A magnetic, micro-spring-suspended system for the safe electrical interconnection of neural implants

Hoch, Katharina; Pothof, Frederick; Becker, Felix; Paul, Oliver; Ruther, Patrick

doi:10.1109/memsys.2018.8346564

Cited by 1 publication

(4 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“… Fabrication process to realize the connector modules by means of microsystems processes performed on the wafer front ( a – c , h ) and rear ( d – g ), followed by the separation of the individual parts ( i , j ). Adapted from [ 30 ]. …”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

“… Fully assembled 32-channel Si test structure in the ( a ) separated and ( b ) connected state. Adapted from [ 30 ]. …”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

“… Magnetic disconnection force for two values of

as a function of the vertical distance between the magnets. Adapted from [ 30 ]. …”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although the connection is less rigid, and thus, the risk of animal harm or device failure is reduced to a minimum, the mechanical system is strong enough to ensure a stable electrical connection. The initial idea of implementing spring-suspended contact pads in a MEMS-based connector and its fabrication were previously presented in [ 30 ]. Here we provide a comprehensive description of the novel connector system and the underlying fabrication process, an in-detail mechanical and electrical characterization, as well as an analytical model of the spring-suspended contact pads.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Development, Modeling, Fabrication, and Characterization of a Magnetic, Micro-Spring-Suspended System for the Safe Electrical Interconnection of Neural Implants

et al. 2018

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The development of innovative tools for neuroscientific research is based on in vivo tests typically applied to small animals. Most often, the interfacing of neural probes relies on commercially available connector systems which are difficult to handle during connection, particularly when freely behaving animals are involved. Furthermore, the connectors often exert high mechanical forces during plugging and unplugging, potentially damaging the fragile bone structure. In order to facilitate connector usage and increase the safety of laboratory animals, we developed a new magnetic connector system circumventing the drawbacks of existing tools. The connector system uses multiple magnet pairs and spring-suspended electrical contact pads realized using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies. While the contact pad suspension increases the system tolerance in view of geometrical variations, we achieved a reliable self-alignment of the connector parts at ±50 µm provided by the specifically oriented magnet pairs and without the need of alignment pins. While connection forces are negligible, we can adjust the forces during connector release by modifying the magnet distance. With the connector test structures developed here, we achieved an electrical connection yield of 100%. Based on these findings, we expect that in vivo experiments with freely behaving animals will be facilitated with improved animal safety.

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Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

“… Fully assembled 32-channel Si test structure in the ( a ) separated and ( b ) connected state. Adapted from [ 30 ]. …”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

“… Magnetic disconnection force for two values of

as a function of the vertical distance between the magnets. Adapted from [ 30 ]. …”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Development, Modeling, Fabrication, and Characterization of a Magnetic, Micro-Spring-Suspended System for the Safe Electrical Interconnection of Neural Implants

et al. 2018

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show abstract

A magnetic, micro-spring-suspended system for the safe electrical interconnection of neural implants

Cited by 1 publication

References 8 publications

Development, Modeling, Fabrication, and Characterization of a Magnetic, Micro-Spring-Suspended System for the Safe Electrical Interconnection of Neural Implants

Development, Modeling, Fabrication, and Characterization of a Magnetic, Micro-Spring-Suspended System for the Safe Electrical Interconnection of Neural Implants

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