Skip to content

Iris-128B Quickstart Guide

Open-Source 128-Channel Headstage for Neural Recording and Stimulation
(Based on Jacobs et al., 2025 – “Iris 128x: Open-Source 128-Channel Headstages for Neural Stimulation and Recording”)

1. System Overview

The Iris-128B system provides 128-channel, fully bidirectional recording and stimulation capability using eight Intan RHS2116 integrated amplifier/stimulator chips.
It interfaces with thin-film microelectrode arrays through a Samtec SEAF8-20-1-S-08-2-RA connector and communicates with an Intan RHS Controller via low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) through a Molex 80-pin nanopitch cable and an adapter board.

Placeholder image: system overview showing headstage → adapter → Intan RHS Controller → computer running Intan software

2. Power Supply Requirements

Use a bench DC power supply such as the HP E3631A Triple Output DC Power Supply (HP Inc., Palo Alto, CA).

Rail Voltage Current Limit Description
Vstim + +7 V 100 mA Positive stimulation rail
Vstim – –7 V 100 mA Negative stimulation rail
VCC +3.3 V 100 mA Digital logic & analog power

Tip: Keep each supply current-limited to 100 mA to protect the headstage.

Placeholder image: wiring diagram showing ±7 V and 3.3 V rails from HP E3631A to adapter board barrel jacks

3. Hardware Components

  • Headstage (Iris-128B)
  • 8 × Intan RHS2116 ICs (recording + stimulation)
  • Samtec SEAF8 connector (160-pin) for thin-film MEA
  • Molex 80-pin nanopitch output to adapter

  • ±3.3 – 7 V supply range

  • Adapter Board

  • Passive signal routing (no active components)
  • 4 × Omnetics A79633 connectors to Intan RHS ports A–D
  • 3 × barrel jacks for ±Vstim and VCC

Placeholder image: labeled diagram of headstage and adapter boards with connectors highlighted

4. Hardware Setup

Step 1 — Prepare for Surgery

  1. Secure the animal in a stereotaxic frame.
  2. Mount the 3D-printed headstage holder onto the stereotax.
  3. Seat the thin-film electrode connector into the holder.
  4. Plug the Iris-128B headstage into the thin-film connector.
  5. Fasten the headstage to the holder via mounting holes.

Placeholder image: headstage and thin-film connector mounted on stereotax frame

Step 2 — Connect to Adapter

  1. Connect the Molex 80-pin cable between headstage and adapter.
  2. Route this cable outside the Faraday cage.
  3. Plug in the 4 RHS interface cables (red Omnetics):
  4. S1 → Port A (shared CLK and CS)
  5. S2 → Port B
  6. S3 → Port C
  7. S4 → Port D

Placeholder image: adapter board with S1–S4 mapping to Intan ports A–D

Step 3 — Ground and Reference

  • Connect REF and GND pads using platinum wires soldered into the through-holes on the headstage.
  • Keep REF and GND unshorted during normal operation.
  • Optionally, these may be tied together or implemented on the thin-film array.
  • Ensure the entire setup (animal, cage, supplies) shares a common ground.

Placeholder image: annotated close-up of headstage REF/GND pads and solder points

5. Software Setup

  1. Install Intan RHS Recording Controller Software (see Intan User Guide).
  2. Connect the RHS Controller to the computer via USB.
  3. Power on the Intan Controller.
  4. Launch the software — channels from Ports A–D should automatically appear.
  5. Adjust sampling rate and channel naming as needed.

Placeholder image: screenshot of Intan software showing active channels

6. Power-Up Sequence

  1. Confirm all mechanical and electrical connections.
  2. Set voltages on the HP E3631A:
  3. +7 V, –7 V, +3.3 V rails
  4. 100 mA current limits
  5. Plug barrel jacks into Vstim± and VCC inputs on the adapter.
  6. Turn on the power supply.
  7. Turn on the Intan Controller.
  8. Verify communication in the Intan software.

Placeholder image: full system powered, showing flow of power and data arrows

7. Bench & Animal Setup Checklist

Stage Procedure
Bench Validation Connect planar 128-ch polyimide MEA → verify impedance in PBS (~295 kΩ @ 1 kHz).
Grounding Attach platinum wires for REF and GND to headstage pads.
Recording Launch Intan software → set sampling rate 30 kSa/s → confirm signal.
In Vivo Setup Craniotomy → insert MEA into cortex → connect headstage.
Validation Observe LFPs (0.5–100 Hz) and single-unit spikes (~250–500 µVpp).

Placeholder image: table-to-diagram flow of bench to in-vivo steps

8. Performance Summary

Metric Iris 128B Comparison (Intan 32 ch)
Noise (Vrms) 3.09 µV 2.4 µV
Weight 9.6 g 1.4 g
Volume 1188 mm³ 576 mm³
Channels 128 stim / 128 record 32 stim / 32 record
Frequency Response 0.5 Hz – 5 kHz (flat midband gain) Similar
Impedance (1 kHz, Pt site) ~2.9 × 10⁵ Ω 2.4 × 10⁵ Ω
Supply ±7 V & 3.3 V 3.3 V (single)

Placeholder image: comparison bar chart of noise / impedance / bandwidth metrics

9. Stimulation Parameters

  • Chip: Intan RHS2116 (D5716)
  • Current Range: 2.55 µA – 255 µA
  • Step Size: 10 nA – 10 µA
  • Supply Range: ±3.3 – 10.7 V (max combined 14 V)
  • Sampling Rates: 1 – 30 kS/s
  • Test Waveform: Biphasic cathodic-first 4 µA, 500 µs pulses, 100 Hz (0.1 mC/cm² charge density)

Placeholder image: representative biphasic waveform and voltage transient plots

10. Additional Notes

  • The Molex #205058-1002 cable assembly is discontinued; contact
    fdeku@uoregon.edu or manuel@openic.org for updated options.
  • The design files, schematics, and BOMs are open-source on GitHub (OpenIC / U Oregon).
  • The Iris 128B and 128S share identical PCB stack-up and fabrication parameters:
    – 8-layer (3 mil trace / space, ENIG finish, 1 oz Cu).
  • Designed in KiCad, verified by micro-CT imaging and in vivo rat recordings.
  • For portable or wireless operation, future iterations aim to reduce weight < 5 g and integrate on-board power management.

11. Reference Setup Recipe

  1. Power on HP E3631A (±7 V & 3.3 V outputs).
  2. Connect thin-film → headstage → adapter → Intan Controller.
  3. Verify REF/GND connections (platinum wire → bone screws).
  4. Enable power and confirm communication in Intan software.
  5. Begin recording and stimulation tests.

Placeholder image: summary diagram showing full experiment wiring flow