Student project: Design a charge balance control circuit for body channel communication

The project aims to architect and design an ultra-low power charge monitor and control circuit for charge balanced transmission, compatible with the body channel communication applied for the implantable neural interface application.

What you will do

The implantable neural interfaces connect the brain or the nerves to one or more multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) for the extraction of neural information needed for neuroscience research and for the direct connection between the nervous system and external devices, such as a computer.
The implantable neural interface can help to better understand nervous systems or to help cure neurological disorders and mobility deficiencies.

One of the biggest challenges in designing such implantable neural interfaces is transferring large amounts of neural data to external devices, wirelessly, but in a way that does not damage surrounding tissue. Body channel communication meets the low power, small form factor, and high-speed requirements required for implantable neural interfaces. However, due to its inherent mechanism of signal propagation through tissue, it is critical to ensure that no residual charges are left on the tissue and that the charge balance is maintained.

This project aims to develop an ultra-low power charge regulation circuit for a body channel communication transmitter applied to the implantable neural interface.

• Literature survey of the state-of-the-art for charge balance circuit.
• Research and development of an architecture of an energy-efficient charge balance methods.
• Modelling of the system in Cadence with ideal components.
• Design and simulation of the required circuits for the architecture, including schematic and layout using Cadence EDA tools.
• (Optional) Tape-out and measurement of the chip, if matches the project timeline and scope.

[C. Shi, et al., "Galvanic-Coupled Trans-Dural Data Transfer for High-Bandwidth Intracortical Neural Sensing," in IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Oct. 2022.]

What we do for you

You will be working on cutting-edge research on a topic that is relevant to both academic and industrial research groups. To help you in this journey, we offer a flexible environment where you can be the leader of your own research while at the same time having the support of experts to complete your tasks. As part of the team in IMEC-Netherlands, you will have opportunities to learn from some of the best minds.

Who you are

• You are a Msc student in Electronics Engineering.
• You are available for a period of at least 9 months.
• You have knowledge of analog/mixed-signal circuits through course and/or project work.
• You are excited about low-power analog circuit design.
• You are familiar with Cadence design environment or similar CAD tools.
• You are familiar with MATLAB or Python.
• You are entitled to do an internship in the Netherlands.
• You are self-starter and able to work independently.
• Good written and verbal English skills.

Interested

Does this project sound like an interesting next step in your career at imec? Don’t hesitate to submit your application by clicking on ‘APPLY NOW’.
Got some questions about the recruitment process? Martijn Kohl of the Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to assist you.