Neural Signal Detection Using Rectifier and Peak Detector Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural signal detection methods require expensive, surgically implanted electrodes and sensitive equipment, making them costly and impractical for applications that only need limited information about neural signals, particularly in procedures like renal denervation and spinal cord stimulation, where compact and cost-effective solutions are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A neural signal detection system utilizing a rectifier circuit and a peak detector circuit that receives time-varying neural signals, outputs a rectified signal with a peak magnitude proportional to the original signal, and operates at a lower frequency, allowing for simpler and less expensive controllers, suitable for integration into ablation catheters or implantable medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgically positioned microelectrodes or micropipette electrodes are used to detect neural signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable needle electrodes with integrated circuitry that can be discarded after single-use, eliminating the need for complex surgically implanted electrodes. The disposable nature maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and surgical intervention requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing circuit integrated into the needle electrode that converts high-frequency neural signals into lower frequency modulated signals. This intermediary processing enables accurate neural signal detection without requiring complex external equipment or surgically implanted electrodes.
2Measurement precision
If high sampling rates are used to capture neural signals, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary signal modulation within the needle electrode itself, converting high-frequency neural signals to lower frequency signals before transmission to the controller. This preliminary action reduces the sampling rate requirements for the controller, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for high-speed digital sampling with an analog signal modulation approach. By modulating the neural signal frequency onto a carrier wave within the electrode, the system achieves accurate neural signal capture at lower sampling rates, reducing controller energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If high-frequency neural signals are detected directly, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary frequency modulation of neural signals within the needle electrode, converting high-frequency neural activity into lower frequency modulated signals. This preliminary frequency transformation enables accurate neural signal detection using simpler, less complex signal processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of neural signals through modulation within the electrode. By transforming the high-frequency neural signals into lower frequency modulated signals, the system achieves accurate neural detection with less complex equipment that is better suited for lower frequency processing.
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
Enables real-time detection of neural signal amplitudes with reduced equipment complexity and cost, providing immediate feedback during procedures like renal denervation and improved sensing capabilities for spinal cord stimulators, while allowing for lower sampling rates without compromising data accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The rectifier circuit is configured to receive a time varying neural signal from a neural sensor and output a rectified signal corresponding to the received signal
Implementation Method 2
The peak detector circuit is configured to provide an output signal proportional to a peak magnitude of the rectified signal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for signal detection are described. In one example, a detection assembly includes a signal detector. The signal detector is configured to receive a sensor signal having a peak magnitude and a first frequency and generate an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the peak magnitude of the sensor signal and having a second frequency less than the first frequency of the sensor signal.