A custom multielectrode array with integrated low-noise preamplifiers

Multielectrode arrays (MEAs) have emerged as a leading technology for extracellular neural recording and stimulation. Their large number of recording sites promises to yield important insight into neural systems. As the density of recording sites increases, interfacing to each electrode becomes increasingly difficult. Introducing electronics onto the MEA substrate provides a technique for preliminary signal conditioning to take place at the MEA itself, reducing the complexity of off-package electronics. This paper introduces a custom MEA system with integrated preamplifiers. MEA fabrication, cell-culturing, and electrical performance are discussed.