Neural ensemble communities: open-source approaches to hardware for large-scale electrophysiology

TitleNeural ensemble communities: open-source approaches to hardware for large-scale electrophysiology
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsSiegle, JH, Hale, GJ, Newman, JP, Voigts, J
JournalCurrent Opinion in Neurobiology
Volume32
Pagination53 - 59
Date Published01/2015
ISSN09594388
Abstract

One often-overlooked factor when selecting a platform for largescale electrophysiology is whether or not a particular data acquisition system is ‘open’ or ‘closed’: that is, whether or not the system’s schematics and source code are available to end users. Open systems have a reputation for being difficult to acquire, poorly documented, and hard to maintain. With the arrival of more powerful and compact integrated circuits, rapid prototyping services, and web-based tools for collaborative development, these stereotypes must be reconsidered. We discuss some of the reasons why multichannel extracellular electrophysiology could benefit from open-source approaches and describe examples of successful community-driven tool development within this field. In order to promote the adoption of open-source hardware and to reduce the need for redundant development efforts, we advocate a move toward standardized interfaces that connect each element of the data processing pipeline. This will give researchers the flexibility to modify their tools when necessary, while allowing them to continue to benefit from the high-quality products and expertise provided by commercial vendors.
 
Available online 17 December 2014

In Print:  June 2015

URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959438814002268
DOI10.1016/j.conb.2014.11.004
Short TitleCurrent Opinion in Neurobiology

Research Area: 

CBMM Relationship: 

  • CBMM Funded