A Fully Implantable Opto-Electro Closed-Loop Neural Interface for Motor Neuron Disease Studies

This paper presents a fully implantable closed-loop device for use in freelymoving rodents to investigatenewtreatments for motor neuron disease. The 0.18 mu m CMOS integrated circuit comprises 4 stimulators, each featuring 16 channels for optical and electrical stimulation using arbitrary current waveforms at frequencies from1.5 Hz to 50 kHz, and a bandwidth programmable front-end for neural recording. The implant uses a Qi wireless inductive link which can deliver >100 mW power at a maximum distance of 2 cm for a freelymoving rodent. A backup rechargeable battery can support 10 mA continuous stimulation currents for 2.5 hours in the absence of an inductive power link. The implant is controlled by a graphic user interface with broad programmable parameters via a Bluetooth lowenergy bidirectional data telemetry link. The encapsulated implant is 40 mm x 20 mm x 10 mm. Measured results are presented showing the electrical performance of the electronics and the packaging method.

Automated summary

This paper presents a fully implantable closed-loop device for investigating new treatments for motor neuron disease in freely moving rodents. The device features multiple stimulators and a neural recording front-end, and is powered by a wireless inductive link and a backup rechargeable battery. Control is achieved via a Bluetooth telemetry link. Measured results demonstrate the performance of the electronics and packaging method.