Master-8: the 8-Channel Stimulator

Matn Features:

• Master-8 is made to satisfy a variety of demands for neurophysiological stimulation.
• The Master-8 system was developed to handle optogenetic stimulations.
• Eight separate programmable channels with outputs for trains, singles, and repetitions.
• Pulses with a single or two phases.
• All channels can be used independently or in unison to create sophisticated paradigms (e.g. Theta-Burst).
• Deliver pulse trains in succession across all channels.
• Choosing between voltage pulses and constant current using the optional ISO-Flex SIU scale.

Utilize some channels to stimulate your preparation while utilizing other channels to activate other devices (such as an oscilloscope or computer) in time with the stimulation.

Modification on-the-fly:

Change the parameters while keeping the stimulus going. For instance, while stimulating, alternate between different stimulation rates (e.g. from 98 PPS to 102 PPS).

A Wide Range of Pulse/Train Separation Times:

Intervals ranging from 40 µs to 3,999 s! 8 decades starting at 25 KHz in frequency.

Simple switch-off stimulation: crucial in situations where a quick cutoff in stimulation is necessary.

A Standalone Stimulator that Can be Controlled by a Computer

As a standalone device: the front panel keys control every setting. 8 different tests can be stored, and switching between them is simple. Every experiment employs every channel.

• When linked to a PC (using a USB interface and the Master-8-cp model):
• New experiments can be downloaded and uploaded.
• From a computer, you can adjust the Master-8's settings based on the results of experiments.

Scheduler

Make changes to parameters and switch between tests at predetermined periods using the robust scheduler. For instance, program the scheduler to change the output pulse frequency every few seconds.

You can control the Master-8 in 3 ways:

• As a stand alone unit — via its front panel keys.
• Via your PC – using our Master-8 Control Software
• From within your own application/program (MATLAB, LABVIEW etc.) – using our new Master-8 SDK.

Operating Modes

Any of the following operating modes is available for each channel:

• Free-Run: The channel transmits pulses that are repeated.
• Trig: Single pulse following triggering (manually, internally from other channels, or externally).
• Train: A series of pulses upon triggering.
• DC: Independent of time choices, the channel produces a DC output.
• Gate: The channel generates repeated pulses each time an external signal is supplied. The channel ceases to function if the external input is interrupted.

Inter-Channel Connections

There is no requirement to connect cables between channels because each channel can be internally connected to any other channel. A channel can simultaneously have multiple internal connections to other channels.

Master-8-vp

The greatest product on the market, Master-8-vp, has the same features as Master-8-cp. With only one command, you can quickly switch between the 8 preprogrammed settings to toggle between various experiments. Using the front panel keys or your PC's USB interface, you can adjust every setting. The following operating modes are also available for the channels: FREE-RUN, TRIG, TRAIN, DC, and GATE.

The characteristics and ranges for Master-8-vp are the same as those listed for Master-8-cp under the Specifications Tab.

The Following Extra Features are Present in Master-8-vp:

Voltage Programmable

The voltage-programmable variation of Master-8 is Master-8-vp. Using the front panel keys or your computer, you can adjust the voltage output of channels 4 and 5. (Using the front panel knobs, you can change the voltage output for the other channels.)

Increment and Decrement Steps

Channel 5 of the Master-8-vp can produce increment and decrement output voltage steps, which is another potent function. These actions can be configured in one of two ways:

1) Fixed steps — You have control over V and the cycle's number of steps. The only restriction on the number of steps is the saturation of the voltage range.

2) Varied steps — Both the amount of steps in a cycle and each individual step can be adjusted. You can combine depolarizing and hyperpolarizing stages. There can be no more than 30 steps in a cycle.

Output Offset

Channels 4 and 5 include knobs that can be turned manually to change the voltage offset.

Output '4+5'

You can get the combined output of channels 4 and 5 by selecting output "4+5". Thus, a variety of pulse patterns are possible. Each pattern may have either constant or variable steps.

Parameters

Voltage range of channels 4 and 5: 

From -12.7 V to +12.7 V.

Interval time of channel 5: 500 µsec.. to 3,999 sec. (more than an hour).

The Specifications Tab contains descriptions of the settings for all other channels.