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Using IClamp as an input for an artificial spiking neuron

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:43 pm
by Doomantra
I would like to know if it is possible to use a square wave generated using IClamp as an input for an artificial spiking neuron. I have tried to find a way to do this with the GUI and can't see how. Is it possible, or would I have to write some hoc code to do this?

Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Using IClamp as an input for an artificial spiking neuron

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 1:08 pm
by ted
NEURON's artificial spiking cells are not implemented with sections. They have neither membrane nor membrane potential, and point processes cannot be attached to them. The only way they can communicate with other things is by sending or receiving events.

If you need a source of events to drive an artificial spiking cell, use a NetStim, or else use the NetCon class's event() method, perhaps in conjunction with an FInitializeHandler to load the NetCon's event queue at initialization. You can read about these things in the Programmer's Reference; to see an example of the use of NetCon.event and FInitializeHandler, look here:
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1327&p=4615&hilit= ... dler#p4615

Re: Using IClamp as an input for an artificial spiking neuron

Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 9:31 am
by Doomantra
That makes sense, thanks Ted.