[A new method for calibration of electrophysiological recording systems (author's transl)].

The method described in this paper permits determination of amplification, band-pass properties, and electrode impedance in electrophysiological experimental setups. The battery powered test-signal generator drives square-wave current pulses through a 2 ohm resistance, which acts as a source of 100 muV p-p pulses. The 2 ohm resistor is wired in series with one of the electrode leads and remains there permanently. For calibration of the above-mentioned properties, one need only turn the generator on, without changing the measurement setup. By observing the shape of the square waves after passing through the system, it is possible to judge the band-pass characteristics of the entire system. Electrode impedance may be measured by putting a (variable) resistor in parallel with the preamplifier input. The test signal current is of the same order of magnitude as currents from biological signal sources. This method makes working with electrophysiological measurement systems which are used in electroretinography, electrooculography, and recording of visually-evoked cortical potentials in ophthalmology much easier.