This paper reports on an integrated communication and control circuit designed for multi-link active catheter. The communication and control functions are distributed over multiple links and common three lead wires are used. A link is selected and SMA...
This paper reports on an integrated communication and control circuit designed for multi-link active catheter. The communication and control functions are distributed over multiple links and common three lead wires are used. A link is selected and SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) actuator is driven by the integrated communication and control circuitry in the link. The circuitry is realized by 5 μm CMOS technology and the chip size is 1.8 mm wide by 3.0 mm long. Link addressing and actuator switching functions of the circuitry have been successfully demonstrated.