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Implantable computer chip, would this work?

Finn333

May 2016

edited May 2016

in Coatings, transdermals, other implants

With new microprocessor technology such as the Raspberry Pi Zero, do you believe that it would be feasible to implant such a device? Possibly using implanted earphones in order to transmit information, alongside a 3/4G connection and a microphone, possibly in the wrist area, it could be possible to connect yourself to the Internet, making any information achievable. Or, you could have a cell phone number (as in an implanted SIM card), and have no worries about ever losing your phone. Has anyone else thought of such an implant? If so, please share your ideas. If I am missing something, please tell me.

Comments

1. 

   Benbeezy
   May 2016
   why use a pi zero and not a phone without the screen? secondly, you would never be able dial a number or text haha for a full phone setup it doesn't make much sense. But you can implant sensors that connect to a phone so you get more body data if thats what you are looking for.
2. 

   ThomasEgi

   
   May 2016
   As already mentioned,there are better solutions for that than the RPi. The tasks you want are all perfectly integrated into one single chip. Biggest problem is interfacing that thing to your body. Such as implanted speakers, and sensors to dial numbers/commands for the device.

   
   

   If you figure out the later part, this thing is about as easy as ordering some stuff online, soldering a bunch of wires and spending enough money on a biocompatible coating.
3. 

   Finn333
   May 2016
   ThomasEgi, can you please tell me what the microprocessor solution you are referring to is?
4. 

   ThomasEgi

   
   May 2016

   edited May 2016
   Just about every modern gsm chip. Worst case you won't get access to the microcontroller on chip and you have to add another one and wire up the UART to send AT commands. There are countless tutorials for getting gsm modules to work nicely with whatever microcontroller you may have around.

   You may want to check out 

   http://www.mr-lee-catcam.de/pe_cc_o3_en.htm

   it lists a couple of components that may be useful, but really, there are more modern ones around if you search for it.

   
   

   the Si4905 might be another interesting choice if you have the resources to afford a 5k demo-kit.
5. 

   Interface
   May 2016

   edited May 2016
   An ambitious goal, imho. Looking at immediately available prototyping electronics, it seems you need to go for 2/3G instead, and then there are, imho, issues with bulk size and rigid PCBs.
   
   The SIM series Cellular modules might be worth looking into. They sport GSM/2G/3G, GPRS and even GPS/GNSS (probably not much use under your skin without an external, active antenna though...).
   
   https://www.adafruit.com/categories/281 Prices are 30 to 80 US$, depending on amount of features etc. Physical sizes and features/specs are listed for each device. You'll need a µController to drive it, more or less like ThomasEgi said. They have an AT command interface with "auto baud" detection.
   
   A simple & smaller Cellular alternative, in the Feather series:
   https://www.adafruit.com/products/3027 Supports 2G, GPRS, Bluetooth & FM radio. This board comes with an ATmega32u4 @ 8MHz µController.
   
   None of these are of same caliber as the RPis in terms processing capabilities.
   
   Also, keep in mind that signal reception for 4G (or worse yet, 5G when it comes around) is easier blocked by soft tissue (bodies of water in general) than 3G and the older protocols.