Abstract
In the neurophysiological experiments, we often need to analyze the nerve impulse trains in the form of the time histograms such as the time interval histogram and post-stimulus time histogram. For these analyses, an on-line real-time computer, for example LINC-8, is very useful, and these analyses may be accomplished by the software of LINC-8 itself. Attaching a specially designed time-counter to LINC-8, we are, however, allowed to simplify the program and increase the facility of the system.
The time-counter described here has the following functions : (1) to clear the counter, (2) to start counting, (3) to stop counting, (4) to transfer the contents of the counter to the computer, (5) to transfer the contents into the counter from the computer, (6) to interrupt request to the computer, when a pulse is given from the external circuit such as an observed neuronal spike, or when the contents of the preset counter is decreased to empty.
This auxiliary time counter makes it easy to measure the elapsed time between successive impulses, and to display simultaneously the histogram on the scope. The time counter may be used to control the experiments, for example, to generate a programmed time series of stimuli for the automatically controlled experiments.
