Systems and methods for a current sensing patch-clamp amplifier

A method for sensing currents conducted via an electrode, the method comprising:

• coupling a first input terminal of an operational amplifier to an electrode;
• setting a value of a voltage provided to a second input terminal of the operational amplifier;
• generating, using a plurality of transistor devices, a feedback current and providing the feedback current to the first input terminal and the electrode, the feedback current maintaining a substantially constant voltage at the first input terminal and the electrode, the generating of the feedback current comprising using a first set of transistor devices to generate a positive feedback current in response to an output terminal of the operational amplifier having a positive voltage value, and the generating of the feedback current comprising using a second set of transistor devices to generate a negative feedback current in response to the output terminal of the operational amplifier having a negative voltage value;
• measuring a voltage at the output terminal of the operational amplifier;
• performing, using a computer system, one or more processing operations on the measured voltage;
• and
• determining a current flowing through the electrode during the measuring step based on a result of the one or more processing operations.

A system for sensing currents conducted via an electrode, the system comprising:

• a patch-clamp amplifier implemented on a chip, the patch-clamp amplifier comprising:
• an operational amplifier including a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal, the first input terminal being configured to electrically couple with the electrode;
• a feedback circuit coupling the output terminal of the operational amplifier to the first input terminal, the feedback circuit comprising a plurality of transistor devices configured to generate a feedback current based on a voltage value of the output terminal, and further configured to provide the feedback current to the first input terminal;
• a voltage source coupled to the second input terminal and configured to maintain a substantially constant voltage at the second input terminal;
• an analog-to-digital converter coupled to an output port of the patch-clamp amplifier, the analog-to-digital converter configured to digitize an output generated by the patch-clamp amplifier;
• and
• a digital controller coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, the digital controller configured to determine a current at the first input terminal based on the digitized output received from the analog-to-digital converter.