Wired cardiac output / ICG module (BIOPAC NICO100D)

Name: Wired cardiac output / ICG module (BIOPAC NICO100D)
SKU: 18546

A wired impedance cardiography (ICG) module from the BIOPAC Smart Amplifier series — it records baseline thoracic impedance (Z) and its derivative dZ/dt, used to derive stroke volume and cardiac output. Measurement electronics sit close to the electrodes, with automatic configuration in AcqKnowledge. For research use only (not a medical device). Requires the AMI100D interface and an MP160 or MP200 unit (not MP150), plus AcqKnowledge 5.0.4 or newer.

BIOPAC Smart Amplifier · Non-invasive Cardiac Output Measurement (Impedance Cardiography, ICG)

NICO100D is a Smart Amplifier series module for impedance cardiography (ICG) — it records baseline thoracic impedance (Z) and its time derivative dZ(t)/dt, used to derive stroke volume and cardiac output.

Thanks to the Smart Amplifier architecture, the measurement electronics sit closer to the electrodes, and acquisition parameters configure automatically in AcqKnowledge once the module is connected.

Part of a larger system

BIOPAC Smart Amplifier 100D module family — illustrative photo of the whole line-up (NICO100D is one of the modules in this family)

Illustrative photo of the entire Smart Amplifier 100D family — the NICO100D module has an identical housing.

NICO100D is an expansion module, not a standalone system

The NICO100D module on its own does not acquire or record data. It requires connection via the AMI100D interface to an MP160 or MP200 data acquisition unit (Smart Amplifier modules do NOT work with the MP150), together with AcqKnowledge version 5.0.4 or later.

In addition, NICO100D requires the MEC104D modulator/demodulator module — needed for each of the three available electrode configurations — plus one of these configurations: details in the section below.

Required accessories and electrode configurations

NICO100D is the amplifier alone — measurement always requires the MEC104D module plus one of three lead/electrode configurations, matched to the study protocol.

MEC104D

Modulator/demodulator module

Required common element for all three NICO100D measurement configurations — without it, none of the configurations below will work.

Required in Configuration A, B and C
Connects NICO100D to the selected electrode lead

LEAD132 (D-series) 8-clip lead for ICG measurement

Manufacturer (BIOPAC) photo — LEAD132 (D-series) 8-clip lead. LEAD132 + EL500 / EL503

Configuration A — Simulated Equipotential

Described as the optimal (recommended) measurement configuration. Uses the LEAD132 8-clip lead.

Lead: LEAD132 (8 clips)
Electrodes: 4× EL500 or 8× EL503
Configuration recommended as optimal

Manufacturer (BIOPAC) photo — EL526 ICG electrode band. CBL246 + EL526

Configuration B — Fully Equipotential (TREV)

Also called the TREV configuration. Uses the CBL246 adapter cable together with the dedicated EL526 ICG electrode band.

Adapter cable: CBL246
Electrode: EL526 (specialized ICG electrode band)

Manufacturer (BIOPAC) photo — LEAD131 4-clip lead. LEAD131 + EL503 / EL500

Configuration C — Non-equipotential

Uses the LEAD131 4-clip lead.

Lead: LEAD131 (4 clips)
Electrodes: 4× EL503 or 2× EL500

Key features

Electronics close to the electrode

The Smart Amplifier architecture places the measurement electronics closer to the electrodes — this reduces the signal's susceptibility to interference compared with a traditional module located at the acquisition unit.

Automatic configuration

Once connected, the module automatically configures the acquisition parameters in AcqKnowledge — no manual switch settings required.

Dual-channel impedance measurement

Simultaneously records baseline thoracic impedance (Z) and its time derivative dZ(t)/dt — the basis for deriving stroke volume and cardiac output using the impedance cardiography method.

Research/educational use only

BIOPAC has not validated this measurement against reference methods (thermodilution) for absolute stroke volume/cardiac output values. Do not use two NICO100D modules (or the related EBI100D) simultaneously on the same subject.

100 kHzexcitation frequency

4 mA rmsexcitation current (sinusoidal)

DC–100 Hzbandwidth (wideband)

MP160/200compatibility (via AMI100D)

Full technical specification

Signal: Impedance cardiography (ICG) — thoracic impedance and its time derivative
Number of channels: 2 — Z (baseline thoracic impedance) and dZ(t)/dt (time derivative)
Excitation frequency: 100 kHz
Excitation current: 4 mA rms, sinusoidal, constant
Bandwidth (wideband): DC – 100 Hz
Output range: ±10 V
CMRR: Min. 120 dB
Required accessories: MEC104D (modulator/demodulator, always required) + one of 3 electrode configurations: Configuration A (LEAD132 + EL500/EL503), Configuration B (CBL246 + EL526), Configuration C (LEAD131 + EL503/EL500) — details in the accessories section
Module dimensions / weight: Approx. 1.8×4.6×1.1 cm, approx. 48 g (amplifier alone approx. 9 g)
Cable: 3 m, RJ12, to the AMI100D interface
Electrodes: Ag/AgCl only (per selected configuration) — gold-plated electrodes are not suitable for this type of measurement
Compatibility: MP160 or MP200 (via the AMI100D interface) + AcqKnowledge 5.0.4 or later
Disclaimer: Research/educational use only. BIOPAC has not validated this method against thermodilution (the gold standard) for absolute stroke volume/cardiac output values. Do not use two NICO100D modules (or EBI100D) simultaneously on the same subject — the mass reference runs through this module rather than through a separate ground electrode.

Where to place the electrodes

Click the points on the silhouette to see the general ICG electrode layout — the neck band and the thorax band. Electrodes are placed on the neck and on the thorax, following the standard tetrapolar/octapolar arrangement used in impedance cardiography. The exact points and their number depend on the selected configuration (A, B or C).

Neck/thorax placement confirmed in NICO100D source materials.

General body silhouette — front view, placement points for impedance cardiography (ICG) electrodes on the neck and thorax

How it works

Electrodes + MEC104D on the subject

Electrodes placed on the neck and thorax, connected via MEC104D and the selected configuration (A, B or C) to the NICO100D module.

NICO100D + AMI100D + MP160/200

The module excites the impedance signal (100 kHz, 4 mA rms) and sends it via the RJ12 cable to the AMI100D interface, and from there to the acquisition unit.

Analysis in AcqKnowledge

Recording of the Z and dZ(t)/dt channels and derivation of stroke volume and cardiac output for research purposes.

Experimental applications

Impedance cardiography supports research into non-invasive cardiovascular hemodynamics in a research/educational context.

Stroke volume research

Determining stroke volume based on the dZ(t)/dt signal.

Cardiac output research

Non-invasive assessment of cardiac output in research protocols.

Cardiovascular hemodynamics

Analysis of hemodynamic parameters in research on the cardiovascular system.

Stress physiology and the autonomic nervous system

ICG signal as part of protocols studying autonomic nervous system reactivity to stimuli.

Frequently asked questions

Which electrode configuration should I choose — why are there three options?

Are the results clinically validated?

Which acquisition systems does NICO100D work with?

Can two NICO100D modules be used on the same subject at the same time?

Download materials click to expand

Interested in this product?

Wired cardiac output / ICG module (BIOPAC NICO100D)

Part of a larger system

NICO100D is an expansion module, not a standalone system