Mixed-Signal, RF, and Microwave Seminar

Implantable microelectronic devices (IMD) are finding applications in new therapeutic procedures because advancements in microelectronics, RF communications, and medicine have resulted in more functionality in IMDs that occupy smaller space and run on lower power levels to address more complex diseases and disabilities. I will address how we are pushing the limits on developing the building blocks for state-of-the-art IMDs, particularly on the analog front-end, RF back-end, and power management. IMDs have been quite successful in neuroprosthetic devices, such as cochlear implants and deep brain stimulators. They are also being considered for brain-computer interfacing (BCI) to enable individuals with severe physical disabilities to control their environments, particularly by accessing computers. Implantable BCIs, however, are highly invasive and it is not clear whether end users would accept them in the presence of less invasive alternatives. At GT-Bionics lab, we pursue implantable BCIs as advanced tools for neuroscience research applications on small freely behaving animal subjects. At the same time, we are exploring novel minimally invasive methods for individuals with severe paralysis to make the best use of their remaining abilities to control their environments. An example of such technologies is a wireless and wearable brain-tongue-computer interface (BTCI), called the Tongue Drive System, which enables individuals with quadriplegia control their environments using their voluntary tongue motion.