DATAPixx3 Video I/O Hub

Digital output

The DATAPixx3 supports TTL digital outputs via a DB25 port on the rear of the unit (highlighted below).
TTL stands for transistor-transistor logic, which is a simple digital communication protocol that consists of rising and falling voltages. It is commonly used for rapid, simple communication between electronic devices. Common applications in research include sending TTL “triggers” to signal events like visual stimulus onset to third-party systems.

Technical specifications:

• 24 digital outputs on DB25 connector (female)

• Output drive stage: 5 V through 25 Ω series resistor

• Maximum output current:

  • Source: 15 mA

  • Sink: 12 mA

Detailed pin assignment information:

Below are the industry standard pin labels and their corresponding function. Pins 1-12 are configured for even digital output channels from 0-22; pins 12-25 are configured for odd digital output channels from 1-23; pin 13 is ground. Note that pin numbering follows the industry standard for DB25 ports.

*Shield is tied to the GND by a 0 Ohm resistor inside the DATAPixx3.

Digital input

The DATAPixx3 supports TTL digital inputs via a DB25 port on the rear of the unit (highlighted below).
TTL stands for transistor-transistor logic, which is a simple digital communication protocol that consists of rising and falling voltages. It is commonly used for rapid, simple communication between electronic devices. Common applications in research include receiving high-speed input from TTL-based button boxes and MRI triggers.

Technical specifications:

• 24 inputs on DB25 connector (female)

• Input termination: >20 kΩ pull-up to 3.3 V

• Input tolerance: 5 V

Detailed pin assignment information:

Below are the industry standard pin labels and their corresponding function. Pins 1-12 are configured for even digital input channels from 0-22; pins 12-25 are configured for odd digital input channels from 1-23; pin 13 is ground. Note that pin numbering follows the industry standard for DB25 ports.

*Shield is tied to the GND by a 0 Ohm resistor inside the DATAPixx3.

Combined analog input/output

Analog signals are continuous voltages that vary over time and are used to record fluctuating variables like position, force and energy. They are also the foundation for audio output. Modern systems digitize analog signals using Analog to Digital Converters (ADC) and convert digital signals back into analog using Digital to Analog Converters (DAC). The DATAPixx3 features 16 ADC channels (or 8 differential channels) and 4 DAC channels on a single DB25 port on the rear of the unit.

Technical specifications:

Analog to digital converter

• Number of channels: 16 (or 8 differential), on DB-25

• Converter resolution: 16 bits

• Maximum sampling rate: 200 kSPS per channel

• Frequency programming modes:

  • samples per second or per video frame

  • nanoseconds per sample

• Simultaneous sampling across all channels

• Input range: ±10 V

• Input impedance: 1.6*10⁸ Ω // 3 pF

• Absolute maximum input tolerance: ±12 V

Digital to analog converter

• Number of channels: 4 on DB-25 connector

• Converter resolution: 16 bits

• Maximum sampling rate: 1 MSPS per channel

• Frequency programming modes:

  • samples per second or per video frame

  • nanoseconds per sample

• Simultaneous output updates

• Output range: ±10 V on 4 ch

• Drive capability: ±25 mA

Detailed pin assignment information:

Below are the industry-standard pin labels and their corresponding functions. Note that pin numbering follows the industry standard for DB25 ports.

*Shield is tied to the GND by a 0 Ohm resistor inside the DATAPixx3.
** Current limited (400mA).

Audio input/output

The DATAPixx3 supports audio output, audio input and microphone input on 3 3.5 mm stereo jacks on the device's rear.

The audio out port plays audio waveforms uploaded to DATAPixx3 device memory with microsecond-precise timing and supports various sound systems, from speakers to headphones.

Audio in and mic in are both used to record audio from other sources and save the input to the DATAPixx3 memory for later transfer to your experiment PC.

Technical specifications:

• Audio line in, microphone in, speaker out, on 3.5 mm jacks

• Stereo microphone input amplifier resistance: 20 kΩ

• Microphone sampling rate: 96 kHz

• Programmable microphone bias voltage range: 2.0 V to 3.1 V

• Stereo DAC sampling rate: 96 kHz

• Maximum output power into 8 Ω load: 500 mW

Detailed pin assignment information:

*Shield is tied to the GND by a 0 Ohm resistor inside the DATAPixx3.

*Shield is tied to the GND by a 0 Ohm resistor inside the DATAPixx3.

*Shield is tied to the GND by a 0 Ohm resistor inside the DATAPixx3.

VESA 3D interface

The DATAPixx3's VESA 3D interface enables 3D stimulus presentation with a screen connected to the DisplayPort interface. A VESA-compliant system like the 3DPixx must be connected to use 3D features.

Detailed pin assignment information:

Below are the industry standard pin labels and their corresponding function.

*Shield is tied to the GND by a 0 Ohm resistor inside the DATAPixx3.
**Current limited (400mA).

DisplayPort interface

The DATAPixx3 sits in the video chain between your experiment PC and your display. It receives a copy of the video output from your PC via the IN 1 port on the rear of the unit and passes it to your stimulus display via the OUT 1 port. The DATAPixx3 can be configured to monitor the properties of the video signal for timing and synchronization purposes.

An optional second display can be connected to OUT 2. This display will mirror the contents of OUT 1 without adding any load to your graphics processor. We call this secondary display the “console” display. The researcher typically uses it to the progress of the experiment from their control station. Unique information, such as an eye-tracking live feed or “hidden” metadata, can be shown on the console depending on the device connected and the video mode used.

Currently, the IN 2 port is reserved for future product development and is not in use.

Technical specifications:

• 2x DisplayPort 1.4 inputs (32.8 Gb/sec on each input)

• 2x DisplayPort 1.4 outputs (32.8 Gb/sec on each output)

• Video output format: One stimulus display and one console display

Videobahn fibre optic interface

The DATAPixx3 supports fibre optic communication over a proprietary high-speed Videobahn protocol. Four slots on the back of the unit allow this. These connections are used, for example, for rapid data transmission and control of the TRACKPixx3 2 kHz eye tracker.

Technical specifications:

• 4 Videobahn interfaces are available. Each one can carry up to 48 Gb/sec of video and data in each direction.

USB-B interface

The DATAPixx3 connects to your experiment PC via a USB connection. The connection port is shown below:

Technical specifications:

• USB 2.0 with 480 Mbit/s theoretical maximum bandwidth

12V power output

The DATAPixx3 can provide 12V DC power to specific external devices during operation. Examples include:

• TRACKPixx3 eye tracking camera and illuminator (rightmost port only)

• RESPONSEPixx /MRI control unit

• Certain models of DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter

There are three 12V DC 2-pin female LEMO sockets and one 8-pin female socket available. To connect a device to the power supply, ensure the corresponding LEMO connector has the appropriate number of pins and power requirements for the port.

Connectors have a small orange dot indicating which side of the connector should point upwards. The textured metal ring around the connector slides back for cable insertion. Ensure the connector is firmly attached to the port during operation.

Technical specifications

• 4 power output connectors, each one able to supply a stable +12V DC

• 3x 2-pin connectors, 1x 8-pin connector

• Maximum power output is 108 Watts (9 A)

12V power input

The DATAPixx3 is powered by a 12V input on the rear bottom right of the unit. Power supply and international adapter set are included with purchase.

When the DATAPixx3 is connected to power and powered OFF, the status LED on the front of the device will be illuminated in red. When the DATAPixx3 is connected and powered ON, the LED will be green.

Technical Specifications

• Power consumption: 50 Watts (DATAPixx3 only)

• Input voltage: 12 V DC

• International AC adaptor input: 90 VAC – 264 VAC (47 Hz – 63 Hz)

The VideoBahn interface on the DATAPixx3 uses a fibre optic module whose manufacturer provides a certificate of conformance for standard IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3 (2014)

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For the United States of America

This device complies with part 15 subpart B of FCC rules. Its operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.  This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 subpart B of the FCC rules.

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For Canada

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

CISPR warning: This is a Class A product. In domestic environments this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

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For European Countries

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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The following information is only for EU member states:

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Declaration of RoHS Compliance

Product care

• Do not open the device. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

• Use only the power cable provided.

• Ensure that the power outlet includes a ground connection, as this equipment MUST be grounded.

• Handle the power cable carefully and avoid sharp bends. Do not use a damaged power cable.

• Do not cover or obstruct the ventilation outlets or inlets.

• Do not expose the DATAPixx3 to rain or moisture, and do not place any liquids on its top surface.

• Ensure that the total ampere rating of the products connected to the AC outlet does not exceed the current rating of the electrical outlet, and that the total ampere rating of the products connected to the power cord does not exceed the rating of the power cord. Look on the power label to determine the ampere rating (Amps or A) for each device.

• For recommendations on cleaning this device, see the section on Cleaning and Maintenance.

This product is warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for two (2) years for parts and labour from the date of shipment.