Purdue Team Establishes Wireless Communication with a Human Brain
TechExplore reports that a Purdue University team led by Shreyas Sen have introduced a groundbreaking approach to enable wireless communication between the human brain and computers through neural implants. They use a small sensor implanted in the brain to transfer information to a wearable device shaped like headphones.
The technology focuses on low-power and high-bandwidth data communication, using the biological tissue as a medium for signal transfer. This approach is particularly effective in the brain, offering high-speed communication between implants and wearables. The bandwidth achieved surpasses existing technologies like optical, magnetic, ultrasound, or radio frequency-based methods.
The new technique, termed biphasic quasistatic brain communication (BP-QBC), significantly reduces power consumption (by about 41 times at 1 MHz), creating an efficient communication channel. This advancement builds on the team's earlier work on electro-quasistatic human body communication (EQS-HBC), which demonstrated signal transfer between wearable devices using capacitive return-path coupling with the Earth's ground.
The primary challenge for implants was the lack of capacitive return-path coupling due to the conductive tissue surrounding the implant. To overcome this, the researchers used a technique called galvanic coupling, based on electrical dipole coupling. While effective, this method resulted in high power consumption if signals weren't DC-balanced. BP-QBC addresses this issue, offering a more energy-efficient solution.
This research paves the way for advanced medical applications, potentially improving the understanding and treatment of neurological and behavioral disorders. The team is now working on enhancing the system to support multi-channel sensing and developing new approaches to reduce power consumption in neural implants. They are also exploring applications for both the central and peripheral nervous systems, aiming to establish seamless connectivity between multiple implants and wearables.
