TriggerBox
Handles and merges triggers from different sources by means of parallel/LPT and BNC inputs
Equipped with 8 toggle switches to flexibly regulate bit-wise input to output routing
Connects to the 16th bit of the BrainAmp trigger input via a fiber optic or BNC connector
Provides a reliable virtual serial port via USB that can be directly addressed from your stimulus presentation software
TriggerBox: A must-have tool to easily handle and merge triggers from various sources
The TriggerBox helps to handle and merge triggers arriving from different sources, which is quite often a requirement in complex laboratory setups. For example, some markers might arrive from experiment control software via parallel - DB25 (LPT port) - input while other devices - like MOVE, TMS, etc. - may communicate through BNC. If so, the amplifier should record all the triggers simultaneously.
The TriggerBox Extension offers 8 additional BNC connectors which can be linked to the 8 upper bits (from lines 8 and 15) of any BrainAmp amplifier or used as a standalone solution for amplifiers such as actiCHamp Plus in situations where stretching, switching and isolation functions are not required. It can also be connected to the output trigger port of the actiCHamp Plus in order to lead the outgoing signal to the BNC ports.
TriggerBox and TriggerBox Extension serve as a general adapter which replaces many small adapters, cables and boxes and thus are for sure a useful addition to any lab.
Using the TriggerBox as virtual serial port
To use the TriggerBox as virtual serial port you need to install a small application, the TriggerBox Test IO. More detailed information is available in our newsletter article “Millisecond precise trigger without a parallel port”.
| TriggerBox | Technical specifications |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 4.5 VDC to 5.5 VDC; 160 mA Power supply via USB port of computer; computer must either comply with IEC 60601 or IEC 60950. |
| Pulse stretcher | Switch position 5 ms: Stretching of relevant trigger pulse to 5 ms ±1 ms. Switch position OFF: No stretching of relevant trigger pulse. |
| USB port | USB 2.0, type B configured as virtual serial port delay < 1 ms jitter < 1 ms |
| Input signal | 0 VDC to 5 VDC TTL (0-5 VDC), CMOS, low voltage TTL (0-3.3 VDC) 0 VDC to 5 VDC, depending on the input signal |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 200 mm x 160 mm x 40 mm |
| Weight (approx.) | 580 g |
| Level conditions | - The levels of open BNC inputs are by default high. - The level of the open PC input is set by the amplifier. - If connected to an LPT port of a computer, the level of the trigger lines on the PC input is determined by the computer. |
| TriggerBox Extension | |
| Dimensions | 192 mm x 160 mm x 35 mm |
| Weight | 450 g |
| System requirements for the TriggerBox Test IO | |
| Operating system | Windows® 7, 32 and 64 bit Windows® 8.1, 64 bit Windows® 10, 64 bit |
| Software requirements | .NET4 |
| USB port | USB 2.0 or higher |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Suitable for use in MR scanner room | No |
| Medical device | No |
| CE marking | The Brain Products GmbH confirms the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of this product according to the Directive 2014/30/ EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility. The Brain Products GmbH confirms the RoHS compliance of this product according to Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (recast published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 1 July 2011) as well as all its amendments up to and including the Commission delegated directive (EU) 2015/863 of 31 March 2015 (published in the 0fficial Journal of the European Union on 4 June 2015). |
Recommended add-ons
actiCHamp Plus
BrainAmp
LiveAmp
Sensor & Trigger Extension (STE) for LiveAmp