A low-noise clockless simultaneous 32-channel wireless neural recording system with adjustable resolution

Abstract

We present a 32-channel wireless implantable neural recording (WINeR-5) system-on-a-chip (SoC) that operates based on time division multiplexing (TDM) of pulse width modulated (PWM) samples, similar to a single-slope analog to digital converter (ADC) that is made wireless. By transmitting a TDM---PWM signal, we have relaxed the need for wide bandwidth and accurate timing between transmitter and receiver units, which is necessary in wideband digital wireless links. The WINeR-5 system uses FSK modulation scheme with RF carrier at 898/926 MHz. The baseband TDM---PWM signal bandwidth is 18 MHz, which is also the bandwidth of the receiver baseband low-pass filter. Further, by moving the digitization circuitry outside the body, we have reduced the size, complexity, and power consumption of the implantable unit. A clockless asynchronous design has been utilized to manage TDM switching times such that no switching occurs during sensitive PWM onsets. Control over sampling rate, dynamic range, and resolution provides the user with tradeoffs that can optimize the system performance for the intended application. The SoC has been implemented in a 0.5-μm standard CMOS process, measuring 3.3 × 3 mm2 and consuming 5.6 mW at ±1.5 V when all channels are active. Measured input referred noise for the entire system, including the receiver at 1 m distance, is 4.9 μVrms in 1 Hz---8.8 kHz range. Functionality of the WINeR-5 system has also been demonstrated in acute in vivo experiments.