Design of contact zone topography for implantable high-channel electrical connectors

Abstract

Detachable high-channel electrical connections pose a bottleneck on the path to active implants with higher numbers of electrode contacts and miniaturized geometries. Not only low-resistance, reproducible and reliable contacts have to be realized but also seals that ensure electrical insulation in the harsh body environment. Using planar contact arrangements one can resort to laser microprocessing leading to minimal size connectors. However, this poses the need to carefully design the topographies within the contact zone. In this study, we assess different methods to design the topography of planar contact pad arrays. Using topographical analysis and evaluation of electrical functionality, influential mechanisms were identified and two functional ones have been selected.

Development of a miniaturized, reconnectable, and implantable multichannel connector

“…As various regions in the nervous system are targeted and the number of neural electrodes increases, various implantable connectors with different connecting mechanisms and materials have been proposed [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. The 'Craggs connector' , which is a plug-and-socket-type connector sealed with silicone rubber, was introduced for a lumbar anterior root stimulator system and experimentally tested for its long-term stability in conjunction with the stimulator [13,15].…”

“…A 32-channel connector was fabricated on a silicon or polyimide substrate, and electrical contact with the stimulator was achieved through external housing parts. However, the long-term reliability of these connectors has not been evaluated in vitro or in vivo [17][18][19][20].…”