An Implantable Wireless Network of Distributed Microscale Sensors for Neural Applications
Abstract
A vastly enhanced capability to bi-directionally interface with cortical microcircuits in a clinically viable way is the ultimate aspiration in neuroengineering. This necessitates a paradigm shift in neural interface system design beyond current bulky, monolithic constructs which are challenging to scale past 100-200 channels due to anatomic and engineering design constraints. A neural interface system relying on a spatially-distributed network of wireless microscale implantable sensors offers a highly scalable, robust and adaptive architecture for next-generation neural interfaces. We describe the development of a wireless network of sub-mm, untethered, individually addressable, fully wireless "Neurograin" sensors, in the context of an epicortical implant. Individual neurograin chiplets integrate a ~ 1 GHz wireless link for energy harvesting and telemetry with analog and digital electronics for neural signal amplification, on-chip storage, and networked communications via a TDMA protocol. Each neurograin thus forms a completely self-contained single channel of neural access and is implantable after post-process atomic layer deposition of thin-film (100 nm thick) barriers for hermetic sealing. Finally, ensembles of implantable neurograins form a fully wireless cortico-computer communication network (utilizing their unique device IDs). The implanted network is coordinated by a compact external "Epidermal Skinpatch" RF transceiver and data processing hub, which is implemented as a wearable module in order to be compatible with clinical implant considerations. We describe neurograin performance specifications and proof-of-concept in bench top and ex vivo and in vivo rodent platforms.
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Limitations in the safety, efficiency and miniaturisation of traditional electromagnetic structures have been addressed via the introduction of relay coils.
“Limitations in the safety, efficiency and miniaturisation of traditional electromagnetic structures have been addressed via the introduction of relay coils. [81].”
From Active Neural Interface Circuits and Systems for Selective Control of Peripheral Nerves: A Review (2024) · cites this paper as [81]
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Miniaturised wireless power transfer systems for neurostimulation: a review
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NeuroBus - Architecture for an Ultra-Flexible Neural Interface
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Active Neural Interface Circuits and Systems for Selective Control of Peripheral Nerves: A Review
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“[81].”
- Authors
- Lee, J., Lee, F., Huang, J., Cui, L., Lee, A.-H., Leung, V., Mercier, P., Shellhammer, S., Larson, L., Asbeck, P., Rao, R., Song, Y.-K., Nurmikko, A., & Laiwalla, F.
- Affiliations
- Brown University
- Brown University (US)
- University of California San Diego (US)
- Seoul National University (KR)
- Qualcomm (United States) (US)
- ORCID
- Venue
- 2019 9th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering (NER)
- Publisher
- IEEE
- Published
- 2019-03
- Pages
- 871-874
- ISSN
- 1948-3554 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2946609658
- Cited by
- 54
- References
- 9
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 6
- FWCI
- 32.22
- Type
- conference paper
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Wireless Body Area Networks
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Analog and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design
- Keywords
- neural interfaces, sensor networks, cortical microcircuits, energy harvesting, hermetic sealing, atomic layer deposition, RF transceiver
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