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Abstract

A circuit is described for applying a potential to an electrode of a biosensing test cell, which electrode, when properly inserted in a female connector, is contacted by a pair spaced apart contacts. The circuit includes a source of excitation potential and an operational amplifier having one input connected to the source of excitation potential. A switching circuit is coupled between the operational amplifier and a first one of the spaced apart contacts, with the switch means exhibiting an impedance. A feedback circuit is connected between the second of the spaced-apart contacts and another input to the operational amplifier, to feed back a potential appearing at the second contact. The feedback is for the purpose of maintaining the output of the operational amplifier at a level which compensates for impedance losses in the swtiching circuit. The feedback circuit enables the output of the operational amplifier to be varied so that the potential applied to the electrode is equal to the source of excitation potential. A further circuit is connected to the feedback circuit for sensing when an open or high impedance state exists between the spaced-apart contacts.

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First Claim