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Modification of a consumer digital audio tape (DAT) for analog data recording
C Lüscher1, P Frei, D de Limoges
1Department of Physiology, University of Berne, Switzerland.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|December 1, 1992
Summary
A modified digital-audio tape (DAT) now records direct current (DC) electrophysiology data with high fidelity. This cost-effective solution offers 2-channel recording and a hidden trigger signal for improved analog data storage.
Area of Science:
- Electrophysiology
- Biophysics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Patch clamp and electrophysiological experiments generate significant analog data.
- Existing data storage solutions may be costly or lack necessary fidelity for DC recordings.
- There is a need for accessible, high-quality analog data recording systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a modified digital-audio tape (DAT) system for improved DC recordings.
- To provide a low-cost, high-fidelity solution for electrophysiological data acquisition.
- To enhance analog data storage capabilities in research settings.
Main Methods:
- Modification of a commercial digital-audio tape (DAT) recorder.
- Implementation of 2-channel data recording plus a separate trigger signal.
- Utilizing a 120-minute cassette for 1.4 Gbytes of storage capacity.
Main Results:
- The modified DAT system achieves a bandwidth from direct current (DC) to 21 kHz.
- A signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 90 dB and 16-bit analog-to-digital resolution were obtained.
- A 1-millisecond duration trigger signal is embedded without significant data interference.
Conclusions:
- The modified DAT provides a high-quality, low-cost alternative for analog data storage.
- This system is suitable for patch clamp and other electrophysiological applications.
- The solution addresses limitations in current analog data acquisition and storage methods.