A microcontroller-based implantable neuromuscular stimulation system with wireless power and data transmission for animal experiments

The aim of this study is to develop an implantable microcontroller-based stimulation system with external wireless controller for data and power transmission. The system coupling efficiency can reach 35% in a reasonable range of distance via a self-oscillating class E transmitter with power transmission efficiency up to 90%. The implanted micro-stimulator is built on a double-layer printed circuit board, which is 3 cm in diameter, by using SMD components mostly. Its overall power consumption is around 30 mW. Our results indicate the regulated voltage can be maintained at a tractable range when the coupling distance is within 30 rum. Within this distance, lateral displacement of the implant is allowed as long as it is inside the area of the transmitting coil. Meanwhile, a wide range of stimulation patterns can be generated for nerve stimulation and blocking for animal experiments. All the functional blocks of a prototype implantable neuromuscular system have been successfully designed, implanted, and tested which is valuable for future ASIC design for a miniature implantable microstimulator.