Comparison of inkjet-printed and microfabricated loop antennas for implants in wireless brain-machine interface systems

We analyze the performance of an inductive link between a cm-size loop antenna based on conventional circuit board fabrication and 6.5×6.5 mm² planar loop antennas deposited on flexible platforms by inkjet printing gold nanoparticle ink and by electron-beam evaporation. The highly flexible antennas have been designed to provide wireless power and data telemetry for battery-free cortical implants in wireless brain-machine interface systems. The performance of the wireless link is analyzed through full-wave electromagnetic simulations in an anatomical head model and through measurements in a liquid head phantom.