Exsurgo’s Axon headset for chronic pain therapy uses u-ANNA-B112 blox’s Bluetooth 5 system-in-package (SIP) (also used in wireless communication) as part of a partnership between u-blox and Exsurgo, a firm creating technology-based neurological treatments. The Axon headgear uses electroencephalography (EEG) to assess electrical activity from numerous places on the patient’s scalp to assist reduce chronic pain.
The device then wirelessly feeds the collected data to a mobile device, where a visual representation of the patient’s EEG activity is shown in near real-time, thanks to Bluetooth technology. The patient can then engage in neuro-exercises to educate their brain to modify its condition, reducing their feeling of chronic pain.
The ANNA-B112 Bluetooth 5 SIP’s ultra-compact design lowered the total size of the headset’s circuitry, making it more pleasant to use. Samples from several EEG electrodes were obtained without any latency difficulties by exploiting Bluetooth 5’s significant payload capacity to send high data rates.
“The Axon headset beautifully demonstrates how IoT technology can take a previously costly solution and make it accessible to a much broader audience. A massive burden on healthcare systems and the economy, chronic pain affects up to one in five people around the world. We are excited to be part of a solution that promises to have life-changing effects on millions of people,” says Pelle Svensson, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Product Center Short Range at u‑blox.
“The small size of the ultra-low-power ANNA-B112, its powerful microprocessor, along with detailed reference schematics for seamless integration into our electronics project was instrumental in designing a quality medical device,” says Faisal Almesfer, Chief Technology Officer at Exsurgo.
Exsurgo plans to take the device into high-volume production in the second half of 2022 to serve markets in the USA, UK, and European Union.
