SPP-400 Digital Trigger Generator
Available soon, the NEW Digitimer SPP-400 Trigger Generator is a programmable digitally-controlled, single or two channel trigger source compatible with our range of electrical stimulators.
Like our DG2A Trigger Generator, the SPP-400 is capable of operating in multiple modes, including (i) Free Run (ii) Gated (iii) Single or (iv) Train. However, because the SPP-400 can be used as a single or two channel device, with the output of Channel 1 linked to the input of Channel 2, it can also produce repeating trains or bursts of pulses which would be impossible with a single DG2A.
The SPP-400’s digital controls allow users to precisely and reproducibly set the timing and output parameters they require. The SPP-400 also permits storage of up to eight pre-set protocols or configurations to the unit within the Protocol Manager for future recall.
Once available, the SPP-400 will be supplied with a Windows compatible virtual front panel GUI that will replicate the front panel display and controls, further enhancing ease of use.
Versatile Trigger & Control Options
The SPP-400 features an input BNC socket which allows external devices to either initiate a protocol of defined duration or start and stop output pulses in response to a voltage input. There are three input mode options:-
- Triggered – Output protocol will initiate on the rising or falling edge of a brief incoming trigger pulse e.g. a digital pulse from a DAQ device. The voltage threshold may be adjusted between -10V and +10V.
- Gated On/Off – Output active while its BNC input receives a voltage exceeding the threshold set on the SPP-400.
- Trigger On, Trigger Off – Toggles the output with succesive incoming trigger pulses.
In addition to the BNC input, the SPP-400 features a manual trigger button which can be used in each of the three modes above. The SPP-400 is also compatible with external foot and hand switches and incoporates an optional “de-bounce” control which prevents accidently multiple triggers when using these types of contact closure switches.
Precision Settings & Between Trial Reproducibility
One limitation of our DG2A Train/Delay Generator is the inability of the user to precisely set timing parameters via the analogue control dials. Also, if the settings are changed between experimental trials, it is a challenge for the user to return the dials to their previous positions, which might impact experimental reproducibilty.
With the SPP-400 we have opted to use completely digital controls, and as a result, operators can precisely and reproducibly set the parameters they need for a particular experiment. The addition of the on-board Protocol Manager ensures that the most commonly used protocols are rapidly recalled when the need arises.
Link Channels or Use them Independently
The inclusion of a second output channel massively enhances the capabilities of the SPP-400 over the DG2A. In its most basic role, Channel 2 can be used to insert a second delayed pulse after each pulse generated by Channel 1, replicating the delay setting provided by the DG2A.
However, the second channel can also be used in isolation, so a single external input or button press can trigger two devices with distinct timing characteristics, based on the individual settings of Channel 1 and Channel 2.
If the input of Channel 2 is linked to the output of Channel 1, it is possible to set the SPP-400 to deliver repeating bursts of pulses, with control of train/pulse frequency, train/pulse number, pulse duration, delay and even output voltage. This more complex type of prococol was previously only possible via our modular NeuroLog System or a pair of DG2A’s.
Would you be interested in evaluating the new SPP-400?
The SPP-400 will be available very soon, but Digitimer has a limited number of pre-production SPP-400’s which we are making available for short-term evaluation loans, in exchange for feedback from potential users.
If the SPP-400 might be of interest to you, please request a quote, and if you think you can help with feedback, then please get in touch with us.
