Fully Implantable Neural Stimulator with Variable Parameters

Abstract

Neural implantable systems have promoted the development of neurosurgery research and clinical practice. However, traditional tethered neural implants use physical wires for power supply and signal transmission, which have many restrictions on implant targets. Therefore, untethered, wireless, and controllable neural stimulation has always been widely recognized as the engineering goal of neural implants. In this paper, magnetically coupled resonant wireless power transfer (MCRWPT) technology is adopted to design and manufacture a wireless stimulator for the electrical stimulation experiment of nerve repair. In the process of device development, SCM technology, signal modulation, demodulation, wireless power supply, and integration/packaging are used. Through experimental tests, the stimulator can output single-phase pulse signals with a variable frequency of (1–20 Hz), a duty cycle of (1–50%), and voltage. The average power is approximately 25 mW. The minimum pulse width of the signal is 200 µs and the effective distance of transmission is 1–4 cm. The stimulator can perform low-frequency, safe and controllable wireless stimulation.