of Nanoparticles

"The Gamry Reference 3000 does fulfill all experimental needs easily, and its software makes highly customisable electrochemical experiments possible! Would definitely recommend it."

Easy to use and very helpful after-sales support

Rating: 4.3 4.3 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: The Timken Company

Application Area: Corrosion testing of metals

"The instrument is easy to set up and the software is very intuitive. Several times when I had trouble understanding some anomalous results, the Gamry technical staff was very proactive in helping me diagnose and fix the issue. The no-questions-asked and free machine check+calibration at the end of the warranty period is a plus and gives peace of mind. The cost is reasonable, but it would have been nice if this was a multi-channel potentiostat. Overall, I recommend this product for corrosion testing."

Great results and great papers

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: University

Application Area: Battery and corrosion

""

Great instrument, I will keep using this for my research.

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Hainan University

Application Area: Testing PEM/AEM water electrolyzers for V-i curves, impedance, and durability.

"I have been using several different potentiostats for my researches, and found that Gamry is ease to use and the data has high quality. The instrument is also very easy to maintain and very friendly to use or running tests. I have been the user of Gamry for more than 3 years, and will purchase my own Gamry instrument soon."

I only buy Gamry potentiostats.

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: University of Canterbury

Application Area: Electrochemistry

"Gamry potentiostats are very easy to use and give high quality data. I like the ability to write custom measurement scripts and automation via the Gamry sequencer. Tech support is excellent - they even help you write your custom programmes if necessary. I have connected the potentiostat to peristaltic pump, led light source and optical shutters to control these aux devices during electrochemical measurements."

Stable and easy to use.

Rating: 4.0 4 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Charles Darwin University

Application Area: Corrosion

"Easy to use by students. Generally a very stable instrument. Very happy with it."

Highly recommended for corrosion studies.

Rating: 4.7 4.7 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: The Timken Company

Application Area: Study corrosion of metals and degradation of coatings

"This is a versatile, accurate potentiostat for a wide range of applications. I like that the software UI is targeted for corrosion testing as opposed to fundamental electrochemical research. Though the software looks very dated, it's still very easy to use. The Gamry support staff are pretty responsive and the tutorials on the website makes getting started easy. Though I should note that the price range is on the higher side and similar functionality at a lower price tag is possible with OEMs like Pine Research or Biologic."

Excellent results. planning to get another one to increase the number of channels.

Rating: 4.7 4.7 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Botswana International University of Science and Technology

Application Area: Batteries and supercapacitor research

"I bought this potentiastat together with a 30A current booster and the results I have been gettting for supercapacitors and capacitive deionization are fantastic and quite repeatable. Compared to Solartron Analytical potentiastats that I used during my postdoctoral fellow research, Reference 3000 is very user friendly. After installing and calibrating the instrument, I emailed Gamry to check whether they offer short courses especially on EIS. Gamry replied promptly and though they said do not have in-house short training course. They informed that they offer courses from time to time and showed me how I can subscribe to know when the oncoming courses will be offered. Considering the quality of data and repeatability vis-a-vis the amount of money I spent buying it, I am really getting value for my money."

More practical training needed.

Rating: 4.0 4 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Science

Application Area: Electrochemistry, corrosion, batteries, biochemistry

"There is a lack of practical training for the various techniques the device is capable of. Likewise with how to extract parameters from the figures and results obtained."

Great observations aren't possible without this machine.

Rating: 4.7 4.7 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar

Application Area: Biosensor, supercapacitor

"Very versatile equipment, lot of applications are possible, reproducable data."

Works well, could be improved with data safety and connectivity.

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: TU Berlin

Application Area: Water electrolysis research

"Works well with most test equipment and gives accurate results. Would be great if rubbing test data was saved in a buffer to avoid data loss when the connection to the test PC is lost. Similarly, it would be great to have an option for ethernet connection instead of the finicky USB."

Great system, great results and the best for the electrochemical analysis of materials.

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Max Planck Institute for chemical energy conversion

Application Area: Electrochemical performance analysis of fuel cell catalysts

"We use it for the electrochemical performance analysis of catalysts in fuel cell test stations. It is very easy to use and ensures we get high quality and reproducible data sets. We are using Reference 3000 Booster along with Reference 3000 potentiostat/galvanostat/ZRA for extra current for fuel cell testing. If someone wants a potentiostat/galvanostat for their research works, in my opinion they should go for Gamry as it's easy to handle and work with. From simple electrochemical voltammetric testing of materials to high current applications, Gamry is the best choice. The after-sales care is appreciable and now I've got to know about its price from the purchaser, I think the value for money is good for its high performance."

Everyone should buy from Gamry, Andrew is the best in support team

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Pittsburg State University

Application Area: Electrochemistry

"Awesome product, awesome after sales support. I have now 4 potentiostats from them."

A very nice instrument for pretty much every electrochemical application.

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Hydro Precision Tubing

Application Area: Plating and corrosion testing of aluminium alloys

"The Gamry Instruments model 3000 potentiostat we purchased has yielded excellent experimental results. Our development programs have taken new life with its capability of cyclic amperometry. The customer support from Gamry has been excellent - always a prompt, knowledgeable response."

Good product! Still have lots of functions to explore.

Rating: 4.7 4.7 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Clemson University

Application Area: Solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells testing

"The product is reliable. The only pain point is the price. When we need to do multiple channel testing with high accuracy, another 3000 or 600+ is too expensive and drags us down."

Have been using Ref. 3000 and 1010e for 5 years. No complaints since.

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Oregon State University

Application Area: Corrosion of ferrous and non ferrous alloys

"We at Oregon State University have been using the Reference 3000 and 1010e for the past 5 years and we have not had a single complaint since. The potentiostats have been working flawlessly. Furthermore the technical support from Gamry is very prompt in answering any questions I have had regarding any tests or electrochemical concepts. The Gamry Framework and echem analyst's interface is super user friendly, and all the purchases we have made have been worth the investment."

I would always prefer gamry for my research projects.

Rating: 3.3 3.3 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: King fahd university of petroleum and minerals

Application Area: Passivation of duplex stainless steel alloys for different applications

"Gamry produces some of the best potentiostats with functions which are easy to use 9/10, reproducible result 8/10 and best equipment for corrosion analysis."

Great all-rounder for the electrochemistry lab

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

Application Area: Analyzing ion exchange membranes and electrochemical cells

"The results are very reproducible, the accuracy is very good. The software is very open and adjustable to our needs for some more specific measurements, although it takes some time to get to know all the software functionalities. We are happy with the first measurements and are all looking forward to continue the work with our new workhorse- and get to know all the functionalities."

Worth every penny

Rating: 5.0 5 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: Qingdao University

Application Area: Electrochemical measurements

"Works well and is reliable. Worth the price"

Easy to use.

Rating: 4.0 4 Out of 5 Stars

Organization: The Timken Company

Application Area: Corrosion testing

"The potentiostat is easy to setup and the software is simple to use. However, the Framework and ECehm Analyst software looks very dated and does have some unfortunate bugs (e.g. incessant warnings about experiment data coming from terminated/aborted tests even when it’s not true). The support team is helpful to answer questions."

Reviews provided by SelectScience