A device capable of bidirectional wireless communication with large populations of neurons will be developed in this project. The device will be assembled with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, and have a wireless data rate 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 restored at levels outside the reach of current state of the art devices (e.g., retinal prostheses). The proposed device will connect with a variety of neural sensors and stimulators, providing a significant tool for researchers and clinicians during their study and treatment of the nervous system. Phase I will focus on integrating COTS wireless components and culminate in a benchtop demonstration of a wireless module prototype. After Phase I, this project will transition the development of an implantable wireless medical device system to help patients with a diverse range of nervous system injuries or disorders. The ultimate medical device born from this project will offer treatments unattainable with todays medical technologies.
