One platform, every system
Connect ConductMaze to video tracking, electrophysiology, optogenetics, and metabolic systems. TTL synchronization, TCP/IP streaming, and adapter modules for seamless multi-system experiments.
Four integration modules
EthoVision XT Integration
The ConductMaze–EthoVision integration establishes bidirectional communication between ConductMaze behavioral control and Noldus EthoVision XT video tracking via a persistent TCP/IP socket connection.
Electrophysiology Synchronization
The ConductMaze electrophysiology synchronization module generates precisely timed TTL digital output pulses on every behavioral event, enabling frame-accurate alignment of neural recordings with apparatus-controlled experimental events.
Optogenetics (PulsePal)
The ConductMaze optogenetics module interfaces with the Sanworks PulsePal v2 pulse generator to deliver precisely timed optical stimulation synchronized to behavioral events.
Metabolic Treadmill Integration
The ConductMaze metabolic treadmill integration synchronizes automated treadmill speed control with real-time indirect calorimetry gas exchange analysis, enabling graded exercise testing and metabolic profiling in a single automated workflow.
One platform, four connection technologies
Connection Technology
TCP/IP socket streams
Persistent bidirectional sockets for high-rate position data and event markers — the same transport that carries the EthoVision integration. Async listener threads reconnect automatically if the link drops.
Microsecond TTL pulses
Dedicated digital I/O channels emit unique pulse signatures on every behavioral event (CS, US, lever press, door, reinforcer) so neural recordings align frame-accurately with apparatus state.
USB serial pulse trains
Direct USB control of Sanworks PulsePal v2 lets ConductMaze download stimulation programs at session start and trigger pulse trains on any of the four output channels in response to behavior.
Serial gas analyzer link
A second serial/USB channel streams VO2, VCO2, and flow rate from Columbus Instruments Oxymax or Sable Systems Promethion, computing RER, energy expenditure, and substrate utilization in real time.
Built for closed-loop, multi-system experiments
Closed-loop apparatus control
Trigger doors, shockers, lights, and reinforcers from EthoVision-tracked position data with sub-second zone latency — no extra middleware.
Frame-accurate neural sync
Each behavioral event type produces a distinct TTL pattern, letting you sort neural recordings by event without relying on timestamp alignment alone.
Event- or schedule-triggered light
PulsePal stimulation can be reactive (lever press → light) or proactive (preset temporal pattern), with both modes combinable inside a single session.
Automated graded exercise tests
Belt speed, incline, and shock grid run on a fully scripted GXT protocol while metabolic gas exchange streams in parallel for VO2max and EPOC analysis.
Hardware abstraction layer
The IExternalAdapter interface (Connect / SendMessage / Disconnect) cleanly extends to additional recording systems — Blackrock, Open Ephys, Tucker-Davis — without protocol changes.
Built-in simulators
EthoVision Simulator and MazeSimulator modules let you validate closed-loop logic and TTL timing offline before recording days, reducing failed sessions on surgery mornings.
ConductMaze sits at the center of multi-system experiments
ConductMaze drives the apparatus, fans events out to recording and stimulation hardware, and pulls position and metabolic data back in for closed-loop control. One scripting environment, one event log, four integration surfaces.
Ready to integrate your behavioral pipeline?
Contact us for a demo and pricing information.
