Commutators
A commutator is an electrical swivel that allows an animal to move freely by keeping the cables connected to the research equipment untangled. Research involving animals performing behavioral tests often requires that the animal moves unencumbered in its environment during the study. When optogenetic stimulation, in vivo neural stimulation and/or recording is/are also required, the environment becomes further complicated with tethered cables. Tangled cables, distractions, artifacts and ultimately, poor data and time delays may result if not properly managed.
To alleviate this problem, Plexon offers a range of robust, low-torque commutators that dependably keeps multiple types of cables untangled. Commutators have been engineered to optimize signal transfer with specific designs for use with analog headstages, digital headstages and/or optogenetics.
The Carousel Motorized Commutator is ideal for experiments in which optogenetic stimulation is performed simultaneously with neural recording using digital headstages. It can be used with up to four digitizing headstages and two Plexon compact LED modules. There is also as a hole down the center of the commutator which can be used for fluid delivery or an optical swivel.
The Carousel Commutator is a mixed-mode commutator enabling the recording of up to 64 neural channels using any combination of 16 and 32 channel digital headstages, as well as optogenetic stimulation with up to two PlexBright LED Modules.
The New PlexBright Dual LED + 16 Channel Commutator offers all of the benefits of the PlexBright Dual LED Commutator, plus it enables the recording of up to 16 neural channels.
The PlexBright® Dual LED Commutator hosts compact, interchangeable PlexBright LED Modules supporting optogentic experiments.
The PlexBright Dual LED + Fluid Swivel is also ideal for experiments in which optogenetic stimulation is performed simultaneously with drug perfusion.