Smart electrode array device with CMOS multi-chip architecture for neural interface

A CMOS integrated flexible neural interface device has been designed and fabricated. The device enables electrical stimulation of neural tissues using an array of smart electrodes. The smart electrodes have versatile functions owing to the use of a dedicated CMOS microchip. These multiple smart electrodes also provide the array with sophisticated functions with only four wiring connections to external equipment. Moreover, the multi-chip architecture of the device is highly flexible and has low invasiveness to living body tissue. An in vivo evaluation of retinal stimulation was performed after implanting the device in the eye of an experimental animal. The stimulus function of the device was successfully demonstrated by observing responses in the visual cortex caused by the stimulation.