Stimtrak
Stimtrak
StimTrak
Product revision 01
Accessories
StimTrak | Operating Instructions
Product revision 01
Copyright
Any trademarks mentioned in this document are the protected property of their rightful owners.
All rights reserved, including the right to translate the document. The content of this document is the intellectual
property of Brain Products GmbH. No part of the document may be reproduced or distributed in any form (by
printing, photocopying or any other method) without the express written permission of Brain Products GmbH.
Subject to change without notice.
Table of contents
Preface .......................................................................................................................... 8
List of figures
These operating instructions describe how to use StimTrak and how it is integrated into a measure-
ment setup. The operating instructions form an integral part of StimTrak. They must be precisely ad-
hered to in order to ensure that StimTrak is used as intended and operated correctly to guarantee
the concomitant safety of test subjects, users and third parties. Make sure that these operating in-
structions are always available to the users.
No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed in any form (by photocopying or any oth-
er method) without the express written permission of Brain Products. The operator may print the
document for internal use.
Make sure that you have the most recent operating instructions for your product or product revision.
If you require a more recent version, you can download it from our website: http://www.brainprod-
ucts.com.
The operating instructions for StimTrak are divided into the following sections:
The operating instructions are intended for users in the psychological and neurophysiological re-
search area as well as physicians and medical experts.
Typographical conventions
Bold indicates items on the user interface (menus, buttons, switches, connectors,
options) and is used for emphases in the text
Italic indicates titles of dialog boxes/tabs, file locations and is used to indicate
product names
Underscore indicates cross-references and web addresses
Monospaced indicates text or characters to be entered at the keyboard
Symbols
Caution: This symbol indicates that incorrect use of the product(s) may result in a
personal injury to the test subject, the user and/or a third-party. Failure to observe
the information in this document constitutes incorrect use.
Notice: This symbol indicates that the incorrect use of the product(s) may bring
! about a risk of damage to property. Failure to observe the information in this docu-
ment constitutes incorrect use.
Note or Tip: This symbol draws your attention to important information relating to the
current topic and to recommendations on how to use the product(s).
Cross-reference: This symbol indicates a reference to a related chapter, section or
document.
New: This symbol indicates changes or new content at this point.
NEW
Revision history
We would ask you to report without delay any error you find in this document, any fault on the prod-
ucts or any malfunction that you observe when using this product. To do so, please contact your lo-
cal dealer, who will also assist you in general questions about the product.
8
Preface
For any event related study, it is vital to precisely mark the onset of events. Stimulations, like pic-
tures or sounds are the most common events. But responses, for example instructions given to a
subject, could also be marked. Marking is done by triggers: A stimulation or response device trans-
mits trigger pulses for every event. These triggers, however, might not exactly match with the actual
onset of the event. Frequently, a delay or even jitter between trigger and the real onset can occur,
depending on the hardware and software. Without monitoring the event itself, it is impossible to de-
tect such delays or jitters.
StimTrak is the answer to the demand for real-time triggers. It marks the real onset of the stimulus
or response from the connected devices (sensors, PC sound card, etc). The triggers are sent along
with the signals of the connected devices to the amplifier, thus delivering the complete monitoring
chain of the stimulation.
StimTrak allows to connect practically any device with a maximum signal level of ±5 volts. The con-
nectors and supplied cables allow for highest flexibility.
Being a modular device with high connectivity StimTrak perfectly integrates into complex measure-
ment setups.
Intended use
StimTrak is intended to separate signals galvanically and detect when threshold values are exceed-
ed in order to generate trigger signals. It is mainly used in measurements for event-related poten-
tials (ERP)/evoked potentials (EP) applications.
StimTrak is not a medical device and may be used only in the context of non-medical applications
in order to carry out fundamental and applied research on the basis of neurophysiological method-
ology. Use of StimTrak for diagnosis, therapy, monitoring of vital life functions (such as cardiovas-
cular functions etc.) or other medical purposes is expressly forbidden. StimTrak has no direct
physical contact with test subjects and has no direct electrical connection to them.
Correct use
StimTrak may be used by personnel in the psychological and neurophysiological research area as
well as physicians and medical experts. It must not be used by unqualified persons (e.g. laymen)
and persons who cannot read (e.g. due to visual impairment) or understand (e.g. due to a lack of
language skills) the operating instructions.
Provided that all the other stipulations regarding the correct use are met and that the device is used
in accordance with its intended use, StimTrak is permitted to be used in:
MR scanner environments
vicinity of explosive gases as may be the case in operating theaters
oxygen enriched atmospheres
under water (e.g. sea, swimming pool, bath tub) or in environments in which significant amounts
of water could enter StimTrak (e.g. under the shower/water-tap).
StimTrak is tested for use in combination with the following products only:
Product Manufacturer
Amplifiers
Preamplifiers
Sensors
Other products
Beside this general statement about permitted product combinations the user must check, whether
all stipulations of each product are fulfilled for the specific combination and purpose of application
(i.e. intended use and correct use). Please observe the operating instructions of the respective
products.
Any applicable national legislation and operator directives must also be observed.
11
Upon receipt of the delivery make sure, that the product or package does not show any signs of dam-
age, and that the delivery is complete.
StimTrak
AUX cable Polarity reverser
female/male female/male
(5 wires, 100 cm) (5 wires, 7.5 cm)
1V Trigger level
0V
2V Power
3V
5V 4V Low battery
Mic
100 Gain 1
Pass-through 10 Signal in
Screwdriver
4 7
8
3
1 2 5 6
StimTrak is powered by two rechargeable AA NiMH batteries (supplied). The battery tray is located
on the bottom. Insert the batteries as illustrated below.
+ AA NiMH
AA NiMH +
Note: Fully close the sliding cover until it clicks into place.
Use the supplied screwdriver to set the Gain switch and Trigger level potentiometer.
1V Trigger level
0V
2V Power
3V
5V 4V Low battery
Mic
100 Gain 1
Pass-through 10 Signal in
Tip: Store the screwdriver within easy reach for the user.
Chapter 1 Introducing StimTrak 14
Operating controls
Status group
The status group consists of the I/O switch, Power LED (green), and Low bat-
Power
tery LED (amber).
Power LED indicates when StimTrak is ready to use (I/O switch set to I). Low battery
Change the batteries as soon as possible, when this LED lights up! Depending
on the batteries, you have 10 to 15 minutes left to end the measurements.
Gain switch
The gain switch is a rotary switch for selecting the signal sources and gain fac-
Mic
tors: Gain
100 1
Mic selects the integrated microphone. The acoustic signals detected by
the microphone are not amplified but you can use the signals to generate 10
triggers.
You cannot use the microphone together with an external sensor, and the
signals of the microphone are not available on Pass-through.
1, 10 and 100 selects the gain factor for the signals on Signal In and Pass-
through. Gain factor 1 does not amplify the signals.
Trigger group
Potentiometer (blue wheel) sets the threshold for generating trigger puls- 0V 1V Trigger level
2V
es. Its range is between 0 V and 5 V. The lower the threshold, the more sen-
3V
sitive StimTrak generates a trigger. 5V 4V
If you do not need trigger signals, set the threshold to 5 V. With this setting
StimTrak will only generate triggers from very high signals, which helps saving
battery power.
Connectors
Signal In is the input of signal sources (e.g. sensors). The signals are available on the pass-
through connector.
Chapter 1 Introducing StimTrak 15
Pass-through is used to forward the signals from input and to connect the acoustical stimulator
adapter.
Signal In and Pass-through are connected one-to-one without galvanic isolation. A signal ap-
plied to one of the connectors is also available on the other connector.
Signal out. The input signals are sent via an amplifier stage to Signal out.
Trigger out outputs trigger pulses, that are generated from the amplified input signals or micro-
phone signals.
Galvanic isolation
between signal input circuit (Signal In and Pass-through) and signal output circuit
between signal output circuit and trigger output circuit.
This means that each circuit is isolated against the other circuits.
Open-ended cables
There are two open-ended cables with 5-wires each. You can use these cables to attach a connector
that is specific for your application.
Signal input cable can be connected to the desired sensor. For a detailed
pinout, please refer to Appendix B.
Polarity reverser
StimTrak provides the possibilities to connect a variety of sensors. Because each sensor has its own
technical specifications, e.g. offset voltage, resistance values, there are several parameters that
you have to take into account, when preparing the setup and interpreting the recorded data.
Ambient temperature
The ambient temperature can influence the behavior of the connected sensor, for example, with
regards to its resistance. This is especially important when you are using sensors with slowly
changing signals, like a temperature sensor or GSR sensor.
Device temperature
During operation, StimTrak becomes slightly warm which might have effects on sensors with
slowly changing signals. Therefore, switch on StimTrak several minutes before you start the
measurement in order to warm it up.
Offset voltage
If your sensor has a known offset value and you select a gain factor of 10 or 100, the offset will
be amplified. On some sensors the offset depends on the ambient temperature.
Tips
Always perform a test run before you start recording the actual data.
Always record the sensor signal that you are using to generate triggers. This helps
you to understand when a trigger was generated.
Chapter 1 Introducing StimTrak 17
The acoustical stimulator adapter allows you to connect audio sources to StimTrak, for example a
PC sound card. It has the following interfaces:
2 No. Description
The adapter comes with two 15 cm cables, with which you connect the outputs
to the Pass-through connector of StimTrak.
If you want to use the right and left audio channels alternately, but only have
one StimTrak, you can switch between the channels with the inverter switch
(). This makes it unnecessary to unplug cables. The switch only inverts the
outputs to StimTrak () but not the headphone output ().
Left Right
Right Left
Remember
The switch position “indicates” the output port of the left audio channel.
18
The product is not approved for use in the vicinity of a magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) system. This is indicated on the product by the marking shown on the right.
StimTrak is not approved to be used in direct physical contact with the test subject.
General precautions
The user is liable for the appropriate measurement setup and the quality of the re-
corded data. During operation, keep a minimum distance of 3 m to cell phones or
similar transmission equipment. Otherwise, signals may be distorted or may contain
artifacts.
Chapter 3 Application
This chapter describes how StimTrak can be used for different applications. It also sketches the ad-
vantages of each setup. The actual setup depends on your application and the used sensors.
With the integrated microphone StimTrak is a ready-to-use device. The microphone converts sound
(for example clicks) into signals and sends them to the amplifier. StimTrak can generate triggers
from the signals (for example, when a certain noise level is exceeded).
5V
0V
Trigger In
1V
4V
Trigger
3V
2V
100
Mic
10
1
Gain
Signal Aux
AUX cable
Aux
Sound
To use the microphone, turn the rotary switch to the position Mic and set the trigger level as desired.
Tip: At very low trigger levels, ambient noise might generate undesired trigger pulses.
Therefore, increase the trigger level by turning the blue wheel clock-wise, until ambi-
ent noise does not generate trigger pulses anymore.
StimTrak allows to connect practically any device with a maximum signal level of 5 volts. The input
signal of the device can be amplified with a gain factor of 10 or 100 and can also be used to generate
real-time triggers.
Because StimTrak only generates triggers on positive signals, you can use the short polarity reverser
cable for sensors that have negative signal peaks.
5V
0V
1V
Trigger In
4V
3V
2V
100
Mic
10
Singal source
1
Gain
Aux
Aux
Tip: If you set the gain switch to 10 or 100 and the sensor signal has an offset voltage,
the offset voltage will be amplified by 10 or 100 respectively. This might cause the
output signal to go into saturation. If this happens select a lower gain factor, for ex-
ample 1.
Notice: Pay attention when you do the connections! Never connect two outputs to each
!
other!
For details about the Photo Sensor, please refer to the separate Photo Sensor Oper-
ating Instructions, which is available on the Application Suite DVD.
Chapter 3 Application 21
You can connect audio sources to StimTrak by using the acoustical stimulator adapter. The adapter
improves the range of application. It separates the left and right audio channels (stereo) and pro-
vides a headphone jack. There are two general setups: using one or using two StimTraks. In a setup
with one StimTrak you can only process the one audio channel at a time (Figure 3-3), but switch be-
tween the channels with the inverter switch. A setup with two StimTraks can be useful for stimula-
tion paradigms where the left and right ear is stimulated alternately, for example.
Note
Headphones
5V
0V
1V
4V
Trigger
3V
2V
100
Mic
10
1
Gain
Audio source
The advantages of using the acoustical stimulator adapter with StimTrak are:
galvanic isolation between audio source (PC sound card, for example) and EEG amplifier;
trigger generation from the analog audio signal;
forwarding of the unaltered signal to the headphones.
Notice
!
Because there is no galvanic isolation between Signal in and Pass-through, do not
connect a sensor while an audio source is connected. Failure to do so will result in
data loss (signals can get lost) and damage to the connected signal sources.
Chapter 3 Application 22
Trigger In
Aux
Aux
Trigger
1V 1V
0V 0V
2V 2V
3V 3V
5V 4V 5V 4V
Mic Mic
Gain Gain
100 1 100 1
10 10
Signal Signal
source source
Tip
This setup is especially convenient if you use the acoustical stimulation adapter and
want to process the left and right audio channel. (In this case, each output of the
adapter are connected to the Pass-through connector of another StimTrak).
Please refer to the TriggerBox & TriggerBox Extension Operating Instructions for more
details on how to use the TriggerBox.
Chapter 3 Application 23
If you want to generate different triggers from one signal, you can connect two or more StimTraks in
series.
To record different trigger pulses from one signal, the TriggerBox is interconnected between the
StimTrak and the amplifier. For this setup connect the signal source to one StimTrak. Pass the signal
through to the second StimTrak and set a different trigger level on each StimTrak. For recording the
sensor signal it is sufficient to connect one StimTrak to the AUX input of the amplifier.
Trigger In
Aux
Aux
Trigger
Trigger
Trigger Signal
AUX cable
0V
1V
1V
0V
V
3V
2V 2V
3V
5V 4V 5V 4V
Mic Mic
Gain Gain
100 100 1
1
10 10
AUX cable
Signal
source
24
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
The following problems can arise when carrying out measurements using StimTrak:
No LED illuminates when the I/ Batteries are not inserted cor- Insert both batteries correctly
O switch is set to I. rectly. (see page 13).
No battery inserted or batter- Replace both batteries with
ies discharged. fully charged batteries or fully
recharge both batteries.
Batteries of different voltage.
Batteries of different manufac- Use two batteries from the
turers. same manufacturer.
Low battery LED illuminates. Battery voltage is too low. Replace both batteries with
fully charged batteries.
Output signal appears as flat Gain factor is too high. Reduce the gain factor.
line. (This is an indication that
A component might be defec- Identify the defective compo-
the input signal is in satura-
tive. nent by subsequently exclud-
tion.)
ing the possible error sources
(examples):
- Check if the sensor is working
as expected (connect the sen-
sor directly to the amplifier).
No triggers generated. Trigger threshold too high. Set a lower trigger threshold.
Output signal in saturation. Reduce the gain factor and
then adjust trigger threshold.
Analog signal has no positive The input signal is of negative
polarity. polarity (-5 VDC). Use the
polarity reverser cable (see
page 15).
If you used cables with open
ends to connect the sensor,
invert the polarity of the sen-
sor.
(Connector/cable pinout see
Appendix B.)
Too many triggers. Trigger threshold too low. Set a higher trigger threshold.
High noise level. Try to reduce ambient noise or
set a higher trigger threshold.
Setup does not work as Incorrect cable. Use cables from Brain Prod-
expected. ucts.
Incorrect cable pinout in case Check the cable pinout
of cables with open ends. (Appendix B).
Incorrect cable wiring. Check cable wiring
(Appendix B).
No markers are displayed in Incorrect settings in the Please refer to the manual of
the recording software, recording software. the recording software.
although triggers are gener-
ated as indicated by the green
Trigger LED.
If you could not determine the error source with help of this list or you identified a detective com-
ponent, please contact the local dealer.
26
5.1 Maintenance
StimTrak requires no maintenance. Brain Products does not prescribe any safety-related measure-
ments. Regularly inspect the device and accessories for any visual damage and check that the con-
nectors are clean. Repairs may only be carried out by Brain Products. In case of defective
components please contact your local dealer.
5.2 Cleaning
Before cleaning, switch off StimTrak and disconnect all cables. Clean the device with a lightly damp
cloth. Do not use aggressive or acidic cleaning agents.
No liquids must enter the device or the connectors as this may cause corrosion.
!
If the device needs to be disposed of, observe the applicable legislation. In the EU and EFTA, the
WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment applies. In Germany, for
example, the "ElektroG" additionally governs electrical and electronic equipment.
Do not dispose of your devices, accessories and cables with ordinary household waste.
On request, Brain Products will take back your old devices, provided that they are original Brain
Products parts.
This symbol indicates that devices must not be disposed of with household
waste. Dispose of in accordance with national regulations or return the device
and its accessories to the manufacturer.
MR Unsafe: Devices with this symbol are not safe for use in an MR environment.
The name and address of the device manufacturer are specified next to this label.
29
No. of channels 1 (input signal is conditioned and put out as analog output signal, that
is also used to derive a digital trigger signal)
Galvanic isolations Signal input circuit (incl. Signal In, microphone and Pass-through)
Signal output circuit, Trigger circuit
Dielectric strength of the isolation barriers: 1,500 VDC
Gain factors 1, 10, 100
Power consumption 900 mW
Power supply 2 AA NiMH batteries with a capacity of 2,500 mAh
Battery operating time: > 5 hours
Sensor supply ±5 VDC, ±50 mA, on Signal in, pin 1 and 5
Bandwidth DC to 10 kHz
Signal coupling DC
Voltage ranges Signal input: ±5 V
Signal output: ±5 V
Trigger: 0 VDC to 5 VDC
Trigger pulse 5 V TTL, level triggered, high active
Duration: 11 ms, retriggerable (These 11 ms are extended, if a new
pulse is received. The signal level stays high.)
Triggering on positive signals only! Min. signal length: 10 μs
Trigger source: amplified input signal after galvanic isolation
Trigger status display Trigger LED (green) illuminates for 100 ms if the trigger threshold is
exceeded. In rapid succession of trigger pulses the impression of a
longer luminescence can occur.
Microphone Electret microphone capsule, integrated in the housing
Sensitivity (at 1 kHz, 0 dB=1 V/Pa): -41±3 dB
Bandwidth: 50 Hz to 10.000 Hz
Battery charging In external charger (supplied)
On/off switch Mechanical, two-way switch
On: Power LED (green) lights up
Off: all LEDs off
Low battery LED Amber, indicates low battery voltage
Indication threshold: 1,9 V
Battery discharge pro- yes
tection
Dimensions (w x l x h) 93 mm x 53 mm x 32 mm
Weight (approx.) 150 g (with batteries), 85 g (without batteries)
Ambient conditions
Signal in
3: Ground
2: +In 4: -In
1: +5 VDC 5: -5 VDC
Pass-through
3: Ground
4: -In 2: +In
5: Not 1: Not
connected connected
Signal out
3: Ground
4: -Out 2: +Out
5: Not 1: Not
connected connected
Appendix B Technical data and pinout 31
No. Description
2 1 Signal (max. 5 V)
1
3 2 Ground
3 Isolation
Pinout of cables
1: white, +5 V
3: black, Ground
2: brown, +In
3: black, Ground
4: green, -In
4: green, -In 2: brown, +In
5: yellow, -5 V
5: yellow, -5 V 1: white, +5 V
Pass-through cable
1: white, +5 V
2: brown, +In
3: black, Ground 3: black, Ground
4: green, -In
2: brown, +In 4: green, -In 5: yellow, -5 V
1: white, +5 V 5: yellow, -5 V
Appendix B Technical data and pinout 32
3: black, Ground
5: yellow, -5 V 1: white, +5 V
3: black, Ground
1: white, +5 V 5: yellow, -5 V
Appendix B Technical data and pinout 33
3: Ground
2: Audio 4: Ground
signal
1: Not 5: Not
connected connected
Audio jack
2
No. Description
1
1 Left audio channel
1 2 No. Description
34
There is no trigger cable supplied. We recommend using one of the following cables or devices: