Modular Sensor Array With In-Situ ADCs for High-Density Neural Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuronal probes face challenges in achieving high signal quality and spatial resolution with a high electrode density while minimizing the size of the base and power consumption, and are susceptible to interference and crosstalk due to analog signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A two-step in-situ analog-to-digital converter operating in two modes with different quantization settings, combined with a serial connection of modular recording sites, directly converting analog signals to digital at each site, reducing the need for complex signal conditioning and minimizing the base size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of electrodes are integrated on the shank to achieve high spatial resolution, then the electrode density increases, but the base size becomes too large to be embedded into brain tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple modular recording sites, each with its own integrated ADC. This segmentation allows the system to handle high electrode density distributed across modules while keeping each module's base size small enough for tissue embedding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from analog signal transmission to digital signal transmission by integrating ADCs at each recording site. This dimensional change in signal processing enables compact base design while supporting high electrode density, as digital signals are more efficient to transmit and process.
2Ease of operation
If analog signals are transmitted over long conductors to external electronics, then the signal can be processed externally, but the signals become susceptible to interference and crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The analog-to-digital conversion is performed in-situ at each recording site before signal transmission. This preliminary action converts vulnerable analog signals to robust digital signals at the source, eliminating interference and crosstalk issues during transmission while maintaining external processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical analog signal transmission system with a digital signal transmission system. By substituting analog conductors with digital communication interfaces, the system achieves immunity to electromagnetic interference and crosstalk while preserving signal processing functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the needle cross-sectional area is minimized to reduce tissue damage during insertion, then tissue damage decreases, but the base cannot be embedded into the tissue due to its large size
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple modular recording sites that can be distributed along a thin shank. This segmentation enables the shank to maintain a small cross-sectional area for minimal tissue damage while the modular architecture allows functional integration that reduces the required base size for embedding.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating ADCs and digital processing capabilities directly at each recording site, the patent eliminates the need for a large external base. The dimensional change from analog to digital architecture enables compact integration, allowing the base to be small enough for tissue embedding while maintaining full functionality.
4Reliability
If active readout electronics are integrated in the needle to improve signal quality, then signal conditioning is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic functionality is segmented and distributed across multiple independent recording sites, each with its own integrated ADC. This segmentation allows for efficient local signal processing that minimizes power consumption by converting signals to digital format at the source, reducing the need for power-hungry external analog processing circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces power-consuming analog signal transmission and processing with digital signal processing. By integrating ADCs at each recording site, the system converts analog signals to digital format locally, eliminating the need for external analog amplifiers and filters that would consume significant power, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining signal quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for high spatial resolution and robust signal quality with reduced power consumption and interference resistance, enabling deeper tissue penetration and simultaneous readout of multiple electrodes without damaging tissue.
Implementation Method 1
each in-situ analog-to-digital converter is configured for operating in a first operating mode for performing a first quantization of the analog signal using a first quantization setting and to acquire a residual error from the first quantization; and for operating in a second operating mode for performing a second quantization of the residual error using a second, different quantization setting
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor array comprises a base for providing a probe signal and a plurality of modular recording sites. Each modular recording site of the plurality of modular recording sites is configured for receiving a signal, for converting the signal into a digital sensor signal using an in-situ analog-to-digital converter and to provide the digital sensor signal to the base using a communication interface. The communication interfaces of the plurality of modular recording sites are connected serially with respect to each other and to the base and each in-situ analog-to-digital converter is configured for operating in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The base is configured for receiving a plurality of digital sensor signals from the plurality of modular recording sites and to process the plurality of digital sensor signals so as to provide the probe signal.