CED Signal Acquisition

By combining the Cambridge Electronic Design Micro1401-4 data acquisition unit with the Signal data acquisition and analysis software, a TMS researcher is able to achieve direct control of their stimulator during their sampling session - including adjusting their stimulus amplitude and timing, as well as monitoring the stimulator's present condition and status.

What does the system do?

Signal, the data acquisition (DAQ) and analysis software, can be combined with the CED 1401-4 DAQ unit to create a full solution for evoked response recording when used in conjunction with a transcranial magnetic stimulator.

Compatible with a wide range of leading TMS systems, including the DuoMAG range of stimulators available through Brainbox, the CED Signal Acquisition kit allows a researcher to remotely set their stimulator's intensity and inter-pulse interval settings to support protocols for a wide range of studies.

External triggering via the CED Micro1401 digital outputs offers very precise pulse timing relative to sampling, and all stimulation parameters (power level, inter-stimulus interval, secondary power level, and pulse frequency) are automatically saved to the session's data file.

CED Signal

CED Signal is a sweep-based acquisition and analysis package designed to support TMS research. 

As a software package, Signal can be used by researchers for a range of functions, from acting as a simple storage oscilloscope to more complex applications requiring stimulus generation, data capture, control of external equipment (i.e. TMS systems), and custom analysis purposes.

The software's powerful data capture and time-saving analysis functions, when combined with the CED Micro1401 family of laboratory interfaces provide an extremely flexible and cost-effective addition to any research laboratory.

Multiple Sampling Conditions

The signal includes a comprehensive multiple output states system that can be used to set up different sets of outputs to meet the needs of any research project.

The order and repeat of each stimulus can be sequenced by using a predefined protocol or executed semi-randomly or randomly. Each sweep of recorded data in Signal is marked to indicate the stimulus that was used as well as analysis such as waveform averaging and automated measurements can be applied to specific states of state combinations online and off-line.

CED Micro1401-4

The CED Micro1401-4 is an affordable, low-cost data acquisition unit specifically designed for use in TMS experiments.

With built-in high-speed memory, the system is optimised for real-time processing, independent of any limitations or constraints provided by the host computer operating system. The CED Micro4 provides a fast and accurate sampling of a TMS experiment, and the system's simultaneous output abilities offer extensive, online experimental control.

Fast Data Acquisition & Analysis

The Micro1401-4 is capable of recording waveform data, and digital (event) and marker information - as well as simultaneously generating waveform and digital outputs in real-time, offering the opportunity for a researcher to make use of multi-tasking experimental control.

The system offers high-speed waveform capture rates of up to 1 Mhz with a high 16-bit resolution. The 32-bit RISC processor allows for complex, online analysis while freeing up time for the host computer to perform other tasks - such as data manipulation or further analyses.

Upgradeable Inputs & Outputs

For more demanding projects that necessitate the use of additional inputs and/or outputs than offered by the standard unit, researchers can add several top-box expansions to increase the capabilities of the system. 

These additional top-box expansions include:

• The ADC12 (3001-3) top box, provides 12 additional channels of waveform input (or 24 additional channels with two units);
• The ADC64 (3701-64), provides 64 additional channels of waveform input (or 64 additional channels with two units);
• The Spike2 Expansion (3001-9), provides 6 channels of event inputs and 6 digital outputs brought to front panel BNCs.

Additional expansions can be made through two more DAC waveform outputs that can be specified on the motherboard.

Power1401: A Powerful Alternative

For the most demanding research applications, an upgraded version of the system is available. The Power1401-3A is the latest, high-performance DAQ interface from CED boasting their most advanced processing technology to provide ultimate power and flexibility for TMS research.

Building on the power of the Micro1401-4 system, Power1401-3A offers:

• 16 channels of 16-bit waveform input on the base unit;
• 1 GB memory, expandable to 2 GB;
• Dynamically programmable amplifier options;
• Software-selectable ±5V or ±10V input/output ranges;
• Synchronisation with other CED 1401 units for further-increased numbers of channels.