An open-source hardware and software system for acquisition and real-time processing of electrophysiology during high field MRI

Patrick L. Purdon, Hernan Millan, Peter L. Fuller, Giorgio Bonmassar
2008 Journal of Neuroscience Methods  
Simultaneous recording of electrophysiology and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique of growing importance in neuroscience. Rapidly evolving clinical and scientific requirements have created a need for hardware and software that can be customized for specific applications. Hardware may require customization to enable a variety of recording types (e.g., electroencephalogram, local field potentials, or multi-unit activity) while meeting the stringent and costly requirements
more » ... of MRI safety and compatibility. Real-time signal processing tools are an enabling technology for studies of learning, attention, sleep, epilepsy, neurofeedback, and neuropharmacology, yet real-time signal processing tools are difficult to develop. We describe an open-source system for simultaneous electrophysiology and fMRI featuring low-noise (<0.6 V p-p input noise), electromagnetic compatibility for MRI (tested up to 7 T), and user-programmable real-time signal processing. The hardware distribution provides the complete specifications required to build an MRI-compatible electrophysiological data acquisition system, including circuit schematics, print circuit board (PCB) layouts, Gerber files for PCB fabrication and robotic assembly, a bill of materials with part numbers, data sheets, and vendor information, and test procedures. The software facilitates rapid implementation of real-time signal processing algorithms. This system has been used in human EEG/fMRI studies at 3 and 7 T examining the auditory system, visual system, sleep physiology, and anesthesia, as well as in intracranial electrophysiological studies of the non-human primate visual system during 3 T fMRI, and in human hyperbaric physiology studies at depths of up to 300 feet below sea level. Published by Elsevier B.V.
doi:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.07.017 pmid:18761038 pmcid:PMC2855223 fatcat:xzoqxoxuxffarpvhsx7kooa4r4