Student Project: Ultrasound power and data RX ASIC design for wireless powering of brain implants

What you will do

In this project, we will explore and develop analog/mixed-signal IC for implantable ultrasound power and data RX. We want to tackle the challenge of high efficiency and miniaturization of ultrasound electronics for power and data delivery to brain implants enabling new horizons of experimental use and applications.


State-of-the-art brain computer interfaces are designed to be implanted on the surface of the cortex to enhance neural recording and stimulation functions. For safety considerations, such implants need to be wirelessly powered and controlled, with ultrasound emerging as a promising solution. Focusing on the US power RX, high efficiency becomes crucial to achieve sufficient power delivery to the implant without heating up the surrounding brain tissue. Continuous US powering will also need to be combined with data transfer for implant control, posing challenges on the power efficiency, data rate and demodulation on the RX side.


In this project, we will study the ASIC requirements of implantable ultrasound power and data RX. We will also design and implement the rectifier, dc/dc converter and data demodulation blocks. If the development fits the project needs, there is also the option to tapeout the circuit and demonstrate a complete implantable US power delivery link in combination with our state-of-the-art US power TX.

What we do for you

As the world’s best research institute, we are the center of excellence in nano-electronics design for Internet of Things and Healthcare applications. In this internship project, you will be working on a cutting-edge research project, under the supervision of world-renown researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Who you are

Electrical Engineering Background with good analytical skills

• Solid background in analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design
• Strong interest in power management for biomedical applications
• Good written and verbal English skills
  
  
  
  

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’.
Got some questions about the recruitment process? Martijn Kohl of the Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to assist you.