A Miniature Wireless Neural Recording System for Chronic Implantation in Freely Moving Animals

Abstract

Bioelectronic Medicine Therapies offer a promising alternative to traditional procedures for diseases such as epilepsy, and implantable devices are crucial for its development. We present here a miniature, low power, 2 channel wireless neural recording system with sampling rates of 20ksps to allow researchers to understand the neurological functioning to develop therapies in freely moving small animals. The wireless implant uses Carbon Nano Tube Yarn (CNTY) electrodes to interface with the nervous system and record signals. High data transmission rates are achieved by using an Ultra-wideband Impulse Radio (UWB-IR) transmitter and wireless switching control is provided by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The UWB transmitter is primarily designed to make it chronically implantable in freely moving rats to record neural activity but is also applicable to the telemetry of any signals such as surface EEG. Preliminary experiments and bench test results have confirmed its functioning for a distance range of more than 5m with high data transmission rate and low power consumption.