Microwave communication links for brain interface applications

Recent experiments have demonstrated the ability of neuroscientists to gain direct access to neural signals in real time, and decode the resulting information to control various prosthetic devices. This - along with deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease and a variety of other conditions - extrapolates to a premise that widespread "brain interface" medical device technologies are a real (if long term) possibility. This paper will summarize the various approaches that have been introduced specifically to wirelessly communicate with the brain, including microelectronics technology constraints, power limits, data compression and rate issues.