OmniPlex Software 1.14 for High Frequency Experimental Data

DALLAS, TX — (October 08, 2015) – Plexon Inc, the leader in advanced hardware and software solutions for neuroscience and behavioral research, released OmniPlex^® Software v1.14 today for all platforms of the OmniPlex Neural Data Acquisition System (OmniPlex System) just in time for live demonstration at Neuroscience 2015, Chicago, Illinois, USA, October 18-21. In addition to many important performance enhancements and new functionality, this release contains three notable features worth special emphasis: significantly faster auxiliary analog input (AuxAI) digitizing rates, added support for a second digital input card, and increased maximum neural spike waveform length.

In previous releases of OmniPlex System, the maximum per-channel digitizing rate for the AuxAI device was either 5kHz (for the standard AuxAI device) or 20kHz (for the optional “fast” card). Rates of up to 250kHz per channel are now supported with the “fast” AuxAI card, with a maximum of four channels. This is especially useful for researchers who wish to record high-frequency audio or other high-frequency experimental data.

OmniPlex Software v1.14 also expands its capacity for digital inputs (DI). Previously, one DI card with two ports was supported, each port enabling 16 lines of TTL inputs or one strobed word for a total of up to 32 lines or two strobed words. The new software release doubles that capability. For example, those needing to capture more than 32 types of events during an experiment while implementing a complex behavioral paradigm will benefit greatly from this enhancement.

Earlier versions of OmniPlex Software supported detection of spike waveforms up to 1.4 milliseconds in length. Now, OmniPlex Software 1.14 supports a fourfold increase in maximum length for a 5.6 millisecond waveform. This functionality can be ideal for researchers performing recordings in the cerebellum as well as those targeting dopaminergic cells. It will be important for researchers to resist the inclination to set a very long waveform length “to make sure to get the entire spike.” While it is desirable to capture the full action potential, the tail of a spike decays into some combination of noise and action potentials from nearby units. If the waveform length is longer than necessary, it is more likely that the tail of the spike will unintentionally include the superposition of a portion or all of other action potentials.

Researchers are encouraged to read the Release Notes included in the software once downloaded. It contains examples of features mentioned here, as well as usage instructions and additional functionality. This latest download is free of charge for all OmniPlex System users. It is important to note that this release is available for Windows^® 7 only, and can be found on the OmniPlex System webpage along with the updated demonstration version. OmniPlex Software v1.13 is the last release to support Windows XP. Downloads are also available at plexon.com/software-downloads under the OmniPlex Neural Data Acquisition System header. For more information regarding these or other advances, contact info@plexon.com.

About Plexon Inc
Plexon is a pioneer and leading innovator of custom, high performance data acquisition, behavior and analysis solutions specifically designed for scientific research. We collaborate with and supply thousands of customers including the most prestigious neuroscience laboratories around the globe driving new frontiers in areas including basic science, brain-machine interfaces (BMI), neurodegenerative diseases, addictive behaviors and neuroprosthetics. Plexon offers integrated solutions for in vivo neurophysiology, optogenetics and behavioral research — backed by its industry-leading commitment to quality and customer support. plexon.com.