OMNI [1], [2], [3] advances state-of-the-art in implantable closed-loop neuromodulation systems by enhanching the ability to chronically record neural activity and perform closed-loop stimulation at the network level. The large number of channels, low power consumption, and reduced number of implant wires allow OMNI to cover more brain regions, simplify implantation, and operate continuously for longer periods of time. Through its modular and distributed approach to neuromodulation, OMNI is capable of addressing complex disorders that manifest in multiple brain regions at the systems level and require a dynamic approach to the therapy, such as major depression and post-traumatic stress disorders.

OMNI device showing multiple Neuromodulator Modules (NMs) attached to the Aggregator Module (AM), sitting just above the skull, where data and commands are multiplexed. The Control Module (CM) is responsible for controlling and powering all sub-modules.



OMNI has been tested in vitro in a saline setup (shown below). In vivo testing with the integrated non-modular version of OMNI (missing reference) has also been done in a macaque monkey (see WAND project) in collaboration with Profs. Jose Carmena’s and Rikky Muller’s labs.

Integrated system demonstration diagram showing benchtop testing of OMNI. Generated neural data is recorded by one NM and sent to the CM through a custom digital communication protocol. The CM communicates wirelessly with the GUI running on the PC, which processes neural data and sends stimulation commands back to the CM.



This project was a collaboration between Profs. Jan Rabaey and Elad Alon groups at UC Berkeley (CM, AM, and system integration), Cortera Neurotechnologies (NM chip design [4]), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (packaging and electrode fabrication) and UCSF Department of Neurological Surgery.

  1. Powering and Communication for OMNI: A Distributed and Modular Closed-Loop Neuromodulation Device A. Moin, G. Alexandrov, B. C. Johnson, I. Izyumin, F. Burghardt, K. Shah, S. Pannu, E. Alon, R. Muller, and J. M. Rabaey In International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) 2016 [PDF]
  2. OMNI: A Distributed and Modular Device for Wireless Neural Recording and Closed-loop Neuromodulation G. Alexandrov, S. R. Santacruz, A. Moin, A. Zhou, F. Burghardt, B. Johnson, E. Alon, J. Rabaey, J. M. Carmena, and R. Muller In Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting 2016 [PDF]
  3. OMNI: A Distributed, Modular, Closed-Loop Neuromodulation Device for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders R. Muller, A. Moin, K. Shah, G. Alexandrov, B. Johnson, I. Izyumin, F. Burghardt, P. Starr, E. Chang, E. Alon, J. Rabaey, and S. Pannu In Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting 2015 [PDF]
  4. An implantable 700 \muW 64-channel neuromodulation IC for simultaneous recording and stimulation with rapid artifact recovery B. C. Johnson, S. Gambini, I. Izyumin, A. Moin, A. Zhou, G. Alexandrov, S. R. Santacruz, J. M. Rabaey, J. M. Carmena, and R. Muller In Symposium on VLSI Circuits 2017 [PDF]