eXtensible Instrument Processing Protocol (XIPP): A Real-Time Signal Processing Framework for Neural Interfaces

Abstract

There are many commercially available neural data acquisition systems, and all of them use proprietary data formats for internal communication and file storage. This can make it difficult for researchers to develop open, non-proprietary interface and control systems that must access neural data in real time. In this paper, we present a novel packet-based protocol for description and configuration of an array of signal processing instruments, software modules that run on these processors, physical and logical connections, and management of binary data streams between system elements and external devices. This protocol is being prepared as an open industry standard, along with supporting open source software libraries and tools