Wireless interfaces for brain neurotechnologies

Abstract

Wireless interfaces enable brain-implanted devices to remotely interact with the external world. They are critical components in modern research and clinical neurotechnologies and play a central role in determining their overall size, lifetime and functionality. Wireless interfaces use a wide range of modalities—including radio-frequency fields, acoustic waves and light—to transfer energy and data to and from an implanted device. These forms of energy interact with living tissue through distinct mechanisms and therefore lead to systems with vastly different form factors, operating characteristics, and safety considerations. This paper reviews recent advances in the development of wireless interfaces for brain neurotechnologies. We summarize the requirements that state-of-the-art brain-implanted devices impose on the wireless interface, and discuss the working principles and applications of wireless interfaces based on each modality. We also investigate challenges associated with wireless brain neurotechnologies and discuss emerging solutions permitted by recent developments in electrical engineering and materials science. This article is part of the theme issue 'Advanced neurotechnologies: translating innovation for health and well-being'.

A Review on Wearable Antennas

“…The development of wearable antennas is now underway for a number of wireless applications, including wireless body area networks (WBAN), wireless personal area networks (WPAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), and cellular communication. The antennas are becoming smaller, flexible, and even integrated with textile materials [8].…”

Preface to ‘Advanced neurotechnologies: translating innovation for health and well-being’

“…In an interesting article [ 3 ] by Kim & Ho reviews the recent advances in the development of wireless interfaces for brain neurotechnologies. They summarize the state-of-the-art requirements for brain-implanted devices to realize the wireless interface and address the operating principles and applications of wireless interfaces based on modalities.…”