Multi-channel workstation with complete data acquisition and neural stimulation capabilities for both free moving and restrained animals.
The AlphaLab SnR revolutionizes the way neuroscience research is performed in the laboratory, making it the most advanced data acquisition system currently available on the market. The AlphaLab SnR is a comprehensive, fully integrated, high-throughput system that allows users to record and stimulate from a virtually endless number of channels, with unprecedented ease and flexibility. The system brings microelectrode recording to a new level–from passive observation to active control and sophisticated interaction with neural circuits.
The system utilizes integrated, advanced stimulation sources to give users the power to deliver complex, unique stimulation patterns to all user-specified channels simultaneously. Researchers have absolute control to create an unlimited number of stimulation paradigms, as well as the ability to trigger and control stimulation based on an external analysis or behavioral system, digital inputs, threshold crossings, template matches, or other user-defined criteria
A high saturation point and advanced hardware components give users the ability to stimulate and record simultaneously on all channels without experiencing the typical stimulation switching blind spot. Additional tools, such as current return path controls, current monitors, and immediate stimulation logging, make the AlphaLab SnR the most advanced stimulating and recording system available today.
The AlphaLab SnR offers complete scalability and flexibility to meet each researcher’s specific needs. The system can be configured with 16 to 128 channels, and multiple systems can be cascaded to reach higher channel counts. A user-friendly, extremely customizable software interface allows researchers to command the entire experiment from a single workstation. Managing data from a large number of spike and LFP channels, as well as analog and digital inputs from video tracking, behavioral, or other external systems, has never been easier.
All data collected by the AlphaLab SnR can be cloned and streamed almost instantaneously to multiple computers, allowing users to create unique, closed-loop applications, or simply divide the workload among multiple lab members. Onboard user-programmable DSPs give users the tools to create closed-loop applications with real-time communication. The system’s advanced hardware and software components provide limitless opportunities for researchers involved in the most simple or complex of experiments.
In a League of its Own... What makes the AlphaLab SnR an industry leader...
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Exceptional Versatility and Scalability
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Unmatched Stimulation Capabilities
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Experimental Integrity
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Complete Experimental Control
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Technical Specifications
Exceptional Versatility and Scalability
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Expandability. Each system may have between 16 to 128 channels, and several 128 channel systems can be cascaded to reach higher channel counts. It is simple and cost-effective to add channels to an existing system at a later date, should the needs of the lab change.
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Data streaming. All data collected by the SnR can be cloned and streamed almost instantaneously to multiple computers. This gives users the flexibility to have online access to recordings, which can be used to create closed loop applications. The user can create custom algorithms and return feedback commands to have immediate control of the experiment.
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Programmable DSPs. Multiple DSPs can be added to the system to enable the researcher to write custom real time programs and load these programs onto the SnR itself. This gives users the power to create closed loop applications with real-time communication.
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Customizable workspace. The SnR software is designed to give the user complete control over what is viewed on screen. Create, modify, and save a workspace configuration to match the needs of each experiment.
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Multi-user support. Workload may be optionally divided among multiple computers, allowing multiple users to simultaneously access, analyze, and manipulate the data.
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Free moving animals. In addition to standard restrained animal setups, a free moving animal (FMA) package is available, which includes a compact, low-wire commutator and a tethered, lightweight mini-preamplifier that can sit directly on the electrode array.
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Custom input connectors. The SnR can connect to any single electrode or electrode array, and custom connectors can easily be manufactured to meet unique needs. Additionally, the electrode-to-headstage interface makes it easy to swap connector types between experiments.
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ADIO package. Add additional analog and digital inputs and outputs to the system. Package includes an additional:
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16 analog inputs
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8 analog outputs
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4 digital inputs
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1 16-bit digital input port
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8 digital outputs
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DIO package. Add up to 8 additional 16-bit digital ports and 64 digital outputs.
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Minimal wires. Whether 16 or 128 channels, a single cable links each system component, making cable management easy.
Unmatched Stimulation Capabilities
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Stimulate and record simultaneously. A high amplifier input range allows non-stimulating channels to record throughout stimulation, eliminating the typical stimulation switching blind spot. All channels are capable of stimulating and recording.
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Integrated and scalable stimulation. The SnR may include an embedded stimulation source for each individual channel, giving the researcher the ability to simultaneously stimulate on each channel with unique paradigms.
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Complete stimulation control. Modify basic stimulation parameters with a few clicks, or utilize text based scripting to create unique stimulation waveforms or complex stimulation and experimental algorithms.
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Conditional stimulation. Stimulation can be trigged by digital inputs, threshold crossings, or template matches.
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Current return path control.Localize and direct injected currents by selecting any number of electrodes as stimulation return channels.
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Immediate stimulation logging. A stimulation marker is logged within 1 sample of the beginning of a stimulation pulse, allowing the researcher to know exactly when stimulation occurred.
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Current monitor. Injected current is measured and displayed onscreen for each individual channel, making it is easy to ensure accurate current delivery.
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Recorded stimulation waveform. The full injected stimulation pulse is recorded and saved as a separate variable.
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High current range. Stimulation sources can output currents as low as 2µA and as high as 7mA, with pulse widths between 50µSec and 1mSec.
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Stimulation isolation. Background noise on recording channels does not increase during stimulation.
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Lesioning. Mark and confirm your electrode placement by creating a lesion.
Experimental Integrity
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Impedance check. One-click impedance check quickly measures and displays the impedance of all electrodes simultaneously.
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Digitizing headstage. The SnR utilizes a compact, lightweight digitizing headstage that samples all electrode channels at 44.6 kHz with a 16 bit A/D resolution. Digitization occurs near the signal source, not outside of the recording chamber.
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Low noise. Steady 20µV peak to peak across a wide impedance range.
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Medical grade isolation. The SnR’s isolation eliminates ground loops, provides less noise, and isolates the animal.
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Differential inputs. The headstage uses differential inputs, which helps in acquiring special signal types (EMG, EEG, etc.) and reduces electromagnetic interference.
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Powerful DSPs. The SnR is equipped with advanced, powerful DSPs that can easily handle high channel counts and high workloads. All processing is done on the SnR itself, not on the user PC.
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Open file format. Files are easily converted to other file formats, including text, matlab, Plexon, CED, and wavefile for post-experiment analysis.
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Save disk space. Choose to save or not save any of the following signals for each channel: full raw, continuous spike, continuous LFP, segmented spike waveforms, analog inputs, and digital inputs. Or save trials based on a digital trigger to ensure only the target data is saved.
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Remote support. An Alpha Omega representative is always standing by to provide assistance. With remote desktop support, it is easy to login to the SnR computer to verify the recording integrity and provide assistance as needed.
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Mini SnR. Alpha Omega offers an optional mini casingfor 16 channel versions of the system, saving lab space and making it easy to move the system between recording areas if needed.
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Complete workstation. Control the entire experiment from one system. A user-friendly software interface allows the researcher to record from a large number of channels and different signal types (raw, spike, LFP, EEG, EOG, EMG, ECOG, etc.) while also synchronizing with other lab systems (behavioral, video tracking, electrode positioning, etc.)
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Data tagging. User-defined events can be created within the software, allowing the researcher to mark the data file with a separate, user-defined variable with one click of the mouse. This makes offline analysis easier than ever.
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Digital filtering. The user can select the LP and HP for both spike recordings and LFP recordings.
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Online sorting. The SnR allows 4 spike templates to be set per channel. 8-point template matching, a SSQ algorithm, and optional window discriminators are utilized to make spike sorting as easy and accurate as possible. Additionally, a histogram of the distribution of errors is displayed to optimize template matching.
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Online statistics. Raster and firing rate tachogram’s are optionally displayed for the selected channel.
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Video tracking synchronization. Alpha Omega has partnered with Noldus to provide synchronization between the SnR and Noldus video tracking systems, making the SnR the ideal choice for labs with video tracking needs
