The Open Ephys acquisition system uses the SPI standard specified by Intan Technologies.
We're using standardized 12-pin polarized Omnetics nano connectors on all headstages, tethers and acquisition boards.
On top of ensuring compatibility , this means that multiple tethers can be daisy-chained to make long tethers.
LVDS (low voltage differential signalling) signals mean that long, unshielded tethers of 10m or even more are possible.
Hand-built fine wire (cooner) open-ephys SPI tether for use in freely behaving mice or songbirds.