Vipan Kakkar

Abstract:

Implantable Medical Devices (IMDs), still in its early stages to be suitable for end-consumption, and thus represents an enormous opportunity for which Ultra Low Power System on Chip (SoC), consisting of sensors, processing unit, and stimulating unit or drug delivery unit, all to be integrated on a single chip with VLSI/MEMS technologies, which can enable the development of novel devices and therapies. Broadly, we are working on a SoC for the IMD’s encompassing a range of medical solutions for various bodily disorders and include Cardiac such as Pacemakers, Neural devices like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and prostheses for central nervous system (CNS), cochlear and retinal applications. Biosensors are also picking up in the research arena; the implantable electrode array, improving stimulation selectivity and assisting targeting by incorporating microelectrodes into the device; automated drug injection. Unlike other commercial devices, however, developing microsystems for these applications requires critical analysis in terms of specifications, technologies and design techniques because of the devices’ safety and efficacy. The trade-off between performance and power consumption to be harvested from inside the body is a challenging act in the design of these devices. This keynote speech covers wider aspects of IMD’s, and aims to evaluate possible applications, to derive the requirements that future designs must meet and to recognize, as far as possible, the challenges which have to be faced.