Difference between revisions of "TDT Series 3"

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==Description==
 
==Description==
%todo
+
The TDT System 3 was introduced in the late 1990. It is a versatile and widely used data acquisition and processing system in the field of neurophysiology and electrophysiology research. It's a hardware and software platform designed for acquiring, processing, and analyzing neural signals.
 +
 
 +
Key features of the TDT System 3 include:
 +
 
 +
*High-Speed Data Acquisition: It is capable of recording neural signals, such as multi-channel electrophysiological data, at high sampling rates.
 +
*Flexible Signal Processing: The system provides a range of signal processing capabilities, including filtering, spike sorting, and event detection.
 +
*Integration with MATLAB: MATLAB compatibility is a notable feature, making it easier for researchers like yourself who use MATLAB for data analysis and programming.
 +
*Customizable: Researchers can customize and expand the system with additional modules and accessories to suit their specific experimental needs.
 +
*Multi-Channel Capability: It can handle multiple channels simultaneously, which is crucial for studying neural activity in various brain regions.
 +
 
 +
==Programming==
 +
===RPvdsEx===
 +
The programming of the RA16 and RP2 are done in RPvdsEx, which is a graphical development tool by Tucker Davis Technologies.
 +
 
 +
===Matlab interface===
 +
The current (as of march 2024) Matlab interface for the TDT devices is based on the function "actxserver". Previously "actxcontrol" was used, but this will be obsolete in the near future.
 +
 
 +
The following device driver functions are available in the biofysica toolbox:
 +
<pre>
 +
function [module, err, errstr] = ZBUS(nRacks)
 +
 
 +
for System3 devices:
 +
function [module, err, errstr] = PA5(number)
 +
function [module, err        ] = RA8GA(number)
 +
function [module, err, errstr] = RA16(number,circuit)
 +
function [module, err, errstr] = RP2(number,circuit)
 +
</pre>
 +
 
 +
"Module" is an object with device specific functionality. "Number" (or "nRacks") is given in order to distinguish between different hardware of the same type. "Circuit" is the filename of the program that should be uploaded to the device.
 +
"err" gives an integer and "errstr" the corresponding error message.
 +
 
 +
<pre>
 +
Error codes:
 +
0 ==> all devices: no error
 +
-1 ==> all devices: failed to connect
 +
-2 ==> RA16, RP2: failed to load circuit; zBus: failed to reset
 +
-3 ==> zBus: failed to flush IO
 +
</pre>
 +
 
 +
For more on the device drivers see [https://www.tdt.com/files/manuals/ActiveX_User_Reference.pdf ActiveX_User_Reference.pdf].
  
 
==System 3 devices==
 
==System 3 devices==
 
===RP2.1 Enhanced Real-Time Processor===
 
===RP2.1 Enhanced Real-Time Processor===
%todo
+
The RP2.1 is a single core Digital Sound Processor. It can be programmed by the RPvdsEx programming interface. It can generate signals or play signals from memory as well as record signals.
 +
 
 +
*Sample rates: 6, 12, 25, 50, 100, 200 kHz.
 +
*Analog I/O: 2 channels in, 2 channels out
 +
*Digital I/O: 16 channels configurable
  
 
===RA16 Medusa Base Station===
 
===RA16 Medusa Base Station===
%todo
+
The RA16 is a single core Digital Sound Processor that can be interfaced with a multichannel ADC preamplifier like the RA8GA or RA4PA.
 +
 
 +
*Analog Input: up to 8 channels with external preamp via optical link
 +
*Analog output: stereo via 6.35mm jack
 +
*Digital I/O: input 1 bit (trigger), output 16 bits
 +
*Sampling rate: 48.828 kHz maximum
  
 
===RA8GA Adjustable Gain Preamplifier===
 
===RA8GA Adjustable Gain Preamplifier===
%todo
+
The RA8GA is a 8 channel ADC device with adjustable preamp. It must be connected to the optical link input of a medusa base station (RA16) or RZ6. The RA8GA has female Dsub25 connector for the analog inputs. It is meant to be used with the PP16 patch panel with BNC connectors.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Specification !! Value
 +
|-
 +
| A/D || 8-channels 16-bit PCM
 +
|-
 +
| Maximum Voltage In || Variable gain settings allow ±10 V, ±1 V, or ±100 mV
 +
|-
 +
| Frequency Response || DC - 7.5 kHz (2nd order 12 dB per octave)
 +
|-
 +
| S/N (typical) || 70 dB (±1 V @ 1 kHz) at ±1 V Gain Setting
 +
|-
 +
| THD (typical) || 0.01%
 +
|-
 +
| A/D Sample Rate || 6, 12, or 25 kHz
 +
|-
 +
| Cross Talk || <-70 dB (DC - Nyquist)
 +
|-
 +
| Input Impedance || 10 kOhm
 +
|-
 +
| Offset || <5 mV, ±10 V range <br> <3 mV, ±1 V or ±100 mV range
 +
|-
 +
| Clip warning light || signal > -6 dB.
 +
|-
 +
|Build in low pass filter || Two-pole  (12 dB per Octave) at 7.5 kHz.
 +
|}
  
 
===PA5 Progammable Attenuator===
 
===PA5 Progammable Attenuator===
%todo
+
The PA5 Programmable Attenuator is a precision device for controlling signal levels over a wide dynamic range, providing 0 to 120 dB of attenuation for signals up to 100 kHz in frequency. The device is fully programmable; however, simple manual operation is also available using front panel controls.
 +
 
 +
When used in manual operation, the attenuation level is adjusted in two modes of operation:
 +
*In '''Atten''' mode, the attenuation level of the signal can be adjusted from 0 to 120 dB in increments of 0.1 dB.
 +
*'''UserAtt''' mode applies user-programmed parameters to adjust the attenuation level. Before using the UserAtt mode, attenuation parameters must be set up using the UserOps menu.
 +
 
 +
The PA5 Programmable Attenuator is powered via the System 3 zBus (ZB1PS). and requires an interface to the PC (Gigabit, Optibit, or USB)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Specification !! Value
 +
|-
 +
| Input Signal Range || ±10 V peak
 +
|-
 +
| Frequency Range || DC - 200 kHz
 +
|-
 +
| Attenuation Range || 0.0 to 120.0 dB
 +
|-
 +
| Attenuation Resolution || 0.1 dB
 +
|-
 +
| Attenuation Accuracy || 0.05 dB
 +
|-
 +
| Spectral Variation || <0.04 dB (20 Hz to 80 kHz)
 +
|-
 +
| Offset || <10 mV
 +
|-
 +
| Signal/Noise || 113 dB (20 Hz to 80 kHz at 9.9 V)
 +
|-
 +
| Noise Floor || 16 uVrms (20 Hz to 80 kHz)
 +
|-
 +
| THD || <0.003% (1 kHz tone ±7 V peak, 0 dB attenuation)
 +
|-
 +
| Attenuation Settling Time || 5 ms
 +
|-
 +
| Switching Transient || <8 mV (0 Hz to 80 kHz)
 +
|-
 +
| Input Impedance || 10 kOhm
 +
|-
 +
| Output Impedance || 10 Ohm
 +
|}
  
 
===SA1 Stereo Amplifier===
 
===SA1 Stereo Amplifier===
%todo
+
The SA1 is a power amplifier for the zBus that delivers up to 3 watts of power to speakers. It has excellent channel separation combined with low noise and distortion. The frequency response is flat from 50 hertz to 200 kilohertz. Gain can be varied over a 27 dB range in 3 dB increments.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Feature !! Description
 +
|-
 +
| Product || SA1 Power Amplifier
 +
|-
 +
| Compatibility || zBus
 +
|-
 +
| Power Output || Up to 3 watts to speakers
 +
|-
 +
| Channel Separation || Excellent
 +
|-
 +
| Noise and Distortion || Low
 +
|-
 +
| Frequency Response || Flat from 50 Hz to 200 kHz
 +
|-
 +
| Gain Range || 27 dB range in 3 dB increments
 +
|}
  
 
===FO5 Fiber Optic Gigabit Zbus Interface===
 
===FO5 Fiber Optic Gigabit Zbus Interface===
%todo
+
The Optibit system (Optical Gigabit) is designed for users that require high-speed real-time control of System 3 devices or precise system-wide device synchronization. The Optibit interface consists of a PCI card (PO5), PCIe card (PO5e), or PCI Cluster card (PO5c) that must be installed in the computer and one or more Optibit-to-zBus interface modules (FO5) that mount in the rear slot of a zBus device chassis or is built into RZ Processors. When using the Optibit interface, all devices are automatically phase locked to a single clock.
 +
 
 +
The table below includes typical transfer rates (in MB/s) for the Optibit and USB interfaces at a 50% cycle usage with RP/RX and RZ devices.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Interface !! Transfer Type !! RP !! RX !! RZ
 +
|-
 +
| PO5/PO5e/FO5 || Read || 1.5 || 4.0 || 8.0
 +
|-
 +
| PO5/PO5e/FO5 || Write || 1.0 || 1.0 || 8.0
 +
|-
 +
| UZ3 || Read || NS || NS || 6.0 *
 +
|-
 +
| UZ3 || Write || NS || NS || 6.0 *
 +
|-
 +
| UZ2 || Read || 1.5 || 1.5 || NS
 +
|-
 +
| UZ2 || Write || 1.0 || 1.0 || NS
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
&#42; UZ3 transfer rates are highly dependent on the specs of the computer
  
 
===PO5e Fiber Optic Gigabit Computer Interface===
 
===PO5e Fiber Optic Gigabit Computer Interface===
 +
%todo
  
 
===PM2 Multiplexer===
 
===PM2 Multiplexer===
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===PS25F power supply===
 
===PS25F power supply===
 +
%todo

Latest revision as of 15:05, 18 March 2024

Description

The TDT System 3 was introduced in the late 1990. It is a versatile and widely used data acquisition and processing system in the field of neurophysiology and electrophysiology research. It's a hardware and software platform designed for acquiring, processing, and analyzing neural signals.

Key features of the TDT System 3 include:

  • High-Speed Data Acquisition: It is capable of recording neural signals, such as multi-channel electrophysiological data, at high sampling rates.
  • Flexible Signal Processing: The system provides a range of signal processing capabilities, including filtering, spike sorting, and event detection.
  • Integration with MATLAB: MATLAB compatibility is a notable feature, making it easier for researchers like yourself who use MATLAB for data analysis and programming.
  • Customizable: Researchers can customize and expand the system with additional modules and accessories to suit their specific experimental needs.
  • Multi-Channel Capability: It can handle multiple channels simultaneously, which is crucial for studying neural activity in various brain regions.

Programming

RPvdsEx

The programming of the RA16 and RP2 are done in RPvdsEx, which is a graphical development tool by Tucker Davis Technologies.

Matlab interface

The current (as of march 2024) Matlab interface for the TDT devices is based on the function "actxserver". Previously "actxcontrol" was used, but this will be obsolete in the near future.

The following device driver functions are available in the biofysica toolbox:

function [module, err, errstr] = ZBUS(nRacks)

for System3 devices: 
function [module, err, errstr] = PA5(number)
function [module, err        ] = RA8GA(number)
function [module, err, errstr] = RA16(number,circuit)
function [module, err, errstr] = RP2(number,circuit)

"Module" is an object with device specific functionality. "Number" (or "nRacks") is given in order to distinguish between different hardware of the same type. "Circuit" is the filename of the program that should be uploaded to the device. "err" gives an integer and "errstr" the corresponding error message.

Error codes:
 0 ==> all devices: no error
-1 ==> all devices: failed to connect
-2 ==> RA16, RP2: failed to load circuit; zBus: failed to reset
-3 ==> zBus: failed to flush IO

For more on the device drivers see ActiveX_User_Reference.pdf.

System 3 devices

RP2.1 Enhanced Real-Time Processor

The RP2.1 is a single core Digital Sound Processor. It can be programmed by the RPvdsEx programming interface. It can generate signals or play signals from memory as well as record signals.

  • Sample rates: 6, 12, 25, 50, 100, 200 kHz.
  • Analog I/O: 2 channels in, 2 channels out
  • Digital I/O: 16 channels configurable

RA16 Medusa Base Station

The RA16 is a single core Digital Sound Processor that can be interfaced with a multichannel ADC preamplifier like the RA8GA or RA4PA.

  • Analog Input: up to 8 channels with external preamp via optical link
  • Analog output: stereo via 6.35mm jack
  • Digital I/O: input 1 bit (trigger), output 16 bits
  • Sampling rate: 48.828 kHz maximum

RA8GA Adjustable Gain Preamplifier

The RA8GA is a 8 channel ADC device with adjustable preamp. It must be connected to the optical link input of a medusa base station (RA16) or RZ6. The RA8GA has female Dsub25 connector for the analog inputs. It is meant to be used with the PP16 patch panel with BNC connectors.

Specification Value
A/D 8-channels 16-bit PCM
Maximum Voltage In Variable gain settings allow ±10 V, ±1 V, or ±100 mV
Frequency Response DC - 7.5 kHz (2nd order 12 dB per octave)
S/N (typical) 70 dB (±1 V @ 1 kHz) at ±1 V Gain Setting
THD (typical) 0.01%
A/D Sample Rate 6, 12, or 25 kHz
Cross Talk <-70 dB (DC - Nyquist)
Input Impedance 10 kOhm
Offset <5 mV, ±10 V range
<3 mV, ±1 V or ±100 mV range
Clip warning light signal > -6 dB.
Build in low pass filter Two-pole (12 dB per Octave) at 7.5 kHz.

PA5 Progammable Attenuator

The PA5 Programmable Attenuator is a precision device for controlling signal levels over a wide dynamic range, providing 0 to 120 dB of attenuation for signals up to 100 kHz in frequency. The device is fully programmable; however, simple manual operation is also available using front panel controls.

When used in manual operation, the attenuation level is adjusted in two modes of operation:

  • In Atten mode, the attenuation level of the signal can be adjusted from 0 to 120 dB in increments of 0.1 dB.
  • UserAtt mode applies user-programmed parameters to adjust the attenuation level. Before using the UserAtt mode, attenuation parameters must be set up using the UserOps menu.

The PA5 Programmable Attenuator is powered via the System 3 zBus (ZB1PS). and requires an interface to the PC (Gigabit, Optibit, or USB)

Specification Value
Input Signal Range ±10 V peak
Frequency Range DC - 200 kHz
Attenuation Range 0.0 to 120.0 dB
Attenuation Resolution 0.1 dB
Attenuation Accuracy 0.05 dB
Spectral Variation <0.04 dB (20 Hz to 80 kHz)
Offset <10 mV
Signal/Noise 113 dB (20 Hz to 80 kHz at 9.9 V)
Noise Floor 16 uVrms (20 Hz to 80 kHz)
THD <0.003% (1 kHz tone ±7 V peak, 0 dB attenuation)
Attenuation Settling Time 5 ms
Switching Transient <8 mV (0 Hz to 80 kHz)
Input Impedance 10 kOhm
Output Impedance 10 Ohm

SA1 Stereo Amplifier

The SA1 is a power amplifier for the zBus that delivers up to 3 watts of power to speakers. It has excellent channel separation combined with low noise and distortion. The frequency response is flat from 50 hertz to 200 kilohertz. Gain can be varied over a 27 dB range in 3 dB increments.

Feature Description
Product SA1 Power Amplifier
Compatibility zBus
Power Output Up to 3 watts to speakers
Channel Separation Excellent
Noise and Distortion Low
Frequency Response Flat from 50 Hz to 200 kHz
Gain Range 27 dB range in 3 dB increments

FO5 Fiber Optic Gigabit Zbus Interface

The Optibit system (Optical Gigabit) is designed for users that require high-speed real-time control of System 3 devices or precise system-wide device synchronization. The Optibit interface consists of a PCI card (PO5), PCIe card (PO5e), or PCI Cluster card (PO5c) that must be installed in the computer and one or more Optibit-to-zBus interface modules (FO5) that mount in the rear slot of a zBus device chassis or is built into RZ Processors. When using the Optibit interface, all devices are automatically phase locked to a single clock.

The table below includes typical transfer rates (in MB/s) for the Optibit and USB interfaces at a 50% cycle usage with RP/RX and RZ devices.

Interface Transfer Type RP RX RZ
PO5/PO5e/FO5 Read 1.5 4.0 8.0
PO5/PO5e/FO5 Write 1.0 1.0 8.0
UZ3 Read NS NS 6.0 *
UZ3 Write NS NS 6.0 *
UZ2 Read 1.5 1.5 NS
UZ2 Write 1.0 1.0 NS

* UZ3 transfer rates are highly dependent on the specs of the computer

PO5e Fiber Optic Gigabit Computer Interface

%todo

PM2 Multiplexer

%todo

MS2 Monitor Speaker

%todo

ZBus for System 3

%todo

PS25F power supply

%todo