Engineering

Testing platform showing the full assembly of the prosthesis including the IC chip, electrode array, communication coils, and other electrical components.

Currently, the engineering division of the Boston Retinal Implant Project is developing and testing prototype implants for the next round of animal and human trials. The team is also working on the design of next generation prototype of the prosthesis. Key to the current prosthesis is a custom designed, low power analog and mixed signal integrated circuit (IC) chip. Once the chip receives image data and power from external circuitry via wireless telemetry, the chip then drives the proper electrodes to stimulate the retina based on the incoming data. The electrode array is also custom microfabricated to be very thin and flexible and to take advantage of the best available electrode materials. The integrated circuit chip, electrode array, communication coils, and other components are assembled onto a flexible circuit substrate. The first prototypes of this new design are working, and are undergoing final testing while design efforts continue on our next generation implant.

Mock up design of camera mounted on a pair of sunglasses to be worn by the patient.

High magnification image of the microfabricated electrode surface and conducting circuitry.