TDT Series 3

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

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PM2 Multiplexer

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MS2 Monitor Speaker

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ZBus for System 3

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PS25F power supply

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