Chip-4Brain

Ultra-Miniaturized Neural Recorder with Body-Coupling Communication

Application
This chip targets next-generation brain-machine interfaces by enabling real-time neural recording from the brain with minimal invasiveness. Designed for fully implantable “Neural Dust” systems, it supports sub-100 µm implants where ultra-low power and area are essential for chronic use and biocompatibility. Its body-coupling communication system leverages the body itself as a transmission medium, removing the need for RF antennas and dramatically reducing implant complexity.

Short Description
Chip-4Brain is an ultra-miniaturized CMOS neural interface that integrates neural signal acquisition, digitization, and communication into a single chip. The system enables a wireless operation, using body-coupling communication (BCC) to transmit data with extremely low power overhead. The chip features low-noise neural signal amplification and digitization, optimized for operation within strict power and size budgets suitable for floating, injectable implants.

Designed in TSMC 180nm CMOS, it supports sub-µW power consumption and does not require off-chip components for communication. This makes it highly scalable and ideal for distributed recording applications across the brain or peripheral nervous system.

Design Team
Ali Meimandi (PhD candidate) with the assistance of Dr. Gian Luca Barbruni and Prof. Paolo Stefano Crovetti, and supervision of Prof. Sandro Carrara, external page BioCMOS Interfaces Lab, EPFL