A Miniaturized System for Neural Signal Acquiring and Processing

To collect neural activity data from awake, behaving freely animals, we develop miniaturized implantable recording system by the modem chip：Programmable System on Chip （PSoC） and through chronic electrodes in the cortex. With PSoC family member CY8C29466,the system completed operational and instrument amplifiers, filters, timers, AD convertors, and serial communication, etc. The signal processing was dealt with virtual instrument technology. All of these factors can significantly affect the price and development cycle of the project. The result showed that the system was able to record and analyze neural extrocellular discharge generated by neurons continuously for a week or more. This is very useful for the interdisciplinary research of neuroscience and information engineering technique. The circuits and architecture of the devices can be adapted for neurobiology and research with other small animals.