Abstract
Understanding the neural mechanisms of sleep is critical for advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate these mechanisms, long-term electrophysiological studies are conducted in animal models, where brain activity can be monitored continuously under controlled conditions. However, electrophysiological recordings from freely moving animals are typically performed using a tethered setup, which imposes constraints on natural behaviour. As a first step towards a miniaturised, wireless neural implant, we present a low-power system that enables direct control of the Intan RHD2132 electrophysiology chip using a custom FPGA-based stack. A light-weight yet robust implementation ensures efficient operation while maintaining the necessary flexibility for future integration into a compact, wireless system. The FPGA handles real-time signal processing and data transmission, with support for closed-loop stimulation and onboard data compression. Our system achieves continuous multi-channel recording at 20 kHz, with real-time wireless streaming and long-term data storage. The hardware design prioritises low power consumption, with the aim of enabling extended operation for uninterrupted sleep monitoring over 24 hoursClinical Relevance— This technology enables long-term, high-resolution sleep monitoring, which is essential for understanding the role of sleep in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By providing continuous, naturalistic brain recordings, this system may help identify early electrophysiological biomarkers of cognitive decline, with potential translational and therapeutics applications.