A dual-guillotine gate system with passive RFID identification that routes individually identified mice from a social home cage into an automated cognitive training chamber, one at a time.
The airlock sits between the home cage and the existing touchscreen training chamber. A passive RFID antenna wrapped around the tube reads ISO 11784/85 transponders as mice transit. Gate logic enforces single-occupancy access.
45 mm
Tube outer diameter
134.2 kHz
RFID operating frequency
10 - 15 days
Target training time (vs. 5-6 months)
Four integrated subsystems work together to achieve reliable individual identification and access control.
RFID Identification
Priority 1 Design RFIDRW-E-TTL reader paired with a 49 mm companion antenna coil, reading 134.2 kHz FDX-B passive transponders. Antenna gives multidirectional reads with over 5 cm range each way.
Control Electronics
STM32 Nucleo-H753ZI reports RFID reads, nose-poke events, and touchscreen events to an Intel NUC over USB serial, and accepts commands to drive the two gates, pump, and magazine. Custom PCB integrates 24V and 5V rails with MOSFET drive circuits for both gate channels. All training logic runs on the NUC.
Gate Actuation
Med Associates ENV-340A guillotine gates. Gravity-close, motor-open design. IRLZ44N MOSFETs allow the STM32 to switch the 24V gate signal. STM32 HIGH drops the signal to 0V and opens the gate.
Software Pipeline
Python Flask bridge on the Intel NUC talks to the STM32 over USB serial and serves a live operator dashboard via Server-Sent Events. Training state machine and per-mouse session scheduler run entirely in Python. Per-trial CSV, session summaries, and raw event logs written to disk on every session.
Airlock Tube
Clear 45 mm OD acrylic tube. Internal obstacles reduce transit speed, ensuring minimum dwell time under the antenna for reliable reads. Single-file passage enforces one mouse in the airlock at a time.
Cognitive Task
5-Choice Continuous Performance Task (5C-CPT), adapted from the 5-CSRTT behavioral paradigm. Administered via the existing touchscreen training chamber in the sponsor lab.
Six defined states govern gate operation. Each transition requires a confirmed RFID read or occupancy check before proceeding.
Four integrated subsystems work together to achieve reliable individual identification and access control.
RFID Holder
Guillotine Door Holder
Slot Connector
