Title :
A Sub-Microwatt Low-Noise Amplifier for Neural Recording
Author :
Holleman, J. ; Otis, B.
Author_Institution :
Univ. of Washington, Seattle
Abstract :
In this paper we present a pre-amplifier designed for neural recording applications. Extremely low power dissipation is achieved by operating in an open-loop configuration, restricting the circuit to a single current branch, and reusing current to improve noise performance. Our amplifier exhibits 3.5 microVrms of input-referred noise and has a digitally-controlled gain between 36dB and 44dB. The amplifier is AC-coupled, with a pass-band from 0.3 Hz to 4.7kHz. The circuit is implemented in a 0.5 microm SOI Bi-CMOS process and consumes 805nA from a 1.0V supply, corresponding to a noise efficiency factor (NEF) of 1.8, which is the lowest reported NEF to date.
Keywords :
CMOS integrated circuits; biocybernetics; bioelectric phenomena; biomedical electronics; circuit noise; gain control; neurophysiology; open loop systems; preamplifiers; silicon-on-insulator; AC coupled amplifier passband; SOI Bi-CMOS; current 805 nA; digital gain control; frequency 0.3 Hz to 4.7 kHz; gain 36 dB to 44 dB; input referred noise; neural recording; noise efficiency factor; noise performance; open loop operation; preamplifier design; single current branch circuit; size 0.5 mum; submicrowatt low noise amplifier; voltage 3.5 muV; Circuit noise; Diodes; Energy consumption; Frequency estimation; Linearity; Low-noise amplifiers; Noise reduction; Power amplifiers; Power dissipation; Voltage; Amplifiers, Electronic; Animals; Electrophysiology; Humans; Neurons;
Conference_Titel :
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2007. EMBS 2007. 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
Lyon
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-0787-3
DOI :
10.1109/IEMBS.2007.4353193
