ezmsg.blackrock#

Interface for Blackrock Cerebus ecosystem (incl. Neuroport) using pycbsdk.

Overview#

ezmsg-blackrock provides an interface to the Blackrock Cerebus ecosystem, including Neuroport devices, using the pycbsdk library. This package enables real-time data acquisition from Blackrock neural recording systems within the ezmsg framework.

Key features:

  • Real-time neural data acquisition - Stream neural data from Blackrock NSP/Neuroport systems

  • Event handling - Integration with ezmsg-event for spike events and other neural events

  • Multi-channel support - Handle multiple channels of neural data simultaneously

  • Hardware compatibility - Supports Central Neuroport/Cerebus Suite/NSP Firmware 7.0.5+ with cbhwlib 3.11+

Note

This package requires pycbsdk and is only compatible with Central Neuroport/Cerebus Suite/NSP Firmware 7.0.5+, built using cbhwlib/hardware library/network protocol 3.11+.

Installation#

Install from PyPI:

pip install ezmsg-blackrock

Or install the latest development version:

pip install git+https://github.com/ezmsg-org/ezmsg-blackrock@main

Dependencies#

Core dependencies:

  • ezmsg - Core messaging framework

  • pycbsdk - Blackrock Cerebus SDK Python interface

  • ezmsg-event - Event handling for neural spikes and events

  • numpy - Numerical computing

Setup Notes#

Hardware Setup#

Blackrock Neuroport/Cerebus uses UDP multicast traffic to deliver upwards of 30000 packets/sec of data with low latency. Due to the high packet rate and UDP’s lack of delivery guarantees, high-quality networking equipment is essential:

  • Use high-quality Gigabit (or faster) ethernet switches or routers

  • Look for QoS (Quality of Service) features

  • Use Cat6E or better ethernet cables

  • Ensure network adapters can handle high packet rates

Network Configuration#

The Blackrock NSP uses hard-coded static IP addresses. Configure your network as follows:

  • NSP (Legacy or Gemini): 192.168.137.128

  • Gemini Hub1: 192.168.137.200

  • Gemini Hub2: 192.168.137.201

  • Central PC: 192.168.137.1 (or below 192.168.137.16)

  • Client PC: Any address within the 192.168.137.x subnet

Enable multicast UDP traffic and TCP/UDP traffic on ports 51001 and 51002 in your firewall settings.

Quick Start#

For general ezmsg tutorials and guides, visit ezmsg.org.

For package-specific documentation:

Documentation#

Contents:

Indices and tables#