Neuro-1 Quick Start Guide

Hardware Setup Guide

Hardware Overview

Welcome to the Neuro-1 System

A cutting-edge neurological data acquisition platform designed for precision, scalability, and ease of use.

Core Hardware Components

The Neuro-1 System integrates four essential hardware components that work seamlessly together to deliver exceptional neurological data acquisition capabilities:

1

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Delivers stable and reliable power to the backpack module that houses all sensor control electronics. Features intelligent power management and system monitoring capabilities.

Figure 1: PSU Front View
1. AC power input 100-240V and power switch
2. Status LEDs
3. Monitor cable to DAQ
4. Power cable to backpack

Figure 2: PSU Back View
Shown for reference, no connections needed

2

Data Acquisition Module (DAQ)

The communication hub that bridges your PC with the hardware system. Manages high-speed data transfer, system control, and real-time monitoring through seamless integration with the PSU and backpack components.

Figure 3: DAQ Front View
1. LED w/ manual trigger button
2. Status LEDs
3. Digital input BNCs
4. Expansion port

Figure 4: DAQ Back View
1. DC power input 7-20V
2. Analog input and analog output connections
3. Monitor 1 and Array 1 connections
4. Ethernet connection to PC
5. Monitor 2 and Array 2 connections
6. Digital Input connection

3

Backpack Module

Each backpack supports up to 8 modules (labeled A through H), with each module capable of hosting up to 8 cardmags. This modular architecture enables scalable configurations from small research setups to large-scale data acquisition arrays. Multiple backpacks can be synchronized to build larger arrays.

💡 Capacity: Up to 64 total cardmags (8 modules × 8 cardmags each)

Figure 5: Backpack Front View
For reference, sensors and sensor control electronics are not connected in this section

Figure 6: Backpack End View
1. Power input from PSU
2. Backpack power switch
3. Backpack status LEDs
4. Ethernet connection to DAQ
5. Array sync connection

4

Sensors & Control Electronics

The precision measurement components that capture neurological data. These specialized sensors and their dedicated control electronics will be covered in detail after completing the initial hardware and software setup.

Figure 7: Sensors and Module in box
Wait until later instructions before removing from the box

Figure 8: Control Electronics
Shown for reference, do not remove cardmags from module boards unless instructed by QuSpin

ℹ️

System Architecture Overview

The Neuro-1 System employs modular structure where a PSU provides power for a backpack to run up to 64 sensors. The DAQ manages communication between the PC and sensor electronics, and allows for multiple backpacks to be synchronized to build larger arrays. This ensures reliability, scalability, and ease of maintenance while delivering research-grade data acquisition performance.

Setup Instructions

Setup Steps:

Unbox the PSU, DAQ, Backpack, and cables. Leave the sensors and sensor control electronics to the side until the initial setup is complete.

Power the PSU by connecting the AC power input to a 100-240V outlet.

Turn the power switch on the PSU ON (up position). Check that the STATUS LED on the PSU blinks initially when powered on, then turns solid. The other LEDs will remain off until the backpack is connected.

Turn the power switch on the PSU OFF (down position).

Power the DAQ using the provided 19V power supply. Wait until the “Status” LED starts blinking slowly, this may take up to 3 minutes to boot up. The DAQ is designed to be left powered on, however it can be powered off by removing the power cable anytime.

Connect the “Monitor” port from the PSU to the “Monitor 1” port on the DAQ using the provided RJ11 telephone cable. This will allow the PSU to be controlled with the Neuro-1 UI or the power switch on the backpack.

Connect the “PC” port from the DAQ to an ethernet port on the PC (use the provided ethernet to USB adapter if the PC does not have an available ethernet port). Note: This is the black ethernet cable in the image below.

Connect the “Array 1” port from the DAQ to the ethernet port on the backpack. This is the data connection from the backpack to the DAQ. Note: In this example, there are modules are connected in the backpack but this step will be covered later in the “Running Sensors Guide”.

Connect the “Neuro-1” port from the PSU to the backpack using the provided power cable.

Turn the power switch on the PSU back ON (up position).

Turn the power switch on the front end of the backpack ON (up position) to power on the system, and observe the other 4 LEDs on the PSU and the 4 LEDs on the backpack all light up green.

Initial Hardware Setup Complete

Important Notes:

Ensure proper ventilation clearance around all sides
Refer to numbered callouts in images for specific component identification

Contact our hardware team for detailed specifications and technical support.

Software Setup Guide

Software Solutions

Our user interface software is designed for convenient control of an N1 system.

N1 User Interface Software

N1 UI V4_95 (Current N1 UI, updated: 01/08/2025)

Installer for 32-bit Runtime Engine and DAQ Drivers

Previous UI versions:

N1 UI V4_65 (updated: 7/31/2024)

Setup Instructions

Setup Steps:

When setting up the software for the first time, start by downloading and running the “Installer for 32-bit Runtime Engine and DAQ Drivers” from above.
Then download and run the latest version of the Neuro-1 User Interface from above.
Check that you can power on/off the PSU with the “System Power” button in the top-left of the User Interface (1).
Navigate to the “System” tab and verify that data is visible in the “System Data Array” (2).
Confirm that the Sensor, Status, System, and Commands LEDs in the top-right corner are lit green (3). This indicates that all DAQ communications are good.
Confirm that the VHR, VCC, VSS, VDD LEDs in the top-right corner are lit green (4). This indicates that all PSU1 voltages are good.

Once these steps are complete, you can move on to the “Running Sensors Guide” or continue on in this section to read about the “Data Viewer” program.

Our data viewer software is designed for convenient viewing of an N1 recordings.

N1 Data Viewer Software

N1 Data Viewer V1_55 (Current N1 Data Viewer, updated: 07/23/2025)

Installer for 64-bit Runtime Engine and DAQ Drivers

Running Sensors Guide

How to connect and run sensors on the Neuro-1 System

⚠️Important! Before handling sensors and sensor control electronics (modules and cardmags) make sure to take basic ESD precautions to remove excess electrical charge by “grounding” to avoid damage to sensors or sensor control electronics.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the complete process of connecting and operating sensors on your Neuro-1 system, from understanding the hardware components to successfully running your first measurements.

➡️ Hardware Outline (Click to expand)

Understanding the key components required for sensor operation on the Neuro-1 system.

Module Board
Central processing unit for 8 sensor channels

Cardmag
Individual sensor control electronics

Full module with 8 cardmags
Complete 8-channel sensor module

Backpack
Backpack electronics. Holds 8 modules, 64 cardmags, 64 sensors.

💡 Component Overview: Each module contains 8 cardmags (sensor control electronics) that interface with 8 individual OPM sensors. Multiple modules can be combined in the backpack assembly to create an array of up to 64 sensors. Multiple backpacks can be combined to increase the number of sensors further.

➡️ Connection Steps (Click to expand)

Follow these sequential steps to properly connect sensors to your Neuro-1 system.

Step-by-Step Assembly Process

Prepare Work Area: Set the backpack on a stable surface with plenty of space to work on.
ESD Precautions: Take proper basic ESD precautions before proceeding to unpack the modules and sensors.
Unpack Components: Carefully unpack each module with sensors. Keep the modules inside the ESD safe bags until you are ready to connect them to the backpack. Set the sensors down carefully on a flat surface or a secure holder.
Install Modules: Remove 1 module at a time from the ESD bags and carefully slide it into place on the backpack as shown in the video below.

⚠️ Important: Make sure to use the base of the cardmag connectors (as shown in the video below) when sliding the modules into place on the integration board. Avoid pressing on the cable connection at the front of the module as this can damage the cables or module connectors.
Secure Module: Use the provided hex key and screw to lock the module into place on the backpack.
Cable Management: Continue connecting the modules, securing them with the screws, and routing the sensor cables into the cable routers (as shown below) to provide strain relief.

Note: Each cable router part has 4 cable channels, make sure to push the cables all the way down to ensure the cable routers at the top of the backpack properly hold all 4 cables on each side of the backpack.

Modules A-B Connected

Modules A-D Connected

Modules A-F Connected

All Modules Connected
Optional – Secure Cables: Use zip ties to close the cable routers on the inside walls of the backpack to keep the cables locked into the channels.
Assembly Complete: The full backpack assembly is now complete. Follow the instructions in the next section that covers how to run the sensors.

⚠️ Safety Reminder: Always ensure the system is powered off before making or changing any sensor connections. Improper connection while powered can damage sensitive electronics.

➡️ Running Sensors (Click to expand)

Complete guide to initializing and operating your sensors for data collection.

Sensor Operation Steps

⚠️ Important: Only proceed with these steps once all steps above have been completed.

Step 1: Power On System

Power on the system.

Step 2: Reconfigure Array (First Time)

When running the system for the first time, use the “Reconfigure Array” button to run an automatic routine to assign the correct channel numbers to the cardmags.

Step 3: Learn QuSpin N1 UI Basics

Understand the basics of controlling the N1 System using the QuSpin N1 UI (how to set the active state, deactivate sensors, read status information, etc).

Step 4: Auto Start Sensors

When ready to run the sensors, press the Auto Start button (wait until “Laser Locked” LED is green and the “Cell Temp Err” has had time to stabilize).

Step 5: Field Zero Procedure

Understand the Field Zero procedure: V10 cardmags have continuous field zeroing active by default after auto start is complete, cardmags earlier than V10 need to be sent Field Zero On/Off commands to null the background field.

Step 6: Ortho & Calibrate

When the system is stable, press the “Ortho & Calibrate” button to measure and apply calibration values to the sensor data.

Step 7: Ready to Record

The system is now ready to record data.

Step 8: Coming Soon: Troubleshooting

Check the troubleshooting guide if any sensors are not working as expected.

Step 9: Coming Soon: Additional N1 Guides

Further N1 Guides include:

How to save data
How to view the noise floor
Other UI features
Firmware updates
Using the HALO
N1 Data Viewer program
Other information

✅ Best Practices: Always allow sensors to stabilize for 2-3 minutes after initialization before beginning critical measurements. Monitor the status LEDs to ensure all sensors are operating correctly.

⚠️ Important Note: V10 cardmags have continuous field zeroing active by default. Earlier versions require manual Field Zero commands. Always verify your cardmag version before proceeding.

For additional technical support and detailed troubleshooting guides, contact our hardware team or refer to the complete system documentation.

API Documentation

Application Programming Interface (API)

The N1 system facilitates data exchange through TCP/IP connections, enabling external programs to interact with the system. The DAQ is configured as the server, which allows multiple client connections to read sensor/status/system data and send command data to control the system.

Server Socket Port Configuration

The system designates distinct server socket port numbers, allowing multiple client connections to each port:

Port 8089	Reading sensor data
Port 8090	Reading sensor status data
Port 8091	Reading system status data
Port 8092	Sending command data to control the N1 system

API Documentation

Current Version: API v1.6
(Last updated: July 23, 2025)
View PDF

Previous Versions:

API v1.5 – January 8, 2025
API v1.3 – July 8, 2024
API v1.2 – March 22, 2024

Python Implementation Examples

Current Python GUI Example
(Last updated: January 8, 2025)
View Example

Previous Examples:

Python GUI Example – July 8, 2024
Python GUI Example – January 19, 2024

DAQ Info

N1 DAQ Front Panel LED Codes

	Status LED	Array 1 LED	Array 2 LED
Solid OFF	DAQ not running	Not connected	Not connected
Solid ON	DAQ running, connected to PC	Connected	Connected
Blink 1 time, pause	DAQ running, not connected to PC	Clock error 1	Clock error 1
Blink 2 times, pause	Unused	Clock error 2	Clock error 2
Blink 3 times, pause	Unused	Clock error 3	Clock error 3

N1 DAQ Hardware

N1 DAQ Front Panel

N1 DAQ w/ Expansion Board

N1 DAQ Expansion Board

N1 UI Saved Data Format

N1 UI Saved Data Format	Saved Data Label	Column(s)	N1 DAQ Pin / Expansion Pin
Time [seconds]	X_Value	0	N/A
X-Axis Data	*¹X1 – X64	1-64	N/A
Y-Axis Data	*²Y1 – Y64	65-128	N/A
Z-Axis Data	*³Z1 – Z64	129-192	N/A
Digital Inputs	D0 – D10	193-203	DAQ: D0 – D2, Expansion: D3 – D8
Analog Inputs	AI 0 – AI 15	204-219	DAQ: AI 0 – AI 1, Expansion: AI 2 – AI 15
MUX_Counter1	MUX_Counter1	220	N/A
MUX_Counter2	MUX_Counter2	221	N/A
DAQ_Counter1	DAQ_Counter1	222	N/A
Data_Drop1	Data_Drop1	223	N/A
Data_Drop2	Data_Drop2	224	N/A
User Comment	Comment	225	N/A

Notes: *¹,*², *³ For Array1 the X/Y/Z channels are labeled 1-64, for Array2 (saved in a separate file) the X/Y/Z channels will be labeled 65-128.

HALO Info

High-resolution Array LOcalization

“The QuSpin HALO platform offers a turn-key solution for quickly and accurately determining the location, orientation, and calibration data for arrays of QuSpin’s Optically Pumped Magnetometers. This streamlined system provides a user-friendly approach to sensor localization (the first step in the co-registration process) for advanced bio-magnetic sensing applications”

QuSpin HALO Platform for High-Resolution Array Localization

Co-Registration Setup Guide ➡️ Start Here

Co-Registration Workflow Tutorial