Link Interface for Neural Communication (LINC)

A family of wireless products capable of communication with large populations of neurons will be developed in this project. The products will consist primarily of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, and have effective wireless data rates significantly higher than state of the art wireless neural interfaces. This will improve wireless communication with neurons, and is a promising step towards transformative treatments: sight, sound, smell, vestibular sensation, and motor capability could be studied at levels outside the reach of current state of the art devices (e.g., retinal prostheses). The proposed products will connect with a variety of neural sensors and stimulators, providing significant tools for researchers and clinicians during their study of the nervous system. Phase II will focus on integrating COTS wireless components into complete product systems and culminate in a pilot run of manufactured products. This project will also transition the manufacture of a wireless receiver into a system compliant with regulatory standards. This will yield the pilot run of a wireless receiver product available for clinical research.This product will help clinical researchers study a diverse range of nervous system injuries and disorders. The ultimate medical technology born from this project will offer treatments unattainable with todays medical technologies.