Mechanical assembly of a microelectrode array for use in a wireless intracortical recording device

Fabrication of a microelectrode array assembly for neural activity recording is described. The assembly forms the mechanical front-end of the telemetric electrode array system, a wireless intracortical recording device designed for motor cortex studies in nonhuman primates. The electrodes are manufactured by wire electrical discharge machining solid titanium. They are then secured in a polyimide substrate. A flexible printed circuit board connector cable connects the array structure to the electrical frontend. Parylene and platinum are used as the encapsulation materials. Results from the implantation of a prototype microelectrode array assembly are discussed.