Robinson Lab

MiniStiMo, sheep-head mesh modeling, and embedded-systems learning

The lab page begins with MiniStiMo, a compact wireless deep brain stimulator for small-animal studies, then separates the sheep-head mesh modeling and Nordic SDK presentation work into their own project sections.

MiniStiMo integrates a BLE microcontroller, current-controlled stimulator, boost converter, and battery into a lightweight, head-mounted device for chronic DBS studies. The design prioritizes bill-of-materials cost, ease of use, and reproducibility.

MiniStiMo assembled wireless stimulation module

1 cm

My RoleDesigner, engineer, research contributor

Location / DatesRobinson Lab, Johns Hopkins University
2022 – 2024

OutputsMiniStiMo module, system diagram, testing figures, project paper, and asset package

Skills LearnedAltium, KiCad, Python, BLE systems, embedded testing, neurotechnology prototyping

MiniStiMo

1. System Diagram

MiniStiMo architecture

2. Stimulator Performance
(Current & Voltage)

Current Output vs. Time
(130 Hz)

Left validation view: current output over time across stimulation settings.

Voltage Across PBS & Electrode
(130 Hz)

Right validation view: measured response across PBS and electrode load.

3. Testing Setup

MiniStiMo laboratory testing setup photo

4. Videos

Device attachment and in vivo usage.

Attaching Device 0:18

Wireless Operation 0:22

Chronic Setup Close-Up 0:15

In Vivo Follow-Up 0:15

5. In Vivo Results (Parkinsonian Rat Model)

Wireless stimulation significantly reduces rotational behavior.

72 hours of continuous stimulation
Battery capacity reduced from 100% to 95%
Effective reduction in amphetamine-induced circling behavior
Power-efficient and stable chronic performance

Sheep-Head Mesh Modeling

6. Sheep-Head Hardware Dummy

This separate modeling project created a sheep-head dummy that could be used to mount prototype hardware for mapping sheep herds as a mesh network.

Drag to rotate

Open Mesh Model

Nordic SDK

7. Nordic SDK Learning

The Nordic SDK fundamentals courses helped connect the device story to the embedded-systems layer: BLE communication, firmware structure, board configuration, and the debugging habits needed when hardware behavior depends on both code and electronics.

BLE concepts and device communication flow
Firmware organization and peripheral configuration
Debugging across board, battery, and stimulation behavior
Documentation habits for reproducible embedded work

8. Supporting Materials

PDFNER PaperPublished PDF DOCEditable PaperWord manuscript ZIPProject AssetsImage and paper package JPGSystem DiagramHosted JPEG diagram PCBModule FigureAssembled module image

Open-Source. Reproducible. Accessible.

MiniStiMo is designed to lower barriers to chronic DBS research and enable reproducible science at scale.

View Project Paper