A13-65: Isolated Programmable Stimulator
The A13-65 is a general-purpose stimulator designed to serve a very wide variety of applications. It is suitable for uses ranging from stimulation via cutaneous, implanted and microelectrodes to tissue and large organ baths. It may be used for lesioning any tissue for destruction or histological marking. Precision feedback regulation and highly accurate timing also make it ideal for iontophoresis.
This instrument is capable of monophasic or biphasic (polarity reversal) stimulation with a constant-current (feedback regulated) or constant-voltage (feedback regulated) output. It is totally isolated from line voltage by means of a split-winding transformer. The stimulus synthesis section is additionally isolated from the main unit output and the subject by optical isolation. The oscilloscope monitor output is also totally optically isolated from the subject, giving high accuracy in monitoring without stray signal or ground reference problems.
The stimulus protocol (timing, amplitude, and pulse relationships of the actual electrical stimulus output) may be programmed via the keypad on the front of the instrument, or it may be programmed on a computer and downloaded to the stimulator. Programming is simple: the user is led through the setup of a protocol by a series of prompts on the front panel display. Entry of Yes / No responses or numeric values for time and amplitude is all that s required.
The unit can store up to 255 stimulus protocols, which can be recalled by a keypad entry or by an on-line computer for instantaneous protocol change while running an experiment. The unit may be controlled by Tru Scan software or by WinLinc behavioral software, and any of its stored protocols may be executed with the same ease as any auditory or visual stimulus in the environment.
