Compumedics
NuAmps Users Guide Rev B
Users Guide
93 Pages
Preview
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For Technical Support... If you have any questions or problems, contact Technical Support through any of the following routes. If you live outside the USA or Canada, and purchased your system through one of our international distributors, please contact the distributor first, especially if your system is under warranty. In all other cases, please use [email protected], or see the other Support options on our web site (http://www.neuro.com). Or, if you live in the USA or Canada, please call 1-800 474-7875. International callers should use 915-845-5600, ext 324. For Sales related questions, please contact your local distributor, or contact us at [email protected].
Copyright 2003 - Compumedics Neuroscan. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this manual may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the company. Making copies of any part of this document for any purpose other than your own personal use is a violation of United States copyright laws. For information, contact Neuroscan. Compumedics Neuroscan 7850 Paseo Del Norte El Paso, TX 79912 Telephone: 915-845-5600 Fax: 915-845-2965 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.neuro.com -2-
NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
Table of Contents Device Classification... 5 Introduction... 13 Cascaded NuAmps Systems... 14 Installing NuAmps... 14 1. Unpacking the NuAmps... 15 Cascaded NuAmps Systems...17 2. Connecting the Isolation Transformer... 18 3. Install the SCAN Software... 18 4. Install the NuAmps Hardware... 19 Cascaded NuAmps Systems...20 Driver Verification... 22 How many channels are in Cascaded NuAmps Systems?... 22 5. Configure SCAN for NuAmps... 23 Cascaded NuAmps Systems...24 Differences Between Single and Cascaded Systems... 25 Acquisition from Cascaded NuAmps... 28 Tuning Performance of Windows XP Systems and Cascaded NuAmps... 28 Safety and Quality Warnings... 30 6. Quick System Test... 30 The Amplifiers... 31 Software Control Of NuAmps... 32 NuAmps Setup Files... 33 Enter Number of Channels... 34 -3-
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Enter Channel Labels... 36 Channel Layout... 38 NuAmps Setup Screen... 39 Reference... 40 Amplifiers...41 Trigger Test... 43 Creating a Bipolar Montage... 43 DC Electrode Considerations... 46 Notch Filters and Noise... 49 Calibration... 51 Impedance... 51 Subject Ground... 53 Electrode Safety... 53 FAQs... 53 Troubleshooting... 56 Appendix A: Trigger Port Interface... 61 Appendix B: NuAmps Electrode Starter Kit... 67 Appendix C: PocketTrace Signal Generator... 78 Appendix D: Cap Connector Pinout... 91 Appendix E: Impedance Measurement... 92
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NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
Device Classification
ATTENTION: CONSULT ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS BEFORE USING The NuAmpsTM Model 7181 amplifiers are a computer-powered instrument designed to meet the applicable requirements of IEC601-1:1988. NuAmps should be used only according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Replacement parts and accessories may be obtained from the manufacturer. Manufacturer:
Compumedics Neuroscan 7850 Paseo Del Norte El Paso, TX, USA 79912 Phone: 915-845-5600 Fax: 915-845-2965 e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Web: www.neuro.com
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits and requirements for a Class II (portable version) and I (stationary version), Type BF device per EN60601-1-2 and EN55011. These limits and requirements are designed to provide reasonable protection under conditions of normal use from interference with and by other devices. There is, however, no guarantee that interference will not result from operation of this device in proximity or connected to some -5-
NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
other device. If interference occurs, the user or operator is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: 1) Change the orientation of the two devices relative to one another. 2) Increase the separation between the two devices. 3) Check the power source and grounding for the two devices. 4) Twist amplifier USB cable with photic stimulator serial and power cables 5) Consult the dealer, Neuroscan Technical Support, or an experienced technician for help. A slight degradation of performance may be experienced when the NuAmps amplifier is exposed to an RF environment. The safety and electromagnetic compatibility of this system was tested with the following accessories, parts, and associated devices. The user or operator is cautioned to ensure that when using accessories, parts, or associated devices other than those listed, that the safety and electromagnetic compatibility of the system is maintained. Portable system: 1) Neuroscan NuAmps amplifier, Model 7181 2) Neuroscan NuAmps photic stimulator, Model 7097 3) IBM® laptop computer, Model ThinkPad® 390E (CE Marked) or DELL® laptop computer, Model InspironTM 3800 (CE Marked) or other (equivalent and CE Marked) models 4) IPSI 240VAC/15-20VDC medical grade power supply, Model PMP55-13 (CE Marked) 5) AULT 240VAC/5VDC medical grade power supply, Model SW170 (CE Marked) 6) BROTHER® printer, Model MP-21C/CDX (CE Marked) or other (equivalent and CE Marked) models Stationary (Lab) system: 1) Neuroscan NuAmps amplifier, Model 7181 -6-
NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
2) Neuroscan NuAmps photic stimulator, Model 7097 3) MICRON desktop computer, Model ClientPro® PIII650 (CE Marked) or other (equivalent and CE Marked) models 4) NEC LCD display, Model MultiSync 1525V (CE Marked) or other (equivalent and CE Marked) models 5) Toroid 240VAC isolation power supply 6) HP printer, Model 952C (CE Marked) or other (equivalent and CE Marked) models
Classification per IEC601-1:1988 The device is ordinary equipment not protected against ingress of water and should not be used in the presence of any spilled liquids. It is not designed to be suitable for use in the presence of a flammable anesthetic mixture of air and oxygen or nitrous oxide. The device is capable of continuous operation. Class and degree of protection against electrical shock is Class II (portable version) or I (stationary version), Type BF.
Technical Description NuAmps amplifier, Model 7181: Input: 5VDC (from USB cable) Fuses: None Weight: ~1.4 lbs (695 grams) Dimensions: 7.8"x5.9"x1.6" (198x151x40 mm) NuAmps photic stimulator, Model 7097: Input: 5VDC (from AULT power supply) Fuses: None -7-
NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
Weight: ~0.4 lbs (181 grams) Dimensions: 4.5"x3.1"x1.3" (114.3x78.2x31.8 mm)
Shipping and Storage Maximum Limits -10° C to + 50° C, 10% to 100% Non-condensing RH, 500 hPa to 1060 hPa. After unpacking, allow devices to adjust to room temperature for at least two hours prior to interconnection and application of power.
Warnings and Precautions Instructions Read instructions before operating the device.
Symbols The following symbols are found on the NuAmps amplifiers:
CAUTION: Read instructions before use!
Volts DC
Subject connection is isolated from power mains.
Double Isolation -8-
Manufacturing date NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
The NuAmps amplifiers contains no user serviceable parts and so are marked “CAUTION: Refer servicing to qualified personnel”. This device is not equipped with appropriate alarms required for use in monitoring clinical parameters of a patient where it is necessary to alert the user of situations, which could lead to death or severe deterioration of the patient’s state of health. Manufacturer designs NuAmps amplifier Sync1 and Sync2 ports for connection only to Neuroscan Labs approved accessories. Please contact Neuroscan Labs before connecting a device to these ports.
Environment The NuAmps amplifiers are designed for usage in a laboratory or clinical environment. Extremes of humidity, temperature, or pressure should be avoided. The device should not be used in a location where contact with liquids is possible, and if liquids are spilled on or in the area of the device, it should not be used until it can be ensured that the fluid or its residue will not affect device operation. Questions should be directed to the manufacturer or its representatives.
Cleaning Instructions The NuAmps enclosure may be cleaned with a damp sponge or cloth and mild nonabrasive cleanser. Take care to ensure that liquid does not spill in or on the device. Do not use abrasives or detergents.
Sterilization and Cleaning of Patient-Contact Parts Patient electrodes are supplied as part of the NuAmps system. Follow their manufacturer’s instructions for sterilization and cleaning of these parts. Some devices are designed for onetime use only, and no attempt should be made to reuse them, whether sterilization has been attempted or not. Contact Neuroscan Labs technical support if you have questions about sterilization or cleaning of the NuAmps amplifier or electrodes to be used with the device. -9-
NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
Repair There are no user serviceable parts neither fuses in the NuAmps amplifier, which is indicated on the back panel label as “CAUTION: Refer servicing to qualified personnel”. Contact your dealer or Neuroscan Labs Technical Support if you believe the NuAmps system is in need of repair.
Maintenance Neuroscan suggests that the earth and patient leakage currents be tested at least once per year to ensure continued safe use of the device. Also at least once per year visually inspect the device, including power cord. Replace any worn or frayed cables, and contact your dealer or Neuroscan Technical Support if you have concerns about what you see. This inspection interval may be shortened for devices that are moved often or experience unusually heavy use. No calibration of device is required.
Installation Precaution Proper grounding is important for continued safe use of your NuAmps system. Ensure that the outlet supplying power to your NuAmps system is grounded, and that the power cords supplied with your system are used. Other devices in the same patient area should be at the same ground potential, and should preferably use the same branch circuit. See the Hardware and Software Installation directions below for more details.
Power Source Characteristics The NuAmps device is designed, produced, and tested to ensure reliable operation when connected to power systems having normal variability. If you believe that your power system may experience excessive noise or variability, Neuroscan recommends use of a power conditioner.
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NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
Interconnection with Other Devices Care should be taken when multiple devices are connected to a patient, or when devices are connected together. Leakage currents for individual devices may sum to values higher than expected for single devices. In particular care should be taken when connecting Information Technology (computer) equipment to Medical equipment. Allowable leakage current levels for IT equipment are higher than for Medical equipment.
Use With HF Surgical Equipment This device does not contain protection against burning of the patient when used with high frequency (HF) surgical equipment. Neuroscan recommends that the NuAmps device not be connected to the patient during use of HF surgical equipment.
Electrode Safety The NuAmps amplifier inputs and attached electrodes are Type BF, which means in part that they are not connected to Earth Ground or Chassis Ground. Maintain this separation from Earth Ground by ensuring that the electrodes and any conductive parts of their connectors do not touch conductive parts, including the system enclosure or other grounded devices. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, MECHANICAL, ELECTRONIC, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE, WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF NEUROSCAN. NO LICENSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS GRANTED WITH RESPECT TO ANY OF THE TECHNOLOGY DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL. NEUROSCAN RETAINS ALL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TECHNOLOGY DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL. THIS MANUAL IS INTENDED TO - 11 -
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ASSIST APPLICATION DEVELOPERS IN THE USE OF APPLICATIONS FOR NUAMPS SYSTEM FROM NEUROSCAN. EVEN THOUGH NEUROSCAN HAS REVIEWED THIS MANUAL, NEUROSCAN MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THIS MANUAL, ITS QUALITY, ACCURACY, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL NEUROSCAN BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT OR INACCURACY IN THIS MANUAL, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. NuAmps is a trademark of Compumedics Neuroscan. Windows, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Velcro, IBM, ThinkPad, Dell, Inspiron, Brother, Micro, ClientPro, NEC, MultiSync, HP, Ault, Dove and Ivory are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
Introduction The Neuroscan NuAmps are DC amplifiers designed to record a wide variety of multichannel neurophysiological signals, such as EEG, ECG, EOG, and EMG. The NuAmps are intended for the researcher who needs a small portable amplifier that attaches to any computer with a USB port. NuAmps can be used with Windows 98, 2000, XP and ME. NuAmps cannot be used with NT, because NT does not support the USB port. Beginning with SCAN 4.3, only Windows 2000 and XP are supported. · · · · · · · · · · ·
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Analog inputs: 40 unipolar (bipolar derivations can be computed) per headbox Sampling frequencies: 125, 250, 500, 1000 Hz per channel for all channels Sampling method: all channels sampled simultaneously A/D resolution: 22 bits Full scale input range: ±130 mV Input impedance: Not less than 80 MOhm CMRR = 100 dB at 60 Hz Input noise: 1.0 µV RMS (6 µV peak-to-peak) Bandwidth: 3dB down from DC to 262 Hz, dependent upon sampling frequency selected Interface Universal Serial Bus (USB), full support for Plug-and-Play technology Supported electrodes (as long as they do not exceed the dynamic range of the amplifiers, which is approximately + /- 100mVs): - Gold, Ag/AgCl, Carbon electrodes with Touch Proof (DIN 42-802) style connectors - QuikCap Ag/AgCl electrodes with Plastic DSUB37F - Tin electrodes (within acceptable saturation range) - Sintered silver electrodes Digital (TTL) inputs/outputs; 14 inputs and 2 outputs Quality control of electrode application - 13 -
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· · · · ·
- Measurement of contact impedance (at frequency 30 Hz) in impedance mode - Constant monitoring of connection during recording Isolation: Optical Signal Isolation Display: 16-letter LCD with background light, displaying amplifier status or electrodes with impedance greater than specified cutoff. Power supply and energy consumption: From USB (5V), in active mode current <=500 mA, in standby mode current <=20 mA Electric safety level: According to EN60601-1(type BF), IEC601-1 Multiple NuAmps can be cascaded to acquire data from up to 157 channels
Cascaded NuAmps Systems SCAN4.3.1 software supports synchronous recording from several NuAmps headboxes, including acquisition and impedance measurement. Such systems, combining two, three, or four individual amplifiers, are referred to as “Cascaded NuAmps Systems”. As with the single NuAmps system, the cascaded systems are designed for acquisition of EEG and long/middle-latency EPs in the research environment. Because of the additional hardware that is required, there are some important considerations with cascaded systems. These will be detailed throughout this manual. It is important that you note these differences.
Installing NuAmps Installation of NuAmps software and hardware is very easy. The basic steps are: 1) Unpack the system components, 2) Connect the isolation transformer (if supplied), 3) Install the SCAN software, 4) Install the NuAmps hardware, 5) Configure SCAN for NuAmps, and - 14 -
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6) Perform a quick system test. NOTE: The power supplies MUST be connected to the isolation transformer, if one was sent to you, and that must be plugged into a grounded wall outlet (3-prong). The ground should be a genuine earth ground, and it should be inspected by an electrical engineer.
1. Unpacking the NuAmps The NuAmps has been shipped in a container designed to reduce damage due to shipping. Please retain this box and its contents in case you need to return the system for any reason. Open the box and check for the following contents: 1. NuAmps amplifiers 2. 3' or 15' USB cable to connect NuAmps to the computer. (The A-type connector goes to the computer; the B-type of connector goes to NuAmps). 3. SCAN 4.2 (or newer) CD, if purchased (CD and software key may be shipped separately)
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4. Software key, if the SCAN software was purchased (yours may be smaller than the one shown)
5. PocketTrace-2 unit and adapter
6. Adapter cable for the STIM-to-SCAN trigger cable. The 9pin connector (DSUB9M) connects to NuAmps; the 25-pin connector (DSUB25M) connects to the STIM-to-SCAN cable.
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NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
Additional options include: 7. Isolation transformer, optional (separate box). If you purchased the laptop computer from Neuroscan, or if you run on batteries, no isolation transformer is needed. Some brands of laptops, especially those provided by Neuroscan, are powered by the portable power package. These computers can be purchased directly from other vendors, if desired (contact Neuroscan Technical Support for a list of these makers and models). All other configurations require the isolation transformer.
Cascaded NuAmps Systems The following additional system components are included: 1. USB-hub. Several NuAmps amplifiers (up to 4) can be connected by a USB-hub. The physiological signals are synchronously registered from all amplifiers. Each amplifier comes with a USB-cable, PocketTrace, and a NuAmps-to-STIM cable. Individual USB-cables are used to connect the amplifiers to the USB-hub. (The hubs vary from vendor to vendor, and yours may not look exactly like the one shown below).
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2. Power Supply. A Medical grade power supply with 5VDC, 5A output is provided. It powers the USB-hub.
2. Connecting the Isolation Transformer Connect the computer power supply/transformer unit to the back of the computer. Connect the other end to the isolation transformer. If you purchased the laptop computer from Neuroscan, or if you run on batteries, no isolation transformer is needed. Some additional brands of laptops may not require the transformer (contact Neuroscan for details). All other configurations require the isolation transformer. (See the information below for Cascaded NuAmps Systems).
Warning ALL components that connect to the computer should be powered through the isolation transformer.
3. Install the SCAN Software SCAN software is required with NuAmps; NuAmps cannot be used with other software. All files needed to run NuAmps are included on the SCAN CD, and are installed automatically. The details for installing the SCAN software are presented in the Installation manual. Briefly, the steps for NuAmps are: 1) Connect the hardware lock, or dongle, into the parallel port on the back of the computer. This is the security lock - the software will not run if this is not in place. The dongle is essentially your license, and it is the most valuable part of the system. Guard it carefully. The replacement cost is the cost of the complete system. 2) Start you computer. If you have Windows 2000, you must install and run the software when logged on as the administrator. - 18 -
NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B
3) Install the SCAN software from the CD. The installation process should begin automatically after you place the CD in the CD drive. If it does not start automatically, run "d:setup.exe" (or whatever your CD drive is). 4) Reboot the computer at the end of the software installation, when prompted.
4. Install the NuAmps Hardware Locate the NuAmps unit, the adaptor for the STIM-to-SCAN cable (if you have STIM), the USB cable, PocketTrace and its adapter, and the amplifier stand. 1. Connect one end (the B-type connector) of the USB cable to the NuAmps unit, and the other end (the A-type connector) to the USB port on the host computer. 2. Connect the PocketTrace signal generator to the Cap Connector on the amplifiers, if desired. The large gray connector plugs into the cap connector, and the longer black cable plugs into the jack on the side of the PocketTrace unit (use the mini-phone jack connector that fits the cable plug). Disregard the loose touch-proof cable connectors for now. PocketTrace may be used in a variety of ways, as explained more fully in Appendix C at the end of this manual. 3. If you have a STIM system, you will have a STIM-to-SCAN cable. This sends TTL trigger pulses from STIM to SCAN. With NuAmps, there is a short adapter cable that connects the SCAN end of the STIM-to-SCAN cable to the serial connector (DSUB9) on the top of NuAmps. - 19 -
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Warning Be sure to connect this cable to the trigger port on the NuAmps unit; do NOT connect the STIM-to-SCAN cable directly to the parallel port on the SCAN PC. Secure the DSUB9 connector with screws to avoid a loose connection. Do not connect any other device to the serial port except for the STIM-to-SCAN cable, as other devices could damage the port.
Cascaded NuAmps Systems You must install the NuAmps amplifiers one at a time, specifying the driver each time. Do NOT connect all the amplifiers to the hub, then connect the hub to the PC and turn it on. If you do, only the first NuAmps will be recognized. Please perform the following steps to set up a cascaded NuAmps system: 1. Connect the USB-hub using the 15” cable to PC. Then, connect power to the USB-hub with the provided medical grade 5VDC, 5A power supply (from AULT). Windows should recognize the hub and install the drivers automatically. Some hubs come with a CD that includes the drivers. Use that CD, if your computer requests you to do so. (Windows XP usually does not require that; Windows 2000 may make such a request). 2. Connect the first NuAmps to the USB-hub. Most USB-hubs come with 4 ports that are marked by - 20 -
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numbers from 1 to 4. Use the first port. 3. Windows will acknowledge that new hardware “SCAN LT40” is found, and try to install the driver automatically for a few seconds. 4. Because you are connecting the amplifier through the USB-hub, the automatic driver installation is not possible. As a result, the “Found New Hardware Wizard” dialog will appear. 5. Select “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)”, and click the “Next” button. On the next dialog screen, select “Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install” radio-button, and click the “Next” button again. The OS shows the list of compatible hardware. Select “Scan LT40” and click the “Next” button. If the installation requests the “MCSUSB06.SYS” file, browse to your “WindowsSystem32Drivers” directory (where the file was placed during installation), and click the OK button to proceed. The driver will be installed. 6. Connect the second amplifier to second USB port. The PC will again a ask for the device driver. Repeat the sequence of operations described in steps 4 & 5. 7. Install the other amplifiers in a similar fashion. This may seem tedious, but once you go through the installation, Windows will recognize and load the drivers automatically thereafter.
NOTES 1. Each USB-connector on your PC has a unique number that is programmatically added to a newly attached device. Therefore, if you connect the USB-hub to another USB-port on your computer, the internally generated IDs for that amplifier will be different and you may need to repeat steps 4-7.
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NuAmps Copyright 2003 Neuroscan Document number 7184, Revision B