Startle Response TTL Interface
1 event · single BNC · 1 chamber
Overview
The Startle Response TTL interface sends a single pulse event marking the onset of the acoustic startle stimulus. This minimal interface is designed for prepulse inhibition (PPI) and acoustic startle reflex (ASR) paradigms where the critical synchronization point is the stimulus onset relative to neural or EMG recordings.
The single event keeps the TTL output clean and unambiguous — one pulse per startle stimulus. Pre-pulse timing, stimulus intensity, and inter-trial intervals are logged in ConductMaze for post-hoc alignment.
Setup Instructions
- Connect the TTL module via USB. Note COM port.
- In ConductMaze > TTL Settings, enable TTL and select single BNC connector.
- Connect BNC to your EMG amplifier or electrophysiology system trigger input.
- Set pulse duration short (50-100ms) to match typical startle stimulus duration.
- Verify timing by running a test startle and checking the latency on your recording system.
Common Pitfalls
- ⚠In PPI paradigms, only the startle stimulus (not the prepulse) generates a TTL event. Log prepulse timing from ConductMaze data files and align post-hoc.
- ⚠The 50ms post-send delay does not affect this paradigm since startle stimuli are separated by seconds (typical ITI: 10-30s).
Methods Text (Copy-Paste)
Acoustic startle stimuli were time-stamped using the ConductMaze TTL module (ConductScience, Skokie, IL). A single 5V pulse was transmitted via BNC at stimulus onset using 9-byte serial frames (115,200 baud, 10ms resolution) for alignment with EMG or neural recordings.
Suggested text for the Methods section of your manuscript.
Compatible Products
ME-OC-TTL
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