Hybrid Backscatter Radio Electronics for Neural Interface
This primary research project is exploring miniature wireless communication devices for neural interfaces that foster seamless data transfer between brain, central and peripheral nerves to remote computer systems, offering a range of possibilities in medical treatment, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and advanced computing. RF and low power mixed-signal electronics and ASICs play a crucial role in signal pre-conditioning, multiplexing, DAQ conversion, microWatt data transmission of neural signals for closed loop wireless neural interfaces. Innovative research opportunities using a hybrid backscatter QPSK and BLE radio technology are designed to optimized data rates, power consumption and signal integrity. Below is an headstage integrated system for a mouse which includes the mixed signal CMOS ASIC, PCB and headstage:
The CMOS ASIC die is direct chip attached to a PCB within the wireless headstage assembly. A rechargeable battery is also added above the PCB. The total headstage weight is 2.3 grams and is 1cm sq which can be used for in vivo mice behavior experiments.
Below are other custom low power telemetry PCBs for programmable, biphasic, constant current stimulation using a hybrid digital radio and recording using BluetoothTM(BLE).
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Below is a video of our hybrid backscatter QPSK receiver model which demodulates and preserves the QPSK constellations of the receiver in Gaussian noise when the transmitter headstage is moving in different directions thus minimizing dropout and multi-path carrier disruptions:
Received QPSK demodulated in real time while moving headstage to reduce dropout and multipath signals
This Backscatter Radio technology funding is supported from a NIMH STTR sponsored research contract agreement between Duke University and SpikeNeuro Inc. from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Morizio is the PI at Duke University for this research.
Osseointegrated Prosthetic Control into a Pre-clinical Translational Sheep Model
This research project involves developing a fully implantable neural interface system with biphasic constant current electrical stimulation (EStim) and multichannel neural recording for an ovine animal model. The capsule employs a modified digital radio technology that can download and store custom electrical stimulation (EStim) pulse patterns with programmable amplitude, pulse width and pulse frequency. The EStim electronics can be programmed post implant surgery which control the pulse patterns which are triggered and delivered to cuff electrodes. The record radio electronics can simultaneous record from multi-channel cuff electrodes and broadcast these recordings using an RF wideband FSK carrier. The capsule enclosure is a 3D printed bio-compatible material coated with epoxy and silicone layers to facilitate in vivo closed-loop electrophysiology experiments for a sheep model. Below are some pictures of the capsule design:
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This funding was supported from a Veterans Affairs grant with collaboration with Dr. Samuel Poore and Dr. Aaron Dingle at the University of Wisconsin.
Neuro-CROWN:Optimized Ultra-Flexible CMOS Electrode Arrays for 3D, Low-Noise Neural Interfaces
This research project involves the innovation of circuit and system architectures of active electrode arrays which will provide low-noise, multiplexed acquisition of neural signals from thousands of electrodes.
This funding is supported from a NINDS R01 grant with collaboration with PI Dr. Jonathon Vivente at Duke University, at the Department of Biomedical Engineering.