Reconfigurable fault-tolerant multielectrode array for dependable monitoring of the human brain

Abstract

We introduce a fault-tolerant strategy to improve the dependability of a multi-electrode array (MEA), an issue of considerable concern. We propose an interstitial redundancy approach with local reconfiguration. Here spare modules are placed at interstitial sites and can replace neighboring primary modules when they develop faults. We evaluate the performance of such a system under different faults to characterize MEA dependability as a function of redundancy. The results demonstrate that a considerable improvement in MEA dependability can be achieved with a well designed increase in redundancy.

How technology is driving the landscape of epilepsy surgery

“…Although microwire low field potentials (LFP) and single‐unit data can add additional understanding of local and even cellular activity changes within a network that are associated with seizure initiation and propagation, they are subject to increased recording requirements, variable yield, and concerns regarding longer‐term stability. Several groups published on computational models related to the ability of intelligent dense arrays to accommodate the failure of a few or even several electrodes in the array 102 . New intelligent high‐density cortical electrode arrays are under development.…”