Description

Pulse Pal 1.1 is an updated version of the original Pulse Pal. Version 1.1 has a 4-layer circuit board with separate digital and analog ground planes, reducing the output channel noise floor by >50%. It also includes better mechanical support for the oLED screen, and some minor enclosure corrections that streamline assembly. Its firmware now supports a screensaver mode, to clear the oLED screen when the device is idle. For version 1.1, the MATLAB client now uses the Psychtoolbox 3 low latency serial interface by default, when it is detected. Since the upcoming Pulse Pal 2 will leverage advanced surface mount components that are challenging to hand-solder, version 1.1 keeps the stimulator series accessible for prototypers and modders.

Specifications

Processor

• ARM Cortex M3: ST Microsystems STM32F103RBT6 (as part of the former Leaflabs Maple platform)
• 84MHz clock speed, 32-bit
• Programmable using the Arduino language

Trigger channels

• 2 trigger channels, optically isolated
• Input voltage range: +3 to +5V DC
• Minimum pulse width: 100µs
• Software-configurable interpretation of trigger pulses

Output channels

• 4 output channels, driven by an 8-bit precision DAC: Maxim Integrated Products MAX500ACPE
• Voltage range: -10 to +10V DC
• Minimum pulse width: 100µs
• 10mA short-circuit current, >2kΩ load for specified performance
• Software-configurable resting voltage

Memory

• 20kB SRAM stores channel parameters and custom pulse trains
• 32kB EEPROM Automatically stores parameters across power cycles
• Stores 2 custom trains that define onset time and voltage of 1000 pulses

Programming APIs

• MATLAB r2009a-2015b (includes optional GUI)
• GNU Octave 4
• Python 2.7
• C++

Power

• All communication and power is accomplished through a single USB port (USB mini connector)

Display

• Blue oLED display allows stand-alone operation with thumb joystick
• Bright blue indicators show when output channel is not at the configured resting voltage
• Trigger channel indicators show when logic is currently high

Material safety

• All parts are RoHS Compliant in our professional builds

Dimensions

• L: 16.8cm (6 5/8")
• W: 4.1cm (1 5/8")
• H: 9.8cm (3 7/8")

Notice: Pulse Pal is NOT approved for direct stimulation of human subjects. Researchers seeking to electrically stimulate live tissue are advised to use Pulse Pal to drive an analog stimulus isolator. Pulse Pal is not a medical device, and is not intended to be used in a medical setting. All use of Pulse Pal is at your own risk, and by using it, you agree that Sanworks is not liable to you for damages. Please read our terms and conditions.