121 Window Discriminator

Monitor signals and discriminator levels simultaneously at the multiplex output
Window height independent of lower discriminator level setting
Logic level output pulses, TTL compatible
Output pulses indicated by LED display
This amplitude discriminator is designed for audio and sub-audio signals such as extracellular nerve action potentials. For every waveform peak that appears “within” the window aperture set by the user, a pulse is generated at the “Within Window” output. Signals that exceed the upper level of the window produce a pulse at the “Above Window” output. A visual indication of the pulses is provided at each output by the LED display. Both the input signal and the window aperture settings are visible at the multiplex port as shown below in the upper trace. By viewing the input signal as well as the “window” discriminator levels at the multiplex port provides a convenient visualization and ease in setting up an experiment. Model 121’s multiplex circuitry samples input signals and window levels on a 70%/30% basis respectively, minimizing loss of signal information. The Lower Level control sets the lower discrimination level, and the Window Aperture control sets the upper window level with respect to the lower level setting. This means that changing the lower level setting has no effect on the window aperture except to displace the window up or down. It is impossible to set the lower level higher than the upper level, a feature unique to Model 121. The pulses from either output (Within Window or Above Window) are generated by the falling edge of the analyzed signal as it crosses the preset levels. Because the logic circuit is not time dependent, Model 121 can be used to analyze signals of any duration. Ten-turn controls with dial indicators allow precise setting and direct reading of the window levels.

Enclosure includes a tilt stand for bench operation. Rack mounting hardware is optional.
MULTIPLEX OUTPUTS
The diagram above shows the multiplex signal output with the widow parameters displayed on the input signal. A “within” pulse occurs at the lower level crossing point after the input signal is measured within the boundaries of the settings and an “above” pulse is generated for those signals going above the upper level setting.
WINDOW DISCRIMINATOR SPECIFICATIONS
INPUT IMPEDANCE 100 k Ohms
MAX. FREQUENCY APPROX. 10KHZ
MIN. PULSE WIDTH 80 µs
INPUT POLARITY Positive or negative selected by front panel switch
INPUT RANGE Up to 50 V (peak-to-peak) in three
(MAXIMUM INPUT SIGNAL)
ranges: 0-0.5 V, 0-5 V, 0-50 V
WINDOW LEVEL RANGE Up to 10 V in three ranges:
(UPPER AND LOWER LEVELS)
0-0.1 V, 0-1 V, and 0-10 V
DISCRIMINATOR RESOLUTION 0.1% of full scale (selected range)
DISCRIMINATOR ACCURACY ±2%
OUTPUTS
WITHIN AND ABOVE WINDOW
Rectangular pulses, approx. 3.0 V amplitude (TTL compatible), adjustable pulse width from 0.1 to 1.0 ms. Output impedance less than 500 Ohms . LED indicates presence of output pulse. Cycle length nominally 37 µs.
MULTIPLEX
Signal on time: 26 µs (70%)

Levels on time: 11 µs (30%)

Output impedance less than 100 Ohms
POWER REQUIREMENTS 95-135 V or 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 10 VA
DIMENSIONS 17 x 3.5 x 9.5 in. (43.2 x 8.9 x 24 cm)
SHIPPING WEIGHT 11 lb (5 kg)
121 Window Discriminator
2932 Rack Mount Kit, 3.5-in. high
2851 BNC-TO-BNC CABLE, 6 FT
500184 BNC-TO-BNC CABLE, 10 FT
500257 BNC-TO-BNC CABLE, 6 INCH 15 CM
500258 BNC-TO-BNC CABLE, 6 INCH 30 CM
500259 BNC-TO-BNC CABLE, 6 INCH 46 CM