Design considerations for neural amplifiers

• Published in: 2016 38th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) Vol. 2016; pp. 6331 - 6334
• Main Author: Holleman, Jeremy
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States IEEE 01-08-2016
• Subjects: Amplifiers, Electronic; Brain-Computer Interfaces; Electroencephalography; Electromyography; Equipment Design; Interference; Periodic structures; Power demand; Regulators; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Signal-To-Noise Ratio; Transistors
• ISSN: 1557-170X
• DOI: 10.1109/EMBC.2016.7592176

The initial amplification stage is a critical element of a neural signal acquisition system, and the design of low-noise, low-power amplifiers has received a great deal of attention in recent publications. In this paper we discuss practical considerations for the design of amplifiers intended for neural interfaces. Noise is a major issue due to the low amplitude of neural signals. Practical system deployments also require adequate rejection of common-mode interference, such as that due to line power noise or muscle artifacts, and supply noise. This paper attempts to provide some guideance for system and circuit designers and point out opportunities for potential future exploration.