APM Acquisition/Processor Module
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Catalog Number: 55-10-0B
The Acquisition/Processor Module offers researchers a complete recording system in a compact, affordable, single-channel package. Includes digital, microprocessor based amplifier, spike discriminator, adaptive filter and gain controls, adaptive artifact suppression, and convenient analog and digital I/O connections.
The APM (Acquisition/Processor Module) is a stand-alone digital neural spike discriminator with integrated digital gain and filtering capabilities. It can be used as a direct replacement for existing analog window discriminators. It can detect any activity within an adjustable time/amplitude “window”, or up to 4 individual spikes with template matching.
All functions of the APM are implemented in the hardware and DSP firmware of the unit. The 32 bit DSP allows real time processing of signals on board, with no data processing performed on the host PC. The flexible architecture of the software allows the user to develop customized algorithms. The user-programmable 256kB FLASH memory allows expansion of basic functionality by a simple firmware upgrade process. A web-based users group is established (www.neurocraft.com) for a free exchange of software, under an open-source policy.
Two modes of spike discrimination can be selected: Slope/Height Window Discrimination, or Adaptive Template Matching (ATM). In window discrimination mode, an acceptance window is placed in an area where only relevant waveforms pass through it. Only those waveforms will be recorded. The acceptance parameters (trigger, amplitude etc.) can be changed at any time during the experiment (not allowable in all recording formats). This allows for changes in spike shape due to electrode drift etc.
The ATM mode utilizes a user selected spike to build a template of the waveform shape to be recorded. Acceptance criteria settings are fully adjustable. Parameters can be set to make the template adaptive to automatically follow changes in spike shape.
Inputs are provided for interfacing with available behavioral systems. Trial Gate, Trial Validate, and Event Input are used when recording in gated mode to record only valid trial sections. A Spike Acceptance TTL level output is provided for recording when any waveform is accepted.
Waveforms are displayed in real time on the host PC. No additional scopes are required. An analog output of the signal is provided for monitoring (audio or other) or further processing of the conditioned signal.
Data is stored on the PC as timestamps, waveforms, or both simultaneously. The host PC's graphical user interface displays the waveform and settings for the selected channel, as well as thumbnail views for all active channels. (Only one channel is used for each APM) The parameters of spike acceptance can be interactively changed at any time during the experiment to compensate for electrode drift, etc. The interface can simultaneously display up to the last 256 triggered waveforms per channel.
Data can be stored/converted in several formats for use by standard analysis software i.e. Matlab, Neuroexplorer, etc. Acquired data can also be retrieved online over TCPIP networks through the built-in data server. Code samples that retrieve data into Matlab and perform online analyses are provided.
The APM is designed as a one channel module. Multiple module combinations can be run from a host PC using either the two USB ports commonly found on most PCs or commercially available USB hubs. Additional complimentary neuro/craftä modules will soon be available to expand the APM to include a complete microelectrode recording and electrophysiological analysis system.
The multichannel APC (Acquistion/Processor Channel) system is also available for users requiring higher channel count systems.
APM:
Input Impedance: 20 kOhm
Input Dynamic Range: 1 V rms (2.83V peak to peak)
Sampling Resolution: 16 bits (input and output)
Sampling Frequency: 7,040 – 48,000 samples per second, adjustable in 1 sample per second steps. Less than 7,040 s/sec can be achieved with sample averaging performed by the DSP.
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz in AC mode, 0-2kHz in DC mode.
Memory: 1.5 MB zero wait state fast SRAM data buffers, 256 kb FLASH.
Input Voltage Gain: x10 (20dB) fixed (software selectable) plus X1- X13 (0 - 22.5dB) adjustable in 1.5dB steps.
Input Signal Filter: Sharp 64-tap digital bandpass filter in the range of 0Hz to 20kHz
Analog Output: Digitally conditioned input signal in the range 0 - 1 V rms (2.83V peak to peak)
Window Size: 32-128 samples (.67 – 2.6 ms @48kHz)
Additional Inputs and Outputs: 3 TTL inputs for behavioral control system interface (Trial Gate, Trial Validate, Event In). TTL spike acceptance output for interfacing with external event recording hardware or legacy systems.
Display: Graphic user interface with 1 - 256 simultaneously displayed waveforms
Computer Interface: Full-speed USB 1.1 (12Mbps)
Dimensions: 2.05" (5cm) width X 5.22" (13cm) height X 9.6" (24cm) depth
Weight: 1.30 lbs (.59 Kg)
Power Requirements:
Power Supply: 115/230VAC, 50-60Hz, 9W max. Country specific line cord.
APM: 12V, 350mA
55-10-0B APM Acquisition/Processor Module
Requires, not included:
55-00-1 12 V Desktop Power Supply
Optional Accessories:
55-40-2 SCP Single Channel Preamp/55-40-2-01 SPS Single Channel Preamp Power Supply
55-10-1 LSG Line Sync Generator
