Designing a Low-Power Single Stage Neural Amplifier for Efficient Wireless Neural Recording Systems

Abstract

In the realm of upcoming neural recording systems, the demand for simultaneous monitoring of a substantial range of 100 to 1000 neurons within fully implanted devices has intensified. Accommodating such requirements calls for integrated electronics that exhibit low power consumption, minimal noise, reduced data rate, and compact size to facilitate their widespread implantation. Central to these characteristics is the amplification circuit of the neural recording system, as it plays a pivotal role in determining power consumption, bandwidth, noise output, and overall system size. This article proposes a novel design of a single-stage neural amplifier, incorporating an operational transconductance amplifier as the primary functional unit, alongside a peripheral circuit comprising MOS bipolar pseudo-resistors and capacitors to ensure stable feedback. Moreover, to enhance signal quality and attenuate noise, a more intricate circuit, building upon the previous system, is introduced. The core section of this system demonstrates impressive performance metrics, achieving a power consumption of less than 9μW, an amplification rate exceeding 80 dB, and a cutoff frequency of 3kHz. The architecture's performance can be further augmented by the more complex circuitry if necessitated by specific application demands.