Control electronics integration toward endoscopic capsule robot performing legged locomotion and illumination

Abstract

Miniaturization of sensors and actuators up to the point of active features in endoscopic capsules, such as locomotion or surgery, is a challenge. VECTOR endoscopic capsule has been designed to be the first endoscopic capsule with active locomotion. It is equipped with mini-legs driven by Brushless DC (BLDC) micro motors. In addition it can be also equipped with some other sensors and actuators, like a liquid lens, that permits to enable advanced functions. Those modules are managed by an ASIC specifically designed for the VECTOR capsule. The ASIC is a complete System-On-Chip (SoC) and integrates all the electronics needed to enable the legged locomotion and the sensing and actuating functions of the capsule in an unique chip. The SoC also enables other functions for endoscopic capsules such as drug delivery and a biopsy system. The size of the SoC is 5.1 mm × 5.2 mm in a 0.35 um high voltage CMOS technology.