Multichannel Systems ME-System Manual - Manual (Page 14)

ME-System Manual
14
2.3 Accessories
MCS provides a wide range of accessories that will make your (USB-) ME-System setup even more
efficient and convenient to use. All accessories are perfect for use with MCS products, but are
easily adaptable to custom systems as well. Some accessories are included in complete systems,
other have to be ordered separately.
 Signal Collectors (SC8x8, SC2x32) for collecting the channels from the miniature preamplifiers
and leading them to the amplifier via a 68-pin MCS standard cable. Versions for connecting
8 x MPA8I or 2 x MPA32I are available (SC8x8 and SC2x32, respectively). The SC8x8 is also available
as a special version with blanking circuit (SC8x8BC): A blanking signal transiently grounds the
recording electrodes during the stimulus, thus preventing stimulus artifacts.
 Signal Dividers (SD16, SD32, SD64) allow the user to connect any channel via BNC connector
to an external device, for example, an oscilloscope, without interfering with the data acquisition.
 Digital IN / OUT Extension (Di/o) for connecting other devices to single digital input and output
channels of the MC_Card via BNC connectors (up to 16 inputs and 16 outputs), for example,
for synchronizing stimulation and recording, or for applying feedback.
 Signal Grounding Unit (GND64) for silencing defective electrodes. Single channels can be
turned off with small toggle switches. Inputs not in use are grounded.
 Power Supply (PS40W) for supplying 40 W power (+/– 7 V output voltage) to programmable
gain amplifiers, for custom setups that lack an internal power supply, or for other custom
applications.
2.3 Add-ons for Stimulation
MCS provides general-purpose stimulators like the advanced 4000 series with 2, 4 or 8 channels.
The flexible MC_Stimulus II software enables complex stimulus waveforms in current and
voltage mode. Waveforms designed in the program or imported from an external file are
converted by the STG into pulses, which are sent to the amplifier for stimulating electrodes.
Stimulus isolation units are integrated in the STG for each channel. Thus, no additional
stimulus isolations units are required.
Trigger in- and outputs are available for an exact timing of stimulation and for controlling
other instruments by TTL pulses. For example, stimulation and recording can be synchronized
with a digital trigger signal (TTL) sent from the Sync Out output of the stimulus generator
to the MC_Card or the an USB-ME device via digital inputs.
With the SC8x8BC with blanking circuit, stimulus artifacts and amplifier saturation are
effectively prevented.