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NeuroDAC: an open-source arbitrary biosignal waveform generator
M P Powell1,2, J Anso3, R Gilron3
1School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America.
Journal of Neural Engineering
|November 5, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed NeuroDAC, an open-source biosignal generator using audio equipment for testing adaptive therapy devices. This flexible tool enables accurate evaluation of complex algorithms with pre-recorded signals, reducing the need for costly in vivo experiments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Advanced adaptive therapies require sophisticated biomedical devices with closed-loop algorithms.
- Increasing complexity of multi-channel, multi-modal electrophysiological signal processing necessitates flexible testing solutions.
- Existing testing methods for these devices can be expensive and limited, often requiring in vivo experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a methodology for constructing a biosignal waveform generator using off-the-shelf audio equipment.
- To introduce and validate the open-source NeuroDAC device for bench-top testing of biomedical devices and algorithms.
- To provide an accessible tool for researchers to prototype and evaluate adaptive therapy systems.
Main Methods:
- Developed the NeuroDAC, an 8-channel biosignal playback device utilizing a custom attenuation and buffering circuit.
- Implemented a USB interface with standard audio drivers for host computer communication.
- Incorporated on-board analog amplitude adjustment for optimizing dynamic range on a per-channel basis.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low no-signal noise floor of 5.35 ± 0.063.
- Characterized a high-pass -3 dB rolloff at 0.57 Hz, ensuring accurate reproduction of various biosignals (EMG, EEG, ECG, neural activity).
- Demonstrated application by testing embedded algorithms on a closed-loop neural modulation device (Medtronic RC+S).
Conclusions:
- The open-source NeuroDAC offers an accessible and flexible solution for prototyping and testing advanced biomedical devices and algorithms.
- This approach reduces reliance on expensive in vivo testing by enabling evaluation with well-characterized biosignals.
- NeuroDAC can be easily modified to meet diverse individual testing requirements, accelerating innovation in adaptive therapies.
