Plexon Optogenetic Controller, Manual, Page: 27 / 32

Neurotechnology Research Systems
© Plexon Inc - 27 -
8.6 Digital Out
Each channel has four dedicated digital outputs that indicate when it is running, non-zero, zero, and
when it stops. Plexon OmniPlex systems (both analog and digital) have digital input (DI) cards that
allow the user to register the precise timing of stimulation. The DI cards can only be set to
recognize rising or falling edges, however. This means that to fully know the timing of a pattern,
multiple digital outputs of the optogenetic controller need to be monitored. The rising edge of the
running signal indicates a pattern has started and the rising edge on the stop signal indicates the
pattern has finished. The rising edge of the non-zero signal indicates that a pulse has started and
the next rising edge of the zero signal indicates that the pulse has ended.
8.7
Stimulation Cables
While any BNC cable can be used for stimulation, Plexon provides insulated BNC cables that prevent
the outer contacts from touching. This is particularly useful when using the controller in current
output mode. The circuit that sets the current output relies on measuring the return current, so if
the outer BNC contact were shorted to ground through accidental contact with something else (a
metal table for example), the output current would not be accurate.
9 Sample Arbitrary Waveform Pattern Files
Several example arbitrary waveform files are installed with the Radiant software. These files were
designed to illustrate how to use arbitrary waveform files and some of the things you can
accomplish using arbitrary waveform files. By default these files are installed in the directory
“C:\Plexon Data\Sample Pattern Files”. The files can be opened with any text editor (e.g. Notepad).
The sample files are marked as Read Only. They should be copied and renamed before removing
the Read Only flag to avoid accidentally overwriting them.
On
Stop
On
On
Current/Voltage Output
Running
Non-zero
On
Zero
1
–
R
unn
ing
1
3
–
St
op
1
5
–
R
unn
ing
2
7
–
St
op
2
9
–
R
unn
ing
3
11
–
St
op
3
13
–
Ru
nni
ng
4
15
–
St
op
4
17
–
Gnd
19
–
Gnd
2
– N
on
-ze
ro
1
4
– Z
er
o 1
6
– N
on
-ze
ro
2
8
– Z
er
o 2
10
– N
on
-ze
ro
3
12
– Z
er
o 3
14
– N
on
-ze
ro
4
16
– Z
er
o 4
18
– G
nd
20
– G
nd