Development of a chipscale integrated microelectrode/microelectronic device for brain implantable neuroengineering applications

Abstract

An ultralow power analog CMOS chip and a silicon based microelectrode array have been fully integrated to a microminiaturized "neuroport" for brain implantable neuroengineering applications. The CMOS integrated circuit (IC) includes preamplifier and multiplexing circuitry, and a hybrid flip-chip bonding technique was developed to fabricate a functional, encapsulated microminiaturized neuroprobe device. Our neuroport has been evaluated using various methods, including pseudospike detection and local excitation measurement, and showed suitable characteristics for recording neural activities. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we have measured local field potentials from thalamocortical brain slices of rats, suggesting that the new neuroport can form a prime platform for the development of a microminiaturized neural interface to the brain in a single implantable unit. An alternative power delivery scheme using photovoltaic power converter, and an encapsulation strategy for chronic implantation are also discussed.

Advanced Neurotechnologies for Chronic Neural Interfaces: New Horizons and Clinical Opportunities

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A Brain Implantable Microsystem with Hybrid RF/IR Telemetry for Advanced Neuroengineering Applications

“…While proof-of-concept, a 16 channel version prototype system with both infrared data transmission link and inductive power delivery scheme has proven the practical utility of our new platform as a high performance braincomputer interface, some challenges remain for the emerging human applications, such as long term reliability of encapsulation, surgical procedure development, system management strategies, etc [9][10][11].…”

Effects of Microelectrode Array Configuration and Position on the Threshold in Electrical Extracellular Stimulation of Single Nerve Fiber：a Modeling Study

“…These dimensions are chosen in accordance with the neuron described by Mainen et al [43]. The cone style is roughly approximate to a normally used nonplanar electrodes [14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Its tip angles are approximately 20 degree.…”