Commutator PRO

2026-08-06

Overview

The Commutator Pro is a high-performance, motorized commutator designed to prevent tether tangling during neuroscience experiments, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted behavioral recordings. It can operate using external power or its integrated, rechargeable lithium battery, offering flexible deployment options. A built-in microprocessor, working in tandem with a rotary magnetic sensor and/ or an external gyroscopic sensor, actively manages cable orientation by automatically counteracting twists.

The system is highly configurable, supporting up to four Neuropixels ports alongside a conventional probe driven by either recording or stim-record headstages, and offers up to nine GPIO channels for user-defined applications. Its adaptable mounting and cable management system, complemented by an optional passthrough channel, enables seamless integration across a wide range of experimental setups—providing robust performance and maximum versatility.

Key Features

① Gyroscopic sensor

• Ideal for seamless behavioral integration, especially in small animal setups. Can be easily adapted.

② Neuropixels & passive probe support

• Supports up to 4 Neuropixels headstage ports. Each headstage supports either 1 Neuropixels 1.0 probe or 2 Neuropixels 2.0 probes.


• Supports simultaneous Neuropixels and passive probe (e.g. electrical stimulation) operation.

③ Integrated sensor cable

• Lightweight (< 1g) and highly flexible 34 AWG wire bundle.


• Compatible with all existing headstage setup.

④ Optional fluidic/fiber passthrough channel

• 5 mm inner diameter channel enables optical fiber or fluidic tubing access during ongoing experiments.

⑤ Low Operation acoustic noise

• 33-35dB. Measured at 30cm away using iPhone 16 Pro (Note: ambient is measured to be 32dB).

⑥ GPIO & PC control

• Up to 9 GPIO lines for custom application.


• Up to 9 GPIO lines for custom application.


• Left/right override via PC or hardware panel.

⑦ Intelligent Battery Management

• System power is supplied through the battery at all times. An onboard controller maintains the battery between 20% and 80% charge to help extend battery lifespan.
• For applications requiring maximum runtime, intelligent battery management can be disabled through the GUI UART Control App, allowing the battery to remain fully charged at 100% capacity.

Model Number

COMP- IH - XH1 - NP1 - PT - B

      Not all combination is possible

Components

NOTE: See Tested Cable Configuration and Compatible Accessories for additional cable length options.

Required Customer Provided Parts

1. Compatible power source

USB Power Brick supplying 5V, 1A or AC Power Supply: 20V 1A ; 2.5mm jack (5525)

2. USB-C charging cable, if applicable

Dimension and Weight

Weight ~825g

unit: mm

Device Overview

Weight ~0.18g

unit: mm

LED Indicators

The KonteX Commutator Pro features several LED indicators designed to provide real-time visual feedback on device power status, connectivity, control mode, and battery level. Understanding these indicators is essential for proper setup and reliable operation in laboratory environments.

① Power level LED (4-segment green display)

Function: Displays the battery charge level; when charging, the LED shows the charge status and is flashing.

Battery Status Indicators:
Four battery LEDs indicate the approximate remaining battery capacity in 20% increments.

Battery LEDs	Approximate Battery Level
● ○ ○ ○	≥ 20%
● ● ○ ○	≥ 40%
● ● ● ○	≥ 60%
● ● ● ●	≥ 80%

② Power indicator LED (White ring light)

Function: Indicates that adequate power is supplied to the commutator (the motor drive system) when the main ON-OFF toggle button is toggled to ON.

Behavior:

• Solid white: The device is powered and functioning normally.
• Off: The commutator is powered off or not receiving sufficient input voltage.

③ PC connection status LED

Function: Indicates the status of USB-C communication with a host computer.

Behavior:

• Solid light ON: The commutator is connected to a PC and has entered Remote Control Mode. In this mode, Sensitivity and Speed are governed by software settings displayed on the PC interface. Manual knob control on the front panel is overridden.
• Off: No active USB connection or operating in local manual mode (hardware knob control applies).

NOTE: The battery is a consumable component and is not covered under warranty. When it reaches the end of its lifespan—evidenced by rapid charging and immediate shutdown upon disconnecting external power—the device remains fully functional when powered externally. To replace the battery, please return the unit for servicing.

Power Management System

The KonteX Commutator Pro incorporates an intelligent power management system designed to provide stable, uninterrupted operation during long-term freely moving experiments. An onboard battery management controller continuously monitors battery status and charging behavior to optimize system reliability and extend battery service life.
The Commutator Pro operates using a battery-first power architecture, where the internal rechargeable battery serves as the primary power source during normal operation. Even when an external power supply is connected, the system continues to operate from the internal battery while the battery is charged in the background. This architecture ensures consistent motor performance and minimizes electrical disturbances that may affect sensitive electrophysiological recordings.

Power Supply
The Commutator Pro is designed to be powered and charged using the supplied KonteX power adapter, which provides the required voltage and current for reliable system operation and battery charging.
The USB-C interface is dedicated to device communication, firmware updates, and PC control. It is not intended to serve as the primary power source for normal operation.
For optimal performance and charging reliability, KonteX recommends always using the supplied power adapter.

NOTE: Battery level is displayed in 20% increments and represents an approximate state of charge.

Charging Status
When the supplied power adapter is connected and the battery is actively charging, all four battery LEDs flash simultaneously.
When charging is complete or temporarily suspended by the battery management controller, the LEDs stop flashing and return to displaying the current battery level.

Intelligent Battery Management
The Commutator Pro features an onboard Intelligent Battery Management system designed to maximize battery lifespan during continuous laboratory operation.
By default, the battery management controller automatically maintains the battery charge between 20% and 80%. Limiting the charging range helps reduce battery degradation associated with prolonged operation at full charge, making it ideal for systems that remain connected to external power for extended periods.

Default Charging Behavior

Battery Condition	System Behavior
Battery level below 20%	Charging starts automatically
Battery level between 20% and 80%	System operates normally from the internal battery
Battery reaches 80%	Charging stops automatically
Battery level falls below 20% again	Charging resumes automatically

Charge Control Configuration
The charging behavior of the Intelligent Battery Management system can be configured from a host PC using the provided Python control scripts.

Setting	Description
Enable Intelligent Battery Management (Default)	Maintains the battery charge between 20% and 80% to maximize battery lifespan during continuous operation.
Disable Intelligent Battery Management	Allows the battery to charge continuously to 100% capacity for applications requiring maximum operating time.

NOTE: Detailed instructions for PC communication, Python script usage, and charge control commands are provided in the Python Script.

Installing the Commutator Pro

Option 1: Undermount

The Commutator Pro can be securely mounted to a behavior box with 3 set screws that are preattached to the commutator. (See undermount cutout installation sepcification)

Option 2: Camera mount

The Commutator Pro includes a standard 1/4-inch mounting screw socket that is compatible with standard camera mounting accessories. Cost effective camera mounts with articulated arm can be used to easily suspend the Commutator Pro above the recording rig.

Commutator Pro installation diagram

⚠ IMPORTANT: Always ensure the Commutator is mounted level. Installing the Commutator Pro at an angle may lead to increased acoustic noise and accelerated mechanical wear.

Getting Started

Step 1: Powering the commutator

The Commutator Pro can be powered via either the USB-C port or the DC jack. When using the USB-C port—particularly during remote operation under PC control—ensure a stable 5V, 1A power supply, compliant with USB 3.0 or USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) specifications. Powering the device with only 5V, 0.5A (typical of USB 2.0) may result in unreliable performance, including failure to power on or disruptions in motion tracking.

• Battery charging

If your Commutator Pro is equipped with an internal battery (models designated with -B), the battery will begin charging automatically when power is connected. During charging, the front-panel battery level indicator LEDs will flash and illuminate progressively to reflect the current charge level, indicating active charging (see LED Indicators section for details).

Once fully charged, all four power LEDs will remain steadily illuminated. The Commutator Pro is equipped with an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) that prevents overcharging, making it safe to leave the device plugged in during operation.

A full charge takes approximately 7 hours, and under normal operating conditions, the device can run for up to 6-9 hours on a full charge.

Step 2: Connecting to the XDAQ

Use the supplied DAQ cable to connect between a XDAQ headstage port and the appropriate headstage port (Neuropixels or HDMI) of the Commutator Pro.

⚠ IMPORTANT: For Neuropixels, connect the black USB-C connector to the DAQ systems (XDAQ, PXIQBSC, OneBox) and the white connector to the Commutator Pro. Reversing the connector order will cause Neuropixels to be un-detectable.

Step 3: Connecting the headstage cable to the rotating interface

To connect the headstage cable to the Commutator Pro, locate the headstage port(s) positioned on the underside of the device, which serves as the rotating interface of the commutator.

Identify the appropriate port based on the headstage type (HDMI or Neuropixels) as labeled near each connector. Carefully align the headstage cable connector with the corresponding port and insert it straight and firmly until it is securely seated. These ports are designed to maintain a stable connection while allowing continuous rotation during operation.

⚠ IMPORTANT: - Ensure the cable is connected to the correct port.
- Avoid twisting or pulling the cable during installation.
- It is recommended to power off the device before making connections to prevent hardware damage.
Once connected, signal input from the headstage will be routed through the commutator and transmitted to the corresponding output port on the top of the commutator base.

Step 4: Managing excess cable

When connecting the headstage cable to the Commutator Pro, the signal pathway begins at the rotating interface and exits through the fixed-side rotor side ports. After selecting the appropriate rotor side port (e.g., HDMI or Neuropixels), the user may route the cable toward the downstream recording amplifier.
To ensure stable cable handling during rotation and prevent signal artifacts caused by tension or displacement, proper cable management is essential.
Route the cable as illustrated below and securely lock the cable using the integrated screw clips, ensuring that adequate slack is maintained to prevent tension on the headstage connection and to allow smooth rotation of the commutator.

⚠ IMPORTANT: It is important to leave a small amount of slack in the cable to prevent tension that could affect the device's movement and sensitivity.

Step 5: Sensor configuration

The Commutator Pro can be driven using a compatible animal side IMU sensor or the integrated magnetic encoder. Note: the IMU sensor found in the X-Headstage or Intan stock recording headstages is not compatible with the Commutator Pro.

IMU Sensor Models (designated with -I or -IH)

• -I Model:
Connect the integrated IMU sensor cable to the GYRO port on the rotating interface.
• -IH Model:
Disconnect the integrated IMU sensor cable from the GYRO port, if applicable. Connect a custom headstage that includes a compatible and integrated IMU sensor to the HDMI cable.

NOTE: If no compatible headstage is available, connect the integrated IMU sensor cable instead. The device will not function correctly if both custom GYRO headstage and integrated IMU sensor cable are connected.

Magnetic sensor model (designated with -M)

This configuration uses the integrated magnetic encoder located on the rotating interface to detect cable rotation. It eliminates the need for the external IMU sensor. No setup is necessary, proceed to the next step.

Combined GYRO & magnetic sensor model (designated with -MI)

To use IMU sensor as the primary input:
If your Commutator Pro supports both GYRO and magnetic Sensor:


• -IH Model:
Plug the integrated IMU sensor cable into the GYRO port on the rotating interface. When a valid GYRO signal is detected, the magnetic encoder input will be automatically ignored.

To switch to Magnetic encoder sensor:
Disconnect the IMU sensor cable. Release the lock screw securing the cable encoder attached to the magnetic encoder.

NOTE: When using the IMU sensor, ensure the lock screw is fastened to secure the cable encoder in place.

⚠ IMPORTANT: The IMU sensor must be connected to the Commutator PRO before powering on to ensure proper operation.

Step 6: Connecting GPIO

This interface allows users to transmit analog or digital signals from external equipments. The signal enters via the fixed-side GPIO DB9 port and is routed directly to the rotating-side port, enabling seamless integration with devices mounted on the animal.
A pre-assembled cable for accessing the rotating-side GPIO is available for purchase from Digi-Key or Mouser. To locate compatible options, search for 'JST SH' connector (10-pin).

NOTE: GPIO signal can be routed through the HDMI port at the expense of reduction of maximum supported number of headstage channels. Contact us for the customization. Such customization should be done at the time of the order.

Step 7: Connecting to the headstage, setting up IMU sensor and turning on

Connect the headstage cable to the headstage

Attach IMU sensor to the headstage or cable

• Attach the IMU sensor to the headstage or the headstage cable using adhesive or other suitable methods.
• Ensure the sensor is perpendicular to the moving plane and parallel to the cable; do not rotate its orientation.

Power On

Press and hold the power button for one second. The LED indicator will flash three times to confirm the device has successfully powered on.

Press and hold the power button again for one second to power off the device.

⚠ IMPORTANT: The IMU sensor must be connected to the Commutator PRO before powering on to ensure proper operation.

Magnetic Sensor Sensitivity & Speed Controls

When using the KonteX Commutator Pro with magnetic sensor, two physical adjustment knobs labeled Sensitivity and Speed are available on the control panel. These knobs allow users to manually tune the system’s behavior based on the movement profile of the experimental subject.

① Sensitivity knob

Function: Adjusts the magnetic sensor sensitivity (7 increments) of the Hall effect sensor.
Effect: Higher sensitivity increases the system’s responsiveness to small rotational movements of the tether, triggering sensor compensation with less motion input.

Usage scenario:
• Small animals (e.g., mice) or low-activity experiments: Turn the sensitivity knob clockwise to increase responsiveness.
• Large animals or highly active behavior: Reduce sensitivity to avoid overcompensation and motor jitter.

② Speed knob

Function: Controls the rotation amplitude and velocity (7 increments) of the compensating motor in response to detected movement.
Effect: Higher speed settings result in faster and larger motor responses, while lower settings make the compensation gentler and more gradual.

Usage scenario:
• For rapid or vigorous animal movements, increase speed to prevent cable tension buildup.
• For delicate behaviors (e.g., head-fixed setups or fine-motor experiments), reduce speed for smoother operation.

Using the Commutator PRO with Intan or Open Ephys Acquisition Systems

Perspective

uHDMI to RHD adapter
SKU: SAdpt-uHDMI-OM12

uHDMI to RHS Adapter
SKU: SAdpt-uHDMI-OM16

Bottom view

XDAQ to RHD headstage adapter
SKU: SAdpt-XDAQ-OM12

XDAQ to RHS headstage adapter
SKU: SAdpt-XDAQ-OM16

Left & Right Manual Control

The Commutator Pro control panel is equipped with left and right rotation buttons, allowing manual adjustment of the commutator’s rotating end. These controls allow for accurate repositioning with each button press.

-M or -MI model

-I or -IH model

Modular Cable Fixation and Extension Components

The Commutator Pro features a modular design for the lower cable fixation and extension components, allowing configuration changes by removing the mounting screws.

This modularity applies differently depending on the commutator model :

• Except for Models with a Straight (COMP-IH-XH1-NP1-B)
Extension rod is removable and can be replaced with different lengths. The lower cable fixation assembly is secured with M3 screws and can be swapped to accommodate various cable types and experimental needs.

• Passthrough Channel (-PT)
Extension rod is fixed and cannot be replaced. The lower cable fixation assembly remains removable with M3 screws for flexible cable management.

Tested Cable Configuration

For custom cable length configurations, please contact us to discuss customization and validation options.

NOTE: To ensure optimal data transmission, minimize the total cable length between the DAQ, the commutator, and the animal. For custom cable length configurations, please contact us to discuss available options.

PC Interface

The USB-C port on the KonteX Commutator Pro serves as a multi-functional interface for both device configuration / control and power supply.

Configuration and control

Feature	GUI Controls	Description
Machine Status	Status	Requests a status update from the Commutator for diagnostic and troubleshooting purposes.
Motor Speed Control	Speed 100, Speed 150, Speed 200, Speed 250	Adjusts the motor rotation speed used during automatic or manual operation.
Motor Control Method	Method 1, Method 2 (Test)	Selects the motor control algorithm or sensor feedback method used for commutator operation.
Manual Control	PC Control, Turn Value Slider, Turn Value	Provides direct user control of motor rotation for testing, calibration, and troubleshooting purposes.
Enable/Disable USB Data Output	Enable USB Data, Disable USB Data	Enables or disables real-time data transmission through the USB interface for monitoring and external software integration.
Enable/Disable Intelligent Battery Management	Enable iBattery Management, Disable iBattery Management	Controls the battery charge management feature. When enabled, the battery is maintained between 20% and 80% charge to maximize battery lifespan. When disabled, the battery is allowed to charge to 100% capacity.
Track Threshold Setting	Tracking Threshold Slider, Tracking Threshold	Adjusts the IMU/Gyro tracking sensitivity used to trigger automatic motor compensation. Lower values increase responsiveness, while higher values require greater rotational movement before compensation is activated.
Max Motor Run Degree Setting	Motor Max Slider, Motor Max	Sets the maximum rotation angle allowed for each motor compensation event to prevent excessive movement.

The USB-C interface communicates through a dedicated software utility or custom API, enabling integration into automated behavioral or electrophysiological setups.
Battery charging behavior can also be configured through the GUI UART Control App, allowing users to switch between battery life optimization mode (20–80% charge range) and full-charge mode (100% charge).

Charging ports

Firmware Interface and IMU Reference

The Commutator provides real-time device telemetry and configuration control through a USB UART interface. Starting from firmware version 1.2, the system outputs IMU sensor data, motor position information, and system status using a JSON-based communication protocol.，
This interface allows users to monitor device orientation, acceleration, and motor behavior during operation. It also enables configuration of operational parameters such as the Y-axis tilt threshold and telemetry output rate.
The IMU data reported by the firmware follows the coordinate system defined by the onboard Bosch BNO055 sensor.

  • Communication Interface

Parameter	Specification
Interface	USB UART (Virtual COM Port)
Data Format	JSON
Transmission Mode	Continuous streaming
Default Data Rate	20 ms
Command Format	JSON

   Telemetry data is continuously transmitted through the USB interface while the device is operating.

Telemetry Data Output

The Commutator continuously outputs IMU and motor status data in JSON format.

  • Example Data Packet

{ "v":1.2, "tick":1024, "fail":0, "gy_range":5, "mx":180, "ox":12, "oy":-3, "oz":45, "ax":0.12, "ay":-0.03, "az":0.98, "gx":0.02, "gy":-0.01, "gz":1.00 }

  • Telemetry Parameter Description

Parameter	Description	Range
v	Firmware version	-
tick	System time counter	milliseconds
fail	IMU read failure count	≥0
gy_range	Current Y-axis tilt threshold	0–10
mx	Motor position	0–359°
ox	IMU orientation (X axis)	0–359°
oy	IMU orientation (Y axis)	−90–90°
oz	IMU orientation (Z axis)	−180–180°
ax	Acceleration (X axis)	±4 g
ay	Acceleration (Y axis)	±4 g
az	Acceleration (Z axis)	±4 g
gx	Gravity vector (X axis)	±4 g
gy	Gravity vector (Y axis)	±4 g
gz	Gravity vector (Z axis)	±4 g

Undermount Cutout Installation Sepcification

Cutout dimensions diagram  

unit: mm

Pin Map

# of GPIO available always start from left and count to right.

Example, if the Commutator has 3 GPIO, then pin 5, 9 and 4 are available.

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Compatible Accessories

SKU	Description
Headstage
HS-NP1	KonteX Neuropixels 1.0 headstage with JST connector
HS-NP2	KonteX Neuropixels 2.0 headstage with JST connector
X-Headstages	All X-Headstages except X3SR64 (contact us to discuss X3SR64 option)
DAQ Cable
Cable-COMP-1M	Neuropixels DAQ cable (connecting system to the commutator) 1 M (included for NP model)
Cable-COMP-2M	Neuropixels DAQ cable (connecting system to the commutator) 2M
Cable-COMP-Cust	Contact us for custom length option for Neuropixels DAQ cable
Cable-HDMl-80cm	X-Headstage DAQ cable 80cm (included for XH model)
Cable-HDMI-3M	X-Headstage DAQ cable 3M
Headstage Cable
Cable-NP-1M-J	KonteX Neuropixels 34AWG cable 1 M with JST connector for KonteX headstages
Cable-NP-2.5M-J	KonteX Neuropixels 34AWG cable 2.5M with JST connector for KonteX headstages
Cable-NP-5M-J	KonteX Neuropixels 34AWG cable 5M with JST connector for KonteX headstages
Cable-NP-1M-K	KonteX Neuropixels 34AWG cable 1 M with JST connector and Omnetics adapter bundle for IMEC headstage
Cable-NP-2.5 M-K	KonteX Neuropixels 34AWG cable 2.5 M with JST connector and Omnetics adapter bundle for IMEC headstage
Cable-NP-5M-K	KonteX Neuropixels 34AWG cable 5 M with JST connector and Omnetics adapter bundle for IMEC headstage
Cable-HDMl-80cm	80cm HDMI cable for X-Headstages
IMU Cable
Cable-lMU-1M	KonteX Neuropixels 34AWG cable 1 M with JST connector for KonteX headstages
Cable-lMU-2.5M	KonteX Neuropixels 34AWG cable 2.5M with JST connector for KonteX headstages
Cable-lMU-5M	KonteX Neuropixels 34AWG cable 5M with JST connector for KonteX headstages
IMU sensor
HS-IMU	Replacement IMU sensor module (included for -I model)
Adapter
Adpt-NP-J2OM	JST to Omnetics adapter for interfacing IMEC headstages with -J cables
SAdpt-XDAQ-OM12	Animal side commutator adapter for lntan RHD headstage and SPI cable
SAdpt-XDAQ-OM16	Animal side commutator adapter for lntan RHS headstage and SPI cable
SAdpt-uHDMI-OM12	System side commutator adapter for lntan RHD controller
SAdpt-uHDMI-OM16	System side commutator adapter for lntan RHS controller

Model with Passthrough Channel (-PT)

Passthrough channel dimensions diagram

EMI and Signal Integrity Considerations

The Commutator Pro is designed for high-speed data acquisition systems where both power switching and differential signal transmission may coexist within the same experimental setup.
When using high-speed interfaces such as GMSL differential signal lines, users should be aware that electromagnetic interference (EMI) may be introduced due to motor switching operations within the commutator system.
To ensure reliable data transmission, the following guidelines are recommended:

• Maintain adequate physical separation between power-switched cables and high-speed differential signal lines.
• Avoid routing GMSL cables in parallel with motor power lines over long distances.
• Use proper shielding and grounding techniques for all high-speed signal cables.
• Ensure all connectors are fully seated to minimize contact resistance and noise coupling.
• In high-gain or high-sensitivity recording environments, additional cable shielding or routing isolation may be required.

Failure to properly manage cable routing and electromagnetic coupling may result in signal distortion, increased bit error rate, or intermittent data loss during PRBS or serial transmission testing.
This section is intended to assist system integrators in optimizing signal integrity when deploying the Commutator Pro in complex electrophysiological recording environments.

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