Microribbon Cable/Connector for Implantable Electronics

用于植入式电子产品的微带电缆/连接器

• 批准号: 6669156
• 负责人: BRIAN P FARRELL
• 金额: $ 21.74万
• 依托单位: FOSTER-MILLER, INC.
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 财政年份: 2000
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2000-09-15 至 2005-06-01
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/6669156
• 关键词: biomaterial compatibility; biomaterial development /preparation; biomedical equipment development; implant; liquid crystal; medical implant science; microelectrodes; nervous system prosthesis; neuromuscular stimulator; polymers; surface coating

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Implantable micro machined electrode arrays, in the short term, are highly valuable research tools, and in the long run will have great impact on rehabilitation of patients with various disabilities. In a chronic system, an interconnect forms the critical link between the microelectrode to the external world through a percutaneous connector. University of Michigan has integrated their probes with miniature; flexible, multilead silicon ribbon interconnects. The critical issue is that the ribbons are inherently fragile being made from thinned down silicon, and are prone to breakage as a result of the mechanical stresses created by tissue contraction during the healing process. To overcome these limitations, a polyimide flex cable and a discrete connector are being investigated. Preliminary testing of polyimide cables has indicated that it is unsuitable for chronic implants. The proposed effort will focus on replacing polyimide ribbon cables and discrete connectors with an integrated rigid flex circuit made out of a class of biocompatible materials known as liquid crystal polymers (LCP) with a unique combination of properties. Compared to polyimides, LCPs absorb virtually no moisture and are not susceptible to hydrolysis. The ribbon cable and the connector are fabricated as one piece. Integrating the connector with the flex cable represents a major advancement compared to current hybrid approach. This eliminates one level of interconnections, and results in a much smaller percutaneous connector compared to current discrete connectors. Ultimately, the cable will be bonded to the neural probe with a planar flip-chip bond, eliminating the need for wire bonds. Elimination of wire bonds will reduce the profile height and eliminate a major reliability concern.

描述（申请人提供）：植入式微机械电极阵列，在短期内是非常有价值的研究工具，从长远来看，将对各种残疾患者的康复产生重大影响。在慢性系统中，通过经皮连接器形成微电极与外部世界之间的关键联系。密歇根大学已经将他们的探测器与微型；柔性，多引线硅带互连。关键的问题是，由薄硅制成的带状材料本身就很脆弱，并且在愈合过程中由于组织收缩产生的机械应力而容易断裂。为了克服这些限制，聚酰亚胺柔性电缆和分立连接器正在研究中。聚酰亚胺电缆的初步测试表明，它不适合用于慢性植入物。这项计划的重点是用一种集成的刚性挠性电路取代聚酰亚胺带状电缆和分立连接器，这种电路由一种具有独特性能的生物相容性材料液晶聚合物（LCP）制成。与聚酰亚胺相比，lcp几乎不吸收水分，不易水解。带状电缆和连接器制作成一个整体。与目前的混合方法相比，将连接器与柔性电缆集成是一个重大进步。这消除了一级互连，与目前的离散连接器相比，导致了更小的经皮连接器。最终，电缆将通过平面倒装芯片连接到神经探针上，从而消除了电线连接的需要。消除线键将降低型材高度，消除主要的可靠性问题。