return
Embedded controller for precision liquid dispensing in laboratory environment. Monitors pressure and external control signals and generates precisely timed switching pulses for solenoid delivery of fluids. Multiple internal calibration tables with on-the-fly interpolation and extrapolation. Simultaneous LCD, serial port, and web-based interfaces for convenient and flexible user control. Device has been published and commercialized.
Interface for neurophysiological data acquisition system. Minimalist circuitry, modular design, expandability, and careful choice of features has made this design the standard for one NIH Laboratory. Elements of the design have been ported to other laboratories in the U.S. and Europe. The I/O boards of a PC-based real-time acquisition system cable directly to the interface chassis. Inside circuitry provides essential functions: anti-alias filtering, pulse latches, touch-pad detectors, one-shots, etc. An I/O panel provides standardized interconnections for other laboratory equipment used in the experiment.
First low cost, solid state, wide-band audio amplifier developed to reproduce sonar pulses of echolocating bats.
Switch-configurable arrangement of signal generators and level shifters to generate trains of realistic echolocating pulses. Wide range time base, control of harmonic content, and independent control of each sound component is suitable for neurophysiological and ethological experiments. Produces sonar signals typical of both CF (constant frequency) and FM (frequency modulation) bats.
Linear circuit to track the voltage and duration of a pulse (approx 200 µs) and then instantaneously provide a subsequent pulse with a voltage and duration that are proportional to the first. This pulse generator provides a means to use standard monophasic physiological stimulators for ratiometric biphasic stimulation.
Using acceptance pulses from spike discriminators, the stereo audio monitor provides a means to listen to the action potentials of selected individual neurons while filtering out sound from nearby neurons. Selected sounds can be conveniently positioned in the listener's two-dimensional audio space.
Microprocessor-based row/column scanning detector for transparent touch pads. Typical methods used for scanning push-buttons and similar switch matrixes constantly scan for switch closure. These methods are problematic when the scanning signals produce interference in high-sensitivity biological recordings. The Smart Touch Pad Controller scans a switch matrix until the first touch is detected. Scanning immediately stops, which prevents artifacts at the moment contact is made. Coordinated handshaking with a host computer completes the position reading at a precise moment when the artifact can be tolerated.
Stand-alone box that answers the telephone and prompts for phone number and/or pre-canned messages. Message is packaged as an email and sent to a Blackberry user.
[Home] [Computing] [LSN] [DIRP] [NIMH] [NIH]
Return to the Section on Neurophysiology Home Page
Send web site comments to the WEBMASTER.
last updated 5 September 2006