Digitimer DS5 - Hardware Installation; Tour of the Hardware; Front Panel Overview

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DS5 Isolated Bipolar Constant Current Stimulator DS5 Operator's Manual 5.0

CHAPTER 2

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

Tour of the Hardware

Introduction

The DS5 is an isolated bipolar constant current stimulator specifically designed for studies of the peripheral

nervous system in both diagnostic and research settings and is ideal for excitability studies based on

threshold tracking protocols. Unlike other percutaneous nerve stimulators such as our own DS7A, the DS5

does not produce a traditional “square” stimulus pulse but instead is able to receive a bipolar voltage

waveform from another device and convert this into a bipolar constant current stimulus of the same shape

and time course.

For optimum flexibility, the DS5 can accept four voltage input ranges (±1V, ±2.5V, ±5V, ±10V) from the

waveform source, which it uses to produce an isolated output current up to a maximum ±50mA for patient

stimulation. The input voltage signal is fed into the DS5 via a BNC socket on the rear of the stimulator. The

other pair of BNC sockets, which are used for stimulus monitoring, output a voltage waveform proportional

to the actual stimulus voltage or current supplied to the patient.

Appropriate stimulation electrodes should be connected via the pair of 4mm touch proof output sockets (red

and black) on the front of the unit or 1.5mm DIN 42 802-1 style connectors via the optional D185-HB4

Electrode Extension Cable.

Stimulus parameters and settings, including the input and output ranges are displayed on a backlit LCD

screen on the front of the unit. Modification of these parameters is made possible by use of the function

keys (F1 to F4) situated at each corner of the display screen.

The front panel of the DS5 also features an output enable/disable switch, as well as both power and warning

LEDs. The rear of the DS5 includes an equipotential connection point, mains IEC inlet (power) socket, fuses,

mains voltage selector and a mains on/off switch.

Front Panel Components

1. Function Keys - Numbered F1 to F4. These keys are arranged at the four corners of the LCD

display. Their functions are dynamically assigned depending upon the status of the DS5 LCD

display.

2. Green Power LED - Indicates when the DS5 rear panel switch is in the ON position.

3. Illuminated LCD Display - This is the primary operator interface, displaying all current operating

conditions as well as F key assignments, stimulation data and configuration menus.

4. Red & Black Isolated Output Sockets (4mm touch proof type) - The Red will go positive with

respect to the Black socket when positive voltages are applied to the Voltage Input BNC socket on

the rear of the DS5. The reverse will be true when negative voltages are applied at that socket.

5. Output Enable/Disable/Reset Toggle Switch - This momentary action toggle switch is used to

enable, disable or reset the DS5. Upward deflection enables the output and downward deflection

disables a previously enabled output. Downward deflection can also be used to reset the DS5 when