xDev: a mixed-signal, software-defined neurotechnology interface platform for accelerated system development

Area of Science:

• Neurotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Electronics

Background:

• Sophisticated electronic components exist for neurotechnology, but integrated systems for evaluation are lacking.
• Rapid iteration and deployment of multi-component neurotechnology systems are hindered by current instrumentation limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate 'xDev', a software-defined mixed-signal routing fabric.
• To enable neurotechnology system designers to rapidly iterate, evaluate, and deploy advanced multi-component systems.

Main Methods:

• Developed system requirements and implemented a 16x16 analog crosspoint multiplexer design for xDev.
• Tested impedance, switching, signal gain, crosstalk attenuation, and frequency response.
• Evaluated flexible rerouting of microvolt biosignals and high-speed digital signals.
• Conducted an intraoperative in vivo deployment for neuromodulation experiments.

Main Results:

• xDev demonstrated accurate signal transmission across biosignal and high-speed digital frequencies.
• Successfully routed microvolt-scale biosignals and 600 Mbps Ethernet connections.
• Validated system flexibility through in vivo deployment with implanted spinal electrode arrays in an ovine model.

Conclusions:

• xDev is a novel, low-cost, software-defined platform accelerating neurotechnology development.
• Open-source distribution of xDev designs lowers development barriers for future neurotechnology systems.