Programmable current output stimulus stage for implantable device
US6181969A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3912
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A programmable output current source for use within an implantable tissue or nerve stimulator, e.g., an implantable cochlear stimulator or spinal cord stimulator, includes parallel-connected P-FET current source sets connected between a positive voltage rail and an electrode node, and parallel-connected N-FET current source sets connected between the electrode node and a negative voltage rail. The N-FET current source sets include n N-FET current sources, where n is an integer 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . , and wherein each N-FET current source, when enabled, respectively sinks a current 2.sup.n I from the electrode node to the negative rail, where I is a selectable fixed current. Similarly, the P-FET current source sets include n P-FET current sources, where n=0, 1, 2, 3, . . . n, and wherein each P-FET current source, when enabled, respectively sources a current 2.sup.n I from the positive voltage rail to the electrode node. An individual current pulse is formed by selecting an electrode pair, and enabling a desired combination of P-FET current sources so that a desired total current is sourced to one of the electrodes of the selected electrode pair, and at the same time enabling a corre…
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