Miniaturization of electronic building blocks for magnetic-based localization of ingestible sensors

Imec, in collaboration with its sister institute OnePlanet in the Netherlands, are performing research in novel ingestible sensors that can measure various parameters of the gastro-intestinal tract which currently cannot easily be measured in a non-invasive way. For this purpose, it is important for the ingestible sensor to have knowledge of its relative position in the gastrointestinal tract since the propagation speed can vary widely.

Because of this, imec has been working on a magnetic-based localization technology in the previous years and has successfully built an ingestible capsule prototype with localization capabilities. This initial prototype has allowed to validate the performance of the localization technology.

For further integration of this technology within the different variations of imec’s ingestibles, the electronic building blocks need to be further miniaturized and simplified. This, to be able to maintain the small capsule size of the existing imec ingestibles, while at the same time allowing the localization technology to coexist in the same reduced spaces with the other ingestible technologies included in such capsules.

The purpose of the work is to explore the miniaturization & simplification opportunities of the electronic building blocks (coils, sensors, ...) currently in the localization capsule prototype and validate its performance in a laboratory setting. This includes working with existing prototypes developed at imec, exploring alternative components & sensors, implementing modifications and validating its performance. If necessary, proof-of-concept PCB designs could be made within the scope of this work.

This work will involve hands-on work with hardware, signal acquisition and low-level signal processing in Python and/or Matlab, as well as possibly some embedded firmware programming in C.

Minimum time available: 6 months

Skills required: mixed signal (analog and digital) electronic circuit knowledge, test and measurement skills, embedded microcontroller firmware programming in C, at least basic experience with Python and Matlab, hands-on attitude.

For additional information and for applications please contact: Ivan Castro (ivand.castro@imec.be)