I. Hardware requirements:

1. Waveform I/O:

24 channels of 16-bit waveform input, switchable ±5V or ±10V. Up to 48 waveform inputs via expansion units

2 Maximum sampling rate:

1 MHz multi-channel, up to 3 MHz single channel

3. System accuracy and noise:

0.05% of full scale ±1.5 bits

4. Optional programmable gain:

 x1, x2, x5, x10

5. Waveform output:

4 channels, 16-bit, switchable ±5V or ±10V

6. Processor:

32-bit Marvell MV78100 processor

7. Read-write memory: 

1 Gb, expandable to 2 Gb

8. Digital I/O: 16 digital inputs, 8 with change-of-state detection to µs accuracy 16 digital outputs with handshake lines for byte input and output

9. Synchronisation:

Clocks and events; 5 programmable clocks with 100nS resolution BNC socket for clock inputs and event (clock start) connections

10 Host interface:

USB 2.0

11. Dimension: Rack mount for 19 inch laboratory racks

II. Software specification. Acquisition requirements:

1. Enable large data files recording, up to 1TB

2. Different waveform sampling rates per channel

3. Real-time single and multi-unit spike activity capturing and sorting

4. Continuous, internally timed and triggered recording modes

5. Simultaneous, time-locked, multimedia video and sound recording with data recording

6. Up to 8 channels of event data storage with microsecond timing resolution

7. Log accurately timed coded 8-bit digital inputs

8. Annotate data records with text notes and keyboard markers

9. Swap between experiment setups

10. Waveforms calibration with multiple methods including values, areas, slopes

11. Automatic saving and sequencing multiple files with optional trigger start

12. Recover data files in the event of an un-commanded system shutdown

13. Dynamical configuration of programmable amplifiers

III. Software specification. Processing and analysis requirements:

1. Waveform analyses including averaging, power spectra and waveform correlations

2. Event analyses including INTH, PSTH, auto and cross correlations and phase histograms

3. Automatic finding a data features including triggers and features in evoked, spontaneous activity and cyclical data with 'active' cursors

4. XY plots generation and measurement channels in data files and output tables of values based on cursor feature detection

5. Absolute and relative measurements of positions, data values and inter-cursor statistical measurements with up to 10 active cursors per view

6. Time and amplitude measurements by dragging the mouse pointer

7. Derive 'virtual channels' from existing waveform and event channels defined by user-supplied expressions (channel arithmetic).

8. Generate functions in virtual channels', including sine, square, triangle waves, envelopes and polynomials

9. On- and off-line dynamical waveforms processes: rectify, smooth, DC remove, downsample, median filter and RMS amplitude

10. Create editable temporary channels containing copied or derived data

11. Digitally filter waveforms (FIR and IIR) with interactive filter design

12. Interactively fit data with functions including exponential, Gaussian, polynomial, sinusoid and sigmoid

13. Automate repetitive, multi-step and custom analyses using the script language

IV. Software specification. Display requirements

1. Review multiple files simultaneously, during on-line sampling

2. Navigate through data files with mouse pan and zoom, axis dragging, scroll bar and keyboard control

3. Display events, spikes and markers as times, rates, mean and instantaneous frequencies

4. Use duplicated channels to display data in different ways and show selected markers and discriminated spikes separately for cross analysis

5. Overlay multiple triggered 'sweeps' with optional 3D display

6. Draw waveforms with optional linear and cubic spline interpolation or as sonograms with preset and user-defined colour scales

7. Draw marker type data in state mode for condition marking.

8. Textmark (text note) channels display, storege in the channel area

9. Vertical marker option

10. Set independent colours for each channel's data and background

11. Arrange vertical space and order of channels displayed, including option to overlay multiple channels

12. Logarithmic axes display option for result and XY views

13. Expand your display area with built-in multiple monitor support

V Software specification. Experiment control

1. Build waveform profiles and generate digital outputs in an graphical editor

2. Use output pulses to trigger current, voltage and stimulators while simultaneously recording and analyzing responses

3. Control stimulus generators and switch between stimulus protocols at the click of a button or press of a key

4. Output serial-line data using the script language to control external equipment such as audiometers or units for brain stimulation

5. Automatically control the sequencing of stimulus protocol outputs in real-time based on changes in incoming waveform and event data

VI Software specification. Output sequencer 

1. Sequencer controls up to 8 waveform and up to 8 digital outputs from the hardware interface.

2. Provide stimulus protocol creation

3. Anable drag-and-drop pulses from a palette onto output tracks in the editor

4. Modify pulse timing and amplitudes

5. Use digital pulses and pulse trains to trigger external devices

6. Generate variable amplitude square pulses, sine waves and voltage ramps to control external equipment

7. Combine pulses such as square waves and ramps for ramp-and-hold

8. Control variable intensity stimuli such as temperature, current and voltage

9. Output user-defined waveforms, pre-recorded and imported data for control and stimulation

10. Define pulse protocols as separate sections in the output sequencer and link them together for automated stimulus sequencing

11. Copy pulse information between sections to set up a series of similar stimulus protocols

12. Make use of control statements such as loops and branches and randomise delays and stimuli

13. Record digital input states directly to a marker channel and generate codes to flag events

14. Read digital input and sampled waveform values directly and branch on the result if a given condition is met

VII Software specification. Stimulus sequencing

1. Manually control sequencing with the press of a key

2. Automate stimulus sequencing by using control commands including branches and loops

3. Respond to changes in waveform or event data

4. Implement random delays and branches with set probabilitie

VIII Software specification. Waveform output

1. Play waveforms from up to 4 outputs

2. Start and stop playing waveforms from a toolbar button, keyboard press or in response to external triggers

3. Cycle waveform output and link multiple waveform sections