Probe-antenna and multifunctional switch for biomedical neural implants.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Microwave Engineering

Background:

• Biomedical neural implants require efficient wireless communication systems.
• Existing technologies face challenges in miniaturization and performance at high frequencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and characterize a probe-antenna and a multifunctional switch for biomedical neural implants.
• To evaluate the performance of these components at 60 GHz for potential implantable applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a multifunctional single-pole-four-throw switch using TSMC 90-nm CMOS process.
• Design and fabrication of a probe-antenna on a Roger 4003C printed circuit board.
• Performance evaluation including insertion loss, return loss, isolation, P1dB, input matching, radiation efficiency, and gain.
• Impedance measurements for probe/electrode function verification in various solutions.

Main Results:

• The switch achieved insertion loss of 4.5/4.8 dB, return loss of 16.7/15.4 dB, isolation of 19.2/20.3 dB, and P1dB of 4/5 dBm at 60 GHz.
• The probe-antenna achieved input matching over 59.35-65 GHz, with simulated radiation efficiency of 69.8/34.4% and gain of 3.88/5.47 dBi.
• Probe/electrode function was verified through impedance measurements in deionized water, PBS, and a conductive solution.

Conclusions:

• The developed probe-antenna and switch are suitable for high-frequency operation in biomedical neural implants.
• The components demonstrate promising performance metrics for wireless data transmission and sensing in implantable devices.
• The successful verification of probe/electrode function highlights the potential for integrated sensing capabilities.