NeuroTest: a benchtop testbed for evaluating sensing-capable electrophysiology and neurostimulation systems

Objective The development of increasingly complex implantable neuromodulation devices requires extensive benchtop validation and assessment testing prior to in vivo implementation. Our goal is to enable this in vitro testing by creating a benchtop system that is accessible, easy-to-use, and functions reliably across laboratory and industry environments, reducing discordant results arising from discordant equipment setups. Approach We describe the NeuroTest Board (NTB), a low-cost, open-source device that combines a low-noise current source waveform generator with a high-precision data acquisition system. We provide information on its architecture, operation, and performance as an initial benchmark of the potential capabilities of the system. Main results We use the NTB in two separate laboratories to both assess electrophysiology equipment and mitigate stimulation-related artifacts that would hamper in vivo data collection. We compare the sensing capabilities of the NTB to a commonly used laboratory system (the RHD2132 headstage and Open Ephys DAQ) and an investigational neuromodulation device in development for human use (the CorTec Brain InterChange). We show how artifact mitigation strategies, such as removing electrical stimulation artifacts from sensed data, can be developed and evaluated using the NTB in parallel with a device as example applications of the system. Significance The ability to test neuromodulation devices against a common benchmark will enable faster development of novel therapeutics by increasing inter-institutional reliability and decreasing troubleshooting time.