A-MSystems MultiStim 3800 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FOR
MULTISTIM 8-CHANNEL
PROGRAMMABLE STIMULATOR
MODEL 3800
Version 5.0
March 2020
A-M Systems,
PO Box 850
Carlsborg, WA 98324
U.S.A.
360-683-8300 800-426-1306
FAX: [phone]
http://www.a-msystems.com
Each 8-Channel Programmable Stimulator
delivered complete with:
10’ USB Cable
Rack Mount Hardware

A-M Systems
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PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
THIS EQUIPMENT IS NOT
INTENDED FOR USE WITH
HUMAN SUBJECTS IN ANY
WAY.
Document
The information contained in this
manual was as accurate as possible
at the time of publishing, but is
subject to change without notice
and should not be construed as a
commitment by A-M Systems,
Changes may have been made to
the hardware or firmware it
describes since publication. A-M
Systems, reserves the right to
change specifications as required.
For the latest information please
check our website (http://www.a-
msystems.com) or contact A-M
Systems, directly.
Manual Document Number
5027908 Rev 05
All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be reproduced by
any means without the prior written
permission of A-M Systems,
Safety
This instrument is provided with
terminal for protective grounding.
Before applying power, verify that
the correct safety precautions are
taken (see the following warnings).
In addition, note the external
markings on the instrument that are
described under Safety
Symbols. Do not operate the
instrument with its cover removed.
Replace fuse only with specified
type.
Supply Voltage
This equipment can be operated at
120V or 220V as determined by the
position of the fuse box on the rear
panel. The unit can operate at
wither 50Hz or 60Hz; no
adjustments are necessary. Other
voltage/frequency combinations are
not recommended unless the
manufacturer is contacted before
first usage.
Do not attach a line voltage that
does not match the line voltage
specified on the rear panel.
Before turning on the instrument,
you must connect the protective
earth terminal of the instrument to
the protective earth conductor of
the (mains) power cord. The mains
plug must only be inserted in a
socket outlet with a protective earth
contact.
Service should be performed by
trained personnel only. To avoid
dangerous electric shock, do not
perform any service unless
qualified to do so.
Do not operate the instrument in
the presence of flammable gases or
fumes. Operation of any electrical
instrument in such an environment
constitutes a safety hazard.
Safety Symbols
The product is marked with this
symbol when it is necessary for you
to refer to the instruction manual in
order to protect against damage to
the product.
The Warning symbol calls attention
to a procedure or practice, which, if
not correctly performed could
result in injury. Do not proceed
beyond a Warning symbol until the
indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
The Caution symbol calls attention
to a procedure or practice, which, if
not correctly performed could
result in damage to the product. Do
not proceed beyond a caution until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
Disclaimer
Software available for this product
works with Windows XP®,
Windows 7® and Windows 10®
Microsoft and Windows are either
registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
WARNING
WARNING
!
WARNING
CAUTION

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PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION.......... 6
2. FRONT AND REAR PANELS...... 7
FRONT PANEL ................................................ 7
REAR PANEL.................................................. 9
3. FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW,
DIAGRAMS, AND DEFINITIONS. 11
TIMING......................................................... 11
TRIGGERING,GATING &COUNTING ............ 12
OUTPUT ....................................................... 13
OUTPUT -OFFSETS....................................... 14
STEPPED WAVEFORMS................................. 14
PAIRED PULSE WAVEFORMS........................ 15
SUM OUT (COMBINATION)OUTPUTS ........... 15
4. PC CONTROL SOFTWARE
INSTALLATION............................... 16
WINDOWS 10 ............................................... 16
5. USING THE PC CONTROL
SOFTWARE.......................................23
USING THE CONTROL SOFTWARE................. 23
6. INSTRUMENT OPERATION
WITH PC SOFTWARE.................... 25
INITIAL POWER-UP...................................... 25
PC PROGRAM MAIN CONTROLS................... 28
7. TEST WAVEFORM EXAMPLES
.............................................................. 33
MONOPHASIC WAVEFORM........................... 34
BIPHASIC WAVEFORM ................................. 35
STEPPED WAVEFORM................................... 36
PAIRED WAVEFORM..................................... 37
SUM OUT (COMBINATION)WAVEFORM....... 38
8. INSTRUMENT OPERATION VIA
FRONT PANEL TOUCHSCREEN. 39
HOME SCREEN......................................... 39
CHANNEL SCREENS............................... 40
CHANNEL –TYPE SCREEN ........................... 40
CHANNEL –TRIGGER AND GATE SCREEN .... 42
CHANNEL –TRAIN SCREEN.......................... 44
CHANNEL –PULSE SCREEN.......................... 45
CHANNEL –AMPLITUDE SCREEN................. 46
CHANNEL –STEPPED AMPLITUDE SCREEN .. 48
CHANNEL –PAIRED PULSE SCREEN............. 49
PROGRAM SCREENS .............................. 50
PROGRAM 1SCREEN .................................... 50
SUMMARY SCREENS ............................. 51
SUMMARY -TRAIN SCREEN.......................... 51
SUMMARY -PULSE SCREEN ......................... 51
SUMMARY -AMPLITUDE SCREEN ................ 52
SYSTEM CONTROL SCREENS............... 52
MAIN MENU SCREEN ................................... 52
COMPUTER IN CONTROL SCREEN................. 53
PROGRAM STORAGE SCREENS ..................... 54
SETUP –LCD SETTINGS SCREEN ................. 55
SETUP –CALIBRATE LCD SCREEN .............. 56
SETUP –START UP SCREEN ......................... 57
SETUP –ABOUT SCREEN.............................. 57
9. SPECIFICATIONS........................58
10. WARRANTY................................59

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LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
Figure 1. Power switch ..................................... 7
Figure 2. Touch Screen Display........................ 7
Figure 3. Front Panel Trigger Inputs and Gate
Inputs......................................................... 8
Figure 4. Channel Connections......................... 8
Figure 5. Ground Connector............................. 8
Figure 6. Channel Specific Trigger................... 9
Figure 7. SIU Input ........................................... 9
Figure 8. USB Connector.................................. 9
Figure 9. Global Gate...................................... 10
Figure 10. AC Power Input / Line Switch ...... 10
Figure 11. Timing Diagram ............................ 11
Figure 12. Triggering and Gating ................... 12
Figure 13. Basic Outputs................................. 13
Figure 14. Output Offsets ............................... 14
Figure 15. Stepped Waveforms....................... 14
Figure 16. Paired Pulses.................................. 15
Figure 17. Combination Outputs..................... 15
Figure 18. PC Software - Unconnected .......... 24
Figure 19. Boot Screen ................................... 25
Figure 20. Calibration Screens........................ 25
Figure 21. Main Menu .................................... 26
Figure 22. PC Software - Connected .............. 27
Figure 23. Instrument Screen when Computer is
in Control................................................ 28
Figure 24. PC Software – Load from 3800..... 29
Figure 25. PC Software – Load from Instrument
Flash........................................................ 30
Figure 26. PC Software – Load from Instrument
Flash........................................................ 31
Figure 27. PC Software – Running Program.. 32
Figure 28. Model 3800 Examples.ams Test
Program................................................... 33
Figure 29. Examples.ams Test Program –
Channel 2 Monophasic ........................... 34
Figure 30. Examples.ams Test Program –
Channel 3 Biphasic................................. 35
Figure 31. Examples.ams Test Program –
Channel 4 Stepped .................................. 36
Figure 32. Examples.ams Test Program –
Channel 5 Paired Pulses.......................... 37
Figure 33. Examples.ams Test Program –
Channel 8 Sum Out Waveforms............. 38
Figure 34. Home Screen ................................. 39
Figure 35. Toolbar .......................................... 40
Figure 36. Channel - Train Screen.................. 40
Figure 37. Channel – Trigger and Gate Screen42
Figure 38. Channel – Train Screen................. 44
Figure 39. Numerical Time Entry Screen....... 44
Figure 40. Channel – Pulse Screen................. 45
Figure 41. Channel – Amplitude Screen,
Biphasic Pulse......................................... 46
Figure 42. Amplitude Screen, Asymmetric
Pulse........................................................ 46
Figure 43. Numerical Amplitude Entry Screen
................................................................. 47
Figure 44. Channel – Amplitude Screen,
Stepped Pulse.......................................... 48
Figure 45. Channel – Amplitude Screen, Paired
Pulse........................................................ 49
Figure 46. Program 1 Screen .......................... 50
Figure 47. Summary - Train Screen................ 51
Figure 48. Summary - Pulse Screen................ 51
Figure 49. Summary – Amplitude Screen....... 52
Figure 50. Main Menu Screen ........................ 52
Figure 51. Computer in Control Screen.......... 53
Figure 52. Program List Screen ...................... 54
Figure 53. Program Name Keyboard Screen.. 54
Figure 54. Save Screen ................................... 55
Figure 55. Setup- LCD Settings Screen.......... 55
Figure 56. Setup – Calibrate LCD Screen ...... 56
Figure 57. Setup – Start Up Screen................. 57
Figure 58. Setup – Start Up Screen................. 57
Table 1. Timing Resolution ............................ 41

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PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
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1. General Description
The Model 3800 MultiStim is a multichannel programmable stimulator designed for a wide variety of
applications. It is highly flexible, being capable of simultaneously delivering up to 8 different series of pulse
trains comprised of monophasic or biphasic pulses, stepped pulses, or paired pulses, or combinations
thereof by using the instruments 8 programmable stimulus channels.
Timing on each channel may be initiated manually or upon receiving a trigger signal from any of the
MultiStim’s other channels, the supplied PC compatible software, or from a separate instrument or
computer. Complicated stimulus trains can be generated by summing any channel’s defined output with any
number of the other channels output trains. All channels can be gated using either internal or external
commands. Sync pulses are available for use by other instruments and can track either train duration or
pulse width.
The Model 3800 MultiStim 8-channel Programmable Stimulator can produce pulses ranging in duration from one
microsecond to 12 days. Amplitudes can be set to range from –10V to 10V, with 1mV resolution. When
combined with the Model 3820 External SIU, the voltage pulse can be scaled and converted into constant
current, with output ranges of up to 10mA on each SIU channel.
The Model 3800 MultiStim 8-channel Programmable Stimulator is controlled by a front panel touch screen or a
easy to use software program. Program parameters can be stored onboard the instrument for later recall, or
can be stored online.
The Model 3800 MultiStim 8-channel Programmable Stimulator is not approved for clinical or
operating room experiments in human subjects.

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PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
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2. Front and Rear Panels
This chapter describes the front and rear panel controls and connectors on the Model 3800.
Chapter 8 describes the individual screens available on the touch-screen LCD interface.
When you receive your Model 3800, confirm that everything in the packing list is included. Make
sure there are no obvious signs of internal damage, such as rattling. Pick up the instrument and tilt
in gently from side to side, and listen for anything that might be loose. If you hear any suspicious
noises, contact A-M Systems immediately.
Front Panel
Power
This switch determines if the Model 3800 is powered to operate, or
to recharge optional Model 3820 Stimulus isolation units. If the Rear
Panel Mains Power switch is in the ON position, when this front
panel switch is in the ON position, the front panel LCD screen will
illuminate, and the LEDs just below each channel’s designator will
turn to red, green, or blue, depending on the status of the
instrument’s start-up program. If the Rear Panel Power switch is in
the ON position, when this front panel switch is in the OFF
position, the front panel LCD screen will dim, the LEDs will turn
off, and power will be supplied to any attached Model 3820 SIUs for
battery charging.
Display
The liquid crystal display (LCD) on the Model 3800 is a touch-
screen interface whose input determines the settings for all of the
Model 3800 functions. See Ch 8 for screen captures of individual
screens displayed during operation
Figure 1. Power switch
Figure 2. Touch Screen Display

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TRIG
Each channel can be linked via settings on the touch screen or the
PC program to any of the three front panel triggers (A, B, C).
Presentation of a 5V pulse to the BNC connector will initiate
timing on all of the linked channels. Trigger rules of operation are
presented in Chapter 3
GATE
Each channel can be linked via settings on the touch screen or the
PC program to any of the three front panel gates (A, B, C).
Presentation of a ground level signal (0 volts) to the BNC
connector will result in a 0 V signal output of the gated channel
when the gate is held low. Timing will continue, but the output
will be disabled. Gate rules of operation are presented in Chapter 3
CHANNEL
Each channel has 3 front panel BNCs and one LED. SYNC OUT
provides a TTL level pulse coincident with either train duration or pulse
duration (selectable on a per channel basis on the channel’s programming
menu). SIG OUT is the voltage output of the pulse train defined for that
channel. SUM OUT is the summed voltage output for that channel as
defined by the channel summing selection matrix. Rules for trigger/gating
the SUM OUT signal are describe in Chapter 3. The LED below each
channel indicator can either be RED, BLUE, GREEN, or BLANK. RED
indicates there is a timing conflict in the program definition that must be
corrected. If an optional SIU is attached to the channel, and the unit
cannot provide the current/voltage requested because of a conflict of
Ohm’s law, then the LED will illuminate red. BLUE indicates that a
stimulus pulse is being delivered. GREEN indicates that the channel is on
and awaiting a trigger to initiate timing. BLANK indicates the channel if
off.
GROUND CONNECTOR
This banana jack is the stimulator’s chassis ground, and is directly
connected to Earth (ground) via the power cord.
Figure 3. Front Panel
Trigger Inputs and Gate Inputs
Figure 4. Channel Connections
Figure 5. Ground Connector

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Rear Panel
Channel Specific Triggers
Each channel has a rear panel BNC that is a specific trigger for
that channel only. Presentation of a 5V pulse to the BNC
connector will initiate timing on the channel of the same number.
Trigger rules of operation are presented in Chapter 3
SIU Input
This D-Sub 15 pin connector attaches to the cables of A-M
Systems Stimulus Isolation Units Model 3820 (Purchased
separately). Note: It is not wired as a “video” connector commonly
found on computers.
USB Connector
This connector enables a personal computer running the supplied
Windows®operating system compatible control program to
control the Model 3800.
Figure 6. Channel Specific Trigger
Figure 7. SIU Input
Figure 8. USB Connector

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Global Gate
Presentation of a ground signal level (0 volts) to this BNC will
end all timing of all channels on the Model 3800, and all outputs
will return to 0 Volts. Removal of the ground signal level will
enable the instrument, and all channels will return to their normal
state awaiting next trigger inputs.
AC Power Input
This instrument has a terminal for protective grounding. Before
applying power, verify that the correct safety precautions are
taken. The position of the fuse box drawer determines the
appropriate line voltage (110 or 220) the instrument is configured
to operate on.
When this switch is in the OFF position, no power is supplied to
the base unit. When this switch is in the ON position, power is
supplied to the base unit or to the battery charging circuitry of
any connected Model 3820 SIUs, depending on the position of
the front panel Power Switch.
Do not operate the instrument with its covers removed. Replace
fuse only with specified type. Before turning on the instrument,
you must connect the protective earth terminal of the instrument
to the protective earth conductor of the (mains) power cord. The mains plug must only be inserted
in a socket outlet with a protective earth contact.
WARNING
Figure 9. Global Gate
Figure 10. AC Power Input / Line Switch