Active Avoidance TTL Interface
8 events · BNC-6 multi-channel · 2 chambers
Overview
The Active Avoidance TTL interface provides 8 event signals covering the complete shuttle-box avoidance paradigm: CS onset, US onset/offset, shuttle crossings, avoidance responses, escape responses, and trial boundaries. Multi-channel BNC-6 output separates stimulus events from behavioral responses on different channels.
Designed for shuttle-box paradigms where animals learn to cross to the opposite compartment during a warning signal (CS) to avoid an aversive stimulus (US). The TTL output enables precise temporal correlation of avoidance learning with amygdala, prefrontal, or striatal recordings.
Setup Instructions
- Connect the TTL module via USB. Note COM port.
- In ConductMaze > TTL Settings, select BNC-6 connector for multi-channel output.
- Wire BNC channels: Ch1 = trial boundaries, Ch2 = CS, Ch4 = shock, Ch5 = behavioral responses.
- Configure CS-US interval and shock parameters in the avoidance protocol settings.
- Run a manual test trial to verify each event type appears on the correct recording channel.
Common Pitfalls
- ⚠Avoidance and Escape events share BNC channel 5 with ShuttleCrossing. Distinguish them by temporal context: Avoidance occurs during CS-only period, Escape occurs after US onset.
- ⚠In two-way shuttle paradigms, the animal can cross back to the original side. This generates an additional ShuttleCrossing event — account for inter-trial crossings in your analysis.
Methods Text (Copy-Paste)
Active avoidance behavior was synchronized with neural recordings via the ConductMaze TTL module (ConductScience, Skokie, IL). Eight event types (trial boundaries, CS onset, shock onset/offset, shuttle crossings, avoidance, escape) were routed to independent BNC-6 channels using 9-byte frames at 115,200 baud with 10ms resolution.
Suggested text for the Methods section of your manuscript.
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