Commutator
Hardware
Rotary connector that prevents cable twisting during freely moving recordings by allowing continuous rotation.
A commutator (also called a slip ring or swivel) is a rotary electrical connector that prevents cable twisting during freely moving recordings by allowing continuous 360° rotation.
Why it matters: In chronic freely moving experiments, animals turn and move continuously. Without a commutator, the cable between the headstage and DAQ system would twist, eventually breaking connections or exerting torque on the implant.
Types: Passive (mechanical slip rings) and active/motorized (servo-controlled rotation that tracks the animal's turning, reducing torque to near zero).
NeuroNexus products: The Alpha commutator provides motorized, zero-torque cable management for freely moving neural recordings.