<p></p><p>Students who undertake
practical electrochemistry experiments for the first time, will come face to
face with the potentiostat. To many this is simply a box containing electronics
which enables a potential to be applied between a working and reference electrode,
and a current to flow between the working and counter electrode, both of which
are outputted to the experimentalist. Given the broad generality of
electrochemistry across many disciplines it is these days very common for
students entering the field to have a minimal background in electronics. This
article serves as an introductory tutorial to those with no formalized training
in this area. The reader is introduced to the operational amplifier, which is
at the heart of the different potentiostatic electronic circuits and its role
in enabling a potential to be applied and a current to be measured is
explained. Voltage follower op-amp circuits are also highlighted, given their
importance in measuring voltages accurately. We also discuss digital to analogue
and analogue to digital conversion, the processes by which the electrochemical
cell receives input signals and outputs data and data filtering. By reading the
article, it is intended the reader will also gain a greater confidence in problem solving issues that arise with
electrochemical cells, for example electrical noise, uncompensated resistance,
reaching compliance voltage, signal digitisation and data interpretation. We
also include trouble shooting tables that build on the information presented and
can be used when undertaking practical electrochemistry.</p><p></p>