Student project: Design of Wireless Implant for Selective Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Explore latest imec's technology and state-of-the-art solutions in architecting wireless system for high precision selective peripheral nerve stimulation implants.

What you will do

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of the nerves outside of the central nervous system (CNS) connecting the CNS to the organs, muscles, and skin. It is a bi-directional pathway between the CNS and internal organs and hence can have a powerful impact on the functionality of both. Currently, interest in peripheral nerve stimulation is growing as an alternative or a complement to pharmacological treatment, i.e., treatment with medication, for applications such as epilepsy, pain, depression, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

One of the major challenges for increasing the effectiveness of stimulation lies in achieving a closed loop intervention such that stimulation paradigms are adapted based on direct sensing of stimulation effects. This can be achieved by recording neural activity or from reading out end organs themselves. This would ensure better spatial and functional selectivity of neuromodulation, while minimizing unwanted side effects.

At imec we have developed a new neuromodulation system capable of stimulating neural tissue in vivo and immediately capturing neural response, hence facilitating closed-loop operation. This system is designed around the latest imec neuromodulation ASICS and is envisioned as a wired benchtop setup for pre-clinical studies. The system has been in use to explore novel stimulation paradigms in simple animal models such as earthworms, but also in large animal models, such as pigs. However, the system was not optimized towards miniaturization and optimization and does not include wireless links for communication and powering. This project aims to investigate the design choices and architectural optimization strategies for making a prototype design of a wireless PNS implant. Available imec and off-the-shelf solutions will be considered for wireless powering and communication, which, combined with the latest neuromodulation ASIC and benchtop system design choices, will form a base for the assignment. The project would include a system design phase and validation, PCB design phase, and functional verification and validation.

More specifically, the prototype will be evaluated in an in -vitro and/or ex-vivo setup, through delivering stimulation over multi-contact electrodes and reading out (simulated) neural response, transmitting the (simulated) neural data while receiving power through a tissue sample. stimulation control signals are transmitted through wired or preferably wireless interface. Also, capabilities of closed-loop operation will be tested, using available control paradigms for adapting stimulation parameters in near real-time, available at imec.

Student tasks will include:

• Literature review.
• Get acquainted with current in-vivo experimental setup.
• Get acquainted with available stimulation and recording system, along with the control-loop software framework.
• Design and create a prototype neuromodulation system and perform electrical testing/verification.
• Prepare experimental design, including setup and protocol preparation.
• Perform experimental evaluation aimed at testing different hypotheses relevant for delivering complex selective stimulation paradigms.
• Design and perform experimental evaluations of several closed loop control strategies for improving stimulation selectivity.
• Prepare reports/documentation and, depending on results, write a paper.
   

What we do for you

• You will be working on state-of-the-art technology and tools for stimulation of peripheral nerves, that can be deployed to improve efficacy of neuromodulation treatments in the healthcare domain.
• You will be working in an inspiring high-tech environment, located within the Holst Centre in Eindhoven, and part of the larger IMEC organization, world-leader in R&D on nanotechnology and electronics.
• You will receive support from experienced researchers having diverse background relevant for the execution of the project.
• You will be a member of our multi-disciplinary team of researchers, engineers and innovators, and will be offered an opportunity to contribute to our ambitious aims in making real impact on actual healthcare needs.
  
  

Who you are

• Excellent MSc student in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or equivalent.
• You are entitled to do an internship in The Netherlands (have EU nationality and/or currently study at Dutch University).
• Available for 9 months or longer.
• Have good experience in electronic system design and evaluation (e.g., PCB design in Altium).
• Have experience in performing circuit simulations using a commercial package (e.g., LTSpice and Tina TI)
• Have experience with lab instrumentation (e.g., signal generators, oscilloscopes).
• Experience in signal processing, especially processing of bio-signals, is a plus.
• Eager to take ownership for your student project.
• Have a structured way of working.
• Have good command of spoken and written English.

Interested

Does this position sound like an interesting next step in your career at imec? Don’t hesitate to submit your application by clicking on ‘APPLY NOW’.
Should you have more questions about the job, you can contact jobs@imec.nl.