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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
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Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond
Published on: June 24, 2015
A low-cost multielectrode system for data acquisition enabling real-time closed-loop processing with rapid recovery
John D Rolston1, Robert E Gross, Steve M Potter
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, USA.
Frontiers in Neuroengineering
|August 12, 2009
Summary
We developed an affordable, open-source system for neural recording and stimulation in freely moving animals. This system minimizes stimulation artifacts, enabling detection of rapid neural responses for advanced neuroscience research and applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Commercial data acquisition systems for neural recording are costly and have limitations.
- Existing systems struggle with stimulation artifacts, hindering short-latency response detection.
- Electrical stimulation is crucial for brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an inexpensive, modifiable system for multielectrode neural recording and stimulation.
- To overcome limitations of commercial systems, particularly regarding stimulation artifacts.
- To facilitate advanced research and applications like closed-loop neurostimulation.
Main Methods:
- Designed a modular system with 64 channels costing <$10,000.
- Developed open-source control software (NeuroRighter) in C#.
- Implemented a novel magnetic coupling for electrode-headstage connections.
Main Results:
- The system recovers rapidly from stimulation, allowing detection of <1 ms post-stimulus neural activity.
- Achieved noise levels comparable to existing platforms.
- Demonstrated evoked activity from rodent hippocampus microstimulation.
Conclusions:
- The developed system offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for neural recording and stimulation.
- Enables detection of previously hidden neural activity, advancing closed-loop applications.
- Open-source hardware and software promote wider accessibility and modification.
