SDI’s Eyeblink Conditioning System (EBC) is used widely in basic learning studies, psychopharmacology research and the examination of the behavioral consequences of Alzheimer’s and other diseases. It is a complete, computer-integrated turn key testing unit that transports easily from laboratory to offsite test facilities. The eyeblink conditioning system employs a user-friendly integrated headset with a photoelectric cell to monitor the eyeblink reflex and an integrated air tube to deliver an air puff. A separate set of headphones is used to deliver the acoustic stimulus. 

Use your laptop by connecting through a standard USB interface—making your set up highly portable. The eyeblink conditioning system software not only executes a test session but provides scoring and reporting functions to make analysis simple.  In a continuous effort to make testing devices as flexible as possible, SDI has adapted the Eyeblink Conditioning System for use on rabbits and sheep.

Highlights of the Eyeblink Conditioning System Include:

No Technical Knowledge Required for Set Up

Your EBC connects to a laptop or PC through a standard USB interface—eliminating specialized interface cards and drivers that often required extensive technical knowledge to set up.

Comfortable Headset and Headphones Generate Best Quality Data

Administer low pressure air puffs and record eyeblink responses using EBC’s comfortable headset—which is designed to give you an unobstructed view of your subject’s eyeblink responses.  The lightweight, comfortable headset works with a low power IR emitter/receiver that measures the amount of light reflected as the eyelid closes to provide a responsse, and an air puff tube used to deliver an unconditioned stimuls.  You can move between the subject’s right and left eyes. To utilize an acoustic stimulus, use the equally comfortable headphones to present stimulus to Left, Right, or Both ears.

Menu Driven Software Makes Testing Easy

Construct session and trial definitions quickly and easily with the eyeblink conditioning system menu driven software. The software controls the stimuli, auditory and air puff and records all eyeblink data for you during all sessions.  Complete response waveforms classified as ‘alpha, CS or US’ are made available in both on-screen displays and printed reports—and are automatically examined by the Special Analysis software for secondary peaks.

You will be able to define boundaries to identify alpha, CS and US responses and set the response amplitude threshold. After sessions are run, save any or all responses to composite secondary data files.

System Components Include:

• Tactile Delivery & Photo Response Head Gear
• Stimulus Module
• Response Module
• Eyeblink software
• PC interface board
• Calibrated Headphones
• User manual
• All cables and connectors
• Eyeblink Visual Indicator (optional)

Portable Air Puff Unit

• The unit contains a small compressor eliminating the need for an air tank

Heart Rate Sensor

Digital I/O Module

• If the Digital I/O module is purchased it provides tthe same three digital output lines and one input line using a swith closure signal.

Visual Indicator

• The Visual Indicator Unit was designed to complement the Eyeblink software for researchers who want to do video recording of the subject during testing.