Challenges in circuits for visual prostheses

This paper serves as an introduction to visual prostheses. Visual prostheses have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. With the potential of helping the blind to regain or improve their vision, researchers have been trying to tap into the visual pathways using their novel circuits and systems and interact with the brain through electronic ways. Having already benefited a lot from recent advances in electronics, MEMS, materials, and other sciences and technologies, and having already achieved a lot in the past, research in this field still prompt researchers to go beyond what current technologies can offer. In particular, this paper will review the challenges associated with circuit design for the visual prostheses, for example, the high-voltage compliant circuits, high-density drivers, power management schemes, and efficient stimulation.