The Circuits, Networks, and Systems (CNS) Laboratory specializes in device design for medical and networking/security applications.

LAB DIRECTOR

ACTIVE PROJECTS

Adaptive Data Converters

The low-power devices such as implantable devices or Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices generate a deluge of data that can overwhelm these devices due to their limited capabilities. In this project, we investigate methods to curb the amount of data sensed. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop adaptive data converter circuits that only acquire and process data that is relevant in a given context. This is achieved by running the data converters in a closed-loop with the digital signal processing units and adapting the data converter parameters in real time to the context.

Wireless Power Transfer to Implantable Devices

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) helps extend the lifespan of medical implants such as retinal implants, deep brain stimulators, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. WPT can sustain these devices or recharge their batteries by providing power from outside the body directed to the implanted device. The amount of power that can be safely delivered via WPT is limited by its power efficiency. In the CNS lab, we are developing coil structures and WPT circuits for boosting the power efficiency of WPT. Our low-profile multilayer planar coil structures improve coil and power link quality factors allowing higher power transfer without damaging skin tissue. The DC-DC converters we have been developing combine traditional power supply stages, which reduces loss and increases efficiency. Our integrated DC-DC converters incorporate additional functionality on the same chip.

SAMPLE PUBLICATIONS

• R. Castro and N. Sertac Artan, "Adaptive Sampling for Low-power Wearable and Implantable Devices," in The 16th International Conference on Mobile Ad-hoc and Sensor Systems (IEEE MASS 2019): The Sixth National Workshop for REU Research in Networking and Systems (2019 6th REU Research in N&S), Monterey, CA, USA, Nov. 2019.
• Y. C. Chu, L. R. Chang-Chien, N. Sertac Artan, D. Czarkowski, J. Zou, C. H. Chang, and H. J. Chao, "On-chip AC-DC Multiple-Power-Supplies Module for Transcutaneously Powered Wearable Medical Devices," IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 1724--1736, 2018.
• M. Trumpis, M. Insanally, J. Zou, A. Elsharif, A. Ghomashchi, N. Sertac Artan, R. C. Froemke, and J. Viventi, "A low-cost, scalable, current-sensing digital headstage for high channel count µECoG," Journal of Neural Engineering, vol. 14, no. 2, p. 026009, 2017.