Recording EEG and EMG with the iA4
The iA4 is a low-cost TDT differential bio amplifier designed specifically for recording low impedance signals like EEGs (electroencephalograms) and EMGs (electromyography). The iA4 is targeted to sleep and epilepsy researchers who need an easy 'plug-and-play' solution for challenging chronic recordings of subjects. The iA4 runs off continuous wall power and has male touch-proof connector inputs for easy connections to commutators.
This guide is intended to help you, as a current or prospective TDT user, learn more about what the iA4 can accomplish in your electrophysiology research. You will see an overview of the iA4, the iCon platform that the iA4 is a part of, and also see a practical example of electrode and wire connections going from a subject to the iA4. While this guide focuses on EEG and EMG, the iA4 can record any type of low impedance signal such as EKG, EOG, evoked potentials, and much more. Keep that in mind as you continue thinking about your research needs.
The iA4 is part of the iCon platform and can be placed into any iCon caddie to add electrophysiology recording capabilities to your studies. Below is an example iConZ-4 with an iA4 and iL24. See the iCon Modules section for an overview of the iCon Platform
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Every module in the iCon is set up and controlled in our Synapse software. Users find the simple drag-and-drop workflow intuitive and easy for quickly starting new or modifying experimental recording protocols. Additionally, all data is synchronized on the same clock so there is no post-hoc alignment necessary.
How to Get in Touch
We are here to help if you need anything. You can get in touch with our Support staff Support@tdt.com, Sales staff Sales@tdt.com, or call in +1.386.462.9622 and we will gladly take the time to help you setup, troubleshoot, and answer any questions that you have. Our Support team can schedule remote screen sharing and zoom meetings as well.
Why TDT?
When you choose a TDT recording system you are choosing legacy, innovation, and commitment. Every system is proudly designed and assembled at our headquarters in Alachua, Florida by our long-time employees.
Legacy | Tucker-Davis has long been the industry leader in manufacturing real-time electrophysiology, auditory presentation, and fiber photometry recording systems. Researchers have been using our System II equipment since the early 90's, and many of these lifelong customers have journeyed with us into new frontiers of neuroscience with our high channel count [DOI 10.1152, DOI 10.1016], fiber photometry [DOI 10.1073] and optogenetic [DOI 1126] setups. Our real-time recording systems are still considered the gold standard of neuroscience to this day. Why is real-time so important? Our 50 MHz quartz crystal clock ensures synchronization of every signal that goes through your TDT processor. No jitter. No lag. No guesswork. Because our signal clocks are shared, we can guarantee perfect closed-loop control every time. Competitor systems might use computer CPUs to acquire signals that vary in time delay under load or that require post-processing of multiple signals for alignment. We don't think that should be the way important research is done.
Innovation | The journey of our recording equipment had humble beginnings, but TDT systems are now used in every top institution around the globe. We continue our legacy of engineering innovation to shape the neuroscience industry and expand the capabilities of what our customers can do. Our iCon Platform is the latest forward-looking product. The iCon's modular system architecture lets users build-out a system to their exact application needs. This maximizes function and minimizes cost. Pick and choose modules for ephys, fiber photometry, video tracking, operant behavior, and so much more.
Commitment | A full-time Technical Support staff is a part of your system for free and for life. You call us and we pick up. We are experts with advanced degrees in neuroscience and neural engineering and take great pride in making sure you get the best experience possible out of using our top-tier recording system. We challenge you to find a researcher who has worked with our Support team who would not recommend us first.