Approach-Avoidance TTL Interface
4 events · BNC-6 multi-channel · 1 chamber
Overview
The Approach-Avoidance TTL interface provides 4 event signals for conflict paradigms where animals choose between appetitive and aversive zones. Events mark approach behavior, avoidance behavior, and trial boundaries — enabling correlation of approach-avoidance decisions with anxiety circuit recordings.
This interface is used with paradigms like elevated plus maze approach-avoidance conflicts, light-dark box, and reward-threat conflict tasks where the spatial choice between approach and avoidance is the primary dependent variable.
Setup Instructions
- Connect the TTL module via USB. Note COM port.
- In ConductMaze > TTL Settings, select BNC-6 for multi-channel output.
- Wire: Ch1 = trial boundaries, Ch2 = approach events, Ch3 = avoidance events.
- Calibrate zone boundaries in ConductMaze to match physical apparatus dimensions.
- Run a test trial and walk through each zone to verify event detection.
Common Pitfalls
- ⚠Zone boundary definitions in software must precisely match physical sensor positions. Misalignment causes approach/avoidance events at the wrong spatial locations.
- ⚠Animals often vacillate at zone boundaries, generating rapid approach/avoid event sequences. Consider applying a minimum dwell-time criterion in post-hoc analysis.
Methods Text (Copy-Paste)
Approach-avoidance behavior was synchronized with neural recordings using the ConductMaze TTL module (ConductScience, Skokie, IL). Four events (trial start/end, approach zone entry, avoidance zone entry) were transmitted via BNC-6 on separate channels using 9-byte frames at 115,200 baud with 10ms resolution.
Suggested text for the Methods section of your manuscript.
Compatible Products
ME-OC-TTL
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