William R. Patterson III is a Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Engineer in the Division of Engineering. His current research focuses on circuit and instrument design for implantable neural sensors and for studies of aggressively scaled CMOS transistors. His work on neural recording from the motor cortex of primates and humans centers on the design of custom integrated circuits to move all electronics for signal capture and processing inside the skull. A multi-amplifier custom integrated circuit mounts on the back of an array of extra-cellular microprobes. Depending on the application, the circuit is powered optically or by RF and data returns by infrared link either over fiber or transcutaneously.
He also collaborates on probabilistic methods to analyze and improve digital circuit design. This work aims to anticipate and solve problems that will occur as industry pushes transistor sizes toward the ultimate limits of CMOS operation.
