Commutators

Plexon offers a variety of commutators that allow the test animal to move freely within the environment.

 



Neuroscience research involving behavioral tests using small animals often requires the animals to be able to move freely in their environment. A commutator is an electrical swivel that allows the animal to move freely and unimpeded by keeping the headstage cables untangled and torque free.

Plexon commutators are available in the following configurations.

Channel Count

Non-Motorized

Motorized

16

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32

               •

         •

64

 

         •

96

 

         •

128

 

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Motorized Commutators

  • No need for stiff headstage cables to transmit torqueMotorized Commutator
  • Up to 128 data channels for high channel count recording
  • Extremely low torque of less than 300 µNm on the input-signal connector required to engage motor
  • Utilizes magnetic Hall-effect sensors, which detects angular displacement of the input wires and signals the motor to rotate the input signal connector block and untwist the wires
  • Three motor speed ranges with variable step sizes and maximum speed control
  • Contactless actuation, which eliminates switching noise on data channel

The Plexon Motorized Commutator is a highly sensitive electro-mechanical device designed for animal experiments requiring rotating electrical contacts.

A magnetic Hall-effect sensor in the input signal connector recognizes when torque is exerted as the input wires are being twisted. The sensor then signals a stepper motor to rotate the commutator relative to the position of the input signal connector. This action allows the commutator to track the movement of the animal and untwist the wires.

The commutator’s highly precise stepper motor has three step sizes with adjustable response and variable speed controls. These controls allow tuning of the commutator operation to more closely match the animal’s behavior. The correct settings can reduce noise produced acoustically by the motor vibrating the experimental enclosure, as well as reduce mechanical vibration of the commutator’s components.

Non-Motorized Commutators

Commutator Description

  • Manages twisted cables
  • Unique slip ring design ensures signal integrity from headstage to data acquisition system
  • Low torque design for small animals

 

 

Motorized Commutator
Maximum speed 60 revolutions per minute; three step sizes with adjustable response and variable speed controls
Channels 32, 64, 96, 128
Power 110v to 125v and 210v to 230v operation automatically selectable
Required headstage gain All the Plexon headstages are compatible with Plexon commutators
Position accuracy Maximum positional angular accuracy better than +/- 0.5 degrees
Dimensions Rotational assembly (includes commutator), 330mm x 76mm diameter plus the mounting plate; Electronic Drive, 203mm x 77mm x 203mm; Power module, 95mm x 70mm x 160mm
Weight Commutator, 5.7 lbs; Control box, 2.6 lbs

 

Non Motorized Commutator
Channels 16, 32
Required headstage gain All the Plexon headstages are compatible with Plexon commutators
Dimensions Rotational assembly (includes commutator), 330mm x 76mm diameter plus the mounting plate
Weight Commutator, 1.5 lbs

16-channel non-motorized commutator

Commutator TechSpecs


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