TSE Systems NeuroLogger by NewBehavior Wireless EEG Recording System for Rodents

Overview

The TSE Systems NeuroLogger by NewBehavior is a purpose-built, miniaturized wireless electroencephalography (EEG) recording platform engineered for chronic, high-fidelity neural monitoring in freely behaving rodents—primarily mice and rats. Operating on a digital telemetry architecture, the system captures raw voltage signals from up to four intracranial or cortical electrodes with onboard analog preamplification, digitization (16-bit resolution), and non-volatile flash storage. Unlike tethered systems that impose mechanical constraints or introduce motion artifacts, NeuroLogger eliminates cable drag, electromagnetic coupling, and impedance instability associated with slip-ring or commutator-based solutions. Its ultra-low-mass design (<2.5 g including battery and housing) ensures minimal impact on natural locomotion, social interaction, and circadian behavior—critical for longitudinal studies in epilepsy, sleep architecture, pharmacological challenge, and cognitive neuroscience paradigms.

Key Features

• Four-channel simultaneous EEG acquisition with integrated low-noise preamplifiers (input-referred noise < 1.2 µV_RMS, bandwidth 0.1–100 Hz)
• Onboard 16-bit ADC sampling at configurable rates up to 1 kHz per channel
• Embedded flash memory (≥8 GB) enabling continuous multi-day recording without real-time data streaming
• Integrated 3-axis accelerometer for objective behavioral state classification (rest, ambulation, rearing)
• Wireless synchronization via RF trigger pulses (2.4 GHz ISM band) compatible with external stimuli (e.g., auditory tones, optogenetic pulses, drug delivery timestamps)
• Plug-and-play electrode interface: direct connection to standard screw- or pedestal-type cranial connectors (e.g., Omnetics Nano-Connectors)
• Battery life: ≥72 hours of continuous recording on a single rechargeable Li-Po cell (3.7 V, 120 mAh)
• IP54-rated enclosure for resistance to cage humidity and bedding particulates

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

NeuroLogger supports bilateral or unilateral implantation configurations in C57BL/6, BALB/c, CD-1, and transgenic mouse strains, as well as Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats. The device complies with EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive) and meets IEC 61000-6-3 emission limits for laboratory environments. All firmware and hardware designs adhere to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles for RF exposure. Data integrity conforms to GLP-compliant metadata tagging—including animal ID, implant date, electrode coordinates (via optional stereotaxic log import), and environmental timestamping (RTC with ±2 s/day accuracy). While not FDA-cleared for human use, the system is validated for preclinical research under AAALAC-accredited facilities and aligns with NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals requirements.

Software & Data Management

Data retrieval occurs via USB-C docking station, initiating automated file transfer and checksum validation. Raw binary files (.neu format) are imported into NeuroLogger Analysis Suite (v4.2+), a MATLAB-based application supporting spectral analysis (FFT, wavelet decomposition), event detection (spike, sharp-wave ripple, delta bursts), and machine-learning-assisted sleep staging (REM/NREM/Wake classification using validated feature sets per AASM rodent scoring guidelines). Export options include CSV, EDF+, and NWB 2.0 formats for interoperability with EEGLAB, FieldTrip, and Brainstorm. Audit trails record all processing steps, user actions, and parameter modifications—fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with optional electronic signature module.

Applications

• High-throughput screening of genetic or pharmacologic interventions in murine models of absence epilepsy (e.g., GAERS, stargazer) and temporal lobe epilepsy (e.g., kainate-induced status epilepticus)
• Circadian and homeostatic regulation of NREM/REM sleep cycles across light-dark transitions and sleep deprivation protocols
• Event-related potential (ERP) analysis during auditory oddball or visual discrimination tasks
• Hippocampal theta-gamma coupling during spatial navigation in open-field or Morris water maze setups
• Real-time correlation of EEG dynamics with metabolic outputs (e.g., VO₂, RER, activity counts) when interfaced with PhenoMaster or LabMaster platforms
• Chronic monitoring of post-stroke cortical reorganization or neuroinflammation-associated slow-wave disruption

FAQ

What is the maximum recording duration per charge?
Up to 72 hours at 500 Hz sampling across all four channels; duration scales inversely with sampling rate and active sensor usage (e.g., accelerometer enabled).
Can multiple NeuroLoggers be operated simultaneously in one room?
Yes—each unit is assigned a unique RF address; up to 16 devices can operate concurrently within a 5 m radius without cross-talk.
Is electrode impedance monitoring supported?
No real-time impedance measurement is embedded; however, pre-implant and post-recording impedance checks (1 kHz, 10 µA) are recommended using standard clinical impedance meters.
Does the system support closed-loop stimulation?
Not natively; NeuroLogger is a unidirectional recording platform. Integration with external stimulators (e.g., optogenetic or DBS controllers) requires third-party TTL synchronization via the trigger input port.
Are software updates provided under warranty?
Yes—free minor version updates (v4.x) and critical security patches are included for 36 months post-purchase; major version upgrades (v5.0+) require valid software maintenance agreement.