Blackrock Microsystems CerePlex E Series User manual

Manufacturer
630 Komas Drive | Suite 200
Salt Lake City | UT 84108 | USA
P [phone] | F [phone]
www.blackrockmicro.com
Revision 4.00 / LB-0545 – CerePlex E IFU – 2020/03
© 2020 Blackrock Microsystems, LLC
CerePlex E
PN: 7513, 10511 – E96
PN: 8010, 10510 – E128
PN: 10747 – E256
Instructions for Use

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Table of Contents
What this Manual Covers ...................................................... 4
Intended Use and Indications for Use ................................... 4
Warnings and Cautions ......................................................... 4
Warnings ........................................................................................ 4
Precautions ..................................................................................... 5
Specifications ........................................................................ 6
Hardware ............................................................................... 7
Blackrock CerePlex E Setup ........................................................... 7
Instructions for Assembly ................................................................ 8
Description of Switches on the CerePlex E ..................................... 9
Impedance and Recording selector switch ................................... 9
Frequency Range Selector Wide & Norm ..................................... 9
Reference and Ground Selector ................................................. 10
R1 and R2 Reference selector ................................................... 10
Cleaning & Maintenance Instructions .................................. 10
Sterilization ................................................................................... 10
Cleaning and Maintenance ........................................................... 10
Filament Film Disassembly and Replacement .............................. 11
Disposal ........................................................................................ 12
Magnetic Resonance .......................................................... 12
Troubleshooting .................................................................. 12
Non-Green Indicator Light on CerePlex E ..................................... 12
Poor Signal to Noise Ratio / Noisy Signal ..................................... 13
Non-Green Light on Digital Hub Bank ........................................... 13
Return Merchandise Authorization ...................................... 13
Warranty .............................................................................. 14

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Support ................................................................................ 14
Complaints .................................................................................... 14

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What this Manual Covers
The CerePlex E is a Digital Headstage Accessory that provides a compact interface from
a Blackrock Utah Array to the Cerebus or CerePlex Direct data acquisition systems. The
CerePlex E converts analog signals to digital format at the recording site, which can
reduce noise introduced into the signal during transmission to the recording system.
This Instructions for Use will cover important information about the device including
warnings, hardware settings, and maintenance activities.
There are several CerePlex E models that are available in different channel counts.
These are outlined in the table below.
Intended Use and Indications for Use
The CerePlex E is intended to be used with the CerePort Electrode or CerePort
Electrode pedestal connector with third party electrodes.
The CerePlex E supports processing and display of biopotential signals from user
supplied electrodes. Biopotential signals include but are not limited to:
Electrocorticography (ECoG), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG),
electrocardiography (ECG), electrooculography (EOG) and Evoked Potential (EP).
Warnings and Cautions
Warnings
 Only connect Cerebus System components to properly tested, grounded
and dedicated AC outlets to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Do not
use an adapter for ungrounded wall outlets.
 Do not connect the Cerebus System to an outlet controlled by a wall
switch.
 Do not use the CerePlex E in the presence of flammable anesthetic
agents.
 Avoid strong static discharges from sources like televisions or computer
monitors because it can damage the electrical parts of the system.
Model Name
CerePlex E96
v1
CerePlex E128
v1
CerePlex E96
v2
CerePlex E128
v2
CerePlex E256
Model Number
7513 8010 10511 10510 10747
Channel Count
96 128 96 128 256

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 Keep the CerePlex E away from liquids. Contact with water, shower
spray. or wet surfaces can lead to the subject receiving an electrical
shock.
 Connection of external instruments may compromise electrical safety
compliance with IEC 60601-1.
 The CerePlex E digital data cable is long and may snag on equipment in
the room. Secure equipment in place and avoid placing in walkways or
other traffic areas.
 The CerePlex E is attached to the CerePort Electrode percutaneous
connector, force applied to the CerePlex E will be applied to this
connector. Avoid large impacts to the device when it is attached to the
subject.
 Using the ‘Wide-Band’ filter mode on the device may cause a reduced
signal to noise ratio.
Precautions
 Read this entire manual prior to using the device.
 Do not allow the digital data cable to be pulled and apply force to the
CerePlex E.
 Do not allow any object to impact the CerePlex E while in use.
 Do not drop the CerePlex E when handling.
 Do not use the CerePlex E with damaged data cables or data cables that
are not supplied by Blackrock, doing so may damage the device.
 When replacing the filament film of the device, avoid touching circuit
board components as these can be easily broken and cause damage to
the device.
 Do not attempt to use the CerePlex E with connectors other than the
CerePort pedestal connector.
 Do not plug the digital data cable into devices other than the Digital Hub
and Blackrock approved headstage accessories.
 Avoid spilling fluid onto or into the CerePlex E as doing so may cause
electrical damage to the device and loss of function or electrical shock.

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Specifications
Model Name
CerePlex E
96
CerePlex E128
CerePlex
E256
Model Number
7513/10511 8010/10510 10757
Number of Channels
96 128 256
Power
Requirements
0-5 VDC, 150 mA maximum load 0-5 VDC, 300 mA maximum load
Resolution
16-bit, 250 nV per bit
Sampling Frequency
30,000 Samples per Second
Mode of Operation
Continuous
Input Hardware
Filter
Normal Mode:
0.3 Hz (1st Order) – 7.5 kHz (3rd Order)
Wide-Band Mode:
0.02 Hz (1st Order) – 10 kHz (3rd Order)
Input Filter Type
Butterworth
Input Impedance
1300 MΩ @ 10 Hz, 13 MΩ @ 1 kHz
Imp
edance
Measurement Range
5 kΩ – 1 MΩ
Maximum Input
Range
+/- 8.192 mV with Respect to Reference
Dimensions
L 24.9 mm x W 17.7 mm x H 17.9 mm
Operating
Environment
10˚ C to 40˚ C, 5 to 95% R.H. (non-condensing)
Storage
Environment
-20˚ C to 50˚ C, 5 to 100% R.H. (non-condensing)

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Hardware
Blackrock CerePlex E Setup
The image below demonstrates how the CerePlex E connects with the Digital
Cerebus System or the CerePlex Direct in a lower channel configuration.
Figure 1 - System Diagram of CerePlex E Connected to the Cerebus System or the CerePlex Direct. The
E256 requires two digital hubs.

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Instructions for Assembly
The CerePlex E is designed to mate with the CerePort connector attached to
Blackrock Utah Arrays. The CerePlex E is equipped with three guide posts.
These guide posts must be aligned with the three available notches around the
edge of the CerePort connector to facilitate a correct connection between
CerePlex E and the CerePort array. For a detailed procedure on how to connect
the CerePlex E headstage to CerePort connector please refer to the following
instructions:
Connect the CerePlex E to the host device through an HDMI A-D cable. HDMI
Connector A is associated with banks A, B, C, and D of the LGA connector and
HDMI Connector B is associated with banks E, F, G, and H of the LGA
connector. The other end of the HDMI cable should be connected to the Digital
Hub or CerePlex Direct, with cable A occupying a lower slot and cable B
occupying a higher slot.
Power on the connected host device.
The LED on the CerePlex E should light up as blue.
Roughly align the guide pins with the pedestal before attaching to the pedestal.
Figure 3 - Connect CerePlex E to Pedestal
Hold the CerePlex E housing with one hand and gently rotate the wheel
clockwise with another hand.
While screwing down, slightly rotate the housing left or right until you feel the
guide posts slide into the notches.
Figure 2 – Insert HDMI A cable into CerePlex E

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Once the CerePlex E is aligned with the pedestal, rotate the wheel until the
device is secured to the pedestal.
Figure 4 - Rotate wheel clockwise to connect CerePlex E to Pedestal
The blue LED will turn green when the device is connected correctly.
The instructions above are also detailed in one of the Blackrock training videos
which can be accessed online from the Blackrock Microsystems website under
How-to Videos.
Description of Switches on the CerePlex E
Figure 5 - Available switches on the CerePlex E96, E128, and E256
Impedance and Recording selector switch
When the selector is positioned on “Imp” the CerePlex E enters
impedance measurement mode. This mode enables users to measure
impedance of electrodes via Blackrock’s Central Suite. For information
regarding impedance measurement please refer to the document titled
“LB 0574 Central IFU,” which is available for download from the Blackrock
Microsystems website. To revert the CerePlex E headstage into the
recording mode, simply toggle the switch to “Rec” position (recording).
Frequency Range Selector Wide & Norm
This switch toggles between two different hardware-based filter input
settings. The “Wide” filter setting corresponds to an input frequency range

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from 0.02 Hz to 10 kHz. “Norm” (Normal) filter setting is between 0.3 Hz
to 7.5 kHz.
Reference and Ground Selector
This switch allows the user to select between different sources to use as
the input reference. If the switch is toggled to “Gnd” mode, subject ground
will be used as the input reference to the amplifier. Setting the switch
position on “Ref” (Reference), will use one of the implanted reference
wires (R1 or R2) as input reference. R1 and R2 can be selected by
another switch adjacent to reference and ground selector (see below).
R1 and R2 Reference selector
Use this switch to select which of the two available reference wires to use
as the input reference. A switch position to R1 selects reference wire
number 1 as the input reference. The R2 switch selects the reference
wire number 2 as shown in Figure 5. The Ref/Gnd switch must be in Ref
mode for this switch to be effective.
Cleaning & Maintenance Instructions
Sterilization
While not generally required, the device may be sterilized by both Vaporized
Hydrogen Peroxide and Ethylene Oxide Gas. Note that Vaporized Hydrogen
Peroxide may significantly discolor the case of the device. Newer models have a
new case that is immune to this discoloration.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The CerePlex E case may be wiped down with standard sanitizing wipes,
isopropyl alcohol (70%) or ethanol (96%). If necessary, the surfaces and
connection ports may be wiped with enzymatic detergent. Dust and debris on the
exterior connectors/ports may be removed with compressed air.
The collar assembly underneath the CerePlex E should be inspected before each
use and cleaned every time after use. To clean the collar and filament film, follow
the instructions below:
 Visually inspect the connector; remove any particles if present.
 Visually inspect the film. If the film is swollen or degraded, follow the
section titled “Filament Film Replacement” (see below) to replace the film.
 If necessary, clean the connector with a cotton swab and 70% isopropyl
alcohol. Do not let the cleaning solution pool. Allow the solution to dry
before use.
 The connector and the film must also be cleaned after use with a cotton
swab and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Do not allow the solution to pool. Allow
the solution to dry before storage.

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Filament Film Disassembly and
Replacement
The filament film which is visible from under the CerePlex E (See Figure 3,
bottom panel) provides a conductive and uniform medium in between the input
pins of the CerePlex E and the connectors on top of the CerePort Electrode
pedestal. The filament film is conductive in the vertical direction with respect to
the film surface, connecting the contacts on the CerePlex E input and the pins on
the CerePort Electrode pedestal connector, while being insulative horizontally,
eliminating cross talk. After repeated usage, dust or biological matter can
accumulate on the filament film which can affect the signal quality on the
CerePlex E.
It is recommended to regularly check the condition of the filament film before use
and replace it at least once a year or whenever there is a degradation in signal
quality. Follow the procedures below to replace the filament film.
1
Loosen the four screws on the CerePlex E by
turning them counterclockwise with a flathead
screwdriver.
2 Hold the bottom three plates together and lift them
away from the cover.
3
Remove the old filament film and clean the nearby
area on the plate and the PCB with cotton swab
and 70% isopropyl alcohol.
4
Place a new filament film onto the plate. Make
sure the holes on the film are aligned with the pins
on the plate. You may use a pair of flat-mating or
rubber-tipped tweezers to manipulate the film.

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5 Replace the assembly
6 Fasten the four corner screws clockwise.
7
Visually inspect the film placement and
cleanliness. Confirm that the four corner screws
are fastened securely.
Disposal
The CerePlex E may have incidental contact with bodily fluids. Follow institutional
procedures for disposing potentially infectious or biohazardous devices when
disposing of the CerePlex E.
Magnetic Resonance
The CerePlex E has not been evaluated for safety and compatibility in the MR
environment. The CerePlex E has not been tested for heating, migration, or image
artifact in the MR environment.
Troubleshooting
Non-Green Indicator Light on CerePlex E
The indicator light on the CerePlex E should be illuminated green if the
headstage is receiving power and connected to a CerePort Electrode. For the
E256, each light is independent, only lighting green if the corresponding HDMI
cable is connected. If the light is not illuminated, check that the Digital Hub is
powered on and that the digital data cable is firmly connected to the Hub and
CerePlex E. If the light is illumined blue, the headstage is receiving power, but is
not connected to the CerePort Electrode. Verify that the guide pins of the
CerePlex E are aligned with the guide holes of the CerePort Electrode, that the
wheel is tightened firmly with two fingers, and that the filament film and pedestal
LGA surface are both clean and free of debris.

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Poor Signal to Noise Ratio / Noisy Signal
A typical high-passed noise band is less than +/- 30 microvolts or approximately
60 microvolts peak to peak (roughly 10 RMS). If the signal that you are receiving
is noisier than this, it could be due to one of several factors:
 Poor reference configuration: Try changing the reference setting of the
device.
 Poor contact between device and pedestal connector: Try the
troubleshooting steps above for ‘Non-Green Indicator Light on CerePlex
E’.
 Wideband configuration: Try changing the filter range to standard instead
of wideband.
 Electrode connections: Ensure the electrode has good ground contact
with the subject. The pedestal is the ground contact for the CerePlex E.
Check that the reference wires are exposed to tissue.
 Excessive Noise Sources in the Environment: Try eliminating or
grounding sources of noise such as monitors, heat lamps/beds,
juicers/feeders, or other EM emitting sources.
Non-Green Light on Digital Hub Bank
The indicator light on the Digital Hub for the bank that the CerePlex E is attached
to should be green. If it is not green, it could mean that your CerePlex E device is
damaged or malfunctioning or it could mean that you are using an unapproved or
damaged digital data cable between the Digital Hub and the CerePlex E; try
changing the cable to a Blackrock approved cable. Finally, it could mean that the
Digital Hub is malfunctioning; try changing which bank that the CerePlex E is
connected to. If the problem persists, contact Blackrock Support for assistance.
Return Merchandise Authorization
In the unlikely event that your device needs to be returned to Blackrock for repair or
maintenance, do not send any equipment back without a Return Merchandise
Authorization Number (RMA). An RMA number will be issued to you by a Blackrock
representative. If you need to obtain an RMA number, you may contact a product
support representative at [phone] or by emailing
[e-mail].
Once an RMA number has been issued, it is important to safely pack the returned item
for shipping back to Blackrock. It is preferred that you save the original boxes and
packing materials that your system arrived in for return shipment. Please address the
package as follows:
Blackrock Microsystems, LLC
ATTN: RMA#
630 S. Komas Dr., Suite 200
Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA
Tel: [phone]

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Warranty
Blackrock Microsystems (“Blackrock”) warrants that its products are free from defects in
materials and manufacturing for a period of one year from the date of shipment. At its
option, Blackrock will repair or replace any product that does not comply with this
warranty. This warranty is voided by: (1) any modification or attempted modification to
the product performed by anyone other than an authorized Blackrock employee; (2) any
abuse, negligent handling or misapplication of the product; or (3) any sale or other
transfer of the product by the original purchaser.
Except for the warranty set forth in the preceding paragraph, Blackrock provides no
warranties of any kind, either express or implied, by fact or law, and hereby disclaims all
other warranties, including without limitation the implied warranties of merchantability,
fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement of third-party patent or other
intellectual property rights.
Blackrock shall not be liable for special, indirect, incidental, punitive, exemplary or
consequential damages (including without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use,
loss of profits, interruption or loss of business or other economic loss) arising out of non-
compliance with any warranty. Blackrock’s entire liability shall be limited to providing the
remedy set forth in the previous paragraph.
Support
Blackrock prides itself in its customer support. For additional information on this product
or any of our products, you can contact our Support team through the contact
information below:
Manuals, Software Downloads, and Application Notes
www.blackrockmicro.com/technical-support
Complaints
When filing a complaint, please provide the product description, product number,
software version, lot number, complainant’s name and address, and the nature of
the complaint.
Issues or Questions
www.blackrockmicro.com/technical-support
[e-mail]
U.S.: [phone]
The CerePlex E is not intended for use on human subjects.