⏱️ Synchronization in Multi-PC MEG Setups

This research work was supported by ERC project BrainDyn (PI: Dr. Mathilde Bonnefond).

📖 Overview

In our Magnetoencephalography (MEG) experiment, precise temporal alignment is critical. This work characterizes and optimizes the timing synchrony between multiple subsystems: the Controller PC, MEG Acquisition PC, and Eye-Tracking (Eyelink) PC. The project addresses a fundamental research question: How precise is signal synchronization between different PCs, and can this precision be improved?

⚙️ Pipeline

The following workflow illustrates the hardware communication and the trigger markers analyzed to measure latency and drift.

graph TD
    subgraph "MEG Stream"
      MEGPC --> STORAGE_MEG[(MEG Storage)]
    end

    subgraph "Stimulus Stream"
      stim[Stimulation Screen] -- Light Intensity --> PD[Photodiode]
      PD --> MEGPC
    end

    subgraph "Eye Tracker Stream"
        EL[Eyelink PC] --> STORAGE_EL[(EDF Storage)]
    end

    CPC[Controller PC] --VBL--> stim
    CPC --"TTL Trigger (io64)"--> MEGPC[MEG PC]
    CPC --"TTL Trigger (io64)"--> EL

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🔬 Synchronization in Multi-PC MEG Setups

📚 How to cite

• F. Afdideh, M. Bonnefond, "Timing and Synchronisation Between Different PCs in an MEG Setup", in preparation.