Specifications

Extracellular Recording from MEAs

3.6.2 Custom Switch for "Remote-Controlling" of the MC_Card

You can connect any device that produces TTL outputs, for example a switch, to one of the digital

input bits of the MC_Card. This means you can use a trigger for remote controlling the recording

with MC_Rack, or for synchronizing systems, if the data acquisition computer is not within reach

during an experiment.

You can define the time length of the cutouts that are recorded around the trigger event in

MC_Rack. Please note that it is not possible to start the recording of a continuous data file with

MC_Rack on a trigger, but you can start a new data file on the trigger event (select the Recorder

option Create New File On Trigger).

The following picture shows a suggested circuit diagram for a switch used for remote controlling.

The resistor and capacitor work as a low-pass filter on the TTL signal and are necessary to reduce

ringing of the signal.

3.6.3 Triggering other Instruments by the MC_Card

The digital output of the MC_Card sends 20 ms TTL pulses (0 V = LOW and 5 V = HIGH). This

feature can be used to apply a feedback triggered by a signal or a parameter stream.

For example, you can connect the Trigger In of a stimulus generator (STG) to the digital output via

the digital in / out extension. You can also use the digital output for a synchronization of the

MEA-System with other systems, for example, for Calcium imaging or video tracking (provided

that the other system of choice is able to receive TTL pulses).

Please see the documentation on the Digital Output instrument in the MC_Rack Help or Manual

for more details.