- C/C++
- Python
- Kivy
- FreeRTOS
- BLE
- DAC
- ADC
What I did
Designed the firmware for a wireless neural stimulator.
Reduced power consumption by 40% by redesigning the component selection, switching to Bluetooth Low Energy over WiFi and improving the use of sleep cycles using FreeRTOS.
Implemented pulse generation and neural recording functionality using a DAC and ADC.
Developed wireless communication functionality using Bluetooth Low Energy.
Project
Summary
As part of UNSW's Vertically Integrated Project program, we aimed to build a wireless, affordable, miniature neural stimulator that researchers could feasibly get and perform experiments with to better understand the effects of neural stimulation on illnesses like Parkinson's, chronic pain, epilepsy and depression.
The
Problem
Currently, commercial neural stimulators need to be tethered to the animal and to make the system as small as possible, a custom made ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) needs to be constructed. This makes the system incredibly expensive and often infeasible.
Our
Solution
The solution we came up with involved a neural stimulator that is not as miniturized, but uses a larger board consisting of off-the-shelf components. This makes the system more affordable, accessible, and more versatile because components can be replaced, added or removed according to the experiment. The firmware for its basic functionality is also open-sourced, making it possible to share additional functionality using different components.