SenseBack – Implant Considerations for an Implantable Neural Stimulation and Recording Device

This paper describes a fully implantable and highly compact neural interface platform for chronic (> 6 month) rat and small rodent experiments. It provides 32 channels of highly flexible neural stimulation and recording with wireless control and data readout, as well as wireless transcutaneous power (although power waste remains a challenge). All the system firmware is fully upgradeable over the air (even after implantation) allowing future enhancements such as closed loop operation or data filtering. This paper focuses on the implant considerations - i.e. design and manufacture of the physical platform, encapsulation, wireless connections and testing.