An Analog Front-End for Non-Invasive Cutaneous Neural Signal Acquisition and Latency Quantification

This paper demonstrates an integrated analog front-end (AFE) for measuring cutaneous neural signals, i.e, electroneurogram (ENG). The AFE outputs a latency value that indicates the time which an ENG signal travels from the first to the second electrode. This latency value is used as a parameter by physicians to diagnose disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system such as muscular dystrophy. The AFE is designed and laid out in TSMC 0.18 μm 6M1P 5 V CMOS process. Post-layout simulations show a x40k increase in ENG amplitude from the input with the EMG amplitude showing only a x4 increase, which alters the ENG to EMG ratio from 0.001 V/V to 10 V/V This is achieved with sub-mW low power consumption at a supply voltage of 1.8V.