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iM10 Multi-Function Interface

The iM10 has multiple specialized I/O functions, including advanced audio processing for auditory behavioral experiments.

  • Drive a speaker (e.g. MF1) directly up to 4 W via an RCA connection.
  • Record cage sounds via an embedded microphone amplifier.
  • Connect with many common cage elements (e.g. touch sensors) via BNC ADC inputs and DAC outputs.
  • Streamline setup with a range of embedded signal processing options.

The iM10 analog input / output range is ±5 V. The onboard analog processing runs at 400 kHz, independent of the RZ / iConZ sampling rate.

For information on software control of the iM10 and all of its available features, see the Synapse Manual.

Inputs

The iM10 has four analog inputs. Inputs 1 and 2 have a 50 kOhm input impedance and feature an optional microphone amplifier with 56.6 dB, 66.6 dB, or 76.6 dB gain and attack/release ratios of 1:500, 1:2000, 1:4000. When using the microphone amp input, note that the input signals are inverted.

Important

Do not connect anything to the BNC Inputs 1 and 2 when the microphone amp is enabled, and do not connection anything to the microphone input if you aren't using it

Inputs 3 and 4 have a 10 kOhm input impedance by default with optional adjustable input impedance and bias voltage. Options are:

  • 10 kOhm to Ground
  • 1 kOhm (+5 V positive bias)
  • 50 kOhm (+5 V positive bias)
  • infinite input impedance

The inverting input (BNC shell) can either be tied to Ground or a -5 V negative bias.

Add up to 76.6 dB gain to the signal on each individual input.

Each Input has two LEDs. The top LED is a clip light that flashes if the input signal is >~4.75 V. The bottom LED is a signal LED that will light when that processed input triggers.

Touch Inputs

The iM10 has two touch sensor inputs. These have an independent ground. They use a 750 nA current and trigger if the measured impedance between the input and ground is <=10 MOhm.

Outputs

The iM10 has four analog outputs. The outputs have a 10 Ohm output impedance. Output a pre-programmed set of waveforms (DC Voltage, Tone, White Noise, Pink Noise, Square, Clock, or PWM), or a user-defined waveform. See the Synapse Manual for the full list of options.

Outputs 1 and 2 are paired. This means the choice of waveform shape for Output 2 can be limited depending on the selected waveform for Output 1. Also, the signals generated by Output 1 and Output 2 can be mixed to play out a single speaker.

Likewise, Outputs 3 and 4 are also paired.

The iM10-generated waveforms use a ±5 V amplitude. Apply up to 50 dB attenuation to each individual output, adjustable at run-time.

Each Output has two LEDs. The top LED is a clip light that flashes if the output signal is >=4.9 V. The bottom LED is a signal LED that will light when that output is enabled.

The RCA connectors can directly drive speakers. These connectors are driven differentially to provide more. The RCA connectors should only be connected to speakers. If you are controlling an external amplifier then use the BNC output connectors.