Spike 2  Version 7

CED

ECG recording with automated detection of R wave peaks and BP features, and plotting of mean BP

Spike2 is the data acquisition system of choice for thousands of researchers worldwide. Whether you require simple data capture or a complete package for experiment control, recording and analysis, Spike2 has many advantages over other data acquisition systems.

  Spike2 includes recording and analysis features suitable for a wide range of research applications. You do not need to purchase add-on modules for specific tasks

  Spike2 has the power and flexibility for demanding applications for which you would expect to require more specialised equipment, for example extracellular multi-electrode recording and complex stimulus timing and delivery

  Spike2 has the sampling and analysis features most researchers need. There is also a built-in script language which provides flexibility far beyond that available from many alternative products, allowing automation of repetitive tasks and providing many additional tools for researchers who prefer to write their own applications

  Spike2 can import data recorded by many other systems, so that you can take advantage of this extremely versatile software to analyse existing data Spike2 can export data to spreadsheet, text, binary and Matlab files         

The powerful data capture and time-saving analysis functions of Spike2 together with one of the CED 1401 family of laboratory interfaces make an extremely valuable and cost-effective addition to any laboratory.

Multi-channel on-line spike discrimination with ‘spike monitor’ display

Features 

  Navigate through your data quickly and simply using the intuitive user interface;
    zoom and scroll with the mouse or keyboard 

  Record multiple data types, including waveforms, event times, coded markers, and
    discriminated single or multi-unit spike data in real-time 

  Generate simple and complex protocols of waveform and pulse outputs 

  Detect features manually or automatically and take measurements based on 
    triggered and cyclical data

  Analyse multiple channels of waveform and event data on-line and off-line 

  Process data with functions including: filtering, rectification, interpolation and
    inter-channel arithmetic   

  Display and export images as you want them, with versatile display options
    including: triggered update with optional overdraw and 3D display and duplicated
    windows with independent display settings

  Record very large numbers of channels by synchronising multiple CED 1401s with
    no timing drift between them 

  Customise the program with the built-in script language that provides control from
    simple automation to addition of complex analysis functions  

  Replay data files, with simultaneous output of waveform data through 1401 DACs or
    computer sound card

  Record video and audio alongside Spike2 data files

Acquisition using a CED1401 

  Set different waveform sample rates per channel
  Record large data files, up to 1TB
  Capture and classify single and multi-unit spike activity in real-time
  Continuous, internally timed and triggered recording modes
  Record multimedia video and sound, time-locked to Spike2 data
  Store up to 8 channels of event data with microsecond timing resolution
  Log accurately-timed-8-bit coded  digital inputs
  Annotate data records with text notes and keyboard markers
  Swap between experiment setups quickly with a single mouse click
  Calibrate waveforms with multiple methods including values, areas, slopes
  Automatically save and sequence multiple files with optional trigger start
  Recover data files in the event of an un-commanded system shutdown
  Configure dynamically programmable amplifiers including the CED1902 low-noise 
    isolated pre-amplifier

Experiment control and stimulus sequencing

The Spike2 output sequencer can run complex experiment control and stimulus sequencing protocols during data capture using up to 16 TTL and 8 waveform outputs. Timing is precise as it is controlled at the CED 1401interface, not the host computer.

Output protocols can be set up in two ways. A graphical editor provides all the functionality most users require, allowing creation of multiple sets of pulse outputs including square pulses, sine waves, ramps, pre-recorded and userdefined waveforms. For more demanding applications, a text editor is available in which you can edit the sequencer steps directly. This makes it possible to control the sequence interactively through the script language by use of variables and tables.

The sequencer also has access to the incoming waveform and event data in real-time, enabling very fast response to changes in waveform levels and detection of events.
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Spike detection and sorting

Spike2 identifies and sorts single and multi-unit activity both on-line and offline. It can mark events using simple threshold crossings or sort up to 32 channels on-line with whole wave spike shape template matching of single trace and n-trode data. For multi-unit recordings, Spike2 contains tools for sorting spikes based on the spike waveform shape. All events crossing a threshold are captured. A combination of template matching and cluster cutting based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), user-defined measurements correlations or errors is then used to sort spikes into different units. Spikes can also be sorted interactively by simply drawing a line through overdrawn spikes and classifying any which intersect the line. Spike Collision Analysis can separate unit collisions by comparing the current spike shape with pairs of existing templates 

Cluster cutting methods plot measured values into a 3D view that can be rotated and replayed to show the occurrence of the spikes through time. Clusters are formed by automatic algorithms or manually by placing ellipses or drawing polygons. Interactive features include INTHs for current cluster classes, tracking over time, and selection of an individual spike by clicking on its dot in the cluster.                                                 more

Display 

  Review multiple files simultaneously, even when sampling 
  Navigate through data files with simple mouse pan and zoom, axis dragging, scroll 
    bar and keyboard control
  Display events, spikes and markers as times, rates, mean and instantaneous 
    frequencies; discriminated spikes can be overdrawn 
  Use duplicated channels to display data in different ways and show selected 
    markers and discriminated spikes separately
  Draw waveforms with optional linear and cubic spline interpolation or as sonograms 
    with preset and user-defined colour scales 
  Draw marker type data in State mode for condition marking. Textmark (text note) 
    channels can     also display stored text in the channel area 
  Set independent colours for each channel's data and background 
  Arrange vertical space and order of channels displayed, including option to overlay 
    multiple channels 
  Expand your display area with built-in multiple monitor support

Processing and analysis

  Waveform analyses including averaging, power spectra and waveform 
    correlations
  Event analyses including INTH, PSTH, auto and cross correlations and phase 
    histograms
  Automatically find data features including triggers and features in evoked, 
    spontaneous activity and cyclical data with 'active' cursors
  Generate XY plots and measurement channels in data files and output tables of 
    values based on cursor feature detection
  Take absolute and relative measurements of positions, data values and inter-
    cursor statistical measurements with up to 10 active cursors per view
  Derive 'virtual channels' from existing waveform and event channels defined by 
    user-supplied expressions (channel arithmetic)
  Process waveforms dynamically on- and off-line. Processes include rectify, 
    smooth, DC remove, downsample, median filter and RMS amplitude
  Create temporary channels containing copied or derived data
  Digitally filter waveforms (FIR and IIR) with interactive filter design
  Interactively fit data with functions including exponential, Gaussian, polynomial, 
    sinusoid and sigmoid
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Channel setup in sampling configuration


Setup of waveform and digital outputs using the graphical sequence editor

Multi-unit spike discrimination using PCA clustering

Frequency analysis showing waveform sonogram display and calculated 
power spectrum with log axes

Script driven multi-unit cross correlation analysis  

Scripted sleep stage scoring and analysis  

Script language

From complete beginners to experienced programmers, anybody can benefit from the built-in Spike2 script language. Even simple automation of repetitive tasks with known parameters can save hours or even days of tedious analysis. Advanced applications include complete experiment control with on-line application of original algorithms to sampled data in real-time.

The script language not only links Spike2's features but also allows you to generate your own interface and design algorithms. There is a simple macro recording facility to provide a starting point for new scripts. The script language also includes data manipulation tools such as multi-dimensional arrays and matrix functions.  

CED maintains a collection of scripts for a wide range of common and specialised applications. If the scripts included with the Spike2 software and available via the CED web site do not meet your needs, contact us to discuss your requirements.