PlexBright 4 Channel Optogenetic Controller with Radiant v2

The PlexBright® 4 Channel Optogenetic Controller with the new Radiant™ v2 is the most advanced of two Plexon products to drive and control optogenetic stimulation. It is a sophisticated, software-driven, pattern generating controller with multiple digital inputs and outputs that can operate LEDs and lasers – even simultaneously!

Description

The PlexBright 4 Channel Optogenetic Controller controlled by Radiant Software is one of the cornerstones of the PlexBright Optogenetic Stimulation System (PlexBright System). The newest version of Radiant, version 2, was released at the start of 2014 and offers unsurpassed control of LEDs or lasers over multiple channels.

Through Radiant’s easy-to-use GUI, each 4 Channel Optogenetic Controller starts, drives and stops up to four channels independently from the most basic signals to the generation of sophisticated output patterns. Further, one channel may drive an LED module, while a second channel drives a laser.

Each channel/output may be configured to deliver up to 1100mA of precision-controlled current to one or two PlexBright LED Modules. Alternatively, outputs may be configured to deliver up to a 5V signal, enabling simultaneous control of both LED modules and lasers. The 4 Channel Optogenetic Controller further enables interaction with third party equipment through eight digital inputs and 16 digital outputs.

Radiant v2’s pattern generation functionality allows researchers to quickly define simple to complex output patterns that may be saved and played back repeatedly. Arbitrary stimulation patterns can also be loaded from user defined text files, or the outputs can be controlled directly by the user in manual mode. Patterns can also be generated in an offline mode for use at a later time.

With respect to LEDs – and like the PlexBright LD-1 Single Channel LED Driver – each output of the 4 Channel Optogenetic Controller is capable of controlling one or two LED modules. When two modules share a single output simultaneously (accomplished via a specialized cable that connects the LED Modules in series called a PlexBright Series-Y BNC cable), each module receives the same control signal. This configuration is particularly applicable to bilateral stimulation experiments.

For higher volume research experiments, Radiant enables the integration of up to four PlexBright 4 Channel Optogenetic Controllers simultaneously operated by a single computer – yielding up to 16 channels of independent output.

PlexBright Starter Kits offer the initial products to get started. Kits are available in four experimental designs and with either driver – the 4 Channel Optogenetic Controller with Radiant Software (fully functional kit) or our other device, the LD-1 Single Channel LED Driver (economical kit).

In addition to the PlexBright 4 Channel Optogenetic Controller, the PlexBright System also offers the PlexBright LD-1 Single Channel LED Driver; a full range of super intensity PlexBright LED Modules; several commutator options; high performance PlexBright Optical Patch Cables with a choice of stimulation tips; specially designed PlexBright Fiber Stub Implants; the PlexBright Light Measurement Kit; and the PlexBright Optical Fiber Cleaning Kit to safely maintain and extend the life of the fiber tips. If your experiments include freely behaving animals, you may also be interested in learning more about the CinePlex® and CineLyzer® Behavioral Research Systems.

For more information on any part of the PlexBright Optogenetic Stimulation System, please contact a Plexon Sales Engineer.

Technical Specs

The PlexBright 4 Channel Controller requires Radiant Software to operate. Specifications for the controller are found below.

 

Feature Specifications and Options Remarks
PlexBright Starter Kits – Freely Behaving Mouse & Small Animal Kit
– Freely Behaving Rat & Large Animal Kit
– Head-fixed/Anesthetized Animal Kit
– In vitro Experiment Kit		 Starter Kits offer the initial set-up products and a 10% discount when purchased as a kit. Kits are available in four experimental design set-ups and with either driver (the 4 Channel Controller with Radiant Software or the LD-1 Single-Channel LED Driver). Starter Kit details are listed on the PlexBright Quote Request Forms.
Hardware – PlexBright 4 Channel Controller
Light source compatibility – PlexBright LED Modules and
– Third-party lasers		 LED compatibility includes all PlexBright LED Modules. Laser compatibility includes those equipped with a controller that accepts a 0-5V analog modulation input.
Analog output channels Up to 4 Each channel offers independently controllable output.
Channel synchronization Capable All four channels may be started at the same time.
Stimulation modes – Current or
– Voltage		 Each channel is independently controlled – including the simulation mode. Thus, it is possible to perform LED stimulation on one channel and a laser on another simultaneously.
Current output Up to 1100mA Current output for driving PlexBright LED Modules.
Voltage output 0 to 5V Voltage output for controlling a third-party laser.
Temporal resolution 100μs
Digital inputs 8 Two per channel. May be used to start and stop stimulation on individual channels.
Digital outputs 16 Four per channel.
Minimum trigger pulse width 200μs
Arbitrary waveform update rate 10kHz
Commutator compatibility
– PlexBright Dual LED Commutator,
– PlexBright Dual LED + 16 Channel Commutator for simultaneous use with analog headstages, and
– Carousel™ Commutator for simultaneous use with digital headstages
 If the identical parameters are desired for both modules on the commutator – such as for bilateral stimulation – a PlexBright Series-Y BNC Cable will also be required.
Dimensions 4.8 x 9.7 x 20.3cm
1.9 x 3.8 x 8.0 inches		 Includes feet, switches, and BNC connectors in length and height.
Weight 0.5kg
1.2lbs
4 Channel Controller includes – Optogenetic stimulator,
– Power supply and power cord,
– USB cable, and
– Four color-coded insulated BNC
cables (1 per channel)
Software Radiant™ Radiant is the user interface and signal visualization program operating the PlexBright 4 Channel Controller. It supports multiple devices simultaneously.
Pattern generation Capable Radiant is capable of generating complex signal patterns independently per channel.
LED module compatibility All PlexBright LED Modules PlexBright LED Module identification within Radiant automatically sets current limits.
Number of LED modules controlled per channel simultaneously 1 or 2 Outputs can operate a single PlexBright LED Module or two for bilateral stimulation in which identical parameters are desired for both stimulation sites. A PlexBright Series-Y BNC Cable is required for operating two modules from a single channel.
Devices per Radiant license Up to 4 Radiant enables up to four PlexBright 4 Channel Controllers to be operated simultaneously on a single computer per license – enabling up to 16 total channels.
Operating Systems Windows® XP or Windows 7
Activation requirement Plexon version-specific hardware license key Radiant v2 requires a license key for operation. One license key is provided with the purchase of the controller and software.
Accessories PlexBright Series-Y BNC Cable The PlexBright Series-Y BNC Cable enables the simultaneous operation of two PlexBright LED Modules from a single channel in which identical parameters are desired for both modules.