SyncBox

Synchronizes the clock of BrainAmp MR amplifiers with the master clock driving the MRI scanner’s gradient system
Significantly reduces timing related errors and boosts the quality of gradient artifact correction

SyncBox scanner interface and scanner clock output are physically connected (using galvanic coupling) to avoid potential influence on the MR scanner system
Seamless integration with BrainVision Recorder and Analyzer software by means of dedicated trigger codes and implemented algorithms

More details

SyncBox: Must-have solution to boost data quality for concurrent EEG and fMRI recordings

Phase synchronization between the EEG equipment and the MRI scanner results in temporal stability of the EEG acquisition in relation to the switching of the gradients during the MR acquisition. This leads to significant improvement in the quality of gradient artifact correction and therefore the recorded data quality.

Reference: Mandelkow, H., Halder, P., Boesiger, P., & Brandeis, D. (2006). Synchronization facilitates removal of MRI artefacts from concurrent EEG recordings and increases usable bandwidth. Neuroimage, 32(3), 1120-1126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2006.04.231

The SyncBox is essential to recording high quality EEG data in the MR environment and is it compatible with all major commercial MRI scanners available on the market.

Technical specifications

SyncBox	Technical specifications
SyncBox Main Unit
Input voltage	5 V DC
Current consumption (via USB)	< 150 mA
Properties of the input signal	0.4 Vpp to 5 Vpp, hysteresis approx. 150 mV
Frequency of the input signal	Max. 30 MHz
Input impedance (on the scanner side)	50 Ω, BNC socket
Required input signal shape	Sine or square
Computer interface	USB 2.0
Length of the connecting cable	Max. 20 m
Suitability for use in the scanner room	No, but can be used in the control room
Dimensions	Approx. 132 mm x 70 mm x 30 mm (without connections)
Weight	Approx. 160 g
SyncBox Scanner Interface
Power supply	Via SyncBox Main Unit
Input (on the scanner side)	50 Ω, BNC socket with 30cm BNC cable; available in both SyncBox Scanner Interface versions Optical Input for single optical fiber, connector AFBR-2624; available in SyncBox Scanner Interface Duo version only
Output	50 Ω, BNC socket
Galvanic isolation	Yes, dielectric strength > 4 kV
Length of the connecting cable	30 cm
Dimensions	Approx. 90 mm x 45 mm x 25 mm
Weight	Approx. 80 g
Miscellaneous
Suitable for use in MR scanner room	No
Medical device	No
CE marking	The Brain Products GmbH confirms the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of this product according to the Directive 2014/30/ EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility. The Brain Products GmbH confirms the RoHS compliance of this product according to Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (recast published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 1 July 2011) as well as all its amendments up to and including the Commission delegated directive (EU) 2015/863 of 31 March 2015 (published in the 0fficial Journal of the European Union on 4 June 2015).