Compact Low-Power Interfacing and Data Reduction for Floating Active Intracortical Neural Probes With Modular...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Electrical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• High-density neural probes require thin, conformal cables for host connectivity to minimize tissue damage and ensure long-term reliability.
• Reducing interconnects in neural probe wiring leads to thinner, more flexible cables and higher data rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a modular digital neural probe with a streamlined two-wire bidirectional interface for efficient host connectivity.
• To minimize data overhead for configuration and readout, enabling synchronization of multiple shanks and adaptability to varying conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular digital neural probe integrating a two-wire bidirectional interface.
• Implementation of a handshaking protocol for synchronization and adaptability to line delays.
• Utilizing delta encoding for data reduction to increase simultaneous electrode readout.

Main Results:

• Successful validation of the system in a 192-channel neural probe.
• Fabrication in 180 nm CMOS technology with a 1.2 V supply voltage.
• Demonstrated efficient data transfer and synchronization for high-density neural recording.

Conclusions:

• The developed digital neural probe effectively addresses the need for compact, reliable, and high-performance neural interfaces.
• The two-wire interface and data reduction techniques enhance the scalability and robustness of brain activity monitoring systems.
• This technology advances in-situ digitization of neural activity for chronic and invasive applications.