Publication/Creation Date

August 12 2021

Creators/Contributors

Arto Nurmikko (creator)
Jihun Lee (creator)
Vincent Leung (creator)
Ah-Hyoung Lee (creator)
Jiannan Huang (creator)
Peter Asbeck (creator)
Patrick P. Mercier (creator)
Stephen Shellhammer (creator)
Lawrence Larson (creator)
Farah Laiwalla (creator)
Brown University (contributor)
Baylor University (contributor)
University Of California At San Diego (contributor)
Qualcomm Technologies Inc. (contributor)

Description

Abstract:

Multichannel electrophysiological sensors and stimulators—particularly those used to study the nervous system—are usually based on monolithic microelectrode arrays. However, the architecture of such arrays limits flexibility in electrode placement and scaling to a large number of nodes, especially across non-contiguous locations. Here we report wirelessly networked and powered electronic microchips that can autonomously perform neural sensing and electrical microstimulation. The microchips, which we term neurograins, have an ~1 GHz electromagnetic transcutaneous link to an external telecom hub, providing bidirectional communication and control at the individual device level. To illustrate the potential of the approach, we show that 48 neurograins can be individually addressed on a rat cortical surface and used for the acute recording of neural activity. Theoretical calculations and experimental measurements show that the link configuration could potentially be scaled to 770 neurograins using a customized time-division multiple access protocol.

Technology Keywords

Neurograins, Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), Microchips, Microimplants, Electrical Microstimulation, Bidirectional Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), Electrode Arrays, Electrocorticography, Amplifier, Portable Transceivers, Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductors (CMOS), Wireless Connectivity, Digital Telepathy

Keywords

Research, Brain Function, Communication

Source

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-021-00631-8