NeXus-Trigger-Interface (NTI)
Contents
1. 7 NTI Sensors The light sensor The light sensor is intended to synchronize an event on the PC monitor with the ExG Aux signals of the used NeXus device The light sensor must be taped on the monitor as shown in the picture below The light sensor must be plugged into the digital input of the NTI It detects a black to white transition on the monitor The area on the screen may be the size of the light sensor itself so the user is not distracted by that transition Tape the light sensor onto the black to white transition area of the VEP ERP screen 19 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual The RS232 input The RS 232 sensor is connected to the digital input of the NTI This port can be used to trigger the NTI and pass an 8 bit value byte to the NTI CONNECT TO RS232 PORT OF THE PC The NTI forwards this 8 bit value through the NeXus device to the BioTrace Software Make sure you use the following RS232 Port settings e Data bits 8 e Start bits 1 e Stop bits 1 Baud rate 115200 Baud 115kBaud e Parity none e Flow control none These settings must be configured correctly in the application on the PC to which the RS 232 cable is connected to If these settings are incorrect wrong or multiple BYTE events may monitored instead CE 20 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Testing the RS 232 input The easiest way for testing this input is using HyperTerminal which is i2. Intended use The NTI is a battery powered biofeedback add on device intended to be used in combination with the Mind Media BV NeXus devices to synchronize external stimuli and events with physiological measurements It s intended use is for research and education purposes Please note the NTI is NOT intended for use in a life supporting system or for vital monitoring or for vital diagnostics CE 5 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Terms and abbreviations The terms and abbreviations used in this document BioTrace The software delivered with NeXus devices eferred to as status LED vent Related Potentials L mA milli ampere hours unity of the capacity of batteries S Light Emitting Diode This light source is used as an indicator on the NTI and is located above the On Off button Referred to as status LED Milliseconds NiMH Nickel Metal Hydride type of rechargeable battery NiCad Nickel Cadmium type of rechargeable battery NTI 0 NeXuss Trigger Interface Personal Computer potmeter Potentiometer electronic device that is used to adjust certain thresholds E M N Sync A synchronization moment combination of a synchronization trigger pulse and a synchronization data packet See the chap Technical Backgrouna for more information Trigger data The trigger information that is sent to the SpO2 input by a packet serial protocol Trigger pulse A activation pulse that is sent to the trigger in
3. User Manual for the NeXus Trigger Interface NTI Please read this manual BEFORE using the NTI Manufactured in Europe Worldwide distributor Mind Media B V Schepersweg 2B NL 6049CV ROERMOND HERTEN WWW MINDMEDIA NL Email info mindmedia nl Tel 31 0475 410123 Fax 31 475 330602 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Contents 1 INTRODUCTION PRODUCT DESCRIPTION INTENDED USE TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS PRODUCT LIABILITY Limitation of liability 2 ABOUT THIS MANUAL PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WARNINGS amp CAUTIONS Warnings Caution CONTENTS OF THE PACKAGING IDENTIFICATION OF IMPORTANT PARTS INSTALLATION CONNECTING THE NTI TO A NEXUS 10 CONNECTING THE NTI TO A NEXUS 16 NEXUS 32 6 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS SWITCHING THE NTI ON SWITCHING THE NTI OFF ATTACHING CONNECTORS STARTING A NEW SESSION IN BIOTRACE 7 NTISENSORS THE LIGHT SENSOR THE RS232 INPUT Testing the RS 232 input THE AUDIO LINE SENSOR Using the line output of a pc Sending a test signal to the NTI 50 60 Hz interference THE MICROPHONE Testing the microphone USING THE ON OFF BUTTON AS TRIGGER 8 TECHNICAL BACKGROUND CE 2 Version 1 1 OD 0 X X X NNU CAUA A ek pk eh 1 OV ON QO m OO 22 O0 00 2 2 602 62 62 52 652 82 852 NS NANNWNNWNON CO WO N J SYNCHRONIZATION START UP TRIGGER BUFFERING BATTERIES 9 MAINTENANCE 10 TROUBLE SHOOTING 11 SPECIFICATIONS lt NeXus Trigger I
4. which guarantees the line output levels to be compliant with the normal line levels The standard color of this output is lime green O a gt CONNECT TO LINE INPUT NTI CONNECT TO HEADPHONE SPEAKERS Plug the other side of the line cable into the NTI like show in the picture below PUT LINE CABLE INTO LINE INPUT OF THE NTI CE 22 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Set the audio mixer settings of the PC that will produce the audio signals The channel that is used as line output should not be muted Also the master volume should not be muted Verify the Volume levels are high enough by sending a test signal to the NTI Note Usually the volume can stay quite low at around 10 50 of Max volume Sending a test signal to the NTI Execute the following steps to test the line input 1 Turn on the NTI 2 Connect the line cable as shown above 3 Open a media player on your PC for example the Windows media player Open the audio file Signal1 wav in the BioTrace installation directory audio 4 Play this audio file and check if the status LED of the NTI flashes red If it is not flashing check the volume levels in the audio mixer of the PC Also make sure the audio output channel is not muted Ce 23 Version 1 1 6 24 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 50 60 Hz interference Please note that when you connect a audio line output of a PC to the NTI
5. CE 30 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 10 Trouble shooting The NTI does not turn on off Check the battery Did you push the On Off button long enough the status LED should stay green on red off before the button can be released do not see the triggers in BioTrace Check the connection of the cable connected to the NeXus device Do you have the latest update of the BioTrace software Check ifthe NTI indicator LED flashes when the trigger is generated If it isn t flashing check the connection of the corresponding trigger cable If it is flashing probably the problem is the cable between the NTI and the NeXus device Check for the NeXus16 and NeXus32 if two cables are connected One is the trigger cable which must be plugged into the TRIG input The other one is the data cable that is connected to the SPO2 input This is always the last input of the device can t find hyperterminal on my computer Hilgraeve is a company specialized in HyperTerminal applications Download a trial for your OS on this website www hilgraeve com Download another application that can interface with the RS232 ports of your computer don t receive triggers from the line input Did you connect it to the correct output on the PC Is it compatible to the output specifications Are the volume levels set ok on that PC See the chapter Using the line output of a pc for more information Try to test the input lik
6. SPLIT K RS232 FM CC NTI lt NeXus Trigger Interface manual Microphone Line cable Audio jack plug splitter Serial cable RS 232 Suitcase for the NTI and optional accessories 12 Version 1 1 lt 13 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 4 Identification of important parts P m SA ON OFF BUTTON STATUS LED MIC THRESHOLD POTMETER MIC nput INE TRIG 007 INPUT NX16 NX32 5 0 CONNECTION CABLE DIGITAL INPUT BATTERY COVER BATTERY CONNECTION CABLE BATTERY COMPARTMENT CE 14 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 5 Installation Before using the NTI follow the instructions of the user manual of the NeXus device to install the specific device and the corresponding Bio Trace software Remove the battery cover on the rearside of the NTI by pressing the marked area while sliding the cover backwards Gently pull out the battery connection cable and plug ina compatible battery as described in the specifications Put the battery in the intended BATTERY COVER compartment and close the cover BATTERY COMPARTMENT CE 15 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Connecting the NTI to a NeXus 10 NeXus Trigger intertace E JUST PLUG THE SpO2 CONNECTION CABLE INTO BACKSIDE OF THE NEXUS 10 Connecting the NTI to a NeXus 16 NeXus 32 6 16 Version 1 1 CE NeXus Trigger In
7. about the local waste management regulations CE 9 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Caution e When the NTI is not in use for more than a week the batteries have to be removed to prevent damage in case of leaking e Except for the batteries there are no user serviceable parts within the NTI Repairs can only be performed by the manufacturer e The design of the NTI is such that no calibrations are needed However always test the connected trigger sources before starting a measurement in combination with the NeXus device When the status LED flashed the applied trigger is detected by the NTI e There are no known side effects from the use of this equipment e Epilepsy Warning some people are susceptible to epileptic seizures or loss of consciousness when exposed to flashing lights or light patterns including those which are shown on a computer monitor We strongly advise NOT to apply visual stimuli such as those used in visual evoked potentials VEP to people that have a Known previous history with epilepsy or seizures In such cases always first consult with a medical Specialist cc 10 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 3 Contents of the packaging Standard contents NeXus Trigger Interface package NTI UK NTI Nexus Trigger Interface NT NB CABLE Output trigger cable for NeXus 16 and NeXus 32 devices NT VIDEO Light Video sensor A 11 Version 1 1 NX MIC K AUDIO 2M5 C AUDIO
8. so the status LED Is off It is advised to use fresh or fully loaded rechargeable batteries to ensure the NTI works correctly the entire recording session e When using rechargeable batteries always charge according to instructions of the battery manufacturer e This system is not suitable for use in an inflammable mixture of anesthetics and air oxygen or nitrous oxide e This system is not suitable for sterilization e Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean the system e Do not expose the system to direct sunlight heat from a source of thermal radiation excessive amounts of dust moisture vibrations or mechanical shocks e The NTI is isolated from the mains 110 220V and battery operated e Not to be immersed in any liquid CE 8 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual If any liquids or moisture penetrate the system or any part thereof remove the batteries from NTI and have the system checked by an approved technician Do not use an operating cellular phone within 30 cm of the NTI to avoid interference on the signals Not for critical patient monitoring Not defibrillator proof sharp bends or winding the cables in a loop smaller than 5 cm may damage the cables Dispose of batteries according to local regulations The NTI contains recyclable materials that can be harmful for the environment Specialized companies can separate these materials when the apparatus is disassembled Before disposing of the apparatus enquire
9. this may feed 50 Hz Europe or 60 Hz USA noise from the PC via the NTI to the NeXus through so called capacitive coupling This will show up as 50 60 Hz interference in your EEG ECG EMG and similar signals If you notice this effect and you are using a Notebook computer you have the option to run the notebook on it s battery Simply detach the power supply from the notebook This normally minimizes the 50 60 Hz interference from the notebook to an acceptable level If you are using a desktop PC you do not have this option Instead you can choose to use the microphone input and monitor the sound stimuli trigger with the supplied microphone In that case place the sound source like loudspeakers at the same distance to the ears as the microphone so the sound will reach the ears and the microphone at the same time cc 29 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual The Microphone The microphone trigger is intended to respond to environmental sound events The trigger level is adjustable through the potmeter located next to the mic input When a sound is generated above this threshold a trigger will be sent to the connected NeXus device This type of events will show up as markers in the Bio Trace software with a label that indicates the event was recorded by the microphone After the mic input detected a trigger the input should be inactive for at least 50 ms before a new mic trigger can be detected THRESHO
10. LD POTMETER Testing the microphone Produce the sound you wish to trigger on and see if the status LED flashes during this sound If it does not trigger adjust the threshold potmeter until the correct threshold level is set with a precision screwdriver Using the On Off button as trigger Start a recording in the BioTrace software and briefly push the NTI On Off button The LED of the NTI should flash red and a On Off switch trigger marker should be displayed in the session overview screen Note This trigger is very easy and effective to verify to correct functioning of the NTI Note if the On Off button is pushed more than 3 seconds the NTI will shut down CE 26 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 8 Technical background Synchronization start up Every time a recording is started the NT needs some time to be synchronized with the NeXus device So m m oss 029 02 002 This is done automatically during the first 15 seconds of a recording synchronization is achieved after receiving 5 triggers from the NTI or automatically after 15 seconds of recording Triggers that are recording when the NTI is not synchronized will show up and marked as invalid triggers These triggers will have no effect on the averaging data In the unlikely case that the NTI loses synchronization during a recording the synchronization will recover within 15 seconds maximum or after rec
11. e described in Sending a test signal to the NTI 1 receive multiple triggers from the line input on a single audio trigger Note that the line input designed for audio signals between the 100Hz 20kHz Using frequencies below 100Hz can lead to multiple triggers markers All my markers in BioTrace are labeled with the text Trigger Do you have the latest update of the BioTrace software CE 31 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual In case of using a NeXus 10 it is possible the device is too old to work in combination with a NTI If you have an older Nexus 10 Serialnumber range 092804xxxx contact your reseller for the compatibility of this Specific device Is the S pO cable connected correctly receive multiple triggers from the RS 232 input while sending a single byte lt Be sure you have selected the correct RS 232 Port settings on your PC Choosing a wrong Baud rate can cause this problem Read the chapter The RS232 input for more information Please note that we advise always to send SINGLE byte events A single BYTE event sent by RS232 can have 256 different values or meanings The smallest value is 0 the largest value is 255 32 Version 1 1 11 Specifications Nexus Trigger Interface LE Safety conforms to Internally powered Dimensions Weight Internal power supply Operating voltage Operating current Batteries Battery low indication level Battery empty shut dow
12. eiving 5 triggers Simultaneous triggers The NTI is capable to receive triggers simultaneously each trigger is labeled individually GO GO TTL Trigger 1 no go TIL Trigger no go CE 27 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Trigger Buffering The Nexus Trigger Interface monitors triggers at a sample rate of 2048 Samples per second These triggers are stored in an internal buffer that can store up to 60 triggers When stored the triggers are transferred to the Nexus device BioTrace software at a transfer rate of 16 triggers per second R 7 e ye CR Tagga are nd AR l W9 t ur weer lt I i 00127 mie vo ovis mis wir A burst of 60 markers can be recorded in less than a second it will take approximately 4 seconds to transfer these triggers to BioTrace When the buffer of the NTI does not have enough space to store all current triggers an overflow trigger is shown in BioTrace Such triggers will be marked as invalid the averaging will only be done on valid triggers CE 28 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Batteries One 9V battery is used as the power source for the NTI The NTI can work with both rechargeable and disposable batteries Maximum operating time depends strongly on the type of battery chosen Rechargeable batteries have both lower voltage as well as lower capacity mAh Therefore the measurement time is higher when alkaline batteries are used The p
13. ible with the following NeXus encoders NeXus 10 except serialnumbers 092804xxxx NeXus 16A NeXus 16B Nexus 32D NeXus 32A The Nexus Trigger Interfaces require BioTrace software version 2010A or higher Please note the manufacturer reserves the right to make technical changes without prior notice CE 35 Version 1 1
14. n level Duration Digital input Connector Pinout CE NeXus Trigger Interface manual 2004 108 EC IEC 61000 6 2 2005 IEC 61000 6 3 2007 11 6 x 6 7 x 2 81 cm Ix b x 0 143 gram 9V Typically 5 0mA 9V 9V type rechargeable NiMH or disposable alkaline 9V 6V 0 2V 4 9V 0 2V Depending strongly on the battery capacity The Duracell Mn1604 which has a capacity of 450mAh the duration is about 18 hours Rechargeable 9V batteries have a capacity of about 150 mAh which reduces the duration to 6 hours Sub D 9 y Do not use RS232 Rx Extra TTL input Ground Do not use Light sensor input y 1 2 3 4 9 6 T 8 9 Ground 33 Version 1 1 Line input Connector freq spectrum Threshold levels Compatibility with PC output Microphone input Compatibility Out 2 digital output Connector Event Sampling Resolution NeXus Trigger Interface manual mini jack 3 5mm 100 20000 Hz Threshold dB Vee x 4 01081 dj amp gt use standard microphones with mini jack 3 5mm plug like the enclosed NPA415 OMNI microphone mini jack 3 5mm 2048 Hz Environmental conditions for transport and storage 10 C 70 C ps 10 90 500 hPa 1060 hPa Environmental conditions for normal use 10 C 40 C whe 10 90 900 hPa 1060 hPa 6 34 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Compatibility The Nexus Trigger Interface is compat
15. nstalled on almost every PC that uses the Windows platform You can setup a connection with a COM port this must be the number of the comport COM where the NTI is connected to The picture below shows the correct settings when using this application COM1 Properties Port Settings Bits per second 115200 Stop bits 1 Flow contrat v Restore Defaults Push the call button to establish a connection with the NTI Whenever you type a character in the communication box a trigger is generated to the NTI In the session over view a RS 232 trigger should be displayed with the character that was send by HyperTerminal g NTI Hyper Terminal File Edit wiew Call Transfer Help Connected 0 01 08 Auto detect Auto detect 21 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual The audio line sensor The audio line trigger is intended to connect to a audio line output for example a personal computer If the computer generates a sound this will cause a trigger on the NTI Applying such audio trigger during a Bio Trace recording session will result in a line trigger marker in the session overview screen The line input responds to frequencies between 100 20 000HZ After a line input trigger has been detected the input should be inactive for at least 10ms before a new line input trigger can be detected Using the line output of a pc Only use outputs that are signed with one of the following symbols
16. nterface manual Version 1 1 2 28 29 30 31 33 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 1 Introduction Product description The NTI nexus trigger interface is an add on for the NeXus device family with a digital input that supports a SpO2 sensor such as the NeXus 10 NeXus 16 and NeXus 32 Please note the NeXus 4 does not have this digital input The main function of the NTI is to monitor stimuli events sound light digital and synchronize these with the physiological signals that the NeXus is acquiring with high precision The NTI can monitor different types of event simultaneously High precision means that the NTI monitors events with a samplerate of 2048 per second Because of round off effects the general precision typically is lt 1 millisecond Each time the NTI detects an external event it will immediately set the TRIGGER of the NeXus high and send a description of the event s to the digital SoO2 port On the NeXus 10 the SpO2 port and trigger input are placed on the same 4 pin connector Other NeXus systems like the NeXus 16 and NeXus 32 have a separate Trigger input and require the output trigger cable The NTI supports the following stimuli events 1 Light sensor 2 RS232 serial 3 Microphone 4 Audio line 5 On off switch 6 Manual switches optional These sensors share the same input on the NTI so they cannot be used simultaneously CE 4 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual
17. ower consumption increases when more auxiliary sensors are added The measuring time will then decrease If the right 9V alkaline battery for instance Duracell Mn1604 is used on average the duration of battery power should be at least 18 hours Battery check the NTI monitors the voltage of the batteries If the battery voltage drops below the battery low indication level see specifications the status LED will start to blink red Also a message will be displayed in the Bio Trace software At this point you may still have more than approximately 60 minutes of battery life left but we advise you to stop the recording and replace the battery lf the battery are not replaced the battery voltage will eventually drop below the battery empty shut down level see specifications Up to this point operation of the NTI is still normal When this level is passed the NTI will shutdown TIP in case you decide to use rechargeable batteries do NOT use NiCad batteries their capacity is too low Rather we advise you to use NiMH batteries with a capacity of at least 150 mAh The capacity of the rechargeable batteries is usually indicated on the battery itself CE 29 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 9 Maintenance There are no user serviceable parts within the NTI Maintenance is limited to regular cleaning Cleaning of the NTI can be done with a slightly damp soft cloth Before cleaning make sure the NTI is turned off
18. put of the NeXus device VEP Visual Evoked Potentials P D h SpO2 interface Input for the O2 saturation sensor CE 6 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual Product liability Limitation of liability Insofar as is maximally permitted under the applicable prescriptive law neither Mind Media BV nor its suppliers or dealers are liable under any circumstances for any indirect exceptional incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of the product or from the inability to use it including but not restricted to the damage arising from loss of goodwill work interruption computer defects or faults or any other damage or losses consequential upon business interruption even if the possibility of these occurring had been mentioned and irrespective of the legal or impartial theory agreement unlawful act or otherwise on which the losses are based In any case and pursuant to any of the provisions of the present agreement the total liability of Mind Media BV is limited in its entirety to the sum of the price that was paid for this product and the fee for the product support granted by Mind Media BV under a possible separate support contract with the exception of death or personal injury arising from negligence by Mind Media BV insofar as the applicable prescriptive law forbids limitation of damages in such cases Mind Media BV cannot be held liable for the consequences of any incorrect information furnished by i
19. terface manual CONNECT JACKPLUG TO OUT 2 gt v CONNECT TO TRIG INPUT OF NEXUS 16 32 Kus nee K VO CONNECT SpO2 CONNECTION CABLE TO THE SpO2 INPUT OF THE NEXUS16 32 Vig De 17 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 6 Operating instructions Switching the NTI on The NTI can be switched on by pressing the button on top of the NTI for 3 seconds When the status LED stays green the NTI is ready for operation If the button is released to soon the NTI will turn off again Switching the NTI off The NTI can be turned off by pressing the on off button for about 2 seconds When the status LED turns red and stays red the button can be released and the NTI will be turned off Attaching connectors The sensors of the NTI should only be connected to their intended inputs More information about the sensors and their input can be found in the next chapter NTI Sensors Starting a new session in BioTrace Before starting a new session in Bio Trace ensure the NTI s sensor s and or trigger s are connected correctly Due to the synchronization mechanism described in the chapter Technical background the first 16 seconds of a new recording no NTI triggers should be applied After 16 seconds the Biotrace software is synchronized with the NTI Triggers that are generated within the first 16 seconds will be marked as invalid CE 18 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual
20. ts staff or for any errors in this user guide and or other accompanying documentation including trade documentation The other party the user of the product of his or her representative must hold Mind Media BV harmless and indemnify it against any third party damages irrespective of their nature and irrespective of the relationship with the other party CE 7 Version 1 1 NeXus Trigger Interface manual 2 About this manual This manual which is intended for the user of the NeXus Trigger Interface contains general operating instructions precautionary measures maintenance instructions and information about components To maximize the safety service life and efficiency of the system it is important that you read this manual thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the various controls and accessories BEFORE taking the system in use Precautionary measures This section contains general warnings and precautionary measures that are important for the safe use of the system manual contains important safety information Y internally powered type CF Warnings amp cautions Warnings e Transport the NeXus Trigger Interface in its original case e Only use sensors as described within this manual and specified by Mind Media BV e Do not combine the use of the NeXus Trigger Interface with any other electronic device except those specified in this manual e Before batteries are replaced make sure that the NTI is switched off
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