Ultra-small scale low energy bi-directional communications interface
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Abstract
Context of research
With both the internet of things (IOT) and brain-machine interfaces (BMI), together with the ever forward march of microelectronics, there is a pressing need for the continued development of ultra-small and ultra-low power consumption wireless communications interfaces. This research aims to explore microscopic low energy radio solutions for both implanted multichannel bi-directional communications and all-body sensor networks, together with un-powered fit-and-forget IOT sensors and RF bar-code devices for non-near field interrogation. The key requirement being the ability to occupy the smallest possible footprint and operate with the minimum possible energy, especially if this electromagnetic energy is to be harvested from the surrounding environment, and transmit various radio signals either continuously or occasionally. Efficiency and minimum component count is vital in achieving this.
Research Area
Mixed-signal low-power microelectronics and RF Communications
Aims and objectives
Primarily this project will investigate various configurations and approaches together with their related trade-offs in terms of bandwidth and energy per bit or equivalent and range following from size, power consumption and complexity, and to realize and evaluate the smallest possible physical footprint and energy consumption of competing multichannel topologies.
Objectives
Using a modular approach, design and realize a single chip bi-directional multi-channel communications interface, measuring no more than 3x4mm and consuming less than 500uW of power with bit rates of greater than 10Mbit/s. Design compatible low-energy wireless range extenders with increased power consumption depending on the range and data rates.
Applications and Impact
The modular, building-block approach will favour optimized use in low-energy variable data rate implanted and all-body sensors, advanced prosthetics, micro-robotics, and internet of things applications. The impact is expected to follow from the fact that this area is one of several key enablers along the far reaching road of pervasive low-energy electronic sensing and control, and as such has relevance in healthcare, security, commerce and the environment.
With both the internet of things (IOT) and brain-machine interfaces (BMI), together with the ever forward march of microelectronics, there is a pressing need for the continued development of ultra-small and ultra-low power consumption wireless communications interfaces. This research aims to explore microscopic low energy radio solutions for both implanted multichannel bi-directional communications and all-body sensor networks, together with un-powered fit-and-forget IOT sensors and RF bar-code devices for non-near field interrogation. The key requirement being the ability to occupy the smallest possible footprint and operate with the minimum possible energy, especially if this electromagnetic energy is to be harvested from the surrounding environment, and transmit various radio signals either continuously or occasionally. Efficiency and minimum component count is vital in achieving this.
Research Area
Mixed-signal low-power microelectronics and RF Communications
Aims and objectives
Primarily this project will investigate various configurations and approaches together with their related trade-offs in terms of bandwidth and energy per bit or equivalent and range following from size, power consumption and complexity, and to realize and evaluate the smallest possible physical footprint and energy consumption of competing multichannel topologies.
Objectives
Using a modular approach, design and realize a single chip bi-directional multi-channel communications interface, measuring no more than 3x4mm and consuming less than 500uW of power with bit rates of greater than 10Mbit/s. Design compatible low-energy wireless range extenders with increased power consumption depending on the range and data rates.
Applications and Impact
The modular, building-block approach will favour optimized use in low-energy variable data rate implanted and all-body sensors, advanced prosthetics, micro-robotics, and internet of things applications. The impact is expected to follow from the fact that this area is one of several key enablers along the far reaching road of pervasive low-energy electronic sensing and control, and as such has relevance in healthcare, security, commerce and the environment.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| David Steenson (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Kevin Lichtensteiger (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509681/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1803776 | Studentship | EP/N509681/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/01/2022 | Kevin Lichtensteiger |
| Description | The original stated objective to design a modular single bi-directional multi-channel communications interface measuring no more than 3x4mm consuming less than 500uW with high bit rates. The investigation into this has lead to a system-wide concept of a Frequency Division multiplexed mutli-channel device with the restrictions of having to operate while consuming less than 1 mW of power per 1x1mm surface area the device. The investigation has found ways of significantly decreasing the power consumption through changes in the conventional design methodology of neural recording devices and implementing newer technologies (envisioning to fabricate in a smaller technology node <60nm). A detailed investigation is going to be of these findings is being undertaken in this last phase of the work, which includes which includes a simulation campaign (for the next 6-9months) using state of the art EDA tools and manufacturers product design kits. The simulation campaign is aimed at design of multi-project wafer tapeout and related publications. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes of this funding will lead further to academic research towards medical device development. |
| Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Title | Ultra-small scale low energy bi-directional multi-channel interface device |
| Description | As stated in the research outcomes the investigation into a bi-directional multi- channel communcations interface. The investigation has found ways of significantly decreasing the power consumption through changes in the conventional design of neural recording devices and implementing newer technologies (envisioning to fabricate at a smaller technology node, <60nm) The investigation into said interface is currently undergoing a simulation campaign (next 6-9 months for the creation of the design using EDA tools with the aim of potentially fabricating the device as part of the research. The device is still currently in the design phase (and is not intended as a design for commercial use) |
| Type Of Technology | Systems, Materials & Instrumental Engineering |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Impact | The development of this result in the creation of a biomedial device with the potential for improving research and or have potential medial uses given further research into it. |