xDev: a mixed-signal, software-defined neurotechnology interface platform for accelerated system development.

Abstract

<i>Objective.</i>Advances in electronics and materials science have led to the development of sophisticated components for clinical and research neurotechnology systems. However, instrumentation to easily evaluate how these components function in a complete system does not yet exist. In this work, we set out to design and validate a software-defined mixed-signal routing fabric, 'xDev', that enables neurotechnology system designers to rapidly iterate, evaluate, and deploy advanced multi-component systems.<i>Approach.</i>We developed a set of system requirements for xDev, and implemented a design based on a 16 × 16 analog crosspoint multiplexer. We then tested the impedance and switching characteristics of the design, assessed signal gain and crosstalk attenuation across biological and high-speed digital signaling frequencies, and evaluated the ability of xDev to flexibly reroute microvolt-scale amplitude and high-speed signals. Finally, we conducted an intraoperative<i>in vivo</i>deployment of xDev to rapidly conduct neuromodulation experiments using diverse neurotechnology submodules.<i>Main results.</i>The xDev system impedance matching, crosstalk attenuation, and frequency response characteristics accurately transmitted signals over a broad range of frequencies, encapsulating features typical of biosignals and extending into high-speed digital ranges. Microvolt-scale biosignals and 600 Mbps Ethernet connections were accurately routed through the fabric. These performance characteristics culminated in an<i>in vivo</i>demonstration of the flexibility of the system via implanted spinal electrode arrays in an ovine model.<i>Significance.</i>xDev represents a first-of-its-kind, low-cost, software-defined neurotechnology development accelerator platform. Through the public, open-source distribution of our designs, we lower the obstacles facing the development of future neurotechnology systems.