Flex on the Brain: The Future of Neural Interfaces
October 26, 2020 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

The SMTA Additive Electronics TechXchange took place virtually on October 14, with presentations from a wide variety of technologists involved in additive processes. Organizers Tara Dunn of Omni PCB and Lenora Clark of ESI Automotive did a great job putting together this event.
One of the highlights was a presentation titled “Flexible Electronics for Neural Interfaces” by Dr. Jonathan Viventi, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Duke University. His research with flexible electronics has helped create new types of technology for interfacing directly with the human brain, allowing high-resolution scans over wide areas. This technology can diagnose and treat all kinds of neurological disorders, including epilepsy.
In a fascinating presentation, Viventi explained that earlier brain sensors were impractical, often using thousands of electrodes, and they offered only two options: a high-resolution scan of a small part of the brain or a low-resolution shot of a broad area.
Now, Viventi’s new flexible silicon interface fits directly onto the brain and can provide a high-res look at a wide area. He noted that silicon could behave just like a flexible circuit if you make it thin enough. In his research at Duke, Viventi has investigated the use of LCP and polyimide, both of which use additive processes, and they’re fairly inexpensive as well.
His interface has been tested and found to be safe on rats and monkeys. Now, humans having brain surgery can volunteer to have one placed on their brain and removed when surgery is completed. Viventi explained that placing the flexible silicon on the brain isn’t too dangerous.
“The brain is actually pretty tough,” Viventi said. Doctors induce a seizure with drugs, and they’re able to detect waves propagating through the brain that they were missing before. Previous tools just didn’t have high enough resolution.
Interestingly, the human subject stays awake during the brain scan. Viventi said the doctors ask patients to answer questions during the procedure. I don’t know if I’d like that part, but I see the point. Viventi said plans are underway to scale up to commercial CMOS silicon; each of these interfaces would replace 65,000 electrodes.
LCP interfaces are especially robust, with accelerated aging showed that they would last more than five years at 37°C, and they offer great biocompatibility. Viventi’s research is a great reminder of how technology is being used to save lives and treat neurological disorders every day.
Suggested Items
50 Years of productronica: World’s Leading Trade Fair Celebrates Anniversary
05/21/2025 | productronicaWhen productronica takes place in Munich from November 18 to 21, 2025, a milestone birthday will be on the agenda. The world’s leading trade fair for the development and production of electronics is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Tax Policy Update from IPC: The House Tax Bill, and What It Means for Electronics Manufacturers
05/20/2025 | IPCOn May 13, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced a major tax package that includes several provisions supported by IPC. These provisions—including restoring bonus depreciation, immediate R&D expensing, and strengthening the pass-through deduction—were identified by IPC members as key tools that would help them invest, grow, and compete more effectively.
KYZEN to Focus on Aqueous Cleaning and Stencil Cleaning at SMTA Juarez
05/20/2025 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally responsible cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Juarez Expo and Tech Forum, scheduled to take place Thursday, June 5 at the Injectronics Convention Center in Ciudad Jarez, Chihuahua.
Federal Electronics Adds AS9100 Certification to Hermosillo, Mexico Facility, Expanding Aerospace & Defense Capabilities
05/20/2025 | Federal ElectronicsFederal Electronics, a leader in providing advanced electronic manufacturing services, has officially added AS9100 certification to its Hermosillo, Mexico facility, further aligning its operations with the quality standards required by the aerospace and defense industries.
Recognizing IPC Scholarships, Awards, and Opportunities
05/21/2025 | Charlene Gunter du Plessis, IPC Education FoundationThere was no better way to end our year in 2024 than by recognizing hard-working and driven students and educators for their involvement and interests in the electronics manufacturing industry. Through the IPC Scholarship and Awards program, we can help students invest in their future and reward their hardworking and dedicated accomplishments.