All about devices in NEST

Guides on using devices in NEST

Stimulate the network

Stimulate the network

Get data from simulation

Record from simulations

List of devices

• ac_generator – Produce an alternating current (AC) input

• correlation_detector – Device for evaluating cross correlation between two spike sources

• correlomatrix_detector – Device for measuring the covariance matrix from several inputs

• correlospinmatrix_detector – Device for measuring the covariance matrix from several inputs

• dc_generator – Provide a direct current (DC) input

• gamma_sup_generator – Simulate the superimposed spike train of a population of gamma processes

• inhomogeneous_poisson_generator – Provides Poisson spike trains at a piecewise constant rate

• mip_generator – Create spike trains as described by the MIP model

• multimeter – Sampling continuous quantities from neurons

• music_cont_in_proxy – A device which receives continuous data from MUSIC

• music_cont_out_proxy – A device which sends continuous data from NEST to MUSIC

• music_event_in_proxy – A device which receives spikes from MUSIC

• music_event_out_proxy – Device to forward spikes to remote applications using MUSIC

• music_message_in_proxy – A device which receives message strings from MUSIC

• music_rate_in_proxy – A device which receives rate data from MUSIC

• music_rate_out_proxy – Device to forward rates to remote applications using MUSIC

• noise_generator – Generate a Gaussian white noise current

• poisson_generator – Generate spikes with Poisson process statistics

• poisson_generator_ps – Simulated neuron firing with Poisson process statistics - precise spike timing version with arbitrary dead times

• ppd_sup_generator – Simulate the superimposed spike train of a population of Poisson processes with dead time

• pulsepacket_generator – Generate sequence of Gaussian pulse packets

• sinusoidal_gamma_generator – Generates sinusoidally modulated gamma spike trains

• sinusoidal_poisson_generator – Generate sinusoidally modulated Poisson spike trains

• spike_dilutor – Repeat incoming spikes with a certain probability

• spike_generator – Generate spikes from an array with spike-times

• spike_recorder – Collecting spikes from neurons

• spike_train_injector – Neuron that emits prescribed spike trains.

• spin_detector – Device for detecting binary states in neurons

• step_current_generator – Provide a piecewise constant DC input current

• step_rate_generator – Provide a piecewise constant input rate

• volume_transmitter – Support node for neuromodulated synaptic plasticity

• weight_recorder – Recording weights from synapses

Naming conventions for devices

A device name should represent its physical counterpart - like a multimeter is multimeter. In general, the term recorder is used for devices that store the output (e.g., spike times or synaptic strengths over time) of other nodes and make it accessible to the user. The term generator is used for devices that provide input into the simulation.