XClock - Synchronizing eXperimental Clocks

XClock Logo

XClock is a Python package designed to help synchronize data acquisition clocks in experimental setups, particularly for neuroscience and behavioral experiments. It provides tools to generate precise clock signals using various data acquisition (DAQ) devices.

Note

This Python project is not the clock for the original X Window System.

Python Tests

Key Features

  • Multiple Synchronized Clocks: Output multiple clock frequencies simultaneously, all synchronized to the same internal clock source to ensure precise timing alignment

  • Timestamp Recording: Record the timestamps of clock pulses relative to the internal DAQ device clock

  • Flexible Control: Use as a Python library or command-line tool

  • Device Support: Currently supports LabJack T4 with easy extension for other devices

  • Trigger Support: Start clocks on external trigger signals

  • Pulsed or Continuous: Generate a specific number of pulses or run continuously

Use Cases

The generated output pulses can be used to:

  • Trigger and synchronize industrial cameras used for behavioral monitoring

  • Synchronize two-photon imaging systems

  • Coordinate multiple data acquisition devices in complex experimental setups

  • Maintain precise timing across distributed experimental equipment

Quick Start

Installation

# Install via pip
pip install git+http://github.com/brain-bremen/XClock.git

# Install via uv (recommended)
uv add git+https://github.com/brain-bremen/XClock.git

Basic Usage

from xclock.devices import LabJackT4

# Create device and add clocks
t4 = LabJackT4()
channels = t4.get_available_output_clock_channels()

# Add 100 Hz clock for 10 seconds
t4.add_clock_channel(
    clock_tick_rate_hz=100,
    channel_name=channels[0],
    duration_s=10.0,
)

# Start and record timestamps
t4.start_clocks_and_record_edge_timestamps(
    wait_for_pulsed_clocks_to_finish=True,
    filename="timestamps.csv"
)

Documentation Contents

User Guide

Developer Guide

Indices and Tables

License

XClock is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.