This refresher course re-introduces you to the range of basic electronics concepts that are used in neurophysiology.  This is an advance on the basic physics principles covered in the Refresher Physics course and allows further understanding of the operation of the recording equipment. 

Calibration of the recording equipment is essential to ensure the apparatus is functioning to optimal performance.  We check the sensitivity, filters, time base, noise level, damping, alignment and impedance of the recording apparatus to name a few.  The electronic components are what govern these parameters of the recording equipment.

A summary of the content is given below:

• resistance and impedance
• series and parallel circuits
• batteries
• capacitors and time constants
• alternating current and transformers

The more specific areas from the ANSA Competency Statements are listed below.

ANSA Inc EEG Competency Statements

Core Knowledge

• Identify and explain the implication and use of frequency filters
• Identify the recording parameters and how they differ from display parameters including sensitivity and filters
• Explain the measurement of impedance 
• Identify the importance of equal and low impedances in electrode application

Preparation

• Perform routine maintenance of equipment
• Prepare and check equipment is working according to manufacturer’s specifications. 

Equipment

• Amplifiers
  • identify and explain the implication and use of frequency filters on the EEG

Recording

• Perform calibration and machine check
  • define the value of the input calibration signal
  • explain the importance and the information provided by the calibration signal including display alignment, sensitivity, linearity, centring, damping, high frequency filters, low frequency filters, time constant, display speed, machine noise