DS5

The Digitimer DS5 is a sophisticated, computer-controlled, constant current stimulator designed for use in human neurophysiology research. Featuring fully isolated bipolar outputs, the DS5 is ideal for delivering precise current-controlled stimuli with high temporal accuracy and safety.

This stimulator is especially well-suited to applications requiring arbitrary waveform delivery, such as galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), nerve excitability studies, and other sensory or pain research protocols. When paired with a suitable data acquisition system, the DS5 allows researchers to control stimulation using a custom waveform from an analog output, making it highly versatile and compatible with modern experimental setups.

The DS5 is CE-marked and conforms to IEC 60601 safety standards, offering complete electrical isolation between patient and control systems. Built-in monitoring ensures safe and reliable operation, with hardware safeguards against overcurrent or sustained output conditions.

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Key Features

• Fully isolated bipolar constant current output
• Compatible with arbitrary waveform generation from DAC/analog sources
• Three current output ranges: ±10 mA, ±25 mA, ±50 mA
• High output compliance (±120 V)
• Multiple input voltage ranges for compatibility with most analog output systems
• Real-time monitoring via analog output for oscilloscope or DAQ integration
• Compact, rack-mountable design with intuitive controls
• Meets IEC 60601 standards for patient safety
• Ideal for GVS, pain research, threshold tracking, and neuromodulation studies

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Applications

• Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS)
• Arbitrary waveform delivery (e.g., sine, ramp, pulsed)
• Pain and sensory threshold studies
• Threshold-tracking nerve excitability protocols
• Neuromodulation research

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Software Control via DS5 Control Panel

The Digitimer DS5 can be easily controlled using the optional DS5 Control Panel software, a user-friendly GUI application that allows researchers to configure and operate the stimulator directly from a Windows PC. The software interfaces with the DS5 via USB and provides a convenient platform for managing stimulation parameters without needing to manually adjust front panel controls.

With the DS5 Control Panel, users can:

• Select and adjust the stimulation current range (±10 mA, ±25 mA, ±50 mA)
• Choose the input voltage range corresponding to their DAC or analog output source
• Monitor system status, including over-range warnings and device readiness
• Access a real-time visual representation of the analog control input and output
• Save and load stimulation profiles for repeated experimental setups

This software-based control is ideal for labs looking to standardize protocols or automate aspects of their stimulation workflow. When paired with other experimental control software or data acquisition systems, the DS5 Control Panel enhances usability while maintaining full experimental flexibility.

Note: The DS5 Control Panel is provided free of charge and is compatible with Windows 7, 10, and 11.