Implantable electrode array assembly including a carrier with packaged control modules
An implantable electrode array is provided that includes a carrier that is flexible. At least one control module is coupled to the carrier. A shell encases the control module. At least one electrode is coupled to the carrier and is electrically connected to the control module.
1. An implantable electrode array comprising:
a carrier that is flexible;
at least one control module coupled to the carrier;
a shell encasing the control module;
at least one electrode coupled to the carrier and being electrically connected to the control module; and
wherein the control module is layered between the carrier and the electrode.
2. The implantable electrode array of claim 1 , further comprising a rigid backing to which the control module is mounted.
3. The implantable electrode array of claim 2 , wherein the rigid backing is non-porous.
4. The implantable electrode array of claim 2 , wherein the shell comprises a non-porous conformal coating applied over the control module and the rigid backing.
5. The implantable electrode array of claim 2 , wherein the control module and the rigid backing are mounted to the carrier.
6. The implantable electrode array of claim 2 , further comprising a conductive member electrically connecting the control module and the electrode, wherein the conductive member is integrated with the rigid backing.
7. The implantable electrode array of claim 2 , further a conductive member electrically connecting the control module and the electrode, wherein the conductive member extends through the rigid backing.
8. The implantable electrode array of claim 1 , further comprising a ring surrounding the shell and the control module.
9. The implantable electrode array of claim 8 , further comprising a lid secured to the ring to extend over the shell and the control module.
10. The implantable electrode array of claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises conformal coating applied over the control module.
11. The implantable electrode array of claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises electrically insulating and non-porous material.
12. The implantable electrode array of claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises synthetic resin.
13. The implantable electrode array of claim 1 , wherein the carrier is layered between the control module and the electrode.
14. The implantable electrode array of claim 1 , further comprising a conductive member electrically connecting the control module and the electrode, wherein the conductive member extends through the carrier.
15. The implantable electrode array of claim 1 , wherein the control module comprises an application specific integrated circuit.
16. The implantable electrode array of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of control modules with each control module being encased by a shell, and a plurality electrodes and wherein the encased control modules are spaced from one another on the carrier.
17. The implantable electrode array of claim 16 , wherein each control module is layered in an overlapping relationship relative to a pair of electrodes.
18. An implantable electrode array comprising:
a carrier that is flexible;
at least one control module coupled to the carrier;
a shell encasing the control module;
at least one electrode coupled to the carrier and being electrically connected to the control module; and
wherein the carrier is layered between the control module and the electrode.
19. An implantable electrode array comprising:
a carrier that is flexible;
at least one control module coupled to the carrier;
a shell encasing the control module;
a ring surrounding the shell and the control module; and
at least one electrode coupled to the carrier and being electrically connected to the control module.
20. The implantable electrode array of claim 19 , further comprising a lid secured to the ring to extend over the shell and the control module.
21. An implantable electrode array comprising:
a carrier that is flexible;
a plurality of control modules coupled to the carrier and each control module being encased by a shell;
a plurality of electrodes coupled to the carrier and being electrically connected to the plurality of control modules; and
wherein the plurality of encased control modules are spaced from one another on the carrier.
22. The implantable electrode array of claim 21 , wherein each of the plurality of control modules is layered in an overlapping relationship relative to a pair of electrodes.