TCS 2.2 — Thermal Cutaneous Stimulator

Controlled contact thermal stimulation for research protocols

The TCS 2.2 — Thermal Cutaneous Stimulator is a research tool developed by QST.Lab for controlled cutaneous thermal stimulation on human and animal skin.

It is designed for Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and experimental protocols requiring precise, reproducible hot and cold stimulation.

The TCS 2.2 delivers controlled thermal stimuli through a contact Thermode and supports threshold testing, pain sensitivity assessment, dynamic thermal protocols, and synchronization with external acquisition systems.

Designed for thermal sensory research

The TCS 2.2 supports the quantitative assessment of cutaneous thermal sensitivity, including warm, cold, heat-pain and cold-pain perception.

It is particularly suited for research protocols involving:

Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST)
Thermal detection thresholds
Thermal pain thresholds
Temporal summation protocols
Contact heat-evoked potentials (CHEPs)
Cold-evoked potentials (CEPs)
Somatosensory research
Pain research
Experimental assessment of thermal perception

Fast, accurate and reproducible thermal stimulation

The TCS 2.2 uses Thermode probes based on thermo-electric Peltier technology to deliver controlled heating and cooling stimuli by direct skin contact.

Depending on the Thermode configuration, the device can deliver fast temperature ramps while maintaining precise temperature control through closed-loop regulation.

Main stimulation features

Temperature range: 0 °C to 60 °C
Temperature precision: 0.1 °C
Temperature ramps up to 300 °C/s depending on the Thermode
Heating and cooling stimulation
Multi-zone Thermode configurations
Independent control of stimulation zones
Real-time temperature monitoring
Touchscreen interface
Custom protocol creation
USB/serial control for automated experiments
TTL trigger input/output for synchronization with external systems
CSV data recording and export
Autonomous battery operation

Optimized for electrophysiology and evoked potential protocols

The TCS 2.2 can be integrated into experimental workflows involving external acquisition systems such as EEG or other electrophysiology equipment.

TTL trigger outputs allow stimulation events to be synchronized with external recordings, supporting accurate temporal alignment between the thermal stimulus and the recorded physiological response.

This makes the TCS 2.2 suitable for protocols involving:

Contact heat-evoked potentials
Cold-evoked potentials
EEG synchronization
External acquisition systems
Automated stimulation sequences
Experimental pain and somatosensory protocols

Flexible protocol-based operation

The TCS 2.2 can be operated directly from its touchscreen interface or controlled from an external computer via USB/serial communication.

Users can configure stimulation parameters, execute built-in protocols, create personalized stimulation sequences, and export recorded data for further analysis.

Protocol workflows may include:

Thermal stimulation steps
Waiting periods
Repetitions
Response-button events
Trigger input/output events
Data recording and export

This protocol-based approach supports reproducible experimental workflows.

Integrated safety architecture

The TCS 2.2 includes built-in safety functions designed to support controlled use on intact skin, including:

Startup self-test
Temperature and duration limitation
Real-time temperature monitoring
Automatic interruption in case of abnormal conditions
Manual STOP function
Immediate probe removal by the operator
Battery-powered operation
Stimulation disabled during battery charging
Galvanic insulation for external connections

Key benefits

Temperature range: 0°C to 60°C (0.1°C steps)
Temperature ramp: 0.1°C/sec to maximum 300°C/sec
Absolute precision: 0.1°C
Relative precision: 0.1°C
Five Independent stimulation zones (each can be set at a different temperature)
Automatic calibration
Automatic adjustement to neutral skin temperature
Battery powered
Ultraportable (3 Kg)
No water cooling
No maintenance