The NeuroPort Electrode Array, often referred to as the Utah Array, is a high-density microelectrode system developed by Blackrock Neurotech (formerly Blackrock Microsystems). It is primarily designed for high-resolution recording and stimulation of neuronal activity in the brain's motor or sensory cortex. The device consists of a grid of up to 100 silicon-based electrodes, typically 1.0 to 1.5 mm in length, which are implanted directly into the gray matter to interface with individual neurons.

The NeuroPort system is a foundational component in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) research, enabling patients with paralysis or spinal cord injuries to control external devices, such as robotic arms or computer cursors, through neural intent. In 2004, the system received FDA 510(k) clearance for temporary (less than 30 days) monitoring of brain electrical activity, though it is widely used in long-term clinical trials under Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE). Notable for its longevity and signal stability, the NeuroPort has been instrumental in landmark studies involving human subjects, including the BrainGate project, where it has successfully facilitated complex neural decoding for over a decade in some participants.

Device Specifications

• Number of electrodes: 100
• Electrode layout: 10x10
• Image processor location: external

Clinical Trials

• NCT02983370
• NCT06117332