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Experimental Validation of a Battery-Free RFID-Powered Implantable Neural Sensor and Stimulator

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Neurological injuries significantly impair quality of life by disrupting neural transmission. Traditional implantable stimulators often rely on internal batteries, which limit device longevity and necessitate repeated surgical interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study presents the experimental validation of a battery-free, RFID-powered neural platform for peripheral nerve signal acquisition and stimulation, targeting TRL-6 validation. METHODS: The prototype incorporates an adjustable analog front-end with gains up to 93 dB and a biphasic current-controlled stimulator. Validation was performed through benchtop testing, biological tissue assessments using porcine tissue, and functional in vivo trials in adult Wistar rats (n = 3) over a three-month period. RESULTS: Benchtop evaluation confirmed gain accuracy with errors below 2.2 dB and precise stimulation timing. The system maintained a stable 3.3 V wireless power link through 20 mm of biological tissue using RFID. In vivo experiments indicated a 100% functional success rate (51/51 trials) in eliciting gross motor responses via wireless stimulation. Thermal safety was confirmed, with a maximum operating temperature of 28 °C, remaining well below physiological limits. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the functional feasibility of a battery-free, RFID-powered neural interface for wireless signal acquisition and stimulation, supporting system-level validation of this architecture.

Source: Sensors

DOI: 10.3390/s26030954