Dual-range compliance voltage supply for a multi-channel stimulator
View Patent ↗A stimulation circuit for a channel in a multi-channel stimulator having a common voltage power supply for each of the channels included therein includes means for generating a stimulation current that is output by the channel and means for selecting between a high voltage compliance mode and a low voltage compliance mode for the channel. In the low voltage compliance mode, the channel operates at a voltage level substantially equal to a voltage level of the common voltage power supply. In the high voltage compliance mode, the channel operates at a voltage level that is higher than the voltage level of the common voltage power supply.
1. A stimulation circuit for a channel in a multi-channel stimulator,
the stimulation circuit comprising: a common voltage power supply;
a first current generating means configured to generate a first stimulation current in a push-pull arrangement;
a second current generating means configured to generate a second stimulation current in a push-pull arrangement; and
means for selecting between a high voltage compliance mode and a low voltage compliance mode for said channel, wherein, in said low voltage compliance mode, said channel operates at a voltage level substantially equal to a voltage level of said common voltage power supply, and, in said high voltage compliance mode, said channel operates at a voltage level that is higher than said voltage level of said common voltage power supply, said means for selecting between said high voltage compliance mode and said low voltage compliance mode comprising
a first bypass switch configured to selectively be in one of a first and a second position and operates in both said positions, wherein, in said first position, said first bypass switch is configured to electrically connect a first electrode contact to ground, and wherein, in a second position, said first bypass switch is configured to electrically connect said first electrode contact to said first current generating means, and
a second bypass switch configured to selectively be in one of a first and a second position and operates in both said positions, wherein, in said first position, said second bypass switch is configured to electrically connect a second electrode contact to said ground, and wherein, in a second position, said second bypass switch is configured to electrically connect said second electrode contact to said second current generating means;
wherein the stimulation circuit is capable of operating in both the low compliance voltage mode and the high compliance voltage mode.
2. The stimulation circuit of claim 1 , wherein said first and second current generating means further comprise:
means for generating at least one of uniphasic stimulation current and biphasic stimulation current.
3. The stimulation circuit of claim 1 , wherein said second voltage range is twice as large as said first voltage range.