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Brain Products BrainAmp Series, BrainAmp MR Series, BrainAmp MR plus, BrainAmp ExG, BrainAmp ExG MR Operating And Reference Manual

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BrainAmp series
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BrainAmp Standard / DC
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Operating and Reference Manual
for use in a laboratory and MR environment
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Amplifier
BrainAmp | Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment
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Any trademarks mentioned in this document are the protected property of their rightful owners. The reproduction, distribution and utilization of this document as well as the communication of its contents to others without express authorization is prohibited. Offenders will be held liable for the payment of damages. All rights reserved in the event of the grant of a patent, utility model or design. Subject to change without notice. For the latest version of this document, please visit www.brainproducts.com or contact your local distributor.
Published by Brain Products GmbH
Zeppelinstrasse 7 82205 Gilching Germany
Published on* 20. March 2019 Document version 001
*Valid until publication of a new version of this document.
© 2019 Brain Products GmbH
Phone: +49 (0) 8105 733 84 - 0 Fax: +49 (0) 8105 733 84 - 505 Web: www.brainproducts.com
Contents
About this manual ......................................................................................................................... 9
About the products .......................................................................................................................13
Chapter 1 Safety Information....................................................................................................................... 19
Chapter 2 Installation.................................................................................................................................. 21
2.1 General installation of the amplifier system .......................................................................................21
2.2 Installation for exclusive use of the amplifier system in a laboratory environment............................. 39
3
2.3 Installation instructions for the conduct of combined EEG- fMRI measurements................................ 46
Chapter 3 Operation of the amplifier system................................................................................................ 55
3.1 Operation of the amplifier system in a laboratory environment ..........................................................55
3.2 Operation of the amplifier system in an MR environment ...................................................................55
Chapter 4 Maintenance, cleaning, functional testing and disposal............................................................... 63
4.1 Safety checks and maintenance ....................................................................................................... 63
4.2 Function check ................................................................................................................................. 64
4.3 Cleaning ........................................................................................................................................... 69
4.4 Disposing of the amplifier and accessories ....................................................................................... 70
Appendix A Product identification ...................................................................................................................71
Appendix B Explanation of the markings on the products ............................................................................... 73
Appendix C Technical data ............................................................................................................................. 75
Appendix D Pinout of the trigger socket (digital port) ..................................................................................... 89
Appendix E Pinout of the AUX socket on the USB2 Adapter............................................................................. 91
Appendix F Ambient conditions ..................................................................................................................... 93
Appendix G Installing amplifier systems with more than 128 channels ........................................................... 95
BrainAmp Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment | Version 001 | March 20, 2019
4
Appendix H Note on the use of invasive electrodes......................................................................................... 97
Appendix I Legal notice for users of the BrainAmp MR/Brain MR plus in the USA........................................... 99
List of figures
Chapter 1 Safety Information
Chapter 2 Installation
Figure 2-1.(From bottom to top): Front view of the BrainAmp MR, BrainAmp MR plus and BrainAmp ExG MR am-
plifiers, "Power" LED and electrode connector. . . 22
Figure 2-2.BrainAmp ExG MR 16 with additional power output. . . 22
Figure 2-3.Rear view of an amplifier with battery compartment. . . 23
Figure 2-4.Rear view of an amplifier with integrated 4-way screw-lock power socket, without battery compart-
ment (as of 2011). . . 23
5
Figure 2-5.USB2 Adapter for up to 64 channels (top view). . . 24
Figure 2-6.Connecting two USB2 Adapters using the dualBUA Adapter Cable. . . 26
Figure 2-7.USB2 Adapter (side view), 26-pin HD D-Sub socket for the trigger cable (top), "AUX" port (bottom left)
and "USB" port (bottom right). . . 26
Figure 2-8.USB2 Adapter (side view), 2-way connectors for fiber optic plugs with locks and protection against
polarity reversal and "no Sync." LEDs. . . 27
Figure 2-9.Listing of the connected amplifiers in the Recorder. . . 28
Figure 2-10.Warning message if the BrainAmp ExG MR/BrainAmp ExG MR amplifier has been connected in the
wrong sequence. . . 29
Figure 2-11.PowerPack, front view. . . 29
Figure 2-12.PowerPack, rear view. . . 30
Figure 2-13.Rear of the amplifier showing the open battery compartment into which the cylindrical PowerSupply
Adapter is screwed (only for amplifiers purchased before 2011).. . . 31
Figure 2-14.Open (left) and engaged (right) clamps on the ribbon cable connectors. . . 34
Figure 2-15.Arrow on the plugs of the ribbon cables and on the amplifier socket. . . 34
Figure 2-16.BrainCap, front and rear views. . . 35
Figure 2-17.actiCAP. . . 35
Figure 2-18.ExG AUX Box (top view) with 8 bipolar inputs (1 through 8) and 8 AUX inputs (9 through 16). . . 36
Figure 2-19.ExG AUX Box (side view), connection for ribbon cable (left) and "PWR" input for the power supply
(right). . . 36
Figure 2-20.Windows® Device Manager, showing the USB2 Adapter. . . 37
Figure 2-21.Windows® Device Manager, showing the PCI Adapter Card. . . 37
Figure 2-22.Opening the list of connected amplifiers. . . 38
Figure 2-23.List of amplifiers that are ready for operation. . . 38
BrainAmp Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment | Version 001 | March 20, 2019
6 List of figures
Figure 2-24.PCI Adapter Card (top view). . . 39
Figure 2-25.PCI Adapter Card (side view), 26-pin HD D-Sub socket for the trigger cable and ports 1 and 2 for fiber
optic cables, "no Sync." LEDs. . . 39
Figure 2-26.PolyBox with eight 5-way Binder type sockets and one "AUX" HD D-Sub socket (top view). . . 41
Figure 2-27.PolyBox with connection socket for the USB2 Adapter (side view). . . 41
Figure 2-28.Activating the PolyBox in the Recorder workspace. . . 42
Figure 2-29.Electrode Input Box EIB64-A. . . 43
Figure 2-30.DIP switches on the Electrode Input Box. . . 43
Figure 2-31.Two EIB64-A Electrode Input Boxes with the reference and ground electrodes connected to each oth-
er (top view). . . 44
Figure 2-32.Two EIB64-A boxes with the reference and ground electrodes connected to each other (side view).
. . 45
Figure 2-33.ExG Input Box. . . 45
Figure 2-34.Connections between the SyncBox Main Unit, SyncBox Scanner Interface, amplifier and scanner. .
. 48
Figure 2-35.SyncBox Scanner Interface with cables connected (top view). . . 49
Figure 2-36.SyncBox Scanner Interface (side view), yellow "PWR" LED (left) and "Input" port for connection to
the scanner (right). . . 50
Figure 2-37.SyncBox Scanner Interface (side view), green "Signal" LED (left) and "Output" port for connection to
the SyncBox Main Unit (right). . . 50
Figure 2-38.SyncBox Main Unit with cables connected (top view). . . 50
Figure 2-39.SyncBox Main Unit (side view), "Input" port for connection to the SyncBox Scanner Interface (left)
and "AUX" socket for peripheral components (right). . . 51
Figure 2-40.SyncBox Main Unit (side view), "AUX" socket for connection to the USB2 Adapter (left) and "USB"
socket for connection to the computer (right). . . 51
Figure 2-41."Sync On" markers and (example) volume markers in the EEG data (Recorder). . . 52
Chapter 3 Operation of the amplifier system
Figure 3-1.Configuration of the Recorder workspace. . . 57
Chapter 4 Maintenance, cleaning, functional testing and disposal
Figure 4-1.Signal tester for BrainAmp Standard, BrainAmp DC, BrainAmp MR and BrainAmp MR plus. . . 64
Figure 4-2.Signal tester for BrainAmp ExG and BrainAmp ExG MR. . . 64
Figure 4-3.Specifying the number of channels in the Recorder workspace for the BrainAmp MR amplifier test. . .
65
Figure 4-4.Specifying the number of channels in the Recorder workspace for the BrainAmp ExG MR 8 amplifier
test. . . 66
Figure 4-5.Settings in the Recorder workspace for the sampling rate, filter, resolution and series resistors. . . 66
Figure 4-6.Disabling the "Raw Data Saving Filters" option. . . 67
Figure 4-7.Specifying the form and frequency of the test signal. . . 67
Appendix A Product identification
List of figures 7
Appendix B Explanation of the markings on the products
Appendix C Technical data
Figure C-1.BrainAmp ExG MR 16, connector for power supply (socket). . . 78
Figure C-2.ExG AUX Box, pinout of the sensor connectors (socket), type: Binder 719. . . 79
Figure C-3.ExG AUX Box, pinout of the power supply (socket), type: Binder 719. . . 80
Figure C-4.BrainAmp ExG 16, connector for power supply (socket). . . 83
Figure C-5.PolyBox, pinout of the sensor connectors (socket), type: Binder 719. . . 85
Appendix D Pinout of the trigger socket (digital port)
Appendix E Pinout of the AUX socket on the USB2 Adapter
Appendix F Ambient conditions
Appendix G Installing amplifier systems with more than 128 channels
Figure G-1.PCI Adapter Card (master). . . 95
Figure G-2.Expansion card. . . 96
Figure G-3.Cards connected (master and slave). . . 96
Appendix H Note on the use of invasive electrodes
Appendix I Legal notice for users of the BrainAmp MR/Brain MR plus in the USA
8 List of figures
About this manual
This manual describes how to use the BrainAmp MR, BrainAmp MR plus and BrainAmp ExG MR amplifiers and their accessories1 under laboratory conditions and an MR environment. Specif­ically, this manual contains information concerning:
General installation instructions that you must perform irrespective of whether you want to
use the amplifier system under laboratory conditions or in an MR environment.
Essential conditions for the safe use of the BrainAmp MR system in the MR environment.
These safety conditions are also available as a standalone document that you can keep with the equipment.
Interfaces with the scanner that are necessary for simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings
This manual forms an integral part of the amplifier system. It must be precisely adhered to in order to ensure that the amplifier system is used as intended, operated correctly and to guar­antee the concomitant safety of test subjects, users and third parties. Make sure that this man­ual is always available to users.
9
The amplifiers are operated using the BrainVision Recorder recording software. You will find a detailed description of the hardware functions that are fully software controlled (impedance measurement, DC offset correction, configuration of the digital ports, setting of the resolution and configuration of the filters) in the User Manual for the Recorder.
Who is the manual intended for?
The current manual is intended for physicians, medical experts and users working in the field of psychological and neurological research. (For details, see section "Intended use" on
page 14).
Conventions used in the manual
The manual uses the following typographical conventions:
Italic Italic text is used to identify menus, menu commands, dialog boxes, options,
the names of files and folders and the labels on the products. Italic font is also used to highlight portions of running text.
Underscore
The blue dot indicates the end of a chapter.
1. The amplifiers and the accessories supplied by Brain Products are referred to as the "amplifier sys­tem" below.
BrainAmp Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment | Version 001 | March 20, 2019
Underscored text indicates a cross-reference or a web address.
10 About this manual
The manual also uses the following symbols to help you find your way around:
The Personal injury symbol indicates that incorrect use of the products may result in a health hazard to the test subject, the user and/or a third-party. In­correct use means non-adherence to the stipulations set out in this manual.
The Damage to property symbol indicates that the incorrect use of the prod­ucts may bring about a risk of damage to property.
The Stop symbol indicates that you should not carry out a particular action.
A note draws your attention to important (technical) information.
A cross-reference refers to another section or an external document that has a bearing on the running text at this point.
A tip gives you advice, recommends a particular approach or draws your at­tention to an interesting aspect.
Revision history
Page . . . . Status . . . . . . Change
9 New New document which combines both laboratory and MR use in one
manual.
Reporting errors and support
We would ask you to report to us without delay any error you find in this manual, any fault in the products or any malfunction that you observe when operating the products and any event where a test subject, user or third party has been injured, however slightly, or could have been injured. To do so, contact your dealer who can also advise you about general questions relating to these products.
About this manual 11
12
About the products
The BrainAmp and BrainAmp MR amplifier series
The BrainAmp and BrainAmp MR amplifier series are easy to use, compact and robust. The BrainAmp series is made up of the BrainAmp Standard, BrainAmp DC and BrainAmp ExG and the MR series comprises the BrainAmp MR, BrainAmp MR plus and BrainAmp ExG MR.
Our amplifiers rigorously meet the requirements for reliability, data quality and trouble-free use. There is a huge variety of applications for these amplifiers, ranging from traditional acqui­sition of EEG and ERP signals, through DC acquisition, and right up to the acquisition of poly­graph signals such as EMG, ECG and EOG under field conditions encountered in a neurophysiological research laboratory.
13
Together with their accessories, the amplifiers form a complete, integrated system. When used correctly, according to the Correct use, the amplifier system guarantees excellent data quality and the very highest level of comfort and safety for users and subjects alike.
The BrainAmp Standard, BrainAmp DC, BrainAmp MR and BrainAmp MR plus use a referential (i.e. unipolar) measurement principle and are intended for acquiring EEG data with electrode caps.
The BrainAmp ExG and BrainAmp ExG MR use a differential measurement principle and are in­tended for the bipolar measurement of electrical potentials at the surface of the body (EMG, ECG) as well as for non-electrical measurements (respiration, blood circulation) using elec­trode input boxes and sensors.
The amplifiers of the MR series can be used in the MR scanner while the scanner is in opera­tion. Only those accessories that have been explicitly approved for this purpose by Brain Products are permitted for use in an MR environment.
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14
Intended use
The components of the BrainAmp family are intended to be used for acquiring neuro-/electro­physiological signals (e.g. EEG, EMG, ECG, EOG or signals from other approved sensors) in the context of non-medical applications in order to carry out fundamental or applied research on the basis of neurophysiological methodology and data.
In particular, the acquisition of invasive EEG signals is permitted if
the acquisition is performed outside the MR environment,
the BrainAmp components are powered by the PowerPack (rechargeable battery),
no other product is electrically connected with the test subject at the same time, and
no simultaneous electrical stimulation is used.
Invasive electrodes must not be used for recording ECG signals and polygraphic signals with the BrainAmp components.
The components of the BrainAmp family are not medical devices. Use for diagnosis, therapy, monitoring of vital physiological processes (such as cardiovascular functions) or other medical purposes is expressly forbidden.
Correct use
The components of the BrainAmp family are permitted to be used by users in the psychological and neurophysiological research area as well as physicians and medical experts for non-med­ical applications.
The components of the BrainAmp family are not permitted to be used by unqualified persons (e.g. laymen), persons who cannot read (e.g. due to visual impairment) or understand (e.g. due to a lack of language skills) the manual.
The components of the BrainAmp family are permitted to be used in the following environ­ments: hospitals, clinics, other medical environments, research institutes and other non-med­ical environments (e.g. at home), provided that all the other stipulations regarding the correct use are met and that the products are used in accordance with its intended use.
The components of the BrainAmp family are not permitted to be used in the following environ­ments:
vicinity of explosive gases as may be the case in operating theaters, for example,
oxygen enriched atmospheres,
underwater (e.g. sea, swimming pool, bath tub) or in environments in which significant amounts of water could enter the components of the BrainAmp family (e.g. under shower, under water-tap).
The components of the BrainAmp family are permitted to be used for healthy and sick adults, children and animals.
Irrespective of any liability on the part of the manufacturer, the relevant national stipulations for operators and other relevant national legislation must be observed.
The user is solely liable for any risks to subjects associated with the investigation, if the prod­uct is not used in accordance with the correct use described.
15
16
Use together with other products and components
The components of the BrainAmp family may be combined with the following products and co
mponents:
For use in and outside of MR scanner roomsa:
Product Article number
GSR-MR Module BP-02810-MR
RespirationBelt MR BP-280-0007
3D Acceleration Sensor MR BP-02820
ExG AUX Box MR Set BP-110-4000
BrainCap MR (32 channel) BP-330-4000
a. Refer to Performing simultaneous EEG-fMRI measurements, Conditions for the safe use of Brain-
Amp MR amplifiers and accessories in the MR environment for MR safety related labelling.
Not for use in MR scanner rooms
Product Manufacturer
Passive Ag/AgCl EEG electrodes/caps that are not
BP-330-1110
designed for use in MRI (e.g. BrainCap, 32 channels)
actiCAP active EEG electrodes (incl. SplitterBox and Con-
BP-130-1300
trolBox)
Electrode Input Box EIB 64 BP-02200
ExG Input Box (with 16 bipolar ExG channels) BP-02220
MOVE (32 channel, transmitter and receiver) BP-08010
StimTrak BP-110-1000
Temperature sensor BP-BM-20
TriggerBox BP-110-9010
TriggerBox Extension BP-110-9030
Photo sensor BP-240-1001
Respiration Belt BP-BM-80
3D Acceleration Sensor BP-02830
GSR Module BP-BM-30
Software (on a computer [not to be located in MR scanner room])
Product Manufacturer
BrainVision Recorder BP-170-3000
BrainVision RecView BP-170-2000
BrainVision RecView MRI module BP-170-2200
17
actiCAP ControlSoftware
a. only for BrainAmp Standard and BrainAmp DC.
a
n/a
Requirements to the computer (not to be located in MR scanner room)
The computer to which you connect the amplifier (via the USB adapter) must fulfill EM 62368-1.
In addition to this general overview of the permitted combinations, users must also check that all the conditions applicable to the product in question (e.g. relating to MR compatibility) are fulfilled for the specific combination and specific application (definition of purpose and in­tended use).
If users combine products other than those listed here then they are responsible for ensuring the safety of test subjects, operating personnel and the environment. If the product data does not immediately make it clear that products can be combined (connected) without danger then the user must contact the relevant manufacturers to ensure that the required safety of all the products involved is not compromised by the intended connection.
18
Chapter 1 Safety Information
Performing simultaneous EEG-fMRI measurements is subject to strict safety guidelines. The es­sential conditions for the safe use of the BrainAmp MR amplifiers and accessories in the MR environment are provided as standalone document, Performing simultaneous EEG-fMRI
measurements - Conditions for the safe use of BrainAmp MR amplifiers and accessories in the MR environment which is available for download on the Brain Products website at https:/
/www.brainproducts.com/downloads.php.?kid=5#dlukat_84.
It is essential that these safety guidelines are followed.
19
BrainAmp Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment | Version 001 | March 20, 2019
Chapter 2 Installation
This chapter describes the installation steps you must perform irrespective of whether you want to use the amplifier system under laboratory conditions or in an MR environment (Section 2.1 on page 21).
21
Section 2.2 on page 39
fier system is to be used in a laboratory.
The installation steps which are only relevant for using the amplifiers of the BrainAmp MR se­ries in the context of combined EEG-fMRI measurements are described in Section 2.3 on
page 46.
describes those installation steps which are only relevant if the ampli-
2.1 General installation of the amplifier system
The amplifiers are operated using the BrainVision Recorder recording software. Make sure that the most recent version of the Recorder is installed on your computer. If you need it, the most recent version can be found on our web site at https://www.brainproducts.com/down-
loads.php.
The following elements are located on the front panel of all the amplifiers (see Figure 2-1):
the Power LED
the Electrode Input socket for connecting electrode caps and electrodes (see Section 2.1.5
as of page 33)
BrainAmp Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment | Version 001 | March 20, 2019
22 Chapter 2 Installation
Figure 2-1. (From bottom to top): Front view of the BrainAmp MR, BrainAmp MR plus and
BrainAmp ExG MR amplifiers, "Power" LED and electrode connector
Figure 2-2. BrainAmp ExG MR 16 with additional power output
Note that only the BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR with 16 channels is fitted with a power out­put. The BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR with 8 channels does not feature this output. This power outlet was intended for the connection of the ExG AUX Box (for details, see page 35).
The pinouts of the power output of the BrainAmp ExG 16 and BrainAmp ExG MR 16 are de­scribed in Appendix C on page 83
and on page 78 respectively.
General installation of the amplifier system 23
The following elements are located on the rear panel of the amplifiers (see Figure 2-3
and
Figure 2-4):
the Power switch for switching the amplifier on and off
a 2-way connector for fiber optic plugs with locks and protection against polarity reversal
the No Sync. LED
Figure 2-3. Rear view of an amplifier with battery compartment
Figure 2-4. Rear view of an amplifier with integrated 4-way screw-lock power socket, without
battery compartment (as of 2011)
24 Chapter 2 Installation
There are two different interfaces for connecting the amplifier to the computer used for record­ing the EEG data: either USB 2.0 (laboratory or MR environment) or PCI 2.1 (for laboratory use only).
You will find instructions on installing the Recorder in the relevant User Manual.
To use the interfaces, first install the BrainVision Recorder recording software. When the soft­ware has been installed, all the required drivers will be located on your computer.
Use the PowerPack for powering the amplifier system.
The following sections provide details on using the interfaces, setting up the power supply us­ing the PowerPack and connecting general accessories.
If you intend using the MR series amplifiers for combined EEG-fMRI measurements, you must perform the following steps outside the MR environment.
2.1.1 Connecting the amplifier using the USB2 Adapter (BUA)
Application in an MR environment – Caution! The USB2 Adapter is not suitable for use
in an MR environment. You must therefore always use it outside of the scanner room.
Note that your computer must be equipped with a USB 2.0 port. The USB2 Adapter does not work with a USB 1.0 or USB 1.1 port.
Two versions of the USB2 Adapter are available: The BUA64 for up to 64 channels or a maxi­mum of two amplifiers (see Figure 2-5 of four amplifiers.
) and the BUA128 for up to 128 channels or a maximum
Figure 2-5. USB2 Adapter for up to 64 channels (top view)
You have the option of combining two USB2 Adapters and thus using up to eight amplifiers in your experimental setup. There are two ways of combining the adapters (see Table 2-1
). Please
note that it is not possible to combine two BUA64s. Use one BUA128 if you wish to use a total of four amplifiers.
Table 2-1. Possible combinations of two USB2 Adapters in an experimental setup
First USB2 Adapter Second USB2 Adapter
BUA128 BUA64
BUA128 BUA128
Proceed as follows if you want to use the USB interface:
General installation of the amplifier system 25
1 Install the BrainVision Recorder software as described in the User Manual for the Recorder.
2 Connect the USB2 Adapter to the computer. Use only the supplied USB cable to do this.
If you wish to use two USB2 Adapters (not recommended for the MR environment), you also need the supplied dualBUA Adapter Cable (see Figure 2-6
) in addition to the USB cable.
Proceed as follows:
a Connect the dualBUA Adapter Cable to the relevant trigger connection (see Figure 2-7)
of each of the first and second USB2 Adapters.
b Then connect the dualBUA Adapter Cable to the AUX connection of the second USB2
Adapter.
c Tighten the securing screws on all the connectors of the dualBUA Adapter Cable.
d Then connect the two USB2 Adapters to your computer using the supplied USB cables.
26 Chapter 2 Installation
Figure 2-6. Connecting two USB2 Adapters using the dualBUA Adapter Cable
You will find the pinout for the trigger socket on the USB2 Adapter in Appendix D as of page 89.
You will find a description of the AUX connection pinout in Appendix E on page 91
.
Figure 2-7. USB2 Adapter (side view), 26-pin HD D-Sub socket for the trigger cable (top), "AUX"
port (bottom left) and "USB" port (bottom right)
3 The computer will inform you that a new hardware component has been detected and will
then install the driver for the USB2 Adapter.
Note that Windows® requires that the driver is re-installed for each USB port the first time that the USB2 Adapter is used on a different port.
General installation of the amplifier system 27
4 Connect the amplifier power supply.
If you are using the PowerPack as the power supply, you must charge it first. Disconnect the PowerPack from the charger before connecting it to the amplifier.
The PowerPack is the only option in the MR environment.
5 Connect the amplifiers to the relevant connections on the USB2 Adapter using the supplied
fiber optic cables (see Figure 2-8). On the BUA64, these are the connections marked Fiber­optic 1 and Fiberoptic 2 and on the BUA128, they are the connections marked Fiberoptic 1 to Fiberoptic 4.
Figure 2-8. USB2 Adapter (side view), 2-way connectors for fiber optic plugs with locks and
protection against polarity reversal and "no Sync." LEDs
If you are using two USB2 Adapters in your experimental setup, you must ensure that all the fiber optic connections on the first USB2 Adapter are occupied before you connect the amplifiers to the second USB2 Adapter. If you do not do this, the Recorder will issue a warn­ing.
Refer to Section 2.1.2 as of page 29 for detailed informa­tion on setting up the power supply using the PowerPack.
If, for instance, you wish to use six amplifiers in your experimental setup, it is not possible to connect three amplifiers to the first USB2 Adapter and the other three amplifiers to the second USB2 Adapter. Instead, you must connect the first four amplifiers to the first USB2 Adapter and the remaining two amplifiers to the second USB2 Adapter. The fiber optic con­nections (and hence the channels) are counted in ascending sequence, as illustrated by
Table 2-2:
Table 2-2. Assignment of the channels to the USB2 Adapters in an experimental setup with
six amplifiers, one BUA128 and one BUA64
BUA no. Fiber optic connection Channel numbers
1 Fiberoptic 1 1 to 32
Fiberoptic 2 33 to 64
Fiberoptic 3 65 to 96
Fiberoptic 4 97 to 128
2 Fiberoptic 1 129 to 160
Fiberoptic 2 161 to 192
28 Chapter 2 Installation
6 After you have connected the amplifier(s) to the USB2 Adapter, switch on the amplifier(s)
using the Power switch on the back of the amplifier. The Power LED lights up on the front of the amplifier.
7 After you have connected the components to each other, start the Recorder. If the system
is working correctly, the No Sync. LED located on both the USB2 Adapter and the amplifier goes off. If the LED lights up during the measurement, this indicates that no synchroniza­tion has been detected while data is being received and sent. There is either a problem with the fiber-optic cables or their plugs or with the sockets on the USB2 Adapter or the am­plifier. Extreme attenuation on the fiber optic cables (if these are too long, for instance) can also result in a failure to detect synchronization.
If you are using both unipolar (BrainAmp Standard/BrainAmp DC/BrainAmp MR/MR plus) and bipolar (BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR) amplifiers, always connect the bipolar amplifiers to the USB2 Adapter after the unipolar amplifiers. If, for instance, you are using two BrainAmp MR plus and one BrainAmp ExG MR 16 amplifier, first connect the BrainAmp MR plus amplifiers to the Fiberoptic 1 and Fiberoptic 2 inputs of the BUA128. Then connect the BrainAmp ExG MR am­plifier to the Fiberoptic 3 input. The Amplifier > Connected Amplifiers… menu item in the Re­corder will then list the connected amplifiers as follows (see Figure 2-9).
Figure 2-9. Listing of the connected amplifiers in the Recorder
A warning message is issued if you have connected the bipolar amplifiers in the wrong se­quence (see Figure 2-10).
Figure 2-10. Warning message if the BrainAmp ExG MR/BrainAmp ExG MR amplifier has been
connected in the wrong sequence
General installation of the amplifier system 29
2.1.2 Powering the amplifier using the PowerPack
The PowerPack (see Figure 2-11 f) has a rechargeable battery.
Figure 2-11. PowerPack, front view
30 Chapter 2 Installation
Figure 2-12. PowerPack, rear view
Charging the PowerPack before initial operation
Only use the suppled Charger V9 for charging the PowerPack.
Application in an MR environment – Caution! The PowerPack is also intended for use in the MR environment. The Charger V9 is, however, not suitable for use in an MR environ-
ment. You must therefore always charge the PowerPack outside the MR environment.
It is possible to charge the battery at temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C. You should ideally charge the battery at room temperature.
Proceed as follows:
1 Connect the Charger V9 to the blue socket on the front of the PowerPack.
2 Connect the Charger V9 to the line power supply. Only use power sources which match the
specifications of the charger.
The Power LED (green) shows that power is being supplied to the PowerPack.
The Charge LED (yellow) glows when the PowerPack is charged.
3 As soon as the rechargeable battery is fully charged, the yellow Charge LED goes out. (Emp-
ty batteries may take up to 17 hours to fully charge.)
4 Disconnect the Charger V9 from the PowerPack. (Note that for safety reasons, it is not pos-
sible to use an amplifier while the charger is connected.)
If you are charging several PowerPacks at the same time, do not stack them on top of each other in order to prevent them from overheating.
If you do not use the PowerPack immediately after you have charged it, leave it in the charger or charge the PowerPack even when you are not using it. The PowerPack can be trickle charged and cannot be overcharged. The mandatory maintenance charge required prevents harmful deep discharge and has no negative impact on the overall service life of the PowerPack.
Rechargeable batteries wear out over time and therefore take longer to charge. The PowerPack is designed for a service life of around 4,000 hours.
General installation of the amplifier system 31
To use the PowerPack, connect it to the amplifier as follows:
1 If you have an older version of the PowerPack you may need to screw the PowerSupply
Adapter (PSA) into the battery compartment on the rear of the amplifier (see Figure 2-13 Note that on newer versions of the amplifier (as of 2011) a PowerSupply Adapter is already integrated in the amplifier and that there is no battery compartment (see Figure 2-4 on
page 23).
2 Set up the amplifier(s) and the PowerPack in the location you require.
3 Connect the gray socket on the rear of the PowerPack with the PowerSupply Adapter using
the PowerPack Cable. The green Operate LED on the rear of the PowerPack indicates that a supply voltage is present. The PowerPack is now ready to be used.
Figure 2-13. Rear of the amplifier showing the open battery compartment into which the
cylindrical PowerSupply Adapter is screwed (only for amplifiers purchased before 2011).
Connecting the PowerPack to the amplifier
).
For detailed information on positioning the amplifier and the PowerPack in the scanner room, refer to the separate Performing simultaneous EEG-fMRI measurements Safety Manual.
When fully charged and with two amplifiers connected, the battery life of the PowerPack is around 15 hours, doubling to around 30 hours if only one amplifier is connected. If the operat­ing voltage falls below the permitted minimum voltage of the amplifier, the green Operate LED on the rear of the PowerPack goes off.
32 Chapter 2 Installation
Using and storing the Power­Pack
You will find a description of the digital port pinout in Appendix D as of page 89
Refer to the Recorder User Manual for information on configuring the digital port.
You can use the PowerPack at temperatures of between 10 °C and 40 °C. To get the best perfor­mance from the rechargeable battery, you should always use the PowerPack at room tempera­ture.
Do not expose the PowerPack to temperatures below 0 °C or above 40 °C or to bright sunlight.
If the PowerPack is exposed to a temperature of above 40 °C, allow it to cool slowly to its oper­ating temperature. At temperatures below 0 °C, the electrolyte can freeze, which will destroy the battery.
Under no circumstances use third-party accessories, as these can destroy the rechargeable battery. Only use original chargers and accessories from Brain Products.
To avoid injury or burns, never allow metal objects to touch the battery contacts and never short-circuit the battery contacts.
2.1.3 Simultaneous recording of trigger signals via the computer interfaces of the amplifier
Both computer interfaces (USB2 Adapter or PCI adapter card) have a 16-bit digital port for the simultaneous recording of trigger signals. The trigger signals are recorded as markers by the
.
Recorder. The interfaces are designed as 26-pin HD D-Sub sockets.
The digital port is configured from the Recorder. The length of the trigger pulse that is required depends on the sampling rate selected in the Recorder and must be greater than the length of the sampling interval, otherwise it is not possible to write any markers. (At a sampling rate of 5 kHz, the length of the trigger pulse must be
> 200 μs.)
Note that the digital port only supports pulse mode. Toggle mode is not supported. Also note that the digital port only accepts TTL input signals. Serial input signals on the other hand are not supported.
Trigger pulse voltages must comply with the TTL specification. Voltages above the permitted
pulse voltage will destroy the digital port.
Brain Products supplies standard trigger cables with the amplifier system. You can connect the standard trigger cables to the parallel port of the computer on which the stimulation software is running and in this way record stimulation markers, for instance. In this context, note that it
is not sensible to install and use the stimulation software on the computer that is used to re­cord the EEG data.
The digital port of the amplifier system is designed only to receive triggers. Never connect the USB2 Adapter or the PCI Adapter Card to the trigger input of stimulation equipment using the trigger cable.
The standard trigger cables can include an additional BNC interface for an additional trigger output (e.g. volume trigger or TMS trigger) and a trigger pulse stretcher.
You will find information on recording volume triggers during combined EEG-fMRI measure­ments in the separate BrainAmp MR Operating and Reference Manual.
2.1.4 Use of fiber optic cables between the amplifier and the computer interface
The amplifier and the computer interface are galvanically isolated by means of duplex fiber op­tic cables.
Ensure that the fiber optic cables are firmly plugged into the amplifier and the interfaces.
General installation of the amplifier system 33
In order to ensure trouble-free operation, make sure that you route long (20 m) fiber optic ca­bles in particular permanently in cable ducts (in the case of combined EEG-fMRI measure­ments: in the scanner room).
Take great care when handling fiber optic cables. Damaged cables impact negatively on the
operational safety of the system.
Avoid sharp bending radiuses (< 25 cm) when storing and using the cables.
Make sure that you do not tread on or run over fiber optic cables that are lying on the floor
(office chair).
Do not touch the exposed ends of the cables in order to avoid soiling and degrading correct
operation of the cables.
We recommend that you do not exceed a maximum cable length of 20 m between the USB2
Adapter and the amplifier or between the computer and the amplifier.
2.1.5 Connecting electrode caps and electrode input boxes
The front panel of the amplifier has a socket marked Electrode Input for connecting electrode caps (Laboratory or MR environment) or electrode input boxes (laboratory only). These are con­nected using the supplied ribbon cables. The plugs on the ribbon cables are fitted with clamps and are self-locking. Ensure that the clamps are open before you insert the plug (see Figure 2-
14, left). As soon as you push the plug into the socket, the clamps automatically engage to pre-
vent the plug from becoming disconnected inadvertently, e.g. if the ribbon cable is pulled.
Always ensure that the plug is pushed home fully: The clamps must be engaged and point out­wards (see Figure 2-14, right). To remove the plug from the socket, press both clamps at the same time. The plug is released automatically.
34 Chapter 2 Installation
Figure 2-14. Open (left) and engaged (right) clamps on the ribbon cable connectors
Furthermore, the connectors on the ribbon cables feature arrows which indicate the orienta­tion with which the connector must be plugged into the socket. Ensure that the arrow on the plug is aligned with the arrow on the Electrode Input socket (see Figure 2-15).
Electrode caps
Figure 2-15. Arrow on the plugs of the ribbon cables and on the amplifier socket
You can connect electrode caps to the amplifier in two different ways: Either using multi-way plugs (e.g. BrainCap, BrainCap MR and actiCAP) or using individual plugs (e.g. EasyCap) in combination with an electrode input box (laboratory environment only).
If you wish to use bipolar amplifiers (BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR with 8 or 16 channels each), you need connection boxes which are connected to the amplifier using the supplied rib­bon cable.
You can connect electrode caps of the BrainCap (MR) type (see Figure 2-16 polar amplifiers using the supplied ribbon cable. The actiCAP (see Figure 2-17
) directly to the uni-
) is connected to the amplifier using the actiCAP ControlBox (laboratory use only). When you do so, make sure that you connect the multi-way plugs to the amplifier in the correct sequence (i.e. 1 through 32 to amplifier 1, 33 through 64 to amplifier 2, etc.).
Figure 2-16. BrainCap, front and rear views
General installation of the amplifier system 35
Figure 2-17. actiCAP
If you wish to use sensors (such as the GSR MR module), you require the ExG AUX Box (see
Figure 2-18), which has 8 bipolar and 8 AUX channels.
ExG AUX Box
Note that it is only possible to use sensors with the BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR 16, and not with the BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR 8.
36 Chapter 2 Installation
You will find instructions for configuring the AUX inputs in the Recorder User Manual.
You will find a description of the pinouts of the sensor con­nections and the PWR con­nector of the ExG AUX Box in Appendix C on page 79
The pinouts of the power out­put of the BrainAmp ExG 16 and BrainAmp ExG MR 16 are described in Appendix C on page 83
and on page 78 re-
spectively.
.
Figure 2-18. ExG AUX Box (top view) with 8 bipolar inputs (1 through 8) and 8 AUX inputs (9
through 16)
To supply the sensors with power, connect the PWR input of the ExG AUX Box (see Figure 2-19) to the power output of the BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR 16 bipolar amplifier using the sup­plied 3-way power cable. The power output is marked 4.5 V DC Output.
Figure 2-19. ExG AUX Box (side view), connection for ribbon cable (left) and "PWR" input for
the power supply (right)
2.1.6 Checking the installation on operating system level
In order to check whether installation has been successful on Windows® level, open the De­vice Manager from the Control Panel.
The USB2 Adapter appears as the Brain Amp USB Adapter in the Universal Serial Bus control-
lers section in the Device Manager (see Figure 2-20). The PCI adapter card appears as the BrainAmp (MR) Hostadapter in the Device Manager (see Figure 2-21).
Figure 2-20. Windows® Device Manager, showing the USB2 Adapter
General installation of the amplifier system 37
Figure 2-21. Windows® Device Manager, showing the PCI Adapter Card
38 Chapter 2 Installation
2.1.7 Checking the installation at the level of the recording software
In order to check whether the connected amplifiers are detected correctly by the Recorder and are ready for operation, proceed as follows:
1 Connect the amplifier(s) to the USB2 Adapter.
2 Connect the USB2 Adapter to your computer (see Section 2.1.1 as of page 24
3 Switch on the amplifier(s). The Power LED on the front panel of the amplifier lights up
(green).
4 Choose Amplifier > Connected Amplifiers... from the menu (see Figure 2-22
5 The Connected Amplifiers menu in the Recorder lists the amplifiers which are connected
and ready for operation (see Figure 2-23).
Figure 2-22. Opening the list of connected amplifiers
Figure 2-23. List of amplifiers that are ready for operation
).
).
Installation for exclusive use of the amplifier system in a laboratory environment 39
2.2 Installation for exclusive use of the amplifier system in a laboratory environment
This section describes those installation steps you must perform if you want to use the ampli­fier system in a laboratory environment.
These laboratory-specific installation instructions cover those components that are only in- tended for acquiring data under laboratory conditions.
2.2.1 Connecting the amplifier using the PCI adapter card
Note that the motherboard of your computer must support PCI Version 2.1 (5 V 32-bit).
It does not make sense to use the PCI Adapter Card for combined EEG-fMRI measurements, as it does not support the SyncBox.
Figure 2-24. PCI Adapter Card (top view)
You can find information on installing the PCI Adapter Card as part of an experimen­tal setup with more than 128 channels in Appendix G as of page 95.
You will find the pinout for the trigger socket on the PCI Adapter Card in Appendix D as of page 89.
Figure 2-25. PCI Adapter Card (side view), 26-pin HD D-Sub socket for the trigger cable and
ports 1 and 2 for fiber optic cables, "no Sync." LEDs
40 Chapter 2 Installation
Proceed as follows if you want to use the PCI interface:
1 Install the BrainVision Recorder software as described in the User Manual for the Recorder.
2 Shut the computer down, switch it off and unplug the power cord from the power supply.
3 Insert the PCI Adapter Card (see Figure 2-24
) in a free PCI slot in the computer. The PCI
Adapter Card is installed automatically. No additional drivers are required.
4 Connect the PCI Adapter Card to the amplifier using the fiber optic cable.
5 Switch the amplifier on with the Power switch on the rear of the amplifier. The Power LED
lights up on the front of the amplifier.
6 Start the Recorder. If the system is working correctly, the No Sync. LED located on both the
PCI adapter card and the amplifier goes off. If the LED lights up during the measurement, this indicates that no synchronization has been detected while data is being received and sent. There is either a problem with the fiber-optic cables or their plugs or with the sockets on the amplifier. Extreme attenuation on the fiber optic cables (if these are too long, for in­stance) can also result in a failure to detect synchronization.
If you are using both unipolar (BrainAmp Standard/BrainAmp DC,/BrainAmp MR/BrainAmp MR plus) and bipolar (BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR) amplifiers, always connect the bipolar amplifiers to the PCI Adapter Card after the unipolar amplifiers.
If, for instance, you are using two BrainAmp MR plus and one BrainAmp ExG MR 16 amplifier, first connect the BrainAmp MR plus amplifiers to the 1 and 2 ports of the PCI Adapter Card (see
Figure 2-25 on page 39). Then connect the BrainAmp ExG MR to port 3. The Amplifier > Connect-
ed Amplifiers… menu item in the Recorder will then list the connected amplifiers accordingly (in the same way as described in Section 2.1.1, see Figure 2-9 on page 28). A warning message is issued if you have connected the bipolar amplifiers in the wrong sequence (as described in Section 2.1.1, see Figure 2-10 on page 29).
Installation for exclusive use of the amplifier system in a laboratory environment 41
2.2.2 Recording polygraphic signals using the PolyBox
Application in an MR environment – Caution! The PolyBox is not suitable for use in an
MR environment. You must therefore always use it outside of the scanner room.
The PolyBox (see Figure 2-26
) makes it possible to record up to eight sensor channels in addi-
tion to the channels of the amplifiers connected to the BUA64 or BUA128.
Note that the PolyBox cannot be used alone but must be operated in combination with an am­plifier of the BrainAmp family.
Figure 2-26. PolyBox with eight 5-way Binder type sockets and one "AUX" HD D-Sub socket
(top view)
Figure 2-27. PolyBox with connection socket for the USB2 Adapter (side view)
The pinouts of the sensor ports on the PolyBox are de­scribed in Appendix C on page 85
.
The PolyBox is not isolated from the computer power supply unit as required by IEC 60601-1. Only use it directly with sensors that are electrically isolated from the test subject in accor­dance with IEC 60601-1. (We can provide you with a variety of compatible sensors on request.)
Proceed as follows to connect the PolyBox:
1 Connect the amplifier and the USB2 Adapter prepared for operation to the computer you
will be using to record the data as described in Section 2.1.1 as of page 24
.
2 Connect the PolyBox to the AUX input of the USB2 Adapter using the PolyBox connection
cable.
Connecting the PolyBox to the amplifier
42 Chapter 2 Installation
3 Connect your sensors to ports IN1 through IN8 of the PolyBox.
You will find details on how to configure the workspace in the Recorder User Manual.
4 Now activate the PolyBox in the Recorder workspace (see Figure 2-28
). If you cannot do this, make sure that you are using the most recent version of the Recorder (minimum re­quirement: BrainVision Recorder 1.10 with BrainAmp Module 1.03.0004).
Figure 2-28. Activating the PolyBox in the Recorder workspace
2.2.3 Electrode Input Box EIB64-A
The Electrode Input Box EIB64-A is designed only for acquiring EEG signals under labo-
ratory conditions. You must therefore never use it in the context of combined EEG-fMRT
measurements.
The Electrode Input Box EIB64-A (see Figure 2-29 electrodes, but also electrode caps with multi-way plugs to the amplifier.
) allows you to connect not only individual
Figure 2-29. Electrode Input Box EIB64-A
Installation for exclusive use of the amplifier system in a laboratory environment 43
The individual electrodes are plugged into the corresponding 64 individual inputs provided.
You should use only standard commercially available individual electrodes with safety sock­et connectors (1.5 mm touchproof connector in accordance with DIN 42802).
You connect electrode caps with multi-way plugs to the inputs marked Cap Electrodes 1 – 32 and Cap Electrodes 33 – 64.
There are DIP switches located on the side of the box (see Figure 2-30). These are used to select the signal from the electrode connected through the multi-way plug for each channel individ­ually. The off position denotes that both the individual electrode and the electrode connected using the multi-way plug are used. The on position denotes that only the signal from the indi­vidual electrode is used (factory setting).
Figure 2-30. DIP switches on the Electrode Input Box
Individual electrodes
Electrode caps with multi-way plugs
If you do not wish to use the electrodes connected using the multi-way plug, you must switch the DIP switch for the relevant electrode to on. Choose this setting in order to disable a faulty electrode in the cap that is connected using the multi-way plug and to make measurements for this channel using an individual electrode.
44 Chapter 2 Installation
Connection to the amplifier
The supplied ribbon cable is used to connect the Electrode Input Box EIB64-A to the amplifier: Connect the cable to the Electrode Input socket on the amplifier and then connect the amplifier to the Amplifier Channels 1 – 32 output of the Electrode Input Box EIB64-A. The Amplifier Channels 33 – 64 output is for use with the optional second amplifier.
If you require more than 64 channels or more than two amplifiers for your experimental setup, and therefore need to use several EIB64-A boxes, you must ensure that the boxes are assigned to the amplifiers correctly and connect the two reference electrodes to each other and the two ground electrodes to each other (see Figure 2-31
f.).
Figure 2-31. Two EIB64-A Electrode Input Boxes with the reference and ground electrodes
connected to each other (top view)
Installation for exclusive use of the amplifier system in a laboratory environment 45
Figure 2-32. Two EIB64-A boxes with the reference and ground electrodes connected to each
other (side view)
2.2.4 ExG Input Box
The ExG Input Box is designed only for acquiring EEG signals under laboratory condi-
tions. You must therefore never use it in the context of combined EEG-fMRT measure-
ments.
The ExG Input Box (see Figure 2-33 Amp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR amplifier. Connect the ExG Input Box to the amplifier using the rib­bon cable supplied.
You should use only standard commercially available individual electrodes with safety sock­et connectors (1.5 mm touchproof connector in accordance with DIN 42802).
Figure 2-33. ExG Input Box
) allows you to connect individual electrodes to the Brain-
2.2.5 Interface for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
If you are recording EEGs during TMS, you should record the trigger signals of the TMS stimu­lator.
TMS trigger signals
46 Chapter 2 Installation
TMS stimulators generally provide these trigger signals as TTL trigger pulses at BNC outputs. The length of the TTL trigger pulses must be longer than the sampling interval of the EEG re­cording. (At a sampling rate of 5 kHz, the length of the trigger pulse must be > 200 μs.) For fur­ther information refer to the user documentation provided with your TMS stimulator.
If the trigger pulse is of sufficient length, you can use the trigger cable. On the one hand, this allows an HD D-Sub connector on the digital port of the USB2 Adapter to be connected to the BNC output of the TMS stimulator. On the other hand, it allows stimulation systems to be con­nected to the parallel port of the computer.
Note that the digital port of the amplifier system is designed only to receive triggers.
Never connect the USB2 Adapter or the PCI adapter card to the trigger input of stimulation equipment using the trigger cable.
TMS synchronization
If the length of the TTL trigger pulses from the TMS stimulator is shorter than the sampling in­terval of the EEG recording, you must use the trigger stretcher cable that stretches the TTL puls­es to an adequate length.
It is possible to block the amplifier input for the duration of the TTL trigger pulses. You can use this method for simultaneous acquisition of TMS and EEG data. In order to do so, you require a special trigger cable. In this event, please contact our technical support team. You will find the contact details for our technical support team on page 10
.
You can phase synchronize the clock signals of the TMS stimulator and the EEG amplifier using TMS stimulators of the type "PowerMag Research". For details, refer to the PowerMag user doc­umentation.
2.3 Installation instructions for the conduct of combined EEG­fMRI measurements
This section describes the installation steps that are required if you want to perform combined EEG-fMRI measurements. These mainly relate to the interfaces to the scanner. These interfaces synchronize the systems using the SyncBox and, serve to allow simultaneous recording of vol­ume triggers provided by the scanner.
Refer to BrainAmp Performing simultaneous EEG-fMRI measurements - Conditions for the safe use of BrainAmp MR amplifiers, for detailed information on the safe use of the amplifier system in the MR environment. It can downloaded from the Brain Products website at https://
www.brainproducts.com/downloads.php.?kid=5#dlukat_84.
The amplifiers are operated using the BrainVision Recorder recording software. Make sure that the most recent version of the Recorder is installed on your computer. If you need it, the most
Installation instructions for the conduct of combined EEG- fMRI measurements 47
recent version can be downloaded from our web site under the link https://www.brainprod-
ucts.com/downloads.php.
2.3.1 Synchronizing the systems using the SyncBox
The SyncBox is used in order to synchronize the sampling rate of the amplifier with the scanner clock system. The aim is to achieve phase synchronicity between the two clock systems. Only in this way is it subsequently possible to achieve optimum correction of the artifacts in the EEG data that are caused by the scanner.
The SyncBox system comprises the SyncBox Main Unit (see Figure 2-38 on page 50 SyncBox Scanner Interface (interface between the Main Unit and the MR scanner, see Figure 2-
35 on page 49).
The SyncBox Scanner Interface directly receives pulses coming from the scanner's gradient clock board. It is equipped with two BNC connector plugs. (Siemens scanners do not use BNC connectors and require a special adapter that is supplied with the SyncBox.)
The SyncBox system is not suitable for use in an MR environment. You must therefore
always use the SyncBox Main Unit, SyncBox Scanner Interface and associated cables
outside the scanner room.
Always route the cables to the SyncBox Main Unit and the SyncBox Scanner Interface outside the scanner room.
A physical connection must be established between the SyncBox Scanner Interface and a suit­able clock signal output from the scanner in order to use the SyncBox.
) and the
You will find information on the software configuration for the SyncBox in the Recorder User Manual.
The technical data for the SyncBox can be found in the BrainAmp Operating and Ref­erence Manual for use in lab­oratory environment.
The SyncBox Scanner Interface galvanically isolates the SyncBox Main Unit from the scanner in order to prevent any negative impact on the scanner clock system. Nevertheless, as the op-
erator of the scanner, you must obtain the scanner manufacturer's official approval for estab­lishing a connection of this type as well as approval of the selected clock signal output before using the SyncBox system. Certificates from scanner manufacturers are available on request.
You require Version 1.10 or higher of the Recorder in order to operate the SyncBox system. If this version is not installed on your computer, install the most recent version of the Recorder before connecting the SyncBox to the computer.
It is neither necessary nor recommended that you connect the SyncBox Main Unit to the com­puter while you are installing the Recorder.
Proceed as follows to install the SyncBox system:
1 Connect the SyncBox Main Unit to the computer using the USB cable supplied.
Installing the recording soft­ware
Connecting the SyncBox to the scanner and the amplifier
48 Chapter 2 Installation
Note that your computer must be equipped with a USB 2.0 port. The SyncBox will not func­tion with a USB 1.0 or USB 1.1 port.
2 The computer detects the SyncBox using the Windows® plug-&-play function and informs
you that it has detected a new hardware component.
3 Allow the installation program to search for a suitable driver, which is located in the folder
C:\Windows\System32\Setup\Brain Products\BrainAmp\.
4 The driver is installed automatically.
Note that Windows® requires that the driver is re-installed for each USB port the first time that the SyncBox is used on a different port.
Figure 2-34
shows a diagram of the connections between the SyncBox Main Unit, SyncBox
Scanner Interface, amplifier and scanner.
Figure 2-34. Connections between the SyncBox Main Unit, SyncBox Scanner Interface, amplifier and scanner
You will also find instructions for connecting the SyncBox on our web site at https:// www.brainproducts.com/ downloads.php ("How to Set­Up the SyncBox").
The SyncBox is supplied with a short and a long 50 Ohm coaxial cable that you can use to con­nect the SyncBox system to the scanner. Proceed as follows:
1 Connect one end of the short 50 Ohm coaxial cable to the clock signal output of the scan-
ner.
2 Connect the other end of the short 50 Ohm coaxial cable to the Input port of the SyncBox
Scanner Interface (see Figure 2-36
).
3 Connect one end of the long 50 Ohm coaxial cable to the Output port of the SyncBox Scan-
ner Interface (see Figure 2-37).
4 Connect the other end of the long 50 Ohm coaxial cable to the Input port of the SyncBox
Main Unit (see Figure 2-39
).
When the connection to the SyncBox Main Unit is established, the PWR LED on the Output port of the SyncBox Scanner Interface lights up green. The SyncBox Scanner Interface is now ready for operation.
5 The SyncBox Main Unit has a number of connectors on either side. Connect the BNC cable
from the SyncBox Scanner Interface to the 50 Ohm BNC connector labeled Input (see
Figure 2-39
).
Next to the BNC Input port, there is a 15-pin HD D-Sub output labeled AUX.
The Signal LED is also on this side of the SyncBox Main Unit. It lights up yellow when the SyncBox Main Unit receives a signal from the SyncBox Scanner Interface.
6 On the other side of the SyncBox Main Unit there are two ports and the PWR LED (see
Figure 2-40
). The AUX port is the counterpart to the HD D-Sub output labeled AUX. Connect this port to the AUX output of the USB2 Adapter using the supplied short cable with two 15- pin HD D-Sub plugs. This connection is required for SyncBox operation since the SyncBox Main Unit and SyncBox Scanner Interface are supplied with power via this cable. The clock signal generated in the SyncBox Main Unit for the amplifier is also transferred to the USB2 Adapter via this cable.
7 Finally, connect the USB port of the SyncBox Main Unit (see Figure 2-40
) to the computer
using the USB cable supplied.
Figure 2-35. SyncBox Scanner Interface with cables connected (top view)
Figure 2-36. SyncBox Scanner Interface (side view), yellow "PWR" LED (left) and "Input" port
for connection to the scanner (right)
Figure 2-37. SyncBox Scanner Interface (side view), green "Signal" LED (left) and "Output"
port for connection to the SyncBox Main Unit (right)
Figure 2-38. SyncBox Main Unit with cables connected (top view)
Figure 2-39. SyncBox Main Unit (side view), "Input" port for connection to the SyncBox
Scanner Interface (left) and "AUX" socket for peripheral components (right)
Figure 2-40. SyncBox Main Unit (side view), "AUX" socket for connection to the USB2 Adapter
(left) and "USB" socket for connection to the computer (right)
2.3.2 Recording volume triggers (volume markers) using the trigger cable
Subsequent correction of scanner artifacts is considerably facilitated if volume triggers (vol­ume markers) are recorded together with the EEG data. Volume triggers identify the clock rate of the scanning operation. They are generally supplied by the scanner hardware in the form of electrical or optical pulses. The volume triggers are recorded as (volume) markers by the Re­corder.
Note that toggle mode is not supported.
If the volume trigger is supplied as an electrical pulse (TTL), you can connect the supplied trig­ger cable directly to the volume trigger output of the scanner if the pulse length is sufficient (> 200 μs at an amplifier sampling rate of 5 kHz). If the pulse length is not sufficient, you require the trigger stretcher cable that stretches the signal to an adequate length.
If an optical pulse is supplied, it must be converted to an electrical pulse (see Section 2.3.3 on
page 52).
If no better solution is available to you, you can also record slice triggers in place of volume triggers.
2.3.3 Conversion of optical trigger pulses
If the scanner supplies an optical pulse rather than an electrical pulse, you must convert it to an electrical pulse using a converter.
A converter such as this allows you to connect the trigger input of the USB2 Adapter to the op­tical volume trigger output of the scanner.
If you require a converter as part of your experimental setup, please contact our technical sup­port team for detailed advice. You will find the contact details for our technical support team on page 9
.
2.3.4 Functional test of the interfaces of the scanner and amplifier system
Before starting the measurement, check whether the two interfaces to the scanner (clock sig­nal via SyncBox and volume trigger via trigger cable) are working properly. To do this, connect a least one amplifier to the USB2 Adapter.
Note that it is necessary to connect the SyncBox to the scanner clock system in order to check synchronization and triggering. It is not, however, necessary for the amplifier to be located in the scanner room. Neither is it necessary to connect an electrode cap.
Clock synchronization is indicated on the SyncBox Scanner Interface (green Signal LED), and "Sync On" markers are written in monitoring mode in the Recorder (see Figure 2-41
).
Start a functional sequence in order to check triggering. Volume markers are then written in monitoring mode in the Recorder (see Figure 2-41).
Figure 2-41. "Sync On" markers and (example) volume markers in the EEG data (Recorder)
Chapter 3 Operation of the amplifier system
3.1 Operation of the amplifier system in a laboratory environment
The amplifier and its accessories have been tested for electrical safety as per IEC 60601-1. Nev­ertheless, conductive parts of the electrodes and their connectors, including the neutral elec­trode, must not come into contact with other conductive parts including ground.
If several components are connected to each other, additional hazards may arise, for instance as a result of the accumulation of discharge currents. If you connect our products together with other products – including non-medical devices – this results in a new overall system. The re­sponsibility for error-free and safe operation lies with you as the operator of the overall system.
55
If you have any questions about setting up the system or about particular combinations of products, you can contact your dealer or our technical support team at any time. You will find the contact details for our technical support team on page 10
.
3.1.1 Shutting down the amplifier under normal conditions
Proceed as follows to shut down the amplifier:
1 Switch off the power supply to the amplifier.
2 Disconnect the electrode cap from the amplifier.
3 Remove the electrode cap from the person's head. To do this, hold the loop of the chinstrap
and pull the cap backwards over the person's head.
3.1.2 Shutting down the amplifier in emergencies
If you need to break off acquisition due to an emergency, proceed as follows:
1 Disconnect the electrode cap from the amplifier.
2 Remove the electrode cap from the person's head. To do this, hold the loop of the chinstrap
and pull the cap backwards over the person's head.
You should also pay attention to the BrainCap Operating Instructions or the user documenta­tion for the electrode caps which you use.
3.2 Operation of the amplifier system in an MR environment
BrainAmp Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment | Version 001 | March 20, 2019
56 Chapter 3 Operation of the amplifier system
3.2.3 Optimizing the data quality for combined EEG-fMRI measurements
MR imaging and EEG recording have a reciprocal impact on data quality as follows:
The quality of the fMRI data can be degraded by simultaneous recording of an EEG.
The quality of the raw EEG data is degraded by the MR environment.
Artifacts in the MR data caused by the amplifier and the electrode cap are not significant. They do not present a problem due to the construction of the amplifier and the accessories, which have been optimized for use in MR scanners, and because of the materials used. This has been certified accordingly by Siemens and Philips, two of the leading manufacturers of MR scan­ners.
For information on correcting scanner artifacts in the Brain­Vision Analyzer, refer to the Analyzer User Manual.
This is not the case with EEG data, in which the MR scanner causes artifacts which must sub­sequently be corrected. The scanner artifacts result from the changes to the strength and di­rection of the magnetic field. The quality of online or offline artifact correction (using the Artifact Average Subtraction/AAS method) and the quality of the EEG data as such depend on a number of factors. These include:
Synchronization of the scanner and amplifier systems by means of the SyncBox (see
Section 1.1 as of page 17)
Recording of volume triggers (volume markers) provided by the scanner (see Section 1.2 as
of page 23)
Correct amplifier settings in the Recorder workspace
Low impedances of the electrodes
Taut, straight routing of the ribbon cables. If you are using more than one amplifier, secure
the incoming ribbon cables flush with each other using tape.
Avoidance of vibrations
Selection of suitable test subjects who are made familiar with the experimental setup and
the recording environment
Comfortable positioning of the test subject with a minimum of movement
Position of the scanner table. Varying the position of the scanner table can have a positive
influence on the strength of the scanner artifacts.
You must configure the Recorder workspace appropriately in order to achieve the best possible subsequent correction of the scanner artifacts (see Figure 3-1).
Figure 3-1. Configuration of the Recorder workspace
To do this, make the following settings:
Sampling Rate [Hz] = 5000
High Cutoff [Hz] = 250
Resolution [μV] = 0.5
For safety reasons, all the electrodes possess series resistors which must be taken into ac-
count during impedance measurement. To do this, enter the corresponding values in the channel table under Series Resist. [KOhms]. You can find these values in the data sheet enclosed with the electrode cap.
Deactivate the notch filter.
Do not use any software filters (e.g. the Raw data saving filter).
Choose AC mode (in DC mode, you must enter appropriate parameters for DC offset correction).
In addition, you should also take account of the following in order to achieve the best possible data quality:
The impedances of all electrodes, including the reference electrode and the ground elec-
trode, must be low (< 20 kOhm), and it is essential that all EEG electrodes provide the ex- pected physiological signals before you start the scan.
All cables must be as short as possible and be routed in a straight line along the Z axis
(head-foot axis) of the scanner.
The helium pump and the air conditioning in the scanner bore often cause electrical noise.
If this happens, consider, possibly after discussing the matter with the scanner manufac­turer, whether to switch off the helium pump during combined EEG-fMRI measurements. Contact your scanner manufacturer for further information. You should also switch off the air-conditioning if this does not impact on the comfort of the test subject and is not other­wise prohibited.
Operation of the scanner causes vibrations that are transmitted to the amplifier and to the
connection cables in particular. In order to avoid this, stabilize the components with a sandbag or using another suitable method.
Other causes of vibrations that result in long-term degradation of the data quality can lie
outside the scanner room. Neighboring scanners, refrigeration units in the vicinity or foot­steps can transmit vibrations if floors or foundations (ceilings) are unsuitable.
The positioning of the test subject, and in particular the positioning of the test subject's
head, is an extremely important factor in the success of a combined EEG-fMRI measure­ment. On the one hand, the test subject must be lying as comfortably as possible so that her musculature is relaxed during the entire recording process. On the other hand, volun­tary and involuntary movements (of the head) must be avoided, because they cause arti­facts in the EEG data. You should therefore use sandbags, foam cushions and towels to make the test subject as comfortable as possible, to ensure a stable position and, most importantly, stabilize her head. Brain Products can supply special ranges of cushions (memory foam) to help you in this task.
3.2.4 Elimination of errors and sources of interference
Below you will find a list of the most frequent problems and sources of interference which should be eliminated before you start your measurement:
1 Helium pump
The scanner's helium pump can cause electrical noise. If this happens, consider, possibly after discussing the matter with the scanner manufacturer, whether to switch off the heli­um pump during combined EEG-fMRI measurements.
2 Air conditioning for patient comfort
The air conditioning system installed in the scanner bore to ensure patient comfort can also cause interference. You should switch off the air-conditioning if this does not impact on the comfort of the test subject and is not otherwise prohibited.
3 Electrical interference
Make sure that any electrical equipment present do not cause interference in the 50-/60- Hz range.
4 Vibrations
Operation of the scanner causes vibrations that are transmitted to the amplifier and to the connection cables in particular. In order to avoid this, stabilize the components with a sandbag or using another suitable method.
5 Footsteps
You should note that unsuitable floors or foundations (ceilings) can lead to vibrations.
6 Time of repetition
You should choose a multiple of 500 ms for the time of repetition value.
7 Clock timing
Use the SyncBox to synchronize the sampling rate of the amplifier with the scanner clock rate.
8 Volume markers and clock synchronization
Volume markers are markers in the EEG data that indicate the starting point of each MR vol­ume. These markers must be located at a constant interval from one another. You can check this, for example, by using the Analyzer.
If you are using the SyncBox in your experimental setup then the interval must be absolute­ly identical. If you are not using the SyncBox then it is permissible for the interval between two markers to vary by one data point.
If the intervals between the volume markers vary more than expected then there is a synchro­nization problem. In this event, contact our technical support team.
3.2.5 Care and comfort of the test subject during combined EEG-fMRI measurements
The information in this section applies to the general comfort of the test subject and factors that might influence the data quality. Important safety aspects must also be considered and these are covered in detail in the user guide Performing simultaneous EEG-fMRI measure-
ments: Conditions for the safe use of BrainAmp MR amplifiers and accessories in the MR envi­ron- ment. If you do not have a copy of this guide it can be downloaded from the Brain Products website.
Successful neurophysiological and peripheral physiological recordings in an MR environment require comfortable experimental conditions. This means that test subjects must be thorough­ly informed of what will happen during the experiment, that they are positioned comfortably and that they are cared for throughout the entire experiment. In particular, any test subjects who are not familiar with MR imaging can perceive a combined EEG-fMRI measurement as be­ing disturbing. Test subjects must therefore be given a detailed briefing regarding the experi­mental procedure beforehand.
Describe the experimental paradigm to the test subjects in detail and explain how you expect them to behave and cooperate. Before the measurement starts, you should describe and dis­cuss the wide range of various impressions (noises, vibration, confinement, metallic taste in mouth) in order to create a relaxed atmosphere that is free of fear for the test subjects.
Studies have shown that the duration of an experiment has a considerable influence on the acceptance of MR experiments for research purposes. This means that the study protocol should be followed precisely, avoiding any unnecessary delays.
The well-being of test subjects during the experiment depends to a great extent on whether they have the possibility of communicating with the experimenter using a good intercom. Con­tact using a bell/alarm ball is also important to give the test subject a feeling of safety during the experiment. Show the test subject how the alarm ball works and how to operate it before the scan starts. This ensures that test subjects know that they can call for help at any time during the scan. Under these circumstances, a combined EEG-fMRI measurement is a well ac­cepted and tolerated procedure.
Always explain to the test subjects that it is theoretically possible for the electrodes and cables to heat up.
Test subjects with a known (or sometimes unknown) claustrophobic disposition require par­ticular care. Observe them particularly carefully during the final preparations before the scan in order to avoid the need to break off the experiment during the scan.
If your test subjects are children, they require particular care in order to ensure their coopera­tion throughout the entire duration of the experiment.
It is especially important to adhere to the following rules in order to provide the greatest pos­sible level of comfort for test subjects:
Comfortable temperatures: Test subjects must not feel excessively cold or perspire. Pro-
vide blankets where necessary.
The scanner table must be long enough to allow the test subject to adopt a comfortable po-
sition. A knee bolster may improve comfort for the test subject.
Stabilize the test subject's head as far as possible in order to avoid involuntary movements
of the head (nodding, rolling). Take particular care to ensure that the test subject is posi­tioned comfortably in order to relax the neck musculature. Cushions (memory foam), vac­uum pillows, sandbags and the stabilizers of the head coil can all be of assistance here. Particular care is required when recording sleep EEGs in the scanner in order to prevent in­voluntary changes of position.
Attach electrodes to the back or the occipital area with particular care. Because the body/
head of the test subject is supported at these points, they can cause considerable pain if they are not padded sufficiently. For this reason, the BrainCap MR has additional, empty electrode holders to spread the weight of the head more evenly. You should attach ECG electrodes to concave sites on the back and also pad them.
Reduce the sound level as far as possible using earplugs, ear protectors or headsets.
If a test subject reports feeling discomfort or pain, have the subject medically examined imme­diately and, if necessary, ensure that the subject receives appropriate care. Please inform Brain Products immediately to clarify the exact circumstances of the event (discomfort, pain, lesions). You will find the contact details for our technical support team on page 9.
Chapter 4 Maintenance, cleaning, functional testing and disposal
4.1 Safety checks and maintenance
We do not oblige the operator to undertake regular safety-related checks of our equipment in accordance with applicable national regulations.
Repairs or repeat testing as laid down in VDE 0751-1/IEC 62353 may only be carried out by Brain Products.
In principle, the amplifier is completely maintenance-free. However, it is recommended that you apply the test signal at regular intervals (approx. once a month) in order to ensure that the product is functioning correctly.
63
We recommend that you have the manufacturer service the amplifier and check its measure­ment precision every three years.
If any pins or connections on the products are dirty or if you should notice any damage on the products, return them to Brain Products. You will find the contact details for our technical sup­port team on page 10
.
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64 Chapter 4 Maintenance, cleaning, functional testing and disposal
4.2 Function check
Application in an MR environment – Caution! Prior to January 2014, the signal tester is
not suitable for use in an MR environment. From January 2014 the signal testers are la-
beled as MR Conditional and can be used in the MR environment under the conditions de-
scribed in Performing simultaneous EEG-fMRI measurements - Conditions for the safe use of
BrainAmp MR amplifiers and accessories in the MR environment. Please check the label on
your device to see whether it can be used in the MR environment.
You can use the supplied signal tester and test signal mode in the Recorder recording software to check whether any channels are no longer functioning correctly.
Note that there is a separate signal tester for the BrainAmp/BrainAmp DC/BrainAmp MR/Brain­Amp MR plus and for the BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR (see Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2). The signal tester for the BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR is explicitly labeled ExG. Always use the appropriate signal tester for testing the amplifier.
Figure 4-1. Signal tester for BrainAmp Standard, BrainAmp DC, BrainAmp MR and BrainAmp
MR plus
Figure 4-2. Signal tester for BrainAmp ExG and BrainAmp ExG MR
During the signal test, a test signal is injected into all input channels of the amplifier using the signal tester. If the representation of individual channels in the Recorder deviates from that of the rest, you should check whether the settings for these channels differ from those used for the other channels in the workspace you are using. For detailed information on configuring workspaces, refer to the Recorder User Manual. If you have any questions in this regard, please contact our technical support team. You will find the contact details on page 10.
If you are not fully convinced of the results of the functional test using the signal tester in test signal mode in the Recorder, record the data delivered by the signal tester and send it to our technical support team.
Prepare recording of the test signal as follows:
Function check 65
1 Set up a test workspace as described in the User Manual for the Recorder and make the
following settings in the workspace:
a Number of Channels text box: 32 channels for the unipolar amplifiers BrainAmp Stan-
dard, BrainAmp DC, BrainAmp MR and BrainAmp MR plus (see Figure 4-3
) or 8 or 16
channels for the BrainAmp ExG (MR) 8 or BrainAmp ExG (MR) 16 (see Figure 4-4).
Figure 4-3. Specifying the number of channels in the Recorder workspace for the BrainAmp
MR amplifier test
66 Chapter 4 Maintenance, cleaning, functional testing and disposal
Figure 4-4. Specifying the number of channels in the Recorder workspace for the BrainAmp
ExG MR 8 amplifier test
b Sampling Rate [Hz] = 5000 Hz
c Low Cutoff [s] = DC
d High Cutoff [Hz] = 1000 Hz
e Resolution [μV] = 0.5
f Series resistors (EEG, REF, GND) = 0 kOhm
Figure 4-5. Settings in the Recorder workspace for the sampling rate, filter, resolution and
series resistors
g Disable the Raw Data Saving Filter option (see Figure 4-6).
Figure 4-6. Disabling the "Raw Data Saving Filters" option
Function check 67
2 Choose Sine Waves as the test signal form and 5 Hz as the frequency (see Figure 4-7
).
Figure 4-7. Specifying the form and frequency of the test signal
3 Only ever connect one amplifier at a time to the computer port.
4 Use the ribbon cable to connect the signal tester to the amplifier's Electrode Input socket.
Note that there is a separate signal tester for the BrainAmp Standard/BrainAmp DC/Brain­Amp MR/BrainAmp MR plus and for the BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR (see Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 on page 64).
5 Start the Recorder in test signal mode. Check that all channels are receiving a signal. The
test signal has a voltage of approximately 100 μVpp in sinusoidal mode and approximately 50 μVpp in square-wave mode. It is recommended that you check these values on a regular basis.
The test signal is not calibrated. It can only be used for a global func­tion test but not to check the speci­fied measurement precision of the product.
68 Chapter 4 Maintenance, cleaning, functional testing and disposal
6 Record data for 30 seconds. Use the serial number of the amplifier as the name of the EEG
file. (You will find the serial number on a label on the amplifier.)
To make the results of the signal test available to our technical support team, proceed as fol­lows:
1 Create one ZIP archive file for each amplifier (containing the files with the following exten-
sions: .vhdr, .eeg, .vmrk).
2 To ensure that your firewall does not block the archive file, change the file name extension
to .piz.
3 Send the archive files to our technical support team together with a description of the prob-
lem.
4.3 Cleaning
4.3.1 Amplifier, accessories and connection cables
Never clean the products when the test subject is connected to them or when they are con­nected to the power supply.
You can clean the amplifiers and accessories with a damp cloth and domestic detergent. If nec­essary, you can also use compressed air to clean out the plugs and sockets of the products.
Do not, however, bring the plugs and sockets into contact with moisture (never wipe them with a damp cloth).
Never clean the amplifier and its accessories under running water. Do not use any alcohol, any other cleaning agents or any sterilization methods.
Cleaning 69
4.3.2 Electrode caps and electrodes
Store the electrodes in a dry, dark place.
Clean the cap and electrodes under running water using a toothbrush. If the water in your re­gion is hard, you should then rinse the electrodes in distilled water. Dry the electrodes and cap gently by wrapping them in a towel. Any residual dampness can dry in the air. Avoid washing the chest and chin straps and the contact surfaces of the cable connectors each time, as this will reduce their service life.
If you wish to disinfect the cap and the electrodes, soak them for approximately 15 minutes in a 5 % Sekusept-PLUS solution. Then rinse them under running water.
If the Ag/AgCl pellet in the electrodes has come into contact with greasy material (e.g. perspir­ing fingers), you can clean it using alcohol.
A brown oxidation film can form on the Ag/AgCl pellet of electrodes that have been inade­quately cleaned or that are only used rarely. Carefully brush or rub the film off using a non-me­tallic material (abrasive paste, fine emery paper). The sinter pellet is solid and 1 mm thick, which means that the surface can be restored several times without detriment. Then clean the electrodes as described.
The sinter electrodes are not particularly suitable for ultrasound cleaning. You should there­fore use this method as rarely as possible.
Do not use any hot sterilization methods (e.g. autoclave) since this may damage the elec­trode cable insulation.
Chlorination of the electrodes is unnecessary and has a detrimental effect on their function.
70 Chapter 4 Maintenance, cleaning, functional testing and disposal
The electric cables have been designed for limited tension forces. Avoid any other stresses such as knotting and crushing.
If you have significant difficulties achieving acceptable resistances when you place the elec­trodes, replace the affected electrode with a different one (non-MR caps only. BrainCap MRs must be returned to Brain Products for repair/electrode replacement).
4.4 Disposing of the amplifier and accessories
As soon as the products and their accessories and cables have reached the end of their service life, dispose of them in accordance with the relevant national regulations. In Germany, for ex­ample, the legislation governing electrical and electronic equipment (known as the ElektroG) is applicable. In the EU and EFTA, the WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Elec­tronic Equipment applies.
Do not dispose of your products, accessories and cables with ordinary household waste.
Subject to the proviso that only original equipment supplied by Brain Products is involved, Brain Products will accept return of the equipment and handle disposal on request.
Appendix A Product identification
7
a
Product
BrainAmp MR BP-01000
BrainAmp MR plus BP-01300
BrainAmp ExG MR BP-01375
BrainAmp Standard BP-01000
BrainAmp DC BP-01100
BrainAmp ExG BP-01355
USB 2 Adapter (BUA128) BP-02050
SyncBox BP-02675
PolyBox BP-02660
PowerPack BP-02610
PowerPack Charger V9 BP-02630-W
Signaltester BP-210-4010
Signaltester ExG BP-210-4000
Article number
DualBUA BP-02070
Optical fiber cable (20m) BP-02310
BAC cable (30cm) BP-02400-NN
a. Refer to, Performing simultaneous EEG-fMRI measurements - Conditions for the safe use of BrainAmp MR amplifiers and accessories
in the MR environment which is available for download on the Brain Products website at https://www.brainproducts.com/down-
loads.php?kid=5#dlukat_84.
Manufacturer:
Brain Products GmbH Zeppelinstraße 7 82205 Gilching Germany Phone: +49 8105 73384 - 0 Fax: +49 8105 73384 - 505 Web site: https://www.brainproducts.com Email: techsup@brainproducts.com
BrainAmp Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment | Version 001 | March 20, 2019
72 Appendix A Product identification
CE marking
Electrical safety according to IEC 60601:
Warranty:
The Brain Products GmbH confirms the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of this product according to the Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
Protection class II
The terms of warranty can be found on our web site at: www.brainproducts.com/
contact.php
Appendix B Explanation of the markings on the products
Observe the manual.
These labels indicate that defective products must not be disposed of with household waste. Dispose of in accordance with national regulations or return the product and its accessories to the manufacturer.
This mark confirms compliance with the environmental requirements for elec­tronic products (only applies to China).
MR Unsafe: An item which poses unacceptable risks to the patient, medical staff or other persons within the MR environment.
73
MR Conditional: An item with demonstrated safety in the MR environment with­in defined conditions. At a minimum, address the conditions of the static mag­netic field, the switched gradient magnetic field and the radio frequency fields. Additional conditions, including specific configurations of the item, may be re­quired.
MR Safe: An item that poses no known hazards resulting from exposure to any MR environment. MR Safe items are composed of materials that are electrically nonconductive, nonmetallic, and nonmagnetic’
The Brain Products GmbH confirms the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of this product according to the Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
BrainAmp Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment | Version 001 | March 20, 2019
74
Appendix C Technical data
Common characteristics of all amplifiers
Amplitude accuracy: ± 2%
Bit width of the A/D converter (EEG and AUX): 16 bit
Sampling rate: 5 kHz per channel
DC offset tolerance: ± 300 mV
Signal transmission: Optically coupled using duplex fiber optic cables
Operating time between charges: Typically 30 hours with one amplifier, 15 hours with two ampli-
fiers
75
Power consumption: ≤ 150 mA in operation (see individual amplifiers); typically 7
mA in standby mode
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approx. 68 mm x 160 mm x 187 mm for BrainAmp Standard,
DC, ExG, MR, MR plus, ExG MR and PowerPack
Weight: Approx. 1.1 kg for BrainAmp Standard, DC, ExG, MR, MR plus,
ExG MR and PowerPack
Integrated impedance measurement: Present; measurement includes ground electrode and refer-
ence electrode
Unlocking function: Present
Locking of unused channels: Present
BrainAmp Operating and Reference Manual for use in a laboratory and MR environment | Version 001 | March 20, 2019
76 Appendix C Technical data
Components suitable for the scanner room
1
BrainAmp MR
Number of channels: 32
Channel type/reference: Referential channels/acquisition of a reference using a single
electrode (unipolar)
Input impedance: 10 MOhm (for DC)
Input noise: ≤ 1 μV
Common-mode rejection (CMR): ≥ 90 dB
Low-cutoff frequency (high-pass)/time constant: Filter type:
High-cutoff frequency (low-pass): Filter type:
Measuring range: ± 16.384 mV
Resolution: 0.5 μV per bit
Power supply: PowerPack (external rechargeable battery)
pp
0.016 Hz/10 s First-order filter with 6 dB/octave
250 Hz Fifth-order Butterworth filter with 30 dB/octave
Suitability for use in the scanner room: Yes
BrainAmp MR plus
Number of channels: 32
Channel type/reference: Referential channels/acquisition of a reference using a single
electrode (unipolar)
Input impedance: Switchable: 10 MOhm/10 GOhm (for DC)
Input noise: ≤ 1 μV
Common-mode rejection (CMR): ≥ 110 dB
Low-cutoff frequency (high-pass):
Filter type:
1. Under the conditions described in Performing simultaneous EEG-fMRI measurements - Conditions for the safe use of BrainAmp MR amplifiers and accessories in the MR environment which is available for download on the Brain Products website at
com/downloads.php.?kid=5#dlukat_84.
pp
0 Hz in DC mode or 0.016 Hz/10 s in AC mode; switchable between AC and DC modes First-order filter with 6 dB/octave
https://www.brainproducts.
Technical data 77
High-cutoff frequency (low-pass):
1000 Hz/250 Hz (switchable for the resolutions 0.1 μV/0.5 μV per bit)
Filter type:
Fifth-order Butterworth filter with 30 dB/octave
Measuring range: ± 3.28 mV/± 16.384 mV/± 327.68 mV (switchable)
Resolution: 0.1 μV/0.5 μV/10.0 μV per bit (switchable)
Power supply: PowerPack (external rechargeable battery)
Suitability for use in the scanner room: Yes
BrainAmp ExG MR
Number of channels: 8 or 16
Channel type: 8 bipolar or 8 bipolar + 8 AUX
Input impedance: 10 MOhm (for DC)
Input noise: ≤ 2 μV
Common-mode rejection (CMR): ≥ 100 dB
Low-cutoff frequency (high-pass)/time constant:
Filter type:
pp
0 Hz in DC mode or 0.016 Hz/10 s in AC mode; switchable between AC and DC modes First-order filter with 6 dB/octave
High-cutoff frequency (low-pass):
1000 Hz/250 Hz (switchable for the resolutions 0.1 μV/0.5 μV per bit)
Filter type:
Fifth-order Butterworth filter with 30 dB/octave
Measuring range: ± 3.28 mV/± 16.384 mV/± 327.68 mV (switchable)
Resolution: 0.1 μV/0.5 μV/10.0 μV per bit (switchable)
Power supply: PowerPack (external rechargeable battery)
Suitability for use in the scanner room: Yes
78 Appendix C Technical data
Only for BrainAmp ExG MR 16 with additional power supply:
Figure C-1. BrainAmp ExG MR 16, connector for power supply (socket)
PowerPack
Number of amplifiers supplied: 1 or 2
Charging voltage: 9 V DC
Charging current 670 mA
Rated capacity: 6500 mAh
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approx. 68 mm x 160 mm x 187 mm
Weight: Approx. 1.9 kg
Output voltage: 5.6 V DC
Output current: 300 mA
Total operating time: Approx. 4000 hours
Operating time for one amplifier: > 30 hours (with a fully charged, new battery)
Operating time for two amplifiers: ˃ 15 hours (with a fully charged, new battery)
Charging: Using external charger (Charger V9); only outside the scanner
room
Charging time: Approx. 17 hours (with empty battery at room temperature)
Rechargeable battery type: Lead gel rechargeable battery
Charging temperature range: 10°C to 30°C
Electrical protection class: II
Suitability for use in the scanner room: Yes
Technical data 79
ExG AUX Box
Number of channels: 8 ExG channels and 8 AUX channels
Channel type: ExG: bipolar (for electrophysiological ExG signals); connec-
tion: touchproof in accordance with DIN 42802) AUX: bipolar (for sensors); connection: see Figure C-2
Use Only with BrainAmp ExG and BrainAmp ExG MR.
The lower 8 channels of the ExG amplifier are assigned to the 8 bipolar channels and the upper 8 channels are assigned to the 8 AUX channels in the ExG/AUX Box. The AUX channels are only available with the 16-channel ExG with power output.
Input voltage range of the 8 bipolar ExG channels: Corresponds to the input impedance of the connected ampli-
fier (passed through 1:1)
Input voltage range of the 8 AUX channels: ± 4.8 VDC
Input impedance of the 8 bipolar ExG channels: See specifications for the input impedance of the connected
ExG amplifier
Input impedance of the 8 bipolar AUX channels against ground: Differential input impedance of the 8 bipolar AUX channels:
Supply voltage at the AUX channels: +4.8 V, : 20 mA
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approx. 137 mm x 70 mm x 38 mm
Weight: Approx. 145 g
Suitability for use in the scanner room: Yes
Figure C-2. ExG AUX Box, pinout of the sensor connectors (socket), type: Binder 719
Rev. 01: 23 kOhm (for DC), Rev. 02: 1000 kOhm (for DC)Rev. 01: 46 kOhm (for DC), Rev. 02: 2000 kOhm (for DC)
-4.8 V: 10 mA (maximum output current for all AUX channels)
80 Appendix C Technical data
Figure C-3. ExG AUX Box, pinout of the power supply (socket), type: Binder 719
Technical data 81
Components not suitable for the scanner room
BrainAmp Standard
Number of channels: 32
Channel type/reference: Referential channels/acquisition of a reference using a single
electrode (unipolar)
Input impedance: 10 MOhm (for DC)
Input noise: ≤ 2 μV
Common-mode rejection (CMR): ≥ 90 dB
Low-cutoff frequency (high-pass)/time constant: Filter type:
High-cutoff frequency (low-pass): Filter type:
Measuring range: ± 3.28 mV
Resolution: 0.1 μV per bit
Power supply: PowerPack (external rechargeable battery)
Power consumption: Max. 110 mA
Suitability for use in the scanner room: No
pp
0.016 Hz/10 s First-order filter with 6 dB/octave
1000 Hz Fifth-order Butterworth filter with 30 dB/octave
BrainAmp DC
Number of channels: 32
Channel type/reference: Referential channels/acquisition of a reference using a single
electrode (unipolar)
Input impedance: Switchable: 10 MOhm / 10 GOhm (for DC)
Input noise: ≤ 1 μV
Common-mode rejection (CMR): ≥ 110 dB
Low-cutoff frequency (high-pass)/time constant:
Filter type:
High-cutoff frequency (low-pass):
Filter type:
pp
0 Hz in DC mode or 0.016 Hz/10 s in AC mode; switchable between AC and DC modes First-order filter with 6 dB/octave
1000 Hz/250 Hz (switchable for the resolutions 0.1 μV/0.5 μV per bit) Fifth-order Butterworth filter with 30 dB/octave
82 Appendix C Technical data
Measuring range: ± 3.28 mV/± 16.384 mV/± 327.68 mV (switchable)
Resolution: 0.1 μV/0.5 μV/10.0 μV per bit (switchable)
Power supply: PowerPack (external rechargeable battery)
Power consumption: Max. 130 mA
Suitability for use in the scanner room: No
BrainAmp ExG
Number of channels: 8 or 16
Channel type: 8 bipolar or 8 bipolar + 8 AUX
Input impedance: 10 MOhm (for DC)
Input noise: ≤ 2 μV
pp
Common-mode rejection (CMR): ≥ 100 dB
Low-cutoff frequency (high-pass)/time constant:
0 Hz in DC mode or 0.016 Hz/10 s in AC mode; switchable between AC and DC modes
Filter type:
High-cutoff frequency (low-pass):
First-order filter with 6 dB/octave
1000 Hz/250 Hz (switchable for the resolutions 0.1 μV/0.5 μV per bit)
Filter type:
Fifth-order Butterworth filter with 30 dB/octave
Measuring range: ± 3.28 mV/± 16.384 mV/± 327.68 mV (switchable)
Resolution: 0.1 μV/0.5 μV/10.0 μV per bit (switchable)
Power supply: PowerPack (external rechargeable battery)
Power consumption: Max. 110 mA (8 channels)/120 mA (16 channels)
Suitability for use in the scanner room: No
Only for BrainAmp ExG 16 with additional power supply:
Figure C-4. BrainAmp ExG 16, connector for power supply (socket)
Technical data 83
SyncBox Main Unit
Input voltage: 5 V DC
Power consumption (via USB): < 150 mA
Properties of the input signal: 0.4 Vpp to 5 Vpp, hysteresis approx. 150 mV
Frequency of the input signal: Max. 30 MHz
Input impedance (on the scanner side): 50 Ohm, BNC socket
Required input signal shape: Sine or square
Computer interface: USB 2.0
Length of the connecting cable: Max. 20 m
Suitability for use in the scanner room: No, but can be used in the control room
Possibility to connect PolyBox: Yes
Dimensions: Approx. 132 mm x 70 mm x 30 mm (without connections)
Weight: Approx. 160 g
SyncBox Scanner Interface
Power supply: Via SyncBox Main Unit
Input (on the scanner side): 50 Ohm, BNC socket
Output: 50 Ohm, BNC socket
Galvanic isolation: Yes, dielectric strength > 4 kV
84 Appendix C Technical data
Length of the connecting cable: 30 cm
Dimensions: Approx. 90 mm x 45 mm x 25 mm
Weight: Approx. 80 g
Charger V9 (charger for the PowerPack)
Input voltage range: 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Rated power consumption: Max. 145 mA
Output voltage: 9 V DC
Output current: Max. 670 mA
Suitability for use in the scanner room: No, but can be used in the control room
Weight: Approx. 130 g (without power adapter)
Technical data 85
PolyBox
2
Number of channels: 8
Amplitude accuracy: ± 4%
Bit width of the A/D conversion: 16 bit
Resolution: 152.6 μV per bit
Input voltage range: ± 5 V
Input impedance (to ground): Differential input impedance:
40.1 kOhm (for DC)
80.2 kOhm (for DC)
Sampling rate: 625 Hz per channel, multiplexed (underlying sampling rate of
5000 Hz over 8 channels)
Frequency adjustment in the ExG software: Adjustment of the sampling rate from 625 Hz to the sampling
rate of between 100 and 5000 Hz selected in the recording
Low-cutoff frequency (high-pass): 0 Hz (DC coupling)
High-cutoff frequency (low-pass): 100 Hz
Power consumption: Approx. 20 mA without external sensors
Dimensions: Approx. 135 mm x 70 mm x 30 mm
Weight: Approx. 140 g
Suitability for use in the scanner room: No
Figure C-5. PolyBox, pinout of the sensor connectors (socket), type: Binder 719
2. The PolyBox cannot be used in conjunction with the BrainAmp ExG/BrainAmp ExG MR.
86 Appendix C Technical data
Electrode Input Box EIB64-A
Number of channels: 64 (plus 2x ground, 2x reference)
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approx. 67 mm x 102 mm x 175 mm
Weight: Approx. 200 g
Suitability for use in the scanner room: No
ExG Input Box
Number of channels: 16
Channel type: Bipolar
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approx. 137 mm x 70 mm x 38 mm
Weight: Approx. 145 g
Suitability for use in the scanner room: No
Interfaces for connecting the amplifiers to the computer
USB interface: USB2 Adapter (BUA)
Number of channels supported: 64 or 128 channels or two or four 32-channel amplifiers
USB port: 2.0
Power consumption with 64 channels: Typically 280 mA
Power consumption with 128 channels: Typically 400 to 500 mA
Trigger bit width: 16 bit (total for trigger inputs and outputs)
Trigger connection: Via 26-pin HD D-Sub socket (see Appendix D as of page 89)
Amplifier connection: Via duplex fiber optic cable
Dimensions: Approx. 150 mm x 80 mm x 45 mm
Weight: Approx. 260 g
AUX connection: Via 15-pin HD D-Sub socket (see Appendix E on page 91)
Technical data 87
USB interface: dualUSB2 Adapter (dualBUA)
The dualUSB2 Adapter comprises two USB2 Adapters and a dualBUA Adapter Cable.
Number of channels supported: Up to 256 channels or up to eight 32-channel amplifiers
Trigger bit width: 16 bit (total for trigger inputs and outputs)
Trigger connection: Via 26-pin HD D-Sub socket (see Appendix D as of page 89)
Amplifier connection: Via duplex fiber optic cable
Dimensions: Twice the size of a USB2 Adapter
Weight: Approx. 520 g (two USB2 Adapters) + approx. 140 g (dualBUA
Adapter Cable)
PCI interface: PCI Adapter Card
Number of channels supported: 64 to 256 channels or two to eight 32-channel amplifiers
PCI standard: 2.1
Hardware requirements: One free PCI 2.1 (32-bit) slot for the first and second amplifiers.
Additionally, one free slot blanking plate for the third and fourth amplifier. A further free PCI 2.1 (32-bit) slot for the fifth and sixth amplifi­ers. One additional free slot blanking plate for the seventh and eighth amplifier.
Trigger bit width: 16 bit (total for trigger inputs and outputs)
Trigger connection: Via 26-pin HD D-Sub socket (see Appendix D as of page 89)
Amplifier connection: Via duplex fiber optic cable
88 Appendix C Technical data
Appendix D Pinout of the trigger socket (digital port)
The trigger socket for the input of external synchronization pulses such as trigger and reaction time markers is located on the front of the USB2 Adapter (labeled Trigger In). On the PCI Adapt­er Card, this is located next to the first fiber optic socket. This is a 26-pin HD D-Sub connector. The input ports are TTL-CMOS ports.
89
Table D-1
(S markers) and response information (R markers) as interpreted by the Recorder for positive logic. If several bits are set simultaneously at the stimulus input, their values are added togeth­er. For example, if D01 (S 2) and D05 (S 32) are set simultaneously, this results in the stimulus S 34. The same applies for combinations of response bits. You will find details on configu­ration in the Recorder User Manual.
The third and fourth columns show which contacts on the connectors (25-pin D-Sub/LPT and BNC connectors) of standard trigger cables are connected to which contacts of the trigger sock­et (digital port).
Table D- 1 . Pinout of the trigger socket (digital port) on USB2 Adapter and PCI Adapter Card
Pin on 26-pin HD D­Sub trigger socket (digital port)
1 Ground 25 Ground
2 D01 (S 2) 3
3 D03 (S 8) 5
4 D05 (S 32) 7
5 D07 (S128) 9
6 D09 (R 2)
shows the pinout and the assignment of the 16 digital inputs to stimulus information
Function 25-pin D-Sub/LPT
on trigger cable
BNC connector on trigger cable
7 D11 (R 8)
8 D13 (R 32)
9 D15 (R128) Signal
10 Unused
11 Unused
12 VCC +3.3 V
13 Unused
14 D00 (S 1) 2
15 D02 (S 4) 4
16 D04 (S 16) 6
17 D06 (S 64) 8
18 D08 (R 1)
19 D10 (R 4)
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90 Appendix D Pinout of the trigger socket (digital port)
Table D-1 . Pinout of the trigger socket (digital port) on USB2 Adapter and PCI Adapter Card
Pin on 26-pin HD D-
Function 25-pin D-Sub/LPT Sub trigger socket (digital port)
20 D12 (R 16)
21 D14 (R 64)
22 Ground
23 Block+
24 Block-
25 5 kHz out
26 Unused
on trigger cable
BNC connector on trigger cable
Appendix E Pinout of the AUX socket on the USB2 Adapter
Table E-1. Pinout of the 15-pin AUX socket on the USB2 Adapter
Pin no. Function
1 ADCLK
2 DASCLK
3 ADCS
4 SDA
5 SCL
6 DIN
7 DADIN A
8 DADIN B
91
9 +5 V
10 Ground (GND)
11 UEXT
12 AUX 1
13 5 kHz (clock frequency for PLL)
14 DOUT
15 DACS
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Appendix F Ambient conditions
The following ambient conditions must be satisfied for operation, transport and storage:
Amplifier and accessories (excluding PowerPack):
93
Operation
Transpor t
Storage
PowerPack:
Operation
Charging
Transpor t
Storage
Temperature range: 10 °C to 40 °C (50 °F to 104 °F) Relative humidity: 30 to 85 %, non-condensing Atmospheric air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
Temperature range: 0 °C to 60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F) Relative humidity: 30 to 85 %, non-condensing Atmospheric air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
Temperature range: 0 °C to 60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F) Relative humidity: 30 to 85 %, non-condensing Atmospheric air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
Temperature range: 10 °C to 40 °C (50 °F to 104 °F) Relative humidity: 30 to 85 %, non-condensing Atmospheric air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
Temperature range: 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) Relative humidity: 30 to Atmospheric air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
Temperature range: 0 °C to 60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F) Relative humidity: 30 to 85 %, non-condensing Atmospheric air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
Temperature range: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) Relative humidity: 30 to 85 %, non-condensing Atmospheric air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
85 %, non-condensing
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94
Appendix G Installing amplifier systems with more than 128
channels
95
Systems with more than 128 channels are connected to the computer via two PCI Adapter Cards and two expansion cards. To achieve this, you need two free PCI slots in your computer and space for one or two expansion cards.
One PCI Adapter Card is the master (see Figure G-1) and the other is the slave.
Proceed as follows to synchronize the master and the slave:
1 Connect the two cards to each other by plugging connection cable A (see Figure G-3
corresponding socket marked A (marked as the Synchronisation Connector in Figure G-1).
2 Then connect each PCI Adapter Card to an expansion card (see Figure G-2). Connection ca-
bles and sockets are marked B (labeled as External Card Connector in Figure G-1).
Shut the computer down, switch it off and unplug the power cord from the power supply. Now insert the cards in the computer in the following sequence:
1 Master (channels 1 through 64)
2 Expansion card for the master (channels 65 through 128)
3 Slave (channels 129 through 192)
4 Expansion card for the slave (channels 193 through 256)
The master card features an additional trigger input as well as the two fiber optic inputs.
) in the
Note that the mainboard of the computer used must support PCI Version 2.1 (5 V 32-bit).
Figure G-1. PCI Adapter Card (master)
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96 Appendix G Installing amplifier systems with more than 128 channels
Figure G-2. Expansion card
Figure G-3. Cards connected (master and slave)
Appendix H Note on the use of invasive electrodes
In accordance with electrical safety testing as per IEC 60601-1, the amplifier has been ap­proved as protection class II, application type BF (body floating).
The tested discharge currents permit use of the amplifier under laboratory conditions in com­bination with specially authorized invasive electrodes on the central nervous system provided that:
Power is supplied to the BrainAmp components by the PowerPack.
No other product is simultaneously electrically connected to the test subject.
No simultaneous stimulation is used (ERP).
97
Never use the invasive electrodes in an MR environment.
Under no circumstances use a defibrillator if the test subject feels unwell but is still connect­ed to the invasive electrodes.
The invasive electrodes must not be used for recording ECG signals and polygraph signals with the BrainAmp components.
The approval of the electrodes used as a class III medical product must be notified to Brain Products on request.
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98
Appendix I Legal notice for users of the BrainAmp MR/Brain MR
plus in the USA
You should note that the use of our products other than for the intended use described in the present manual may represent an infringement of certain industrial property rights arising out of US patent number 5,445,162. You should therefore note that the following procedures for use must be observed:
Recording must be performed outside the scanner room. The PC or laptop used to record and store the signals must not be located in the scanner room. Brain Products GmbH accepts no liability in the event of any non-compliance with these instructions and the original intended use.
The manual or automatic triggering of the scanner based on the detection of special wave forms during the monitoring of inbound data may potentially result in the infringement of pat­ent. Brain Products GmbH accepts no liability or responsibility in the event of the improper use of our products and/or software for such purposes.
99
The BrainAmp MR and BrainAmp MR plus amplifiers and the BrainVision Recorder recording software are not able to send triggers based on the detection of special wave forms in an EEG (e.g. spikes). You can find further information on the US patent office's web site at https://
www.uspto.gov (patent number 5,445,162 and referral). Alternatively, please contact Brain
Products GmbH directly.
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