Architectures for an implantable medical device system
US8649858B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36071
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved architecture for an implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the various functional blocks for the IPG are incorporated into a signal integrated circuit (IC). Each of the functional blocks communicate with each other, and with other off-chip devices if necessary, via a centralized bus governed by a communication protocol. To communicate with the bus and to adhere to the protocol, each circuit block includes bus interface circuitry adherent with that protocol. Because each block complies with the protocol, any given block can easily be modified or upgraded without affecting the design of the other blocks, facilitating debugging and upgrading of the IPG circuitry. Moreover, because the centralized bus can be taken off the integrated circuit, extra circuitry can easily be added off chip to modify or add functionality to the IPG without the need for a major redesign of the main IPG IC.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.