Student project: Charge balancing circuit for neural stimulation

In this project, we will explore and develop a novel charge balancing technique for neural stimulation based on analog/mixed-signal circuits.

What you will do

Electrical stimulation is widely used in standard clinical practice. To achieve good spatial selectivity, temporal interference stimulation is introduced recently. This new approach includes two pairs of electrodes delivering sinusoid current. The stimulation frequencies of the two sinusoids differ by a low delta frequency. By modulating the amplitude of the sinusoid current, the distribution of the electric field can be steered to different positions.

One major challenge for this stimulation approach is to balance the delivered charge for each electrode output. The unbalanced charge will introduce an offset voltage build-up onto the electrode over time, which can cause safety issue and impair stimulation functionality.

In this project, we will explore and develop a novel charge balancing technique to address this issue based on analog/mixed-signal circuits. We will design and implement an offset detector, a logic control loop, a change balancing loop, etc. If the development fits the project need, there is an option to tapeout the circuit.

The tasks in this project include:

• Literature study of the state-of-the-art charge balancing techniques.
• Modelling and comparison of different charge balancing techniques.
• Lab measurement/analysis of an existing chip designed by IMEC experts to define circuit specs (if necessary).
• Schematic and layout design in Cadence.
• Tape-out and measurement of the chip (if time permits).

What we do for you

As the world-best research institute, we are the center of the excellence in nano-electronics design for Internet of Things and Healthcare applications. In this internship project, you will be working on the cutting-edge research project, under the supervision of the world-renown researchers from diverse background.

Who you are

• You are a MSc student in Electronics Engineering.
• You are available for at least 9 months.
• You have knowledge of analog/mixed-signal circuits through course and/or project work.
• You have knowledge of advanced CMOS technology.
• You have a strong interest in biomedical applications, especially in neural interfacing.
• You are familiar with Cadence design environment.
• You are familiar with MATLAB or Python.
• You are entitled to do an internship in the Netherlands.
• You are a self-starter and able to work independently.
• Good written and verbal English skills.

Interested

Click on ‘apply’ to submit your application. 

Please be advised that non-EU/EEA country students can only apply for this internship when they are studying for a Dutch university.