Arduino TTL Pulse Generator and Controller

Projects (/ONECoreSite/projects/) | 2017

Download All (https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and-
Controller/archive/master.zip) | Source (https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-
and-Controller)

An Arduino based system to generate, listen for, and (coming soon) record TTL Pulses

Design and Control your experiments with a TTL Generator and Controller

An inexpensive Arduino controlled, four channel, simultaneous TTL pulse generator and controller with BNC
connectors and optional 3D printed housing is detailed. TTL pulse modulation requires programing in the Arduino
language, but 2 examples are given such that no prior programing experience is necessary. The first example
shows how to set up four independent TTL outputs. The second example expands on this and allows for input into
the generator for a closed loop system, controlled by TTL.
Files
F
File Description
Ty

The Main File

Arduino Simple 4 Channel TTL Pulse Generator.pdf
for design and
(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- pd
fabrication.
Controller/raw/master/Arduino%20Simple%204%20Channel%20TTL%20Pulse%20Generator.pdf)
Start here

Arduino simple 4 channel ttl top.ipt

Design file for
(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- ip
enclosure top
Controller/blob/master/Arduino%20simple%204%20channel%20ttl%20top.ipt)

Arduino simple 4 channel ttl top.stl Printable file

(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- for enclosure st
Controller/blob/master/Arduino%20simple%204%20channel%20ttl%20top.stl) top

Arduino simple 4 channel ttl bottom.ipt Design file for

(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- enclosure ip
Controller/blob/master/Arduino%20simple%204%20channel%20ttl%20bottom.ipt) bottom

Arduino simple 4 channel ttl bottom.stl Printable file

(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- for enclosure st
Controller/blob/master/Arduino%20simple%204%20channel%20ttl%20bottom.stl) bottom

Arduino file for

Arduino_Simple_TTL.ino (https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-
TTL in
Pulse-Generator-and-Controller/blob/master/Arduino_Simple_TTL.ino)
Generation

Arduino file for

TTL Control
Arduino_Simple_Closed_Loop.ino (TTL’s
(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- triggered on in
Controller/blob/master/Arduino_Simple_Closed_Loop_Mega.ino) input (button
or IR
Breakbeam)

Help in
Screenshots of Downloading and Programing the Arduino.ppt downloading
(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- and pp
Controller/blob/master/Screenshots%20of%20Downloading%20and%20Programing%20the%20Arduino.pptx) Programing
with Arduino

If more than 4
!!! channels are !!
required:
 F
File Description
Ty

If more
inputs/outputs
Arduino Simple 8 Channel MEGA TTL Pulse Generator.pdf
are required,
(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- .p
try the 8
Controller/blob/master/Arduino%20Simple%208%20Channel%20MEGA%20TTL%20Pulse%20Generator.pdf)
channel
system

Arduino simple 8 channel ttl top.ipt

Design file for
(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- ip
enclosure top
Controller/blob/master/Arduino%20simple%208%20channel%20ttl%20top%20Mega.ipt)

Arduino simple 8 channel ttl top.stl Printable file

(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- for enclosure st
Controller/blob/master/Arduino%20simple%208%20channel%20ttl%20top%20Mega.stl) top

Arduino simple 8 channel ttl bottom.ipt Design file for

(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- enclosure ip
Controller/blob/master/Arduino%20simple%208%20channel%20ttl%20bottom%20Mega.ipt) bottom

Arduino simple 8 channel ttl bottom.stl Printable file

(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- for enclosure st
Controller/blob/master/Arduino%20simple%208%20channel%20ttl%20top%20Mega.stl) bottom

Arduino_Simple_Closed_Loop_Mega.ino Arduino code

(https://github.com/OptogeneticsandNeuralEngineeringCore/Arduino-TTL-Pulse-Generator-and- for 8 channel in
Controller/blob/master/Arduino_Simple_Closed_Loop_Mega.ino) system

Introduction
Research labs often conduct experiments that require precise timing characteristics, synchronized across several
signals. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a digital on/off signal that carries information in the relative timing
characteristics of the signal. Transistor Transistor Logic (TTL) is a form of PWM where the on state is 5 VDC and the
off state is at 0 VDC. TTL is frequently employed to precisely control lab equipment such as lasers. Generation of
the TTL signal often comes from expensive lab equipment and is carried through BNC cables from the generator
to the equipment. The TTL signal is simple, but must be precisely controlled for correct on/off state and timing
considerations. More information on TTL can be found here. Modern microcontrollers can easily accomplish the
signal generation of more expensive equipment, for most applications. Arduino is a simple, inexpensive
microcontroller that natively outputs TTL signals. The intent of this paper is to outline a method to fabricate an
inexpensive TTL signal generator and controller. Arduino outputs PWM digital signals. When the Arduino is
powered correctly, this signal is conveniently at 5VDC, and is therefore TTL. Although the chosen board (the
Arduino Uno R3) outputs six channels, only four are employed in this design for ease. If six signals are required, it
would be easy to expand on this design. If more than 6 channels are required, it may be possible to connect
several Arduinos together, but there may be some delay to consider. This document will outline the equipment,
fabrication, and software required. The equipment is intended to be inexpensive. A model for an optional housing
for the Arduino and four BNC connections is offered and maybe 3D printed. Fabrication of the final assembly is
simple but does require the use of a soldering iron. The software is free. The Arduino programing language is
similar to C+, but it is intended that no previous programing is required to generate TTL signals with this set up.
Two example programs are given that are intended to be explained in such a way that signal generation can be
designed simply by modifying the code in key places. One example shows how to generate four simultaneous
signals, each with a unique pulse pattern that is repeated Ad infinitum. The other example shows how to use this
set up to control a closed loop experiment. The examples can also be used as an introduction to coding and
covers if, for, and while statements.

View .stl Files

If interact-able views of the 3D parts do not load, try reloading the page. If that doesn’t work, view them on the
GitHub pages (links above) or update your browser.

▼
Wireframe Surface Angle Solid Arduino simple 4 channel ttl top.stl rendered with ❤ by GitHub
Four channel ttl top
Four channel ttl bottom

▼
Wireframe Surface Angle Solid Arduino simple 4 channel ttl bottom.stl rendered with ❤ by GitHub

▼
Wireframe Surface Angle Solid Arduino simple 8 channel ttl top Mega.stl rendered with ❤ by GitHub
Eight channel ttl top
Eight channel ttl bottom

▼
Wireframe Surface Angle Solid Arduino simple 8 channel ttl bottom Mega.stl rendered with ❤ by GitHub

ONE Core acknowledgement

Please acknowledge the ONE Core facility in your publications. An appropriate wording would be:

“Engineering support was provided by the Optogenetics and Neural Engineering Core at the University of Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus, funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National
Institutes of Health under award number P30NS048154.”

About

The Optogenetics and Neural Engineering (ONE) Core is housed on the Anschutz Medical Campus,
part of the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine.

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