Low-power circuit structures for chip-scale stimulating implants

Abstract

Implantable electronic circuits are required to operate with low power dissipation due to the difficulties in supplying power transcutaneously and removing heat from the implant site without dangerous temperature elevation. In chip-scale implants, the circuit design is further restricted by the small implant volume and resulting requirement for a fully on-chip circuit implementation. In this paper we present low-power circuit structures for key functions in chip-scale stimulating implants: power transfer circuits, power supply circuits, communications circuits, stimulating circuits, and leakage monitoring circuits.

Adaptive power regulation and data delivery for multi-module implants

“…We are now seeing new opportunities emerging for closed-loop therapies both in academia and industry. Although the power per given function is generally decreasing, the complexity of the overall systems is increasing (for example including more channels, more capability), and thus the power budget remains a challenge [2]. The limitations imposed by the energy density of implantable batteries, and safe operating conditions for thermal dissipation present challenging trade-offs.…”