Microcomputer-based pulse stimulator.

A low-cost PC-based 2-channel stimulator was designed. This device can generate regular current pulses for many neuroscience experiments. It can also generate irregular pulses for nerve stimulation, thus could possibly avoid the problem of sensitization or habituation in the central nervous system. The stimulation frequency (can be < 0.0005 Hz) and pulse duration (5 microseconds to 65 ms) of this device can be programmed by an interactive user interface. Furthermore, the output current (0-10 mA) can be continuously varied and was optically isolated to minimize stimulus artifact. Moreover, features such as low-power consumption (0.2 mA of a 9 V battery) and high-compliance output (> 120 V) could accommodate the stimulator for widespread applications. A trial of nerve stimulation was illustrated besides the electrical specifications of the stimulator.