StdpC is based on software originally developed by Pinto et al. [1] In its current form [2,3], the software has a modern graphical interface based on QT (Nokia) and is suitable for general public use.

It permits the definition of up to six voltage-gated conductances and/or up to six synapses using built-in standard models for gap junctions and chemical synapses as well as two standard formalisms for Hodgkin-Huxley type voltage-dependent ionic conductances. The synapses can additionally be specified to be plastic according to two common formalisms (additive spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) rule, or ordinary differential equations (ODE) based STDP formalism). Additionally, a configurable artificial neuron can be connected to the preparation through StdpC's versatile spike generator facility.

Besides the fully integrated graphical user interface, the software also includes a basic but powerful scripting mechanism for automatically adjusting all aspects of an introduced dynamic clamp object (e.g., maximal conductance or time constants of synapses and ion channels) during the experiment according to pre-defined experimental protocols. This allows complex experimental designs that can be run semi-automatically on many preparations.

Typical applications of StdpC include, but are not limited to, (1) introducing or compensating synaptic conductances, (2) introducing or compensating voltage gated ion channels, (3) connecting simulated neurons/networks to a biological preparation, (4) pattern clamp and combinations of the above.

[1] Pinto, R.D., Elson, R.C., Szücs, A., Rabinovich, M.I., Selverston, A.I., Abarbanel, H.D.I. Extended dynamic clamp: controlling up to four neurons using a single desktop computer interface. J. Neurosci Methods. 108 39-48 (2001).

[2] Nowotny, T., Szücs, A., Pinto, R.D., and Selverston, A.I. Stdpc: a modern dynamic clamp. J Neurosci Methods. 158(2), 287-299 (2006).

[3] Kemenes, I., Marra, V., Crossley, M., Samu, D., Staras, K., Kemenes, G., and Nowotny, T. Dynamic clamp with StdpC software. Nature Prot. 6(3):405-417 (2011).