EARNEST: A 64 channel device for neural recording and sensory touch restoration in neural prosthetics

Abstract

EARNEST is a complete embedded system for neural prosthetic applications. It includes recording capabilities of electroneurographic (ENG) signals from up to 4 intrafascicular electrodes with 16 channels each, recording of electromyographic(EMG) signals from 4 differential surface electrodes and multi-channel programmable electrical stimulation. It realizes a complete system for closed-loop bidirectional communication between the Peripheral Neural System (PNS) and an artificial limb. The system is built upon a programmable core for System-on-Chip and 3 different application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) realized in a 0.35μ-m CMOS high-voltage process from ams designed to meet the constraints in terms of area, noise and power in view of a fully implantable system. The whole system has been successfully tested by means of in-vivo experiments with animal models.