DORIC Optogenetics TTL User manual

Optogenetics TTL Pulse Generator
User Manual
Version 1.1.1

Contents
1 General Overview 3
1.1 Optogenetics TTL Pulse Generator .......................................... 3
2 Operations Guide 4
2.1 Optogenetics TTL Pulse Generator .......................................... 4
3 Specifications 10
4 Support 11
4.1 Maintenance ....................................................... 11
4.2 Warranty ......................................................... 11
4.3 Contact us ........................................................ 11
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1
General Overview
1.1 Optogenetics TTL Pulse Generator
(a) 4-channel Generator (b) 8-channel Generator
Figure 1.1: Optogenetics TTL Pulse Generator
The Doric Optogenetics TTL Pulse Generator (OTPG) allows the modulation of pulse signal trains as well as their triggering.
The generator connects to a computer using a USB-B cable, while each channel can be connected to a device using a
BNC cable. The most commonly used devices are LED Drivers,Laser Drivers and Shutters. This allows the coordination
between many input/output signal between many different devices.
The generator comes in 4-channel (Fig. 1.1a) and 8-channel (Fig. 1.1b) models. For the 4-channel OTPG, all channels
can either be used as an output, to deliver a pulse train, or as an input, to receive trigger signals. For the 8-channel
OPTG, only channels 5-8 can be used as inputs (Fig. 1.2). The OTPG is controlled using the Doric Neuroscience Studio (see
chapter 2).
Figure 1.2: Input/Output Channels
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2
Operations Guide
2.1 Optogenetics TTL Pulse Generator
The Optogenetics TTL Pulse Generator (OTPG; 4 or 8 channels) are controlled from the Doric Neuroscience Studio. Various
pulses train sequences can be designed for any experiment. Each channel can be used to generate pulses with relative
phases that remain constant. Channels can be synchronized or started at the same time or independently. Channels 1
to 4 (OPTG 4) and channels 5 to 8 (OTPG 8) can be used as inputs.
The OTPG user interface (Fig. 2.1) is split into two main sections. This includes the Controls & settings and the Acquisi-
tion view. From these sections, the Channel(s) configuration window can be accessed to add and configure channels.
Figure 2.1: Optogenetics TTL Pulse Generator Interface
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2.1.1 Channel configuration
Figure 2.2: Channels Configuration, Continuous Wave Interface
The Channels configuration window is used to configure each channel. The window can be accessed by either using the
Add channel or Edit buttons. This window is separated into multiple boxes, defined here.
1. The Channel Options (Fig. 2.2) include the Channel drop-down list and the channel Mode list.
a) The Channel identifies which of the 4 channels available for each channel type is currently being modified.
The channel can be changed by selecting a new one from the drop-down list.
b) The Mode identifies the type of signal sent.
• The CW(Continuous Wave) channel mode allows the creation of a continuous TTL pulse sequence. The
following elements appear in the Sequence Options box.
i. The Starting Delay (Fig. 2.2) defines the time between the activation of the pulse sequence and the
beginning of the signal.
ii. The Time ON (Fig. 2.2) defines the length of time the continuous signal is active. Should the time
chosen be 0, the signal will continue until the pulse sequence is stopped manually.
iii. The Total Duration (Fig. 2.2) shows the total expected duration of the pulse sequence. Should the
duration be infinite, the box will display ∞. If there is an error in parameter selection, this box will
display N/A.
Chapter 2. Operations Guide 5

Figure 2.3: Channels Configuration, Square Interface
• The Square channel mode allows the creation of a square TTL pulse sequence. This includes all sequence
options as the CW mode, with the following additions.
i. The Frequency (Fig. 2.3) sets the frequency (in Hz), which is the number of pulses per second. The
frequency can also be changed to the Period. For example, a signal at 10 Hz (frequency) will output
one pulse every 100 ms (period), whereas a signal at 0.5 Hz (frequency) will output one pulse every
2 seconds (period).
ii. The Time ON (Fig. 2.3) defines the length of a single pulse. This time can also be converted to a Duty
Cycle, which represents the % of the period the pulse duration corresponds to.
iii. The Pulse(s) per sequence (Fig. 2.3) set the number of pulses per sequence. If it is set to 0, the
number of pulses will be infinite.
iv. The Number of sequence(s) (Fig. 2.3) sets the number of times that the sequence will be repeated.
v. The Delay between sequences (Fig. 2.3) sets the delay between each sequence.
Chapter 2. Operations Guide 6

Figure 2.4: Channels Configuration, Input Interface
• The Input mode (Fig 2.4) records a signal as long as there is a high TTL signal on the chosen console
channel. The channel can then be used as a trigger source for all the other channels of the console. No
Sequence Options or Sequence Previews are available for this mode.
c) The Inverted Output checkbox changes the signal output. When selected, the ON TTL signal will send 0 V,
while the OFF TTL signal will send 5 V.
2. The Trigger Options (Fig. 2.2) define the trigger methods. These options include the trigger Source and Mode.
a) The Source trigger option allows the choice of a Manual Trigger (activated by a user) or an Input trigger,
coming from an input on a channel.
b) The Mode defines how the trigger activates a sequence..
• In Triggered mode, the sequence is started manually or by a trigger source from an input channel. Once
the trigger source is received, the sequence will continue until the end or until Stop is pressed.
• In Gated mode, the sequence will play as long as there is a high TTL signal (4 V or more) on the input
modulation BNC. This signal comes from a different light source or device driver. When the TTL signal is
low (0.4 V or less), the sequence stops and waits for another high TTL signal to continue. If a pulse is cut,
a new one will start at the next activation signal.
3. The Sequence Options (Fig. 2.2) define the parameters of each pulse sequence for output channels. These param-
eters are defined with each channel type. Should a parameter chosen be impossible to apply to a sequence (For
example, a Time ON greater than 1/Frequency), the color of the option boxes will turn RED.
4. The Sequence Preview (Fig. 2.2) section allows visualization of the output sequence that will play by selecting the
channel in the graph.
Chapter 2. Operations Guide 7

2.1.2 Control and Settings
The Control and Settings box is used to manage the different parts of the software module.
Figure 2.5: Control & Settings Box
1. The Add Channel button (Fig. 2.5) opens the Channels configuration window. This window is detailed in section
2.1.1.
2. The Clear configuration button (Fig. 2.5) resets the acquisition view and all other parameters set. Any configura-
tions already set will be lost.
3. The Save configuration button (Fig. 2.5) allows an OTPG configuration to be saved in the .doric format.
4. The Load configuration button (Fig. 2.5) allows an OTPG configuration in .doric format to be loaded.
5. The Start All button (Fig. 2.5) activates all prepared channels.
6. The Autoscrolling button (Fig. 2.5), when clicked, makes the graphs scroll as new data appears. The duration (in s)
kept on display is defined in the box beside the button.
7. The Reset Zoom button (Fig. 2.5) resets the horizontal axis of all graphs displayed in the Acquisition View to the
duration chosen in the Autoscrolling box.
2.1.3 Acquisition View
The Acquisition View box displays all information concerning active channels. Each channel chosen using Add Channel
is displayed in this section, occupying a rectangular box.
Figure 2.6: Acquisition View Box
Each Channel box shows the following basic elements, with additional elements available for specific channel types.
1. The Channel name is located on the upper left of the Channel box (Fig. 2.6), identifying the type of channel and
it’s number, corresponding to that on the OTPG.
Chapter 2. Operations Guide 8

2. The Edit button (Fig. 2.6) allows the editing of channel parameters, opening the Channel configuration window.
For further information, see section 2.1.1.
3. The Start button (Fig. 2.6) activates the chosen channel without activating any other channel. The button is Green
(Fig. 2.6 when inactive, Red (Fig. 2.8) when active and Gray (Fig. 2.7) when disabled.
4. The Progress Bar (Fig. 2.6) will indicate the progress of the chosen sequence. Should the sequence be infinite, a
scrolling blue bar (Fig. 2.8) is displayed.
Figure 2.7: Acquisition View Box, Input Mode
5. The Status box (Fig. 2.6) shows whether the channel is active, displaying STOPPED when inactive (Fig. 2.6) and
RUNNING... (Fig. 2.8) when active.
Figure 2.8: Acquisition View Box, Square Mode
6. The Triggered By box (Fig. 2.6) shows the current trigger source of the channel sequence.
7. The Sequence Preview box (Fig. 2.6) shows a graphed preview of the pulse sequence.
8. The Position Marker (Fig. 2.7) is a red line on the Sequence Preview that indicates the position in time when the
sequence is active.
Chapter 2. Operations Guide 9

3
Specifications
Table 3.1: General Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS VALUES NOTES
Maximum On/Off Time 5 hours/Infinity
Maximum Sequence Duration Infinity (continuous) or 107Pulses
Minimum Pulse Duration 0.017 ms
Time Resolution Accuracy ±1 µs*# of channels running
Maximum Value of Repeat 4 294 967 296
Maximum/Minimum Pulse Frequency 30 kHz / 5.47e−5Hz
Pulse Stability 0.1 µs
Voltage Output 5 V
Maximum Input Voltage 5 V
Current Consumption <100 mA (4 ch)/ <200 mA (8ch) Powered by computer USB port
Output Current 20 mA (Maximum)
Dimensions
4-channel OTPG 135 x 58 x 21 mm3Depth includes connectors
8-channel OTPG 135 x 70 x 21 mm3Depth includes connectors
Mass
4-channel OTPG 174 g
8-channel OTPG 199 g
Table 3.2: Recommended Environmental Specifications
DESCRIPTION OPERATION STORAGE
Use Indoor Indoor
Temperature 0-40 ◦C 0-40 ◦C
Humidity 40-60% RH, non condensing 40-60% RH, non condensing
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4
Support
4.1 Maintenance
The product does not require any maintenance. Do not open the enclosure. Contact Doric Lenses for return instructions
if the unit does not work properly and needs to be repaired.
4.2 Warranty
This product is under warranty for a period of 12 months. Contact Doric Lenses for return instructions. This warranty
will not be applicable if the unit is damaged or needs to be repaired as a result of improper use or operation outside the
conditions stated in this manual. For more information, see our Website.
4.3 Contact us
For any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact us by:
Phone [phone]
Email sales doriclenses.com
© 2019 DORIC LENSES INC
357 rue Franquet - Quebec, (Quebec)
G1P 4N7, Canada
Phone: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
www.doriclenses.com
Chapter 4. Support 11