Headstage
Low-noise amplification and signal conditioning electronics positioned close to recording electrodes to maximize signal quality.
A headstage (also called a preamplifier) is a compact electronic module that provides first-stage amplification and signal conditioning for neural signals, positioned as close as possible to the recording electrodes.
Why it matters: Neural signals are extremely small (50–500 µV) and susceptible to noise. By amplifying signals at the source — before they travel through long cables — headstages dramatically improve signal-to-noise ratio and reduce artifacts.
Key specifications: Input noise (typically <2 µV RMS), channel count, gain, bandwidth, digital interface (SPI, LVDS, uHDMI), weight (critical for freely moving experiments), and connector type.
In the signal chain: Headstages sit between the probe package connector and the data acquisition system (DAQ), forming the second link in the signal chain: probe → package → headstage → DAQ.
See the Neural Recording Chips Guide for details on the semiconductor ASICs embedded in NeuroNexus headstages.