Manufacturer

630 Komas Drive | Suite 200

Salt Lake City | UT 84108 | USA
P +1 (801) 582-5533 | F +1 (801) 582-1509
www.blackrockmicro.com

Cerebus
Instructions for Use

Revision 16.00 / LB-0028 – Cerebus IFU – 2021/06

© 2021 Blackrock Microsystems, LLC
Table of Contents
What this Manual Covers ...................................................... 4
Packing Contents ............................................................................. 4
Host PC Requirements .................................................................... 4
Setup Overview ............................................................................... 5
Intended Use and Indications for Use ................................... 5
Contraindications, Warnings, and Precautions ..................... 6
Warnings .......................................................................................... 6
Precautions ...................................................................................... 6
Symbols ............................................................................... 7
Specifications ................................................................... 10
Neural Signal Processor ................................................................ 10
Digital Hub ..................................................................................... 11
Cerebus System Hardware ................................................. 12
Digital Hub 128 .............................................................................. 13
Status LEDs ................................................................................ 13
Power .......................................................................................... 14
Fast Settle ................................................................................... 14
Digital Inputs ............................................................................... 14
Patient Ground ............................................................................ 14
Fiber Optic Link ........................................................................... 14
CerePlexTM Digital Headstages ..................................................... 14
Neural Signal Processor (NSP) .......................................... 15
NSP Front Panel ............................................................................ 16
NSP Back Panel ............................................................................ 17
Quick Setup Guide .............................................................. 19
Setting up the Digital Cerebus System .......................................... 19
Setting up the Ethernet Link .......................................................... 19

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 Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 21
The NSP is stuck in the initializing step. ..................................... 21
How can I update the Cerebus firmware on the NSP to the latest
version? ....................................................................................... 21
To install Central Windows Suite: ............................................... 21
The fiber optic LED indicator is illuminating yellow or red. .......... 22
The source status LED on Digital Hub is illuminating yellow or red.
.................................................................................................... 23
The Central application fails to start. ........................................... 23
Return Merchandise Authorization...................................... 24
Warranty ............................................................................. 25
Support ............................................................................... 25
Complaints ..................................................................................... 25

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What this Manual Covers
The Blackrock Cerebus Neural Processing System supports recording, processing and
displaying bio-potential signals from various types of electrodes. Bio-potential signals
may include Electrocorticography (ECoG), electroencephalography (EEG),
electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), electrooculography (EOC), action
potentials (AP), and evoked potentials (EP).
The Cerebus System records and processes neural signals from up to 256 surface or
penetrating electrodes in addition to auxiliary analog signals and digital experimental
events. Multiple systems can be synchronized to achieve higher input channel counts.
The system can perform real-time signal processing algorithms including noise
cancellation, digital filtering, simultaneous extraction of spike and field potentials, manual
and automatic online spike sorting. Functionality can be further increased with custom
user-defined scripts.
The Cerebus System includes a Digital Hub. The Digital Hub allows the Cerebus System
to be used with CerePlex™ digital headstages which digitize and multiplex neural
signals to reduce lead wire size and noise acquisition.

Packing Contents
The Cerebus System is shipped with components listed below. The exact type
and quantity of the components can vary depending on the Cerebus model, line
voltage (110v or 220v), and total input channel count.
• Neural Signal Processor (NSP) and rubber feet
• Rack mounting ears and screws
• Digital Hub 128 and isolated power supply
• Alligator clip to touch proof ground cable
• Power cables and connectors
• Crossover Ethernet cable
• Cerebus user’s manual & Central Suite software installation CD

Host PC Requirements
The recommended specifications for a Cerebus System host PC are mentioned
below.
• Microsoft Windows 10 professional
• Intel Core i-series processor
• 8 GB RAM
• 250 GB SSD for operating system
• Separate SSD for data storage
• Discrete video/graphics card
• 2 gigabit Ethernet Ports
A Host PC that is configured and tested by our engineers is available. Please
contact [email protected] for more information.

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 Setup Overview
The following diagrams depict overall views of how the Cerebus is integrated
within a typical laboratory environment. The experiment subject area is both
electrically and optically isolated from the experiment operation and control area.
The neural signals are digitized by the CerePlex digital headstages before they
enter the Digital Hub. The Digital Hub is responsible for converting the digitized
signals into fiber optic data and transferring them to the processor via a fiber
optic link.
The figure below (lower panel) also depicts a simplified flowchart to describe the
signal processing stages that take place inside the Cerebus system. The signals
on both the electrode and reference wire are initially buffered using unity gain
amplifiers. The buffered signals then enter a differential amplifier which subtracts
the neural signal from the reference to suppress common noise and achieve a
bipolar recording. The resultant signal then goes through the gain and filtering
stage. The amplified signal is then digitized, converted to fiber optic signal, and
transferred to the processor for further analysis, display or storage.

Intended Use and Indications for Use

The Blackrock Cerebus Neural Processing System supports recording, processing and
displaying bio-potential signals from various types of electrodes. Bio-potential signals
may include Electrocorticography (ECoG), electroencephalography (EEG),
electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), electrooculography (EOC), action
potentials (AP), and evoked potentials (EP).

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Contraindications, Warnings, and
Precautions
Warnings
• Read this entire manual prior to using the device.
• A thorough understanding of the technical principles and risks associated
with electrophysiological recording is necessary before using this product.
• Always operate the Cerebus System in a clean environment.
• Only connect Cerebus System components to properly tested, grounded
and dedicated AC outlets using only the Blackrock provided power cable
to reduce the risk of electrical shock or malfunction of product. Do not use
an adapter for ungrounded wall outlets.
• Do not connect the Cerebus System to an outlet controlled by a wall
switch, multiple socket-outlet or extension cord to avoid fires or other
electrical hazards.
• Do not use the Cerebus System in the presence of flammable anesthetic
agents.
• Do not use the Cerebus System for any use other than its listed intended
use.
• Avoid strong static discharges from sources like televisions or computer
monitors because it can damage the electrical components of the system.
• Keep the Cerebus System away from liquids. Contact with water, shower
spray, or wet surfaces can lead to the patient receiving an electrical
shock.
• Connection of external instruments may compromise electrical safety
compliance with IEC 60601-1.
• The Cerebus System should be disconnected from any electrodes during
cardiac defibrillation.
• The conductive parts of electrodes and their connectors, including neural
electrodes, should not contact other conductive parts including earth.
• Place the Cerebus system in a secure location.
• Avoid tripping on cords connected to the Cerebus system.
• Repair or maintenance is not allowed during equipment operation.
• Only plug in Blackrock approved equipment into the Cerebus system.
• Do not connect the computer hosting the Central software to the internet.
• Do not turn on the digital hub until connections have been made between
the patient and the hub.

Precautions
• Follow the restrictions of use for third party electrodes or arrays.
• Third party recording or control systems connecting to the Cerebus
System and components must be electrically isolated for subject safety.
• Note that the fiber-optic cable is very delicate. Do not bend it (bend radius
of 5.0 cm) or crush it.

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Symbols
ISO 15223-1:2016 Medical Devices – Symbols to Be Used with Medical Device Labels,
Labeling, and Information to Be Supplied

Reference Symbol Title Meaning

5.1.1 Manufacturer Indicates the medical device

manufacturer.

5.1.3 Date of Indicates date of manufacture and is

Manufacture accompanied by a date.

5.1.4 Use-by Date Indicates the date after which the

medical device is not to be used.

5.1.6 Catalog Number Indicates the manufacturer’s catalog

number so that the device may be
identified. For Blackrock
Microsystems it is called the Part
Number (PN).

5.1.7 Serial Number Indicates the manufacturer’s serial

number so that a specific medical
device can be identified.

5.2.3 Sterilized Using Indicates that the device has been

Ethylene Oxide sterilized using ethylene oxide.

5.2.6 Do Not Reuse Indicates a medical device that is

intended for one use, or for use on a
single patient during a single
procedure.

5.2.8 Do Not Use if Indicates that a medical device

Package is should not be used if the package
Damaged has been damaged or opened.

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 ISO 15223-1:2016 Medical Devices – Symbols to Be Used with Medical Device Labels,
Labeling, and Information to Be Supplied

Reference Symbol Title Meaning

5.4.3 Consult Indicates the need for the user to

Instructions for consult the instructions for use, which
Use you are currently reading.

5.4.4 Caution Indicates the need for the user to

consult the instructions for use for
important cautionary information such
as warning and precautions that
cannot, for a variety of reasons, be
presented on the medical device
itself.

IEC 60417:2002 DB Graphical Symbols for Use on Equipment

Reference Symbol Title Meaning

5007 On (Power) To indicate connection to the mains,

| at least for mains switches or their
positions, and all those cases where
safety is involved.

5008 Off (Power) To indicate disconnection from the

mains, at least for mains switches or
their positions, and all those cases
where safety is involved.

5009 Standby (Power) To identify the switch or switch

position by means of which part of
the equipment is switched on in order
to bring it into the stand-by condition,
and to identify the control to shift to or
to indicate the state of low power
consumption.

5019 Protective Earth To identify any terminal which is

Ground intended for connection to an
external conductor for protection
against electric shock in case of a
fault, or the terminal of a protective
earth (ground) electrode.

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 IEC 60417:2002 DB Graphical Symbols for Use on Equipment

Reference Symbol Title Meaning

5021 Equipotentiality To identify the terminals which, when

Connector connected together, bring the various
parts of an equipment or of a system
to the same potential, not necessarily
being the earth (ground) potential,
e.g. for local bonding.

5036 Dangerous To indicate hazards arising from

Voltage dangerous voltages.

5333 Type BF Applied To identify a type BF applied part

Part complying with IEC 60601-1.

IEC 60101-1:2012 Medical Electrical Equipment: Basic Safety and Essential Performance

Reference Symbol Title Meaning

0102 Danger of Danger of Electrostatic Discharge

Electrostatic
Discharge

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 Specifications
Neural Signal Processor
Model Name NeuroPort Neural Signal Processor

Neural Signal Inputs Up to 256

Sampling Rate 30,000 Hz

Analog Inputs Sixteen ±5 V, 16-bit inputs for experiment or neural signal processing

Digital IO One 16-bit input port (DB-37) with Word and Packet Strobe control lines.
One RS232 I/O port (DB-9) with
115k baud input and output.
Four single-bit digital outputs (BNC) with programmable monitoring functions.
One TTL output (BNC) sampling synchronization output port.

Analog Outputs Four ±5 V, 600 ohm, 16-bit outputs

Audio Outputs Two ± 1.5 V line-level outputs

PC Interface 1 Gbps Ethernet

Power Requirements 110 VAC 60 Hz 6.0 A / 240 VAC 50 Hz 3.0 A

Line Noise Serviceable Fuses 5 x 20mm, 250V, 1.6A, Slow Blow

Compliance Standards IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-26, CSA listed

Type of Protection Against Electric Class I

Shock

Degree of Protection Type BF Applied Part

Mode of Operation Continuous

Ingress Protection Ordinary Equipment, not fluid resistant, IPX0

Operating Environment 10˚C to 35˚C, 5 to 85% R.H. (non-condensing)

Storage Environment -20˚C to 50˚C, 5 to 95% R.H. (non-condensing)

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 Digital Hub
Model Name Digital Hub

Power Requirements 100-240V 50/60 Hz, 1.5 A

Sampling Frequency 48 MHz or 66 MHz

Mode of Operation Continuous

Input Protocol Low-voltage differential signaling

Ingress Protection Ordinary Equipment, not fluid resistant, IP20

Operating Environment 10˚C to 40˚C, 5 to 95% R.H. (non-condensing)

Storage Environment -20˚C to 50˚C, 5 to 100% R.H. (non-condensing)

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Cerebus System Hardware
The Digital Cerebus System is compatible with the whole family of the Blackrock
CerePlex digital headstages. Blackrock digital headstages enable low noise
transmission in a minimally invasive package. The output of the CerePlex digital
headstages are multiplexed, meaning that only a reduced set of wires are needed to
transmit the already digitized data from all the input channels. The following block
diagram depicts the different components and their roles within a Digital Cerebus
System.

Simplified block diagram showing different components of the Digital Cerebus and their
intended function within the system.

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 Digital Hub 128
The Blackrock Digital Hub provides an interface between the NSP and CerePlex
digital headstages. The Digital Hub converts digital signal to an optic-digital
format which is sent directly to the NSP. This dramatically reduces the noise
introduced to the signal during transmission. The Digital Hub can handle many
possible configurations when it is connected to multiple CerePlex digital
headstages provided that the total number of channels does not exceed
maximum 128 channels.
The Blackrock Digital Hub has several possible configurations which arise from
its ability to transmit 128 channels of data. For instance, the Digital Hub can be
used with:
• Four 32-channel CerePlex M headstages
• Two 64-channel CerePlex M headstages
• One 32-channel and one 96-channel CerePlex M headstage
• One CerePlex E

Status LEDs

Front (top) and Back (bottom) of the Digital Hub

Status LEDs
There are six LED’s on the Digital Hub which can give the user
information about the device status. If the Digital Hub is powered
(plugged in) the “Power” LED will be blue as in Fig 3-1. If the fiber-optic
connection between the NSP and the Digital Hub is present, the “Fiber
Optic Data Link” LED will be green (otherwise yellow). Finally, LED’s 1-4
show the source status of the incoming data streams. If the LED is green
for an input (such as inputs 1 & 3 in Fig 3-1) the Digital Hub is receiving
data from a CerePlex correctly. If the LED is yellow (such as show in
input 2 in Fig 3-2) data is not being transmitted to the Digital Hub
correctly. If the input LED is not lit (such as shown in input 4 Fig 3-1)
there is either no data being received or the HDMI cable is not plugged
into the input slot.

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 Power
The Digital Hub is powered by a medical grade power supply that is
included as part of the Digital Hub packaging. The blue LED labeled
“Power” will light up when the external power supply is connected to the
unit and turned on. Note that the hub should not be turned on until after
connections to the headstage and subject are made.

Fast Settle
The fast settle input connector is located on the back panel of the Digital
Hub. This connector is tied to each of the four HDMI inputs. The signal
fed into the BNC connector is passed through the system to pin 14 on the
HDMI connector, providing a fast settle signal to the attached digital
headstage(s).

Digital Inputs
The Digital Hub is designed so that input one has the highest priority,
then input two, and so forth. This means that if two 96 channel CerePlex
M’s are connected, in inputs two and three respectively, input two will
send the entire 96 channels to the Neural Signal Processor (NSP) but
input three will send only the first 32 channels to the NSP. The Digital
Hub will always send the first 128 channels to the NSP in this way, unless
there are less than 128 channels in which case it will send all channels.
The HDMI connector pin-out is shown in Figure 3-2 below.

Patient Ground
This connector is located on the back panel of the Digital Hub and is
labeled as “GND.” This is the patient ground connector if needed for a
reference ground.

Fiber Optic Link

This connector is located on the back panel of the Digital Hub and
provides a connection to the Blackrock Neural Signal Processor via a
fiber optic cable.

CerePlexTM Digital Headstages

Blackrock Microsystems manufactures a range of different models of CerePlex
digital headstages which are characterized by their low noise, light weight and
small physical profile. These headstages are all compatible with the Digital Hub
128. For more detailed information on each type of the headstage please refer to
www.blackrockmicro.com.

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Neural Signal Processor (NSP)
The NSP is a real-time processor of the Cerebus System which performs all the digital
processing, including filtering, spike extraction, spike sorting, and so on. The NSP is
built upon a real-time Linux system capable of onboard closed loop processing and rapid
data transmission to the Host PC through Ethernet UDP protocol. The NSP has multiple
auxiliary analog and digital inputs and outputs that can be programmed through the
Cerebus Central Software Suite or one of the supplied Software Development Kits
(SDKs). The NSP can also perform real-time closed loop analysis via the Extension
Code user-developed applications and communicate the results via the auxiliary ports to
third-party equipment or via the Ethernet link to the host PC. Multiple NSPs may also be
synchronized for recording signals from more electrodes.
The hardware and architecture inside the NSP are both periodically optimized to improve
the overall performance and reliability of the system. Blackrock Microsystems has so far
released four different versions of the NSP mentioned below:
• NSP 1.0 (Part number 4176)
• NSP 1.5 (Part number 7530)
• NSP 1.75 (Part number 9650)
• NSP 2.0 (Part number 10411)
NSP 1.0 architecture was based on an Intel® Pentium 4 processor. The processor in the
NSP 1.5 was upgraded to multi-core Intel® i7 technology. The mentioned upgrade
provides users with the NSP versions 1.5 and above an option to directly upload their
custom-built software into the NSP for real-time execution via the Blackrock’s Extension
Software package. For detailed information about Extension software and example
application notes, please refer to www.blackrockmicro.com .
NSP 2.0 is equipped with an additional fiber optic input link therefore it can receive and
process 256 channels of neural data simultaneously. All previous versions of the NSP
can handle maximum 128 channels via a single fiber optic link.

Front side of the NSP 1.75 showing the power switch (1), LCD display (2), analog inputs (3), digital
inputs (4), serial I/O (5), analog outputs (6), audio outputs (7), digital outputs (8), and sync port (9).

Note: The fiber optic link input connector has been relocated to the back panel in NSP versions
1.75 and above. The location of this port was previously under the sync port on the front panel.

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The available input and output connection ports on the NSP are detailed in the following
sections.

NSP Front Panel

The front panel of the NSP (see picture above) consists of the following input and
output ports:
1. Power switch:
The power switch turns the NSP on and off. The LED above the switch
will illuminate when the unit is on.
2. LCD Display:
The LCD displays the current operating status of the unit. The statuses
include “Initializing”, “NSP Startup”, “NSP Running”, “NSP Standby”, and
“Synchronized”.
3. Analog Inputs:
Auxiliary analog signals can be recorded through 16 BNC ports. The
analog source may range ±5.0 V and should come from a source
impedance of less than 100 Ω. The coupling of each input channel can
be manually selected in the software. By default, channels 1-8 are AC-
coupled and channels 9-16 are DC-coupled.
4. Digital Input:
Digital events can be recorded through the 16-bit DB37 input port. The
pinout is shown below. DS is a digital strobe pin. D0-15 are data pins.
EOP is reserved. SYNC is an output pin and can be used with external
equipment to indicate when the port is scanned. Input range is 0V-5V TTL
levels. The port is polled every 1/30000 of a second. Strobed data is
buffered up to 10 strobes per 1/30000 of a second and is latched on the
rising edge of the DS pin.

Digital input pin diagram.

5. Serial I/O:
The port is an RS232 DB9 digital input/output port. The pin diagram is
shown below. Currently, the NSP firmware software only supports this
port as an input.
Pin 2 is “Receive Data”, pin 3 is “Transmit Data”, and pin 5 is “Ground”.

Serial I/O pin diagram.

The configuration of the port is: Baud rate: 115200, Data bits: 8, Parity:
none, Stop bits: 1, Flow control: disabled.

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 6. Analog Outputs:
Four ±5.0 V analog output BNC connectors can be used to send
monitoring signals or stimulus waveforms to other connectors.
7. Audio Output:
The system sends a ±1.5 V line-level audio signal of the selected data
channel to two BNC ports and one 3.5mm female stereo audio connector
simultaneously.
8. Digital Outputs:
Four single-bit digital BNC outputs can be programmed for monitoring or
timing functions. These ports can be setup to send a TTL signal if spike
activity is detected on any channel. They can also be configured to output
a digital pulse train at a user-defined frequency and duty cycle. Digital
Output 1 can also be used for syncing external equipment by sending a
unique pulse every 14 seconds. The entire sync pattern will repeat every
hour. See the Central Software Suite User Manual for more details.
9. Sync Port:
A synchronization pulse can be set as an optional line to inform external
equipment when the NSP neural signal inputs and front panel ports are
scanned. It is active on the rising edge of the signal.

NSP Back Panel

The back panel of the NSP includes the following ports and connectors:
1. Line Noise Cancellation Port:
On NSP 1.5 and higher versions, the adaptive line noise cancellation port
is separated from the NSP’s main power input connector. To use the
adaptive line noise cancellation, plug a standard power cable into this port
and enable the feature in software as described in the Central Software
Suite User Manual which is available for download from the Blackrock
Microsystems website.
2. Synchronization Port:
This DB9 port is located on the back of the NSP and it is used to
synchronize two or more NSPs. Once the sync cable (Blackrock PN
5584) is properly connected between NSPs, they will automatically
synchronize. Some older NSP models may not have this port. To add
synchronization capability to your NSP, please contact Blackrock
Microsystems at [email protected].
3. Fiber Optic Link:
This port connects to the Digital Hub using a fiber optic cable. A LED to
the right of the connector turns green when an optical link is established
and, in the newest model of the Neural Signal Processor (NSP 2.0 and
above) turns yellow when the link is broken. Older models of the device
have a red LED when the link is broken. The Fiber Optic connector is
located on the front side in NSP models 1.5 and 1.0. The NSP 2.0 is
equipped with an additional fiber optic input connector which enables the
NSP 2.0 to communicate with more than one Digital Hub.

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 NSP 1.0

NSP 1.5

NSP 1.75

NSP 2.0

Back panel view of different versions of NSP showing the adaptive Line Noise Cancellation plug
(10), Synchronization Port (11), and the Fiber Optic input connector(s) (12).

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Quick Setup Guide
Setting up the Digital Cerebus System
1. Remove the NSP, Digital Hub and Digital Hub’s power supply from the
shipping boxes.
2. Attach the NSP rack-mount brackets to install it in an equipment rack, or
rubber feet to place it on a table.
3. Plug in the NSP and the Hub power supply to electrical outlets.
4. Connect the power supply to the Digital Hub.
5. Connect one end of the fiber-optic cable to the NSP and the other end to
the Digital Hub.
6. Turn on the NSP, then the Digital Hub.
7. If available, connect a CerePlex headstage to the Digital Hub via an
appropriate HDMI cable.
8. The LEDs on the Hub and the NSP should turn green if everything is
connected properly.

Setting up the Ethernet Link

The network interface card on the Host PC needs to be configured as follows for
connecting the Host PC to the NSP:
1. In Windows click on Start and search for “View Network Connections”.
2. Right click on the correct Ethernet Adaptor (usually, Local Area
Connection) and click on Properties.
3. Uncheck all services except for Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or Internet
Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4. Click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties
5. For IP Address enter 192.168.137.1, for Subnet Mask enter
255.255.255.0 and leave the rest blank.
6. Click on OK to save changes.
Up to 16 PCs can be connected to the same NSP using a business class 1-Gbps
network switch. For other PCs connected using a network switch, IP addresses
should increment, such as 192.168.137.2, 192.168.137.3, etc. The NSP’s IP
address is currently fixed at 192.168.137.128.

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 Setting the network properties on the Host PC.

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 Troubleshooting
For latest troubleshooting articles please visit support.blackrockmicro.com and
click on the Knowledge Base. Below you can find more information on some of
the commonly asked questions.

The NSP is stuck in the initializing step.

In this case, the NSP does not boot up correctly after being turned on and
“Initializing Step 2” is displayed on the LCD panel.
Potential cause:
• Internal boards dislodged from their slots on the motherboard.
• Loose internal cables and connectors.
• Other hardware error on the motherboard.
Troubleshooting:
Please contact support for detailed troubleshooting instructions. If that
doesn’t fix the problem then the NSP must be sent back as RMA for
further inspections.

How can I update the Cerebus firmware on

the NSP to the latest version?
If your current NSP firmware which is normally displayed on the NSP's
LCD panel is below version 4.00 do not perform this upgrade and contact
support for more information. Otherwise, follow every step of these
instructions and read all the notes.
To install the firmware:
1. Download the latest Firmware for the NSP from our website:
http://blackrockmicro.com/technical-support/software-downloads/
2. Turn the NSP on.
3. Wait for the NSP to go through initialization. Once the NSP says
"NSP Startup" then it is ready.
4. Double click on the UpdateNSPFirmware file you downloaded in
step 1.
5. Click on Setup.
6. Press "y" and then hit enter.
7. Wait for the upgrade to finish. This may take about a minute. Do
not turn off the NSP during programming.
8. Press any key to exit the update utility and to restart the NSP.

To install Central Windows Suite:

1. Before installing the new software, the old version of Central
needs to be uninstalled. Click on Start and navigate to Control
Panel. Click on start, type "uninstall a program". Click on "Uninstall
a Program". Find Central Windows Suite, right click on it and click
on Uninstall.
2. Download the latest Central Windows Suite from our website:
http://blackrockmicro.com/technical-support/software-downloads/

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 3. Run the Installer and follow the instructions to finish the
installation.
4. A shortcut will be placed on the desktop.
Some additional notes about upgrading the firmware:
• The windows firewall may prevent the firmware programmer to
communicate with the NSP. Disable the windows firewall
temporary before running the downloaded UpdateNSPFirmware
file. To disable the windows firewall:
• Press Windows Start and type “Windows Firewall” in
search area.
• Select the “Windows Firewall with Advanced Security”.
• Click on the “Windows Firewall Properties” in the main
“Overview” window.
• Turn off the firewall under all the Doman / Private / Public
tabs.
• Press OK
• After the Firmware is updated then turn the firewall back
on.
• The Firmware installer can only communicate with the NSP
attached to the ethernet port with 192.168.137.1-16 IP address
block. So if there are multiple NSPs connected to a single host
PC, then the firmware update procedure must be performed
individually by connecting each NSP to the Ethernet port with
mentioned IP address.
• In case the firmware upgrade process is disrupted during the
programming, then simply repeat the installation process from the
beginning.

The fiber optic LED indicator is illuminating

yellow or red.
Potential causes:
• The Digital Hub is powered off or there are issues in its power
supply.
• Fiber optic cable is not properly connected on both ends.
• The fiber optic cable or its connector are damaged.
• Hardware error to the NSP or the Digital Hub.
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Make sure that the Digital Hub is powered on.
2. Check whether the fiber optic cable is properly connected.
3. Also check for any visible damage to fiber optic cable or the
connector.
4. In case none of above recommendations could solve the problem,
contact support for additional instructions.

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 The source status LED on Digital Hub is
illuminating yellow or red.
Source Status LED is red signifying that the Digital Hub is receiving
invalid data from the Digital Headstage. If the LED is off it signifies that
the Digital Hub is not receiving or not processing data from that bank.
Possible causes:
• LED can become yellow/red if there is a bad connection between
the CerePlex Headstage and Digital Hub or if the data packets are
not valid.
• A turned off LED means that no Headstage is plugged into that
bank, or that the Digital Hub is already processing a full 128
channels from higher priority banks.
Troubleshooting steps:
1. For no LED problem, check the HDMI cables and ensure they are
properly plugged into both the Headstage and the Digital Hub .
Also ensure that not more than 128 Channels are plugged into the
higher priority banks. Bank A is the highest priority and Bank D the
lowest.
2. For the yellow/red LED error, check the connectors on both the
Digital Hub and the Headstage to ensure that there is no damage
and that the connectors are not pulling out. Unplug the Headstage
and plug it back in to reset it and see if it syncs back up.
3. Upon plugging in a CerePlex headstage to Digital Hub, the status
LED will briefly flash yellow/red to verify that it is working. This will
allow users to be confident that if there is a problem they will be
alerted. If the Headstage LED does not initially turn yellow/red or if
the LED remains yellow/red contact Blackrock support.

The Central application fails to start.

Central Suite application fails to start with “The system is initializing…”
pop-up message.
Potential causes:
• The NSP is not turned on.
• Problems with the NSP network connection:
• Disconnected or a bad ethernet cable.
• Problems with the IP address or other network settings.
• Firmware or Hardware issues on the NSP.
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Check whether the NSP is powered on with the Firmware version
visible on the and the ethernet settings.

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Return Merchandise Authorization
In the event of a returned material authorization (RMA) or complaint, please provide the
product description, product number, lot number, person requesting the RMA or
complaint and address, and the nature of the RMA and complaint.
In the unlikely event that your device needs to be returned to Blackrock for repair or
maintenance, do not send any equipment back without a Return Merchandise
Authorization Number (RMA). An RMA number will be issued to you by a Blackrock
representative. If you need to obtain an RMA number, you may contact a product
support representative at +1 (801) 582 5533 or by emailing
[email protected].
Once an RMA number has been issued, it is important to safely pack the returned item
for shipping back to Blackrock. It is preferred that you save the original boxes and
packing materials that your system arrived in for return shipment. Please address the
package as follows:

Blackrock Microsystems, LLC

ATTN: RMA#
630 S. Komas Dr., Suite 200
Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA
Tel: +1 (801) 582-5533

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© 2021 Blackrock Microsystems, LLC
Warranty
Blackrock Microsystems (“Blackrock”) warrants that its products are free from defects in
materials and manufacturing for a period of one year from the date of shipment. At its
option, Blackrock will repair or replace any product that does not comply with this
warranty. This warranty is voided by: (1) any modification or attempted modification to
the product performed by anyone other than an authorized Blackrock employee; (2) any
abuse, negligent handling or misapplication of the product; or (3) any sale or other
transfer of the product by the original purchaser.
Except for the warranty set forth in the preceding paragraph, Blackrock provides no
warranties of any kind, either express or implied, by fact or law, and hereby disclaims all
other warranties, including without limitation the implied warranties of merchantability,
fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement of third-party patent or other
intellectual property rights.
Blackrock shall not be liable for special, indirect, incidental, punitive, exemplary or
consequential damages (including without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use,
loss of profits, interruption or loss of business or other economic loss) arising out of non-
compliance with any warranty. Blackrock’s entire liability shall be limited to providing the
remedy set forth in the previous paragraph.

Support
This section contains support contact information. This should guide users to the support
section on the Blackrock website as well. This section doesn’t typically change, so an
example is shown below. This should, under normal circumstances, be on the same
page as Warranty. If it cannot fit, it should start on a new page.
“Blackrock prides itself in its customer support. For additional information on this product
or any of our products, you can contact our Support team through the contact
information below:

Manuals, Software Downloads, and Application Notes

www.blackrockmicro.com/technical-support

Complaints
When filing a complaint, please provide the product description, product number,
software version, lot number, complainant's name and address, and the nature of
the complaint.
Issues or Questions
www.blackrockmicro.com/technical-support
[email protected]
U.S.: +1 (801) 582-5533

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© 2021 Blackrock Microsystems, LLC