Stimulus presentation using a programmable signal generator.

Abstract

Event related potential experiments frequently require the presentation of complicated stimulus patterns to the subject. As the complexity and number of different types of stimuli presented to the subject increase there is a corresponding increase in the amount and complexity of the equipment required to generate the stimuli. Software was developed for complex stimulus presentation which uses a programmable arbitrary/function generator. The various stimulus patterns are stored in digital form in the memory of the signal generator and can be recalled by number. Prior to presentation of a particular stimulus pattern the number of that pattern is sent by the control program to the generator for recall from memory. The signal generator is set to operate in external trigger mode and at the proper time for stimulus presentation the generator is triggered by the control program. The use of the programmable signal generator allows replacement of the typical stimulus presentation equipment such as gates, signal generators, and attenuators by this the programmable generator and provides getter flexibility as to the type and complexity of stimuli which can be generated.