Neurotechnology Research Systems
Stimulator 2.0
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6.14
Options: Discharge Mode
Caution: Only advanced users who fully understand the implications should attempt to change the
discharge mode setting. If you have any questions do NOT change the discharge mode setting.
Even when the stimulator is programmed to deliver a “balanced” stimulation in which equal
amounts of charge are deposited on and removed from the electrode, a net accumulation of charge
on the electrode can occur. This accumulation of charge can occur when the compliance limit is
reached during the stimulation (see section 5.6) or because the electrode response or circuit
response is not perfectly linear. The accumulation of charge will result in a slow drifting of the
electrode baseline voltage over time and can result in the electrode staying at excessive voltages for
prolonged periods of time. In order to guard against un-intentional electrode charging, all
electrodes are automatically discharged in between pulses and any time the channel is not
stimulating. Advanced users ONLY may disable the automatic discharge of the electrodes that
occurs between pulses. Note however, that disabling automatic electrode discharge can lead to
excessive voltages developing on the electrode during extended stimulation patterns. It is essential
to monitor the voltage of the electrodes frequently when the automatic electrode discharge feature
is disabled. To disable this feature, select Discharge mode from the Options menu and then select
NO.
6.15
Options: Digital Output Mode
Each stimulator channel has a dedicated digital output that indicates when stimulation is occurring
on that channel. The digital output is always high during the pulse or arbitrary waveform output,
but the user can control the state of the digital output during the time in between pulses or
arbitrary waveforms by selecting Digital output mode from the options menu.
Digital output mode set to low during inter-pulse interval:
Waveform
Waveform
Interpulse
