Lab Streaming Layer

User guide

Overview

Lab Streaming Layer (LSL) is a software framework designed to synchronize time series data collected from multiple sources.

It enables precise time alignment between data streams produced by different software applications or instruments.

Key Concepts

• Time series: A sequence of data points recorded over time.
• Stream: A continuous flow of data from a source (e.g., sensor, software).
• Time synchronization: Ensuring that multiple streams are aligned to a common time reference.
• LSL outlet: A source that publishes data to the network.
• LSL inlet: A receiver that subscribes to data from outlets.

Main Uses

• Synchronize measurements from multiple instruments
• Align software-generated data streams with hardware signals
• Enable combined analysis of multi-modal data
• Facilitate reproducible experiments requiring precise timing

Why It Matters

• Ensures accurate temporal alignment across devices
• Supports complex experiments involving multiple sensors or systems
• Reduces errors caused by timing inconsistencies
• Simplifies data collection and integration in research workflows

When You Will Use It

• Recording data from multiple devices simultaneously
• Performing experiments that require precise timing
• Integrating new instruments into existing measurement setups
• Analyzing synchronized multi-source datasets

Good Practices

• Test synchronization before critical experiments
• Document all connected devices and streams
• Use consistent naming for outlets and inlets
• Monitor stream performance during data acquisition