-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Growing Industry
In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, we talk with leading economic experts, advocacy specialists in Washington, D.C., and PCB company leadership to get a well-rounded picture of what’s happening in the industry today. Don’t miss it.
The Sustainability Issue
Sustainability is one of the most widely used terms in business today, especially for electronics and manufacturing but what does it mean to you? We explore the environmental, business, and economic impacts.
The Fabricator’s Guide to IPC APEX EXPO
This issue previews many of the important events taking place at this year's show and highlights some changes and opportunities. So, buckle up. We are counting down to IPC APEX EXPO 2024.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Flex on the Brain: The Future of Neural Interfaces
October 26, 2020 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
The SMTA Additive Electronics TechXchange took place virtually on October 14, with presentations from a wide variety of technologists involved in additive processes. Organizers Tara Dunn of Omni PCB and Lenora Clark of ESI Automotive did a great job putting together this event.
One of the highlights was a presentation titled “Flexible Electronics for Neural Interfaces” by Dr. Jonathan Viventi, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Duke University. His research with flexible electronics has helped create new types of technology for interfacing directly with the human brain, allowing high-resolution scans over wide areas. This technology can diagnose and treat all kinds of neurological disorders, including epilepsy.
In a fascinating presentation, Viventi explained that earlier brain sensors were impractical, often using thousands of electrodes, and they offered only two options: a high-resolution scan of a small part of the brain or a low-resolution shot of a broad area.
Now, Viventi’s new flexible silicon interface fits directly onto the brain and can provide a high-res look at a wide area. He noted that silicon could behave just like a flexible circuit if you make it thin enough. In his research at Duke, Viventi has investigated the use of LCP and polyimide, both of which use additive processes, and they’re fairly inexpensive as well.
His interface has been tested and found to be safe on rats and monkeys. Now, humans having brain surgery can volunteer to have one placed on their brain and removed when surgery is completed. Viventi explained that placing the flexible silicon on the brain isn’t too dangerous.
“The brain is actually pretty tough,” Viventi said. Doctors induce a seizure with drugs, and they’re able to detect waves propagating through the brain that they were missing before. Previous tools just didn’t have high enough resolution.
Interestingly, the human subject stays awake during the brain scan. Viventi said the doctors ask patients to answer questions during the procedure. I don’t know if I’d like that part, but I see the point. Viventi said plans are underway to scale up to commercial CMOS silicon; each of these interfaces would replace 65,000 electrodes.
LCP interfaces are especially robust, with accelerated aging showed that they would last more than five years at 37°C, and they offer great biocompatibility. Viventi’s research is a great reminder of how technology is being used to save lives and treat neurological disorders every day.
Suggested Items
Warm Windows and Streamlined Skin Patches – IDTechEx Explores Flexible and Printed Electronics
04/26/2024 | IDTechExFlexible and printed electronics can be integrated into cars and homes to create modern aesthetics that are beneficial and easy to use. From luminous car controls to food labels that communicate the quality of food, the uses of this technology are endless and can upgrade many areas of everyday life.
Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics
04/24/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn our fast-changing, deeply competitive, and margin-tight industry, factory analytics can be the key to unlocking untapped improvements to guarantee a thriving business. On top of that, electronics manufacturers are facing a tremendous burden to do more with less. If you don't already have a copy of this book, what follows is an excerpt from the introduction chapter of 'The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics: Unlocking Efficiency Through Data Insights' to whet your appetite.
Listen Up! The Intricacies of PCB Drilling Detailed in New Podcast Episode
04/25/2024 | I-Connect007In episode 5 of the podcast series, On the Line With: Designing for Reality, Nolan Johnson and Matt Stevenson continue down the manufacturing process, this time focusing on the post-lamination drilling process for PCBs. Matt and Nolan delve into the intricacies of the PCB drilling process, highlighting the importance of hole quality, drill parameters, and design optimization to ensure smooth manufacturing. The conversation covers topics such as drill bit sizes, aspect ratios, vias, challenges in drilling, and ways to enhance efficiency in the drilling department.
Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
04/24/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIn a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
Winner of The Science Show Rakett 69 Receives Incap Scholarship
04/24/2024 | IncapThe winner of the Rakett 69 science show, Andri Türkson, who stood out as an electronics enthusiast, received a scholarship from Incap Estonia, along with an internship opportunity in Saaremaa.