Corrosion isolating electrode array assembly

Abstract

An electrode array assembly (101) includes an electrode array (113) having electrodes (111), connection circuits (115), and a power supply layer (200) configured to supply electrical power (270) to the connection circuits (115). The power supply layer (200) includes strips (203A, 203B) made of at least two electrically conductive materials. Each one of the strips (203A, 203B) includes segments (202A, 202B) each electrically coupled to and extending between a corresponding two of the electrodes (111). The power supply layer (200) further includes pass-through openings each defined between adjacent ones of the segments (202A, 202B). The connection circuits (115) are selectively controllable to supply the electrical power (270) from the power supply layer (200) to one or more of the electrodes (111). Each one of at least some of the segments (202A, 202B) includes a corrosion-isolation bridge (210) between the corresponding two of the electrodes (111).

Description

CORROSION ISOLATING ELECTRODE ARRAY ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 690,128, filed September 3, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to electrode arrays and, more particularly, to electrode array assemblies used in corrosive environments.BACKGROUND

[0003] Electrode arrays can be used in a variety of environments for a variety of purposes. For example, electrode arrays can provide measurement and / or stimulation functionality in the field of medical research, medical implants, semiconductor manufacturing, electrochemical additive manufacturing, and the like.

[0004] Some conventional electrode arrays utilize semiconductor circuits for providing the control and functionality of the electrode arrays. However, semiconductor circuits are susceptible to corrosion in some operating environments where the semiconductor materials of the circuits make direct contact with corrosive materials.SUMMARY

[0005] The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the shortcomings of conventional electrode arrays, which have not yet been fully solved by currently available techniques. Because the materials of conventional electrode arrays are susceptible to corrosion when operating in corrosive environments, designing an electrode array that reduces the effects of corrosion can be difficult. For example, when used as part of a printhead in an electrochemical deposition system to facilitate the deposition of material from an electrolyte bath onto a base plate, an electrode array is particularly susceptible to corrosion by being immersed in the electrolyte bath during the deposition process. The subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide electrode array assemblies, and associated systems and methods, which overcome at least some of the shortcomings of prior art techniques. More specifically, in some examples, the electrode array assembly promotes reliability and efficiency of the electrode array by isolating and inhibitingcorrosion of the electrode array assembly via one or more corrosion-isolation bridges formed in the power supply layer of the electrode array assembly.

[0006] The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter, disclosed herein.

[0007] Disclosed herein is an electrode array assembly that includes an electrode array having electrodes spaced apart from each other, connection circuits each coupled to one or more of the electrodes of the electrode array, and a power supply layer coupled to the connection circuits and configured to supply electrical power to the connection circuits. The power supply layer includes strips made of at least two electrically conductive materials. Each one of the strips includes segments each electrically coupled to and extending between a corresponding two of the electrodes. The power supply layer further includes pass-through openings each defined between adjacent ones of the segments. The connection circuits are selectively controllable to supply the electrical power from the power supply layer to one or more of the electrodes of the electrode array. Each one of at least some of the segments includes a corrosion-isolation bridge between the corresponding two of the electrodes, the corrosion-isolation bridge including a break in at least one of the at least two electrically conductive materials. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 of the present disclosure.

[0008] Each one of all of the segments includes the corrosion-isolation bridge. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1, above.

[0009] The strips collectively form a mesh including row strips and column strips. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-2, above.

[0010] The strips are arranged in one of a plurality of row strips spaced apart from each other or a plurality of column strips spaced apart from each other. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-3, above.

[0011] Each one of the electrodes of the electrode array is corrosively isolated from any adjacent one of the electrodes of the electrode array by a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-4, above.

[0012] The electrodes of the electrode array are arranged into at least a first grouping of adjacent electrodes and a second grouping of adjacent electrodes. Each one of the segments extending between the electrodes of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes does not have a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge such that the electrodes of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes are not corrosively isolated from each other. Each one of the segments extending between the electrodes of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes has a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge such that the electrodes of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes are corrosively isolated from each other. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-5, above.

[0013] The first grouping of adjacent electrodes includes at least two rows of electrodes and at least two columns of electrodes. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter according to example 6, above.

[0014] The first grouping of adjacent electrodes includes a quantity of rows having at least one electrode and a second quantity of columns having at least one electrode. The first quantity of rows and the second quantity of columns are the same. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 6-7, above.

[0015] The first grouping of adjacent electrodes includes a first quantity of rows having at least one electrode and a second quantity of columns having at least one electrode. The first quantity of rows is different than the second quantity of columns. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 6-8, above.

[0016] The electrodes of the electrode array are arranged into at least a first grouping of adjacent electrodes and a second grouping of adjacent electrodes. Each one of the segments extending between the electrodes of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes does not have a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge such that the electrodes of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes are not corrosively isolated from each other. Each one of the segments extending between the electrodes of the secondgrouping of adjacent electrodes does not have a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge such that the electrodes of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes are not corrosively isolated from each other. Each one of the segments extending between an electrode of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes and an electrode outside of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes includes a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge such that the electrodes of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes are corrosively isolated from any other electrodes of the electrode array. Each one of the segments extending between an electrode of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes and an electrode outside of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes includes a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge such that the electrodes of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes are corrosively isolated from any other electrodes of the electrode array. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein example 10 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-9, above.

[0017] The first grouping of adjacent electrodes includes a first quantity of rows having at least one electrode and a second quantity of columns having at least one electrode. The second grouping of adjacent electrodes includes a third quantity of rows having at least one electrode and a fourth quantity of columns having at least one electrode. Either the first quantity of rows of the first grouping is different than the third quantity of rows of the second grouping or the second quantity of columns of the first grouping is different than the fourth quantity of columns of the second grouping. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subject matter according to example 10, above. The first grouping of adjacent electrodes includes a first quantity of rows having at least one electrode and a second quantity of columns having at least one electrode. The second grouping of adjacent electrodes includes a third quantity of rows having at least one electrode and a fourth quantity of columns having at least one electrode. The first quantity of rows of the first grouping is the same as the third quantity of rows of the second grouping and the second quantity of columns of the first grouping is the same as the fourth quantity of columns of the second grouping. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 10-11, above.

[0018] Each one of the segments includes a first layer, made of a first electrically conductive material having a first passivation value, and a second layer,made of a second electrically conductive material having a second passivation value and stacked on the first layer. The first passivation value is higher than the second passivation value. The break is in at least the second layer. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-12, above.

[0019] The first electrically conductive material is made of titanium. The second electrically conductive material is made of aluminum. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subject matter according to example 13, above.

[0020] The corrosion-isolation bridge of each one of the at least some of the segments further includes an electrically non-conductive material in the break. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein example 15 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 13-14, above.

[0021] Each one of the segments further includes a third layer, made of the first electrically conductive material and stacked onto the second layer such that the second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer. The break is in at least the second layer and the third layer. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein example 16 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 13-15, above.

[0022] The break is in at least the first layer and the second layer so that the break extends entirely through a thickness of the corresponding one of the at least some of the segments. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 13-16, above.

[0023] The corrosion-isolation bridge of each one of the at least some of the segments further includes a conduction bridge. The conduction bridges is made of at least one electrically conductive material, spanning the break and electrically coupling the at least one of the at least two electrically conductive materials on a first side of the break and the at least one of the at least two electrically conductive materials on a second side of the break that is opposite the first side of the break. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18 also includes the subject matter according to example 17, above.

[0024] The at least one electrically conductive material of the conduction bridge has a passivation value that is less than a passivation value of each one of the at least two electrically conductive materials of each one of the at least some of the segments. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the present disclosure, wherein example 19 also includes the subject matter according to example 18, above.

[0025] The conduction bridge includes a fourth layer, a fifth layer, and a sixth layer in a stacked arrangement. The fifth layer is sandwiched between the fourth layer and the sixth layer. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein example 20 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 18-19, above.

[0026] The fourth layer is made of the first electrically conductive material. The fifth layer is made of the second electrically conductive material. The sixth layer is made of the first electrically conductive material. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 21 of the present disclosure, wherein example 21 also includes the subject matter according to example 20, above.

[0027] Portions of the fourth layer and the fifth layer of the conduction bridge extend into the break. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 21 of the present disclosure, wherein example 21 also includes the subject matter according to example 20, above.

[0028] The corrosion-isolation bridge of each one of the at least some of the segments further includes an electrically non-conductive material in the break and along at least a portion of the at least two electrically conductive materials of the corresponding one of the at least some of the segments and at least two vias each passing through the electrically non-conductive material and electrically coupled with the conduction bridge and the at least one of the at least two electrically conductive materials on a corresponding one of the first side and the second side of the break. The electrically non-conductive material along at least the portion of the at least two electrically conductive materials is sandwiched between the conduction bridge and the at least two electrically conductive materials. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 23 of the present disclosure, wherein example 23 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 18-22, above.

[0029] Further disclosed herein is an electrochemical deposition system that includes a cathode having a base plate. The electrochemical deposition system also includes an electrodeposition cell configured to hold an electrolyte solution. Theelectrochemical deposition system further includes a printhead including an electrode array including electrodes spaced apart from each other, connection circuits each coupled to one or more of the electrodes of the electrode array, and a power supply layer coupled to the connection circuits and configured to supply electrical power to the connection circuits. The power supply layer includes strips made of at least two electrically conductive materials. Each one of the strips includes segments each electrically coupled to and extending between a corresponding two of the electrodes. The power supply layer further includes pass-through openings each defined between adjacent ones of the segments. The connection circuits are selectively controllable to supply the electrical power from the power supply layer to one or more of the electrodes of the electrode array. Each one of at least some of the segments includes a corrosion-isolation bridge between the corresponding two of the electrodes, the corrosion-isolation bridge including a break in at least one of the at least two electrically conductive materials. The electrochemical deposition system additionally includes a power source, configured to supply power to the power supply layer and to create a voltage potential on the base plate. The electrochemical deposition system also includes a controller, configured to control a current field across at least some electrodes of the electrodes, when the electrodeposition cell holds the electrolyte solution, and when the base plate and the electrodes are positioned in direct contact with the electrolyte solution, to selectively deposit electrically conductive material onto the base plate. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 24 of the present disclosure.

[0030] Additionally disclosed herein is a method of making an electrode array assembly. The method includes forming a break in at least a second layer of each one of at least some of a plurality of segments of strips of a power supply layer. Each one of the strips includes a first layer made of a first electrically conductive material and the second layer is made of a second electrically conductive material different than the first electrically conductive material. The method also includes electrically coupling each one of the plurality of segments to a corresponding two electrodes of an electrode array. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 25 of the present disclosure.

[0031] The described features, structures, advantages, and / or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples and / or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding ofexamples of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and / or methods of a particular example or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples and / or implementations that may not be present in all examples or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict only certain examples of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic, side elevation view of an electrochemical deposition system, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2A is a schematic top plan view of a first electrode array assembly, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of the electrode array assembly of Figure 2A, taken along the plane 2-2 of Figure 2A, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic top plan view of a second electrode array assembly, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic top plan view of a third electrode array assembly, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic top plan view of a fourth electrode array assembly, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic top plan view of a fifth electrode array assembly, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic top plan view of a sixth electrode array assembly, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8 A is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of a strip of a power supply layer of an electrode array assembly, before a corrosion-isolation bridge is formed in the strip and taken along the plane 8-8 of Figure 2A, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of a first corrosion-isolation bridge of a strip of a power supply layer of an electrode array assembly, taken along a plane similar to the plane 8-8 of Figure 2 A, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 8C is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of a second corrosion-isolation bridge of a strip of a power supply layer of an electrode array assembly, taken along a plane similar to the plane 8-8 of Figure 2A, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 9A is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of a third corrosion-isolation bridge of a strip of a power supply layer of an electrode array assembly, taken along a plane similar to the plane 8-8 of Figure 2 A, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 9B is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of a fourth corrosion-isolation bridge of a strip of a power supply layer of an electrode array assembly, taken along a plane similar to the plane 8-8 of Figure 2 A, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of a fifth corrosion-isolation bridge of a strip of a power supply layer of an electrode array assembly, taken along a plane similar to the plane 8-8 of Figure 2 A, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of a sixth corrosion-isolation bridge of a strip of a power supply layer of an electrode array assembly, taken along a plane similar to the plane 8-8 of Figure 2 A, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; and

[0048] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a method of making an electrode array assembly 101, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more examples of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more examples.

[0050] Described herein are examples of an electrode array assembly that includes an electrode array. The electrode array assembly can be used to provide measurement and / or stimulation for a variety of purposes in a variety of fields. For example, the electrode array assembly can be used for medical research purposes, medical implant purposes, semiconductor manufacturing purposes, electrochemical additive manufacturing purposes, and / or other purposes. Electrode arrays may be subject to conditions that result in corrosion of the array. Such conditions include construction defects, mechanical damage, contact with a corrosive environment, etc. In some examples, corrosion starts at one area of the array and then spreads to other parts of the array. In the following detailed description, examples of the electrode array assembly are described as part of a printhead for an electrochemical deposition system. However, despite the following examples of the electrode array assembly being associated with an electrochemical deposition system, it is recognized that the same examples can be used for other purposes, such as those described above.

[0051] Electrochemical additive manufacturing utilizes electrochemical reactions to manufacture parts in an additive manufacturing manner. In an electrochemical additive manufacturing process, a metal part is constructed by plating charged metal ions onto a surface of a cathode in an electrolyte solution. This technique relies on placing an electrode (i.e., anode) physically close to the cathode in the presence of a deposition solution (the electrolyte), and energizing the electrode causing charge to flow through the electrode. This creates an electrochemical reduction reaction to occur at the cathode near the electrode and deposition of material on the cathode. Electrochemical additive manufacturing techniques provide distinct advantages over other types of additive manufacturing processes, such as selective laser melting and electron beam melting.

[0052] Referring to Figure 1, according to some examples, an electrochemical deposition system 100 includes an electrode array assembly 101, which in the contextof the electrochemical deposition system 100 is a printhead of the system. The electrode array assembly 101 includes an electrode array 113 having electrodes 111 (i.e., anodes) spaced apart from each other. Additionally, the electrode array assembly 101 includes connection circuits 115 that are electrically coupled with the electrode array 113. The connection circuits 115 can be formed in (e.g., integrated into) a substrate on which the electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113 are supported. In some examples, each one of the connection circuits 115 is associated with a corresponding one of the electrodes 111 of the electrode array assembly 101. The connection circuits 115 can be organized into a matrix arrangement, in some examples, thereby supporting a high resolution of electrodes 111. The electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113 are arranged to form a two-dimensional grid in some examples. In Figure 1, one dimension of the grid is shown with the other dimension of the grid going into and / or coming out of the page.

[0053] Although not shown, the electrode array assembly 101 can further include a grid control circuit that transmits control signals to the connection circuits 115 to control the amount of electrical current flowing through each one of the electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113.

[0054] The electrode array assembly 101 additionally includes a power supply layer 200, which includes a power distribution circuit. The power supply layer 200 is electrically coupled to the connection circuits 115 and configured to supply electrical power 270 (see, e.g., Figure 8B) to the connection circuits 115. The electrical current, supplied to the electrodes 111 via control of the grid control circuit, is provided by the power supply layer 200, which routes power from an electrical power source 119 of the electrochemical deposition system 100 to the connection circuits 115 and then to the electrodes 111. Although not shown, in some examples, the electrode array assembly 101 also includes features, such as insulation layers, that can help protect the electrodes 111 and other features of the electrode array assembly 101 from an electrolyte solution 110, as described in more detail below.

[0055] The electrochemical deposition system 100 further includes a cathode 105 and the electrolyte solution 110, which can be contained within a partially enclosed container or electrodeposition cell 191. The cathode 105 includes a base plate 112, which can be considered a build plate. In some examples, the electrolyte solution 110 includes one or more of, but not limited to, plating baths, associated with copper, nickel, tin, silver, gold, lead, etc., and which typically include of water, anacid (such as sulfuric acid), metallic salt, and additives (such as levelers, suppressors, surfactants, accelerators, grain refiners, and pH buffers).

[0056] The electrochemical deposition system 100 is configured, such as via operation of a controller 122 and sensors 123, to move the electrode array assembly 101 relative to the electrolyte solution 110 such that the electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113 are submersed in the electrolyte solution 110. When submersed in the electrolyte solution 110, as shown in Figure 1, and when the cathode 105 (e.g., the base plate 112) and at least one of the electrodes 111 are connected to the electrical power source 119, and when an electrical current is supplied to the electrodes 111 from the electrical power source 119 via the power supply layer 200, an electrical path (or current) is formed through the electrolyte solution 110 from each one of the electrodes 111 to the cathode 105. In such an example, one or more metallic layers of the base plate 112 functions as the cathode of the cathode-anode circuit of the electrochemical deposition system 100. The electrical paths in the electrolyte solution 110 induce electrochemical reactions in the electrolyte solution 110, between the electrodes 111 and a deposition surface 131 (e.g., conductive surface) of the one or more metallic layers of the base plate 112, which results in the formation (e.g., deposition) of material 130 (e.g., layers of metal) on the deposition surface 131 of the base plate 112 at locations corresponding to the locations of the electrodes 111. The material 130, which can be layers of metal, formed by supplying electrical current to multiple electrodes 111 form one or more layers or portions of a part in some examples.

[0057] In some examples, the electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113 are densely packed. The area number density or area concentration of the electrodes 111 is proportional to the resolution of the object capable of being formed from the material 130 deposited onto the base plate 112. Generally, the higher the area number density of the electrodes 111, the higher the resolution, detail, and accuracy of the object that can be made from the material 130.

[0058] The electrochemical deposition system 100, in some examples, can include additional features, such as features the same as or similar to those of the electrochemical deposition systems disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,724,146, issued July 28, 2020, and U.S. Patent No. 10,914,000, issued February 9, 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. For example, the electrochemical deposition system 100 can include a mounting system that is configured to position the base plate 112 and the electrodes 111 in direct contact with the electrolyte solution110, such that a gap is established between the base plate 112 and the electrodes 111, when the electrolyte solution 110 is held in the electrodeposition cell 191. Additionally, the electrochemical deposition system 100 can include a positioning system that is configured to control a distance between the base plate 112 and the electrodes 111.

[0059] Referring to Figure 2A, in some examples, the power supply layer 200 is not a solid metallic plate or substrate, as is the case with some conventional electrochemical deposition systems 100. Instead, the power supply layer 200 includes strips that form row strips 203A and / or column strips 203B. Accordingly, the power supply layer 200 is not a solid continuous layer, but rather is a porous continuous layer having pass-through openings 262 each defined between adjacent ones of the strips. The power supply layer 200, being a porous continuous layer, enables vias, between other layers or components, or other components to pass through. In some examples, the pass-through openings 262 are unfilled. However, in other examples, the pass-through openings 262 are partially or completely filled with one or more components or materials, such as an electrically non-conductive material. Additionally, as defined herein, the power supply layer 200 can be a single layer of one or more materials, or include multiple layers each having one or more materials. In other words, as defined herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “layer” is not limited to a single layer and can be made of multiple layers (e.g., sub-layers) each made of one or more materials.

[0060] Each one of the strips includes segments that are interconnected together at connections 280 (see, e.g., Figure 2B). In certain examples, each one of the segments of a strip extends between a corresponding two of the electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113. The segments forming the row strips 203 A are row segments 202 A and the segments forming the column strips 203B are column segments 202B. In some examples, each one of the row strips 203A and the column strips 203B has a one-piece, seamless and monolithic construction such that the row segments 202A of a row strip 203 A are seamlessly connected and the column segments 202B of a column strip 203B are seamlessly connected. Alternatively, in certain examples, each one of the row strips 203A and the column strips 203B has a multi-piece construction such that the row segments 202A of a row strip 203 A are connected together at seams and the column segments 202B of a column strip 203B are connected together at seams. In some examples, such as shown in figure 2A, the row strips 203 A are interconnected with the column strips 203B to form a mesh. In the case of a mesh,each one of the row segments 202A of a row strip 203 A is connected, via a seamless or seamed connection 280, with at least one column segment 202B of a column strip 203B and, conversely, each one of the column segments 202B of a column strip 203B is connected, via a seamless or seamed connection 280, with at least one row segment 202A of a row strip 203 A. The seamless or seamed connections 280 of two or more segments of one or more strips corresponds with a location of a corresponding one of the electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113 and a corresponding circuit of the connection circuits 115 (see, e.g., Figure 2B).

[0061] The strips of the power supply layer 200 can be arranged relative to each other to form any of various arrangements. In some examples, as shown in Figures 2A-6, the power supply layer 200 includes both the row strips 203 A and the column strips 203B, which are interconnected to form a mesh. The power supply layer 200, having strips that form a mesh, enables efficient power transmission to the electrodes 111 while still providing pass-through openings 262. For example, electrical power is transmitted to a given one of the electrodes 111 via both a row strip 203A and a column strip 203B. In the illustrated example, the row strips 203A are perpendicular relative to the column strips 203B such that the pass-through openings 262 have a substantially square or rectangular shape. However, in other examples, the row strips 203A and the column strips 203B of the mesh can be diagonal (e.g., oblique) relative to each other. In some examples, the pass-through openings 262 have a diagonal nature, although their borders may have line segments that are at least roughly parallel to a rectangular grid of electrodes.

[0062] In contrast to a mesh, as shown in Figure 7 and according to some examples, the power supply layer 200 includes just row strips 203 A or just column strips 203B. In such examples, the pass-through openings 262 are defined between adjacent ones of the row strips 203 A or the column strips 203B and extend along an entire length or width of the power supply layer 200.

[0063] Although not shown, in certain examples, the power supply layer 200 can have one or more portions defined by interconnected row strips 203 A and column strips 203B forming a mesh and one or more portions defined by just row strips 203 A or just column strips 203B. Such a configuration provides flexibility and efficiency in how the electrical power is transmitted to the electrodes 111, and could be based on the usage of the electrodes 111 in given locations along the power supply layer 200.

[0064] Each one of the strips, whether a row strip 203 A or a column strip 203B, and corresponding segments are made of at least two electrically conductivematerials. Figures 8A-11 show examples of a segment 202 of a strip. The segment 202 is representative of a row segment 202 A and a column segment 202B. In other words, the features of the examples of the segment 202 correspond to examples of the features of a row segment 202A and a column segment 202B, respectively. The segment 202 includes a first layer 230 A made of a first electrically conductive material and a second layer 232 made of a second electrically conductive material. The first electrically conductive material is different than the second electrically conductive material. In some examples, the first electrically conductive material has a first passivation value that is different (e.g., higher) than a second passivation value of the second electrically conductive material. The passivation value is defined as the ability of the material to resist corrosion. Accordingly, in some examples, the first electrically conductive material of the first layer 230A is able to resist corrosion better than the second electrically conductive material of the second layer 232. In some examples, to further assist with reducing corrosion, the segment 202 can have a third layer 230B made of the first electrically conductive material or similar material. Although examples of a two layer segment and a three layer segment are shown, it is recognized that in other examples, the segments of the strips can have any number of additional layers.

[0065] Notwithstanding a material’s ability to resist corrosion, some materials with high passivation conduct electrical power less efficiently than materials with low passivation. Because a primary consideration when designing a power supply layer for an electrode array assembly is the transmission efficiency of the electrical power, it is difficult to design a power supply layer that efficiently transmits electrical power and resists corrosion. The power supply layer 200 accomplishes both efficient power transmission and corrosion resistance by employing strips made of a high-efficiency material and a high corrosion-resistant material in a stacked formation and forming corrosion-isolation bridges in the segments of the strips. The high-efficiency material enables efficient transmission of electrical power through the strips and the corrosionisolation bridges take advantage of the high-corrosion-resistant material to isolate and reduce the spread of corrosion.

[0066] According to some examples, the first electrically conductive material of the first layer 230A is one of titanium, tantalum, tungsten, niobium and / or molybdenum, as well as alloys formed of the same, such as molybdenum tungsten alloys and the like. In contrast, the second electrically conductive material of thesecond layer 232 is one of aluminum, copper, silver, and / or gold, as well as alloys formed of the same.

[0067] Referring to Figure 2A, in some examples, each one of the segments of each one of all the strips of the power supply layer 200 of a first electrode array assembly 101 A includes a corrosion-isolation bridge 210. More specifically, each one of the row segments 202A of all the row strips 203 A has a corrosion-isolation bridge 210 between the two electrodes 111 at the opposite ends of the corresponding one of the row segments 202A. Similarly, each one of all the column segments 202B of the column strips 203B has a corrosion-isolation bridge 210 between the two electrodes 111 at the opposite ends of the corresponding one of the column segments 202B. As described above, the corrosion-isolation bridges 210 are configured to isolate and reduce the spread of corrosion. For example, if an electrode 111, the connection circuit 115 associated with the electrode 111, or a segment of the power supply layer 200 associated with the electrode 111 becomes corroded, such as due to the corrosive effects of an electrolyte solution, the corrosion will attempt to grow and spread along one or more of the segments extending from the electrode 111. However, corrosion spreading along one or more of these segments will eventually reach the corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge 210, which will stop the spread of the corrosion, while still enabling electrical power to pass around. Accordingly, the corrosion-isolation bridges 210 of the first electrode array assembly 101 A are configured to prevent the spread of corrosion from any one of the electrodes 111 to any other of the electrodes 111. In other words, in the example of the first electrode array assembly 101 A, each one of the electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113 is corrosively isolated from any adjacent one of the electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113 by a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge 210. Examples of corrosionisolation bridges are described in more detail below.

[0068] In some examples, the formation of a corrosion-isolation bridge 210 in a segment of the power supply layer 200 can be difficult, and in some cases, may structurally weaken the segment. Accordingly, limiting the number of corrosionisolation bridges 210, while still sufficiently isolating and reducing the spread of corrosion so that the electrode array assembly can maintain a desirable level of reliability and performance, may be desirable. Also, utilizing groupings of electrodes can help to target areas of an electrode array assembly that may be more susceptible to corrosion than other areas.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3, one example of a second electrode array assembly 101B is shown. Instead of having a corrosion-isolation bridge 210 that corrosively isolates any one electrode 111 from any other electrode 111, the second electrode array assembly 10 IB groups some of the electrodes 111 into at least one grouping of electrodes 111. The electrodes 111 of a grouping of electrodes are adjacent to each other and corrosively isolated from the electrodes 111 outside of the grouping of electrodes, but are not corrosively isolated from the electrodes 111 within the grouping of electrodes. In other words, the segments of the power supply layer 200 electrically coupling the electrodes 111 of a grouping of electrodes do not have a corrosion-isolation bridge 210, but the segments electrically coupling the outermost electrodes 111 of the grouping of electrodes to the electrodes 111 adjacent to the grouping of electrodes (i.e., grouping of adjacent electrodes) do have a corrosionisolation bridge 210. For example, the second electrode array assembly 101B includes a grouping of electrodes 220B, having nine electrodes 111 arranged in a 3x3 configuration, where the segments interconnecting the nine electrodes 111 do not have a corrosion-isolation bridge 210 but the segments connecting the outer eight electrodes 111 of the grouping of electrodes 220B to the grouping of adjacent electrodes do have corrosion-isolation bridges 210.

[0070] Similar to the second electrode array assembly 101B, according to another example shown in Figure 4, a third electrode array assembly 101C of a third electrode array assembly 101C includes a grouping of electrodes 220C where the electrodes 111 of the grouping of electrodes 220C are not corrosively isolated from each other. However, the grouping of electrodes 220C has four electrodes 111 arranged in a 2x2 configuration, instead of nine electrodes 111 arranged in a 3x3 configuration. Accordingly, the segments interconnecting the four electrodes 111 of the grouping of electrodes 220C do not have a corrosion-isolation bridge 210. A configuration having a lower quantity of electrodes 111 can enable more precise corrosion isolation than groupings with larger quantities of electrodes, while still promoting the overall strength of the power supply layer 200. In the examples of Figures 3 and 4, the groupings of electrodes each has at least two rows of electrodes 111 and at least two columns of electrodes 111, which ensures enough segments without corrosion-isolation bridges 210 are providing structural strength and rigidity.

[0071] Referring to Figure 5, and according to another example, a fourth electrode array assembly 10 ID includes multiple groupings of electrodes 220D. As with the previous examples, each one of the groupings of electrodes 220D includeselectrodes 111 that are corrosively isolated from each other. Moreover, each one of the groupings of electrodes 220D has the same configuration, which, in the illustrated example, is a 3x1 configuration of three electrodes 111. The groupings of electrodes 220D are corrosively isolated from each other by at least one segment (e.g., two segments in the illustrated example) having a corrosion-isolation bridge 210. An electrode array assembly with multiple groupings of electrodes can be used to target multiple areas that may be more susceptible to corrosion than other areas. In the example of Figure 5, the groupings of electrodes have a first quantity of rows with at least one electrode and a second quantity of columns with at least one electrode, where the first quantity of rows and the second quantity of columns are the same. Such a configuration enables uniform strengthening of the power supply layer 200.

[0072] Similar to the electrode array assembly 101D of Figure 5, another example of an electrode array assembly 10 IE shown in Figure 6 also includes multiple groupings of electrodes (e.g., groupings of electrodes 220C and groupings of electrodes 220E). However, the groupings of electrodes 220C have a different configuration than the groupings of electrodes 220E. More specifically, the groupings of electrodes 220C have a 2x2 configuration and the groupings of electrodes 220E have a 4x2 configuration. The groupings of electrodes 220C and the groupings of electrodes 220E are corrosively isolated from each other by at least one segment having a corrosion-isolation bridge 210. An electrode array assembly with multiple groupings of electrodes having different configurations (i.e., different number of rows and / or columns) can be used to efficiently target differently shaped areas that may be more susceptible to corrosion than other areas.

[0073] Although the examples of the groupings of electrodes illustrated in Figures 3-6 have specific electrode configurations, it is recognized that electrode array assemblies of the present disclosure can have groupings of electrodes with any of various configurations. For example, although 3x3, 2x2, 3x1, and 4x2 configurations are shown, in other examples the groupings can have 1x2, 2x1, 1x3, 2x4, 2x3, 3x2, and the like.

[0074] Examples of a corrosion-isolation bridge 210 are shown in Figures 8B- 11. Each one of the corrosion-isolation bridges 210 of the examples of the electrode array assembly described above, and shown in Figures 2A-7, can be any one of the examples of the corrosion-isolation bridge 210 shown in Figures 8B-11 and described below. In some examples, every one of the corrosion-isolation bridges 210 of an electrode array assembly can be the same (i.e., the same example of corrosion-isolation bridge). However, in other examples, at least one of the corrosion-isolation bridges 210 of an electrode array assembly can be different than at least one other corrosion-isolation bridge 210 of the electrode array assembly (i.e., different examples of corrosion-isolation bridges). For example, based the propensity of different portions of the electrode array assembly to develop corrosion differently (e.g., at different rates), different examples of corrosion-isolation bridges can be employed in the same electrode array assembly (e.g., portions more likely to develop corrosion can more efficient corrosion-isolation bridges than in other portions).

[0075] Referring to Figure 8B, according to a first example, a corrosionisolation bridge 210A is formed in a segment 202 of the power supply layer 200 that has the first layer 230 A, made of the first electrically conductive material, the second layer 232, made of the second electrically conductive material, and the third layer 230B, made of the first electrically conductive material. The corrosion-isolation bridge 210A includes a break 234 in the second layer 232 and the third layer 230B. More specifically, the break 234 is formed in the second electrically conductive material of the second layer 232 and the first electrically conductive layer of the third layer 230B. As used herein, a break is a complete disruption in the continuity of a layer (i.e., the material of the layer) of a segment of a power supply layer. A break defines a space or gap between a first side and a second (opposite) side of the material in which the break is formed. In the example of the corrosion-isolation bridge 210A, the break 234 defines a space or gap in both the second layer 232 and the third layer 230B, which extends completely through the second layer 232 and the third layer 230B, but not the first layer 230 A. In other words, the first layer 230 A extends continuously across or spans the corrosion-isolation bridge 210A.

[0076] Based on the foregoing, according to one example shown in Figure 12, a method 300 of making an electrode array assembly 101 includes (block 310) forming the break 234 in at least the second layer 232 of each one of at least some of a plurality of segments 202 of strips (e.g., strips 203 A, 203B) of the power supply layer 200. The method 300 also includes (block 320) electrically coupling each one of the plurality of segments 202 to a corresponding two electrodes 111 of the electrode array 113. According to one example, the break 234 is formed by etching away a portion of the third layer 230B and the second layer 232. However, in other examples, the break 234 can be formed by other techniques, such as machining, grinding, laser engraving, and the like.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8B, electrical power 270 is transmitted across the corrosion-isolation bridge 210A via the portion of the first layer 230A that spans the corrosion-isolation bridge 210A. Generally, the electrical power 270 tends to flow primarily through the second layer 232 of the segment 202 because of the higher electrical conductivity of the second material of the second layer 232. Accordingly, before and after the corrosion-isolation bridge 210A, the electrical power 270 primarily flows through the second layer 232. When the bulk of the electrical power 270 encounters the break 234 in the second layer 232, it jumps from the second layer 232 to the first layer 230A (e.g., in a z-direction) to span the corrosion-isolation bridge 210A. In contrast, corrosion 272 formed in and spreading along the second layer 232, it being more susceptible to the formation of corrosion, does not jump to the first layer 230A upon encountering the break 234 because of the resistance to corrosion exhibited by the first electrically conductive material of the first layer 230 A. Rather, the corrosion 272 in the second layer 232 terminates at the break 234 as shown. In this manner, the corrosion-isolation bridge 210A facilitates isolation (e.g., spread resistance) of corrosion in a segment 202 so that the corrosion does not spread between electrodes 111 separated by the corrosion-isolation bridge 210A.

[0078] According to some examples, the thickness of the second layer 232 is less than the thickness of the first layer 230 A and less than the thickness of the third layer 230B. The second layer 232, being thinner than the first layer 230A and the third layer 230B, helps to reduce the formation of corrosion at the exposed side edges of the second layer 232. Conversely, the first layer 230A and the third layer 230B, being thicker, promotes isolation of the second layer 232 and a reduction of spread of corrosion through the first layer 230A and the third layer 230B.

[0079] As shown in Figure 8C, in a second example, a corrosion-isolation bridge 210B includes an electrically non-conductive material 236 to help structurally strengthen the segment 202. The corrosion-isolation bridge 210B is similar to the corrosion-isolation bridge 210A. For example, the corrosion-isolation bridge 210B includes a break 234 in a second layer 232 and a third layer 230B of a segment 202. However, instead of having an unoccupied space defined by the break 234, the space defined by the break 234 of the corrosion-isolation bridge 210B is filled, at least partially, with the electrically non-conductive material 236, which promotes rigidity of the segment 202 at the corrosion-isolation bridge 210B. Additionally, because the electrically non-conductive material 236 is corrosion resistant, corrosion 272 in the second layer 232 terminates at the electrically non-conductive material 236 in thebreak 234. The electrically non-conductive material 236 can be any of various materials, such as plastics, ceramics (e.g., silicon nitride), rubbers, and the like.

[0080] Referring to Figure 9A, according to a third example, a corrosionisolation bridge 210C is formed in a segment 202 of the power supply layer 200 that has the first layer 230 A, made of the first electrically conductive material, and the second layer 232, made of the second electrically conductive material, but does not have the third layer 230B. In other words, the segment 202 of Figure 9A consists of the first layer 230A and the second layer 232. The corrosion-isolation bridge 210C includes a break 234 in the first layer 230A and the second layer 232. Accordingly, the break 234 of the corrosion-isolation bridge 210C extends entirely through the thickness of the segment 202 (i.e., extends entirely through both the first layer 230A and the second layer 232). The break 234 is filled with a plug portion 241 of a conductive bridge 240A, which also includes an overhang portion 243 extending transversely relative to the plug portion 241. The plug portion 241 nestably fits within the break 234 and the overhang portion 243 contacts and extends along the second layer 232 away from the break 234. In this manner, the conductive bridge 240A spans the break 234. Although the conductive bridge 240A protrudes from one side (e.g., an upper side) of the segment 202, in other examples, the conductive bridge 240 A can instead protrude from the opposite side (e.g., a lower side) of the segment 202, or protrude from both sides of the segment 202.

[0081] Moreover, the conductive bridge 240A is made of an electrically conductive material such that the conductive bridge 240A electrically couples the first layer 230A and the second layer 232 on opposite sides of the break 234. More specifically, the conductive bridge 240A includes a stacked arrangement of multiple layers of electrically conductive materials. In the illustrated example, the conductive bridge 240A includes a fourth layer 250, a fifth layer 252, and a sixth layer 254 in the stacked (e.g., sandwiched) arrangement where the fifth layer 252 is interposed between the fourth layer 250 and the sixth layer 254. The fourth layer 250 and the sixth layer 254 are made of the same electrically conductive material, and the fifth layer 252 is made of an electrically conductive material with a lower passivation value than the material of the fourth layer 250 and the sixth layer 254. In one example, the electrically conductive material of the fourth layer 250 and the sixth layer 254 is the same as the electrically conductive material of the first layer 230A, and the electrically conductive material of the fifth layer 252 is the same as the electrically conductive material of the second layer 232. Accordingly, the bulk ofelectrical power 270 in the second layer 232 of the segment 202 is redirected through the fourth layer 250 and into the fifth layer 252 of the conductive bridge 240A, spans the break 234 of the corrosion-isolation bridge 210C, and is redirected through the fourth layer 250 and back into the second layer 232 on the opposite side of the break 234.

[0082] The conductive bridge 240 A has a T-shaped cross-section taken along a plane through a thickness of the segment 202. In the plug portion 241, the fourth layer 250, the fifth layer 252, and the sixth layer 254 are laterally stacked in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the segment 202. In contrast, in the overhang portion 243, the fourth layer 250, the fifth layer 252, and the sixth layer 254 are vertically stacked in a direction parallel to the thickness of the segment 202. In this manner, the fourth layer 250 directly contacts and extends along the ends of the first layer 230A and the second layer 232 separated by the break 234, and directly contacts and extends along the second layer 232. Accordingly, the fourth layer 250 is interposed between the fifth layer 252, and the first layer 230 A and the second layer 252, such that the fifth layer 252 does not directly contact the first layer 230 A and the second layer 252. The fourth layer 250, being made of a material with a relatively high passivation value and separating the material of the fifth layer 252, having a relatively low passivation value, promotes termination of corrosion 272 in the second layer 252 at the fourth layer 250. Additionally, the stacked arrangement of the conductive bridge 240A enables corrosion 272 in the fifth layer 252 to terminate at the fourth layer 250 or the sixth layer 254.

[0083] According to some examples, the thickness of the second layer 232 is more than the thickness of the first layer 230A and / or the thickness of the fourth layer 250. However, in certain examples, the fourth layer 250 is thick enough that potential defects in the fourth layer 250, like pin holes, which could enable a direct connection between the second layer 232 and the fifth layer 252, are mitigated.

[0084] Referring to Figure 9B, according to a fourth example, a corrosionisolation bridge 210D is formed in a segment 202 of the power supply layer 200 that has the first layer 230A and the second layer 232. The corrosion-isolation bridge 210D includes a conductive bridge 240B similar to the conductive bridge 240 A of the corrosion-isolation bridge 210C, with like numbers referring to like features. Moreover, like the corrosion-isolation bridge 210C, the corrosion-isolation bridge 210D includes a break 234 in first layer 230A and the second layer 232. However, unlike the corrosion-isolation bridge 210C, the fifth layer 252 of the plug portion 241of the corrosion-isolation bridge 210D extends through only a portion of the break 234. As shown, a first layer bridge 245 can be applied between opposite sides of the first layer 230A to span the break 234. The first layer bridge 245 can be formed as part of the fourth layer 250 The addition of the first layer bridge 245 can help isolate corrosion. In one implementation, the break 234 extends through only the second layer 232 of the segment 202, such that a portion of the first layer 230A remains and spans the break 234. In such an implementation, the plug portion 241 abuts up against the portion of the first layer 230A spanning the break 234.

[0085] Referring to Figure 10, according to a fifth example, a corrosionisolation bridge 210E is formed in a segment 202 of the power supply layer 200 that has the first layer 230A, the second layer 232, and the third layer 230B. The corrosion-isolation bridge 210E includes a break 234 in the first layer 230A, the second layer 232, and the third layer 230B. Accordingly, the break 234 of the corrosion-isolation bridge 210E extends entirely through the thickness of the segment 202. The corrosion-isolation bridge 210E also includes an electrically non-conductive material 236 in the space defined by the break 234 and on the exterior surface of the third layer 230B. Therefore, the electrically non-conductive material 236 effectively forms an exterior layer of the segment 202.

[0086] The corrosion-isolation bridge 210E additionally includes a conductive bridge 240C. Similar to the conductive bridges 240 A, 240B, the conductive bridge 240E, in the illustrated example of Figure 10, includes a fourth layer 250, a fifth layer 252, and a sixth layer 254 in the stacked (e.g., sandwiched) arrangement where the fifth layer 252 is interposed between the fourth layer 250 and the sixth layer 254. However, unlike the conductive bridges 240A, 240B, no portion of the conductive bridge 240E extends into the break 234. Instead, the conductive bridge 240E is applied onto the electrically non-conductive material 236 forming the exterior layer of the segment 202. Accordingly, the electrically non-conductive material 236 is interposed between the conductive bridge 240E and the third layer 230B. The corrosion-isolation bridge 210E additionally includes at least one via 256 on each side of the break 234. The vias 256 are made of an electrically conductive material and pass through the electrically non-conductive material 236 from the fourth layer 250 of the conductive bridge 240E to the third layer 230B of the segment 202. In this manner, the vias 256 electrically couple the conductive bridge 240E to the third layer 230B on opposite sides of the break 234.

[0087] Referring to Figure 11, according to a sixth example, a corrosionisolation bridge 21 OF is formed in a segment 202 of the power supply layer 200 that has the first layer 230A, the second layer 232, and the third layer 230B. Like the corrosion-isolation bridge 210E, the corrosion-isolation bridge 21 OF includes a break 234 in the first layer 230A, the second layer 232, and the third layer 230B. Accordingly, the break 234 of the corrosion-isolation bridge 210E extends entirely through the thickness of the segment 202. However, unlike the corrosion-isolation bridge 210E, the break 234 of the corrosion-isolation bridge 21 OF is not filled with an electrically non-conductive material and does not have an electrically non-conductive layer on the third layer 230B. Instead, the break 234 can be at least partially unfilled (e.g., partially filled with a portion of a conductive bridge 240D, which is described below). However, in certain examples, the break 234 of the corrosion-isolation bridge 21 OF can be filled with an electrically non-conductive material.

[0088] The corrosion-isolation bridge 21 OF additionally includes a conductive bridge 240D. However, unlike the conductive bridges described above, the conductive bridge 240D does not have a sandwiched arrangement of multiple layers of different materials, but rather is made of one or more layers (e.g., a single layer) of the same electrically conductive material. More specifically, the electrically conductive material of the conductive bridge 240D is made of an electrically conductive material with a passivation value lower than the passivation values of all of the materials of the layers of the segment 202. Accordingly, the conductive bridge 240D can be more prone to corrosion than the layers of the segment 202. In this manner, the conductive bridge 240D effectively acts as a fuse. In other words, the conductive bridge 240D can facilitate a planned failure by acting like a fuse that prevents corrosion from spreading further and indefinitely like in a single continuous layer. As shown, electrical power 270 is transmitted through the corrosion-isolation bridge 21 OF by bypassing the break 234 via the conductive bridge 240D. The break 234 and the third layer 230B help to terminate the spread of corrosion 272 originating in the second layer 232 or the conductive bridge 240D.

[0089] In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and / or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply byturning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and / or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “at least two.” Moreover, unless otherwise noted, as defined herein a plurality of particular features does not necessarily mean every particular feature of an entire set or class of the particular features.

[0090] Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent to another element without being in contact with that element.

[0091] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of’, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of’ means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.

[0092] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and / or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

[0093] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeedcapable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and / or as being “operative to” perform that function.

[0094] The term “about” or “substantially” or “approximately” in some embodiments, is defined to mean within + / -5% of a given value, however in additional embodiments any disclosure of “about” or “substantially” or “approximately” may be further narrowed and claimed to mean within + / - 4% of a given value, within + / - 3% of a given value, within + / - 2% of a given value, within + / - 1% of a given value, or the exact given value. Further, when at least two values of a variable are disclosed, such disclosure is specifically intended to include the range between the two values regardless of whether they are disclosed with respect to separate embodiments or examples, and specifically intended to include the range of at least the smaller of the two values and / or no more than the larger of the two values. Additionally, when at least three values of a variable are disclosed, such disclosure is specifically intended to include the range between any two of the values regardless of whether they are disclosed with respect to separate embodiments or examples, and specifically intended to include the range of at least the A value and / or no more than the B value, where A may be any of the disclosed values other than the largest disclosed value, and B may be any of the disclosed values other than the smallest disclosed value.

[0095] The schematic flow chart diagram included herein is generally set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one example of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbolsemployed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. Blocks represented by dashed lines indicate alternative operations and / or portions thereof. Dashed lines, if any, connecting the various blocks represent alternative dependencies of the operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented.

[0096] The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described examples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electrode array assembly (101) comprising: an electrode array (113) comprising electrodes (111) spaced apart from each other; connection circuits (115) each coupled to one or more of the electrodes (111) of the electrode array (113); and a power supply layer (200) coupled to the connection circuits (115) and configured to supply electrical power (270) to the connection circuits (115), wherein: the power supply layer (200) comprises strips (203 A, 203B) made of at least two electrically conductive materials; each one of the strips (203 A, 203B) comprises segments (202A, 202B) each electrically coupled to and extending between a corresponding two of the electrodes (111); the power supply layer (200) further comprises pass-through openings (262) each defined between adjacent ones of the segments (202A, 202B); the connection circuits (115) are selectively controllable to supply the electrical power (270) from the power supply layer (200) to one or more of the electrodes (111) of the electrode array (113); and each one of at least some of the segments (202A, 202B) comprises a corrosion-isolation bridge (210) between the corresponding two of the electrodes (111), the corrosion-isolation bridge (210) comprising a break (234) in at least one of the at least two electrically conductive materials.

2. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 1, wherein the strips (203 A, 203B) are arranged in one of: a plurality of row strips (203 A) spaced apart from each other; or a plurality of column strips (203B) spaced apart from each other.

3. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 1, wherein each one of the electrodes (111) of the electrode array (113) is corrosively isolated from any adjacent one of the electrodes (111) of the electrode array (113) by a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge (210).

4. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 1, wherein: the electrodes (111) of the electrode array (113) are arranged into at least a first grouping of adjacent electrodes (220B, 220C, 220D, 220E) and a second grouping of adjacent electrodes; each one of the segments (202A, 202B) extending between the electrodes (111) of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes (220B, 220C, 220D, 220E) does not have a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge (210) such that the electrodes (111) of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes (220B, 220C, 220D, 220E) are not corrosively isolated from each other; and each one of the segments (202A, 202B) extending between the electrodes (111) of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes has a corresponding corrosionisolation bridge (210) such that the electrodes (111) of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes are corrosively isolated from each other.

5. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 4, wherein the first grouping of adjacent electrodes comprises at least two rows of electrodes (111) and at least two columns of electrodes (111).

6. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 1, wherein: the electrodes (111) of the electrode array (113) are arranged into at least a first grouping of adjacent electrodes (220B, 220C, 220D, 220E) and a second grouping of adjacent electrodes; each one of the segments (202A, 202B) extending between the electrodes (111) of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes (220B, 220C, 220D, 220E) does not have a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge (210) such that the electrodes (111) of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes (220B, 220C, 220D, 220E) are not corrosively isolated from each other; each one of the segments (202A, 202B) extending between the electrodes (111) of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes (220B, 220C, 220D, 220E) does not have a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge (210) such that the electrodes (111) of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes (220B, 220C, 220D, 220E) are not corrosively isolated from each other; each one of the segments (202A, 202B) extending between an electrode (111) of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes and an electrode (111) outside of the firstgrouping of adjacent electrodes comprises a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge (210) such that the electrodes (111) of the first grouping of adjacent electrodes are corrosively isolated from any other electrodes (111) of the electrode array (113); and each one of the segments (202A, 202B) extending between an electrode (111) of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes and an electrode (111) outside of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes comprises a corresponding corrosion-isolation bridge (210) such that the electrodes (111) of the second grouping of adjacent electrodes are corrosively isolated from any other electrodes (111) of the electrode array (113).

7. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 1, wherein: each one of the segments (202A, 202B) comprises a first layer (230A), made of a first electrically conductive material having a first passivation value, and a second layer (232), made of a second electrically conductive material having a second passivation value and stacked on the first layer (230 A); the first passivation value is higher than the second passivation value; and the break (234) is in at least the second layer (232).

8. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 7, wherein: the first electrically conductive material is made of titanium; and the second electrically conductive material is made of aluminum.

9. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 7, wherein the corrosion-isolation bridge (210) of each one of the at least some of the segments (202A, 202B) further comprises an electrically non-conductive material (236) in the break (234).

10. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 7, wherein: each one of the segments (202A, 202B) further comprises a third layer (230B), made of the first electrically conductive material and stacked onto the second layer (232) such that the second layer (232) is sandwiched between the first layer (230A) and the third layer (230B); and the break (234) is in at least the second layer (232) and the third layer (230B).

11. The electrode array assembly (101) according to claim 7, wherein the break (234) is in at least the first layer (230A) and the second layer (232) so that the break (234) extends entirely through a thickness of the corresponding one of the at least some of the segments (202A, 202B).

12. The electrode array assembly (101) of claim 11, wherein the corrosionisolation bridge (210) of each one of the at least some of the segments (202A, 202B) further comprises a conduction bridge (240A-D), made of at least one electrically conductive material, spanning the break (234) and electrically coupling the at least one of the at least two electrically conductive materials on a first side of the break (234) and the at least one of the at least two electrically conductive materials on a second side of the break (234) that is opposite the first side of the break (234).

13. The electrode array assembly (101) of claim 12, wherein the at least one electrically conductive material of the conduction bridge (240D) has a passivation value that is less than a passivation value of each one of the at least two electrically conductive materials of each one of the at least some of the segments (202A, 202B).

14. The electrode array assembly (101) of claim 12, wherein: the conduction bridge (210) comprises a fourth layer (250), a fifth layer (252), and a sixth layer (254) in a stacked arrangement; the fifth layer (252) is sandwiched between the fourth layer (250) and the sixth layer (254); the fourth layer (250) is made of the first electrically conductive material; the fifth layer (252) is made of the second electrically conductive material; and the sixth layer (254) is made of the first electrically conductive material.

15. The electrode array assembly (101) of claim 14, wherein portions of the fourth layer (250) and the fifth layer (252) of the conduction bridge (210) extend into the break (234).

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