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Active Microelectronic Neurosensor Arrays for Implantable Brain Communication Interfaces | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

Active Microelectronic Neurosensor Arrays for Implantable Brain Communication Interfaces


Abstract:

We have built a wireless implantable microelectronic device for transmitting cortical signals transcutaneously. The device is aimed at interfacing a cortical microelectro...Show More

Abstract:

We have built a wireless implantable microelectronic device for transmitting cortical signals transcutaneously. The device is aimed at interfacing a cortical microelectrode array to an external computer for neural control applications. Our implantable microsystem enables 16-channel broadband neural recording in a nonhuman primate brain by converting these signals to a digital stream of infrared light pulses for transmission through the skin. The implantable unit employs a flexible polymer substrate onto which we have integrated ultra-low power amplification with analog multiplexing, an analog-to-digital converter, a low power digital controller chip, and infrared telemetry. The scalable 16-channel microsystem can employ any of several modalities of power supply, including radio frequency by induction, or infrared light via photovoltaic conversion. As of the time of this report, the implant has been tested as a subchronic unit in nonhuman primates (~ 1 month), yielding robust spike and broadband neural data on all available channels.
Page(s): 339 - 345
Date of Publication: 05 June 2009

ISSN Information:

PubMed ID: 19502132

I. Introduction

Modern brain science is actively trying to “break the neural code” by many different tools. Truly understanding the brain will require sensing access across a vast range of spatial and temporal scales, including the ability to read neural signals from a select subset of single neural cells in vivo. One way to access a collection of single cells for deciphering their role in relation to motion or behavior is by means of using invasive arrays of microelectrodes that pick up the single cell electrical activity representing the local neural code. Their spatial and temporal resolution is high compared to extracranial imaging techniques (fMRI). Based on recent advances, there is now the prospect of direct electronic communication with the brain, motivated by compelling medical rationale. There are millions of individuals who suffer from serious neurological illnesses, whose quality of life is substantially compromised even if the brain itself is functional. Enabling such individuals to communicate directly from the brain to command assistive and therapeutic devices is of substantial societal and personal value. Here, we describe our approach and developmental status, in the quest of an implantable, wireless cortical recording modality which we have demonstrated in short term subchronic experiments in fully awake macaque monkeys ( days).

References

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