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. The system interfaces with Neuralynx acquisition systems through the NetCom API client library, establishing a network connection to the Cheetah data acquisition software and transmitting event commands that are logged alongside neural data streams.

Each behavioral event type produces a distinct TTL pattern on the digital I/O interface: CS onset, CS offset, US delivery, lever press, nose-poke, door operation, reinforcer delivery, trial start, and trial end each generate unique pulse signatures. This allows offline sorting of neural data by event type without relying on temporal alignment alone. The Neuralynx adapter implements the IExternalAdapter interface with Connect, SendMessage, and Disconnect methods, providing a clean abstraction that can be extended to other recording systems including Blackrock Microsystems, Open Ephys, and Tucker-Davis Technologies.

ConductMaze logs all TTL output events with microsecond timestamps in its own event file, creating a ground-truth behavioral timeline that can be cross-referenced with the neural recording system's event channel. The included MazeSimulator module allows validation of TTL timing and adapter connectivity before running live recording sessions, reducing setup time on surgery days.