Electroporation device with improved signal generator

Abstract

The present application relates to an electroporation device with an improved signal generator, and more particularly to a handheld device for an electroporation device, wherein the electroporation device has an improved signal generator. The signal generator includes a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings, wherein the plurality of secondary windings are coupled together in a series configuration. A storage capacitor and a flyback diode are coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings. The signal generator includes a signal amplifier and a power switch. The power switch is configured to supply a voltage from a power supply to the primary winding.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 201680076947.8, whose application date is December 28, 2016 and whose invention name is “Electroporation device with improved signal generator”.

[0002] Citations of Related Applications

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 271,955, filed on December 28, 2015. The above-referenced applications are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electroporation device having an improved signal generator for generating a high voltage electroporation signal. Background Art

[0005] Medical devices such as electroporation devices require high voltage generators to generate the necessary energy supply. During the electroporation process, the contact of the electrode with the target tissue requires the delivery of electricity at a specific voltage and amperage in order to produce the desired electroporation effect (e.g., 200V at 0.5Amps). In general, the high voltage level required during the electroporation process requires a voltage generator including multiple high-capacity capacitors. These capacitors, in turn, are very large in physical size and require a relatively long period of time to charge before the electroporation process can be started. These attributes are cumbersome for handheld units that are kept to a minimum in size and weight. In addition, long charging times hinder the ability of users to apply electroporation treatment in a timely and accurate manner. Further, capacitor-based systems suffer from signal degradation that varies over time. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a signal generator that generates a plurality of lower voltages and combines them in series to generate a high voltage.

[0007] In one aspect, a handset for an electroporation device is provided, the handset comprising a housing; and a signal amplifier positioned within the housing. The signal amplifier comprises a primary winding; a plurality of secondary windings coupled together in a series configuration, wherein a storage capacitor and a fly-back diode are coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings; and an array having a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with the signal amplifier.

[0008] In another aspect, an electroporation device includes a housing; and a signal generator positioned within the housing. The signal generator includes a signal amplifier having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings coupled together in a series configuration, wherein a storage capacitor and a flyback diode are coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings; a power supply; and a power switch configured to supply a voltage from the power supply to the primary winding; and an array having one or more electrodes in electrical communication with the signal generator.

[0009] In still another aspect, an electroporation system includes a base station; and a handset removably coupled to the base station. The handset includes a housing, an injection assembly, a power source, and a signal generator positioned within the housing of the handset and in operative communication with the injection assembly. The signal generator includes a signal amplifier having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings coupled together in a series configuration, wherein a storage capacitor and a flyback diode are coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings; and a power switch configured to supply a voltage from the power source on the primary winding; and an array having at least one electrode extending therefrom and in electrical communication with the signal generator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electroporation device showing a handset and a base unit in a docked configuration.

[0011] Figure 2 According to some embodiments Figure 1 Diagram of a voltage amplifier.

[0012] Figure 3 According to some embodiments Figure 1 Block diagram of a signal generator and power supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Before explaining any embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0014] It should also be noted that many other structural components can be utilized to implement the present disclosure. In addition, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations shown in the figures are intended to exemplify embodiments of the present disclosure. Alternative configurations are possible.

[0015] "Agent" may mean a polypeptide, a polynucleotide, a small molecule, or any combination thereof. An agent may be a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding an antibody, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof, as described in detail in PCT / US2014 / 070188, which is incorporated herein by reference. "Agent" may mean a composition comprising a polypeptide, a polynucleotide, a small molecule, or any combination thereof. A composition may comprise a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding an antibody, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof, as described in detail in PCT / US2014 / 070188, which is incorporated herein by reference. An agent may be prepared, for example, in water or a buffer. The buffer may be, for example, sodium citrate saline (SSC) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The ion content of the buffer may increase conductivity, thereby generating an increased current in the target tissue. The concentration of the polynucleotides prepared may be between 1 μg and 20 mg / ml. The concentration of the formulated polynucleotide can be, for example, 1 μg / ml, 10 μg / ml, 25 μg / ml, 50 μg / ml, 100 μg / ml, 250 μg / ml, 500 μg / ml, 750 μg / ml, 1 mg / ml, 10 mg / ml, 15 mg / ml or 20 mg / ml.

[0016] As used herein, "peptide," "protein," or "polypeptide" may mean a linked sequence of amino acids and may be natural, synthetic, or a modified or combined form of natural and synthetic.

[0017] As used herein, "polynucleotide" or "oligonucleotide" or "nucleic acid" means at least two nucleotides covalently linked together. A polynucleotide may be single-stranded or double-stranded, or may contain portions of both double-stranded and single-stranded sequences. A polynucleotide may be DNA (both genomic and cDNA), RNA, or a hybrid. A polynucleotide may contain a combination of deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides, and a combination of bases including uracil, adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine, inosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, isocytosine, isoguanine, and synthetic or non-naturally occurring nucleotides and nucleosides. A polynucleotide may be a vector. A polynucleotide may be obtained by chemical synthesis methods or by recombinant methods.

[0018] As used herein, "vector" means a nucleic acid sequence containing a replication origin. The vector may be a viral vector, a bacteriophage, a bacterial artificial chromosome, or a yeast artificial chromosome. The vector may be a DNA or RNA vector. The vector may be a self-replicating extrachromosomal vector, and is preferably a DNA plasmid.

[0019] As used herein, the term "electroporation" ("EP") refers to the use of electric field pulses to induce reversible microscopic pathways (pores) in biological membranes; their presence allows the transfer of agents from one side of the cell membrane to the other.

[0020] The present disclosure relates to a handset 100 for an electroporation device 104, the handset comprising an improved signal generator 32 for generating a predetermined electroporation signal. Figure 1 As shown, electroporation device 104 includes base unit 109 and handset 100, which can be removably docked to base unit 108. Base unit 109 is typically positioned on a table or other flat surface and is in electrical communication with power source 34 and is capable of charging the power source when handset 100 and base unit 109 are in a docked or coupled configuration.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the handset 100 of the electroporation device 104 includes a housing 108; an electrode array 112, which is coupled to the housing 108; a power source 34, which is positioned within the housing 108; and a signal generator 32, which is electrically connected to both the power source 34 and the electrode array 112. The handset 100 also includes an injection assembly 110, which is used to administer an agent to a target tissue via a hypodermic needle 111. During use, the electroporation device 100 uses the electroporation pulse generated by the signal generator 32 to help introduce the agent into cells of a target tissue (e.g., skin or muscle) of a mammal. The handset 100 needs to generate a very high voltage value (e.g., 200 volts) to generate the electroporation pulse. The handset 100 uses the signal generator 32 to generate a very high voltage value from a power source (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) that supplies a lower voltage value.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 108 of the handset 100 is formed of two halves or members 116 coupled together to form a volume 120 therebetween. Specifically, the member 116 forms a pistol shape having an upper portion 124 with a front end 128 and a rear end 132; and a handle portion 136 extending from the upper portion 124 to form a distal end. In some embodiments, the handle portion 136 may also include a trigger 140 or other user input to allow a user to direct the application of an electroporation signal to a target tissue. Although the housing 108 of the handset 100 is shown as a pistol shape, it should be understood that the housing 108 may include other shapes that accommodate different grip styles.

[0023] The electrode array 112 includes a plurality of electrodes 142 that each extend outwardly from the front end 128 of the upper portion 124 of the housing 108. Each electrode 142 is in electrical communication with the signal generator 32 and is configured to relay an electroporation signal to the target tissue during operation of the device 104.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 3The signal generator 32 is shown. The signal generator 32 includes a power switch 36 and a voltage amplifier 5, among other components. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal generator 32 is positioned within the housing 108 such that the overall center of gravity (CG) of the handset 100 is positioned proximate the intersection of the handle portion 136 and the upper portion 124. In some embodiments, the upper portion 124 of the housing 108 can define an axis A extending longitudinally therethrough, such that an axis B positioned perpendicular to the axis A and passing through the center of gravity (CG) also passes through the handle portion 136 of the housing 108 (see Figure 1 ).

[0025] Figure 2 The voltage amplifier 5 is shown, which includes an amplifier housing 10, a primary winding 12 and a plurality of secondary windings 14A-E and other components. The primary winding 12 and the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E are arranged in the amplifier housing 10. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E include five secondary windings. In other embodiments, the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E may include more or fewer secondary windings. In addition, in other embodiments, the voltage amplifier 5 may include more than one primary winding. The first and second input terminals 16A-B provide connections between the primary winding 12 and one or more components outside the amplifier housing 10. The voltage on the primary winding 12 is equal to the voltage difference between the first and second input terminals 16A-B. The voltage on each secondary winding is equal to the voltage on the primary winding 12 multiplied by the turns ratio. The turns ratio is the ratio of the number of turns of the primary winding to the number of turns of the secondary winding. For example, if the number of turns of the primary winding 12 is five and the number of turns of the secondary winding 14A is five, the voltage on the secondary winding 14A is equal to the voltage on the primary winding 12 (i.e., the turns ratio is 1:1).

[0026] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the turns ratio between the primary winding 12 and each of the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E is 1:1. For example, when the voltage on the primary winding 12 is 20 volts, the voltage on each of the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E is also 20 volts. Figure 2 When connected in series as shown, the voltage across the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E is equal to the sum of the voltages across each of the secondary windings. For example, when the voltage across the primary winding 12 is 20 volts, the voltage across the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E is 100 volts (due to the five secondary windings).

[0027] The first and second output terminals 18A-B provide a connection between the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E and one or more components external to the housing 10. The voltage across the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E is equal to the voltage difference between the first and second output terminals 18A-B. For example, when the voltage across the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E is 100 volts, the voltage difference between the first and second output terminals 18A-B is 100 volts.

[0028] A plurality of electrical components 20 may be coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E. The plurality of electrical components 20 may include a storage capacitor 22, a flyback diode 24, a filter capacitor 26, and a balancing capacitor 28, among other components. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical components 20 may be configured as Figure 2 14A-E. In some embodiments, the storage capacitor 22 and the filter capacitor 26 are coupled to each other in a parallel configuration. Additionally, in some embodiments, the flyback diode 24 is coupled to the storage capacitor 22 and the filter capacitor 26 in a series configuration. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the series configuration of the flyback diode 24 and the storage capacitor 22 is coupled to the balancing capacitor 28 and one of the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E in a parallel configuration.

[0029] The plurality of electrical components 20 are disposed within the amplifier housing 10 along with the primary winding 12 and the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E. This configuration enables shorter trace lengths between the plurality of electrical components 20 and each of the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E when compared to components positioned outside the amplifier housing 10. In addition to allowing for a smaller overall footprint of the signal amplifier 5, reducing the trace length also reduces the effects of noise (e.g., switching noise) on the operation and efficiency of the signal amplifier 5. Thus, a more accurate and stable electroporation signal can be generated by the handset 100 in a more compact handset 100 form factor.

[0030] The above configuration also allows fewer output terminals to be used in the signal amplifier 5. If multiple electrical components 20 are outside the amplifier housing 10, two output terminals will be required for each secondary winding. For example, a signal amplifier with five secondary windings will require ten output terminals. Figure 2 As shown, placing multiple electrical components 20 within the amplifier housing 10 allows the use of only two output terminals (e.g., the first and second output terminals 18A-B). Each additional output terminal requires space and increases the footprint of the signal amplifier. Therefore, by reducing the number of output terminals, this configuration enables the signal amplifier 5 to have a smaller footprint and more efficiently utilize the space on the corresponding circuit board and within the volume 120 of the housing 108.

[0031] In order to achieve a voltage output on the secondary winding 14A that is higher than the voltage input on the primary winding 12, the flyback diode 24 is necessary. The voltage difference between the first and second input terminals 16A-B induces a current in the primary winding 12 that generates a magnetic field. The secondary winding 14A picks up the magnetic field and generates a voltage / current spike. The energy from this voltage / current spike is stored in the storage capacitor 22 because the flyback diode 24 prevents the energy from leaking back into the secondary winding 14A. The energy stored in the storage capacitor 22 can only be discharged as a DC voltage output on the secondary winding 14A. The filter capacitor 26 suppresses the voltage spike on the secondary winding 14A that may occur when the voltage on the secondary winding 14A changes suddenly. The balancing capacitor 28 ensures that the voltage on each of the multiple secondary windings 14A-E is the same value. The use of the balancing capacitor 28 eliminates the need for a buffer circuit in the signal amplifier 5.

[0032] The physical size of a capacitor depends on two factors: operating voltage and capacitance. The operating voltage is the maximum voltage at which a capacitor can operate. The only way to increase the operating voltage of a capacitor is to increase the size of the capacitor. The physical size of a capacitor with a high operating voltage is quite large. The physical size of a capacitor with a low operating voltage is smaller. Conventional high voltage generators require capacitors with high operating voltages. Therefore, the physical size of conventional high voltage generators tends to be large. By generating a plurality of lower voltages and combining them in series to produce a high voltage, the physical size of the signal amplifier 5 is smaller than that of a conventional high voltage generator because the signal amplifier 5 does not require a capacitor with a high operating voltage. Such attributes are desirable in a handset 100 that must be held and manipulated by a user during use.

[0033] Capacitors with high operating voltages also require more time to fully charge and discharge.By generating multiple lower voltages and combining them in series to produce the high voltage, the signal amplifier 5 can provide the high voltage significantly faster than conventional high voltage generators.

[0034] In addition, conventional high-voltage generators (e.g., electroporation pulse generators) used in medical devices including capacitors with high operating voltages bring safety issues of electric shock to users of medical devices. The capacitors in conventional high-voltage generators must be charged to high voltages and can produce high output voltages before starting treatment. During the time when the capacitor is charged under high voltage but the electroporation pulse has not yet been applied, the capacitor stores a large amount of electrical energy. This large amount of electrical energy can cause serious harm to the user of the medical device when the user is electrocuted by the medical device. In addition, a large amount of electrical energy can cause the conventional high-voltage generator to explode. By generating a plurality of lower voltages and combining them in series to generate high voltage, the signal amplifier 5 does not need to store a large amount of electrical energy. Therefore, there is no safety issue of electric shock that exists in conventional high-voltage generators for the signal amplifier 5.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the signal amplifier 5 includes a thermistor 30. A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance depends on temperature. In some embodiments, the signal amplifier 5 uses a very small duty cycle. This small duty cycle can be greater than the DC rating of the signal amplifier 5. A control circuit (not shown) can be used to ensure that the signal amplifier 5 does not exceed any component rating by monitoring the thermistor 30. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, thermistor 30 is coupled between the primary winding 12 and a common node connected to the plurality of secondary windings 14A-E.

[0036] The power supply 34 supplies a nominal or pulsed DC voltage to the voltage amplifier 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply 34 is powered by one or more batteries or battery packs. In other embodiments, the power supply 34 is powered by a main power supply having a nominal line voltage between, for example, 100V and 240V AC and a frequency of approximately 50-60Hz. In other embodiments, the power supply 34 is powered by a combination of a battery power supply and a main power supply. In some embodiments, the power supply 34 is powered by a USB (i.e., Universal Serial Bus) power supply having a nominal line voltage of 5V. In some embodiments, the battery is a type of rechargeable battery. Rechargeable batteries include, for example, lithium ion, lead acid, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride batteries, etc. Lithium ion batteries are smaller and lighter than conventional lead acid batteries.

[0037] The power switch 36 regulates the flow of energy from the power supply 34 to the signal amplifier 5. The power switch is electrically coupled to the signal amplifier 5 via the first and second input terminals 16A-B. The voltage difference between the first and second input terminals 16A-B is based on the on-time versus off-time (i.e., duty cycle) of the power switch 36. In some embodiments, the power switch 36 includes a switching field effect transistor (FET).

[0038] Therefore, the present disclosure provides, among other things, a signal amplifier and a signal generator. Various features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the following clauses.

[0039] For the sake of completeness, various aspects of the invention are set out in the following numbered clauses:

[0040] Clause 1. A handheld device for an electroporation device, the handheld device comprising:

[0041] case;

[0042] A signal amplifier is positioned in the housing, and the signal amplifier comprises:

[0043] Primary winding,

[0044] a plurality of secondary windings coupled together in a series configuration,

[0045] wherein a storage capacitor and a flyback diode are coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings; and

[0046] An array has a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with a signal amplifier.

[0047] Clause 2. The handset of clause 1, wherein a turns ratio between the primary winding and each of the plurality of secondary windings is one to one.

[0048] Clause 3. The handset of clause 1, wherein each flyback diode and storage capacitor are coupled to a respective one of the plurality of secondary windings in a series configuration.

[0049] Clause 4. The handset of clause 1, wherein the flyback diode and the storage capacitor are coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings in a parallel configuration.

[0050] Clause 5. The handset of clause 4, wherein the filter capacitor is coupled with the storage capacitor in a parallel configuration.

[0051] Clause 6. The handset of Clause 5, wherein a balancing capacitor is coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings in a parallel configuration.

[0052] Clause 7. The handset of Clause 6, wherein the thermistor is coupled between the plurality of secondary windings and the primary winding.

[0053] Clause 8. The handset of Clause 1, wherein the plurality of secondary windings comprises at least five secondary windings.

[0054] Clause 9. The handset of clause 1, wherein the primary winding, the plurality of secondary windings, the storage capacitor, and the flyback diode are each disposed within the signal generator housing.

[0055] Clause 10. An electroporation device, comprising:

[0056] case;

[0057] A signal generator, the signal generator is positioned in the housing, the signal generator comprising:

[0058] a signal amplifier having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings coupled together in a series configuration, wherein a storage capacitor and a flyback diode are coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings;

[0059] Power supply, and

[0060] a power switch configured to supply a voltage from a power source to the primary winding; and

[0061] An array having one or more electrodes in electrical communication with a signal generator.

[0062] Clause 11. The electroporation device of Clause 10, wherein a turns ratio between the primary winding and each of the plurality of secondary windings is one to one.

[0063] Clause 12. The electroporation device of Clause 10, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

[0064] Clause 13. The electroporation device of Clause 12, wherein the rechargeable battery comprises a lithium-ion battery.

[0065] Clause 14. The electroporation device of Clause 10, wherein the flyback diode and the storage capacitor are coupled to each other in a series configuration.

[0066] Clause 15. The electroporation device of Clause 14, wherein a flyback diode and a storage capacitor are coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings in a parallel configuration.

[0067] Clause 16. The electroporation device of Clause 15, wherein the filter capacitor is coupled to the storage capacitor in a parallel configuration.

[0068] Clause 17. The electroporation device of Clause 10, wherein a balancing capacitor is coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings in a parallel configuration.

[0069] Clause 18. The electroporation device of Clause 10, wherein the thermistor is coupled between the plurality of secondary windings and the primary winding.

[0070] Clause 19. An electroporation system, comprising:

[0071] Base stations; and

[0072] A handset removably coupled to a base station, the handset comprising:

[0073] case,

[0074] Injection components,

[0075] Power supply, and

[0076] A signal generator positioned within the housing of the handset and operably connected to the injection assembly, the signal generator comprising:

[0077] a signal amplifier having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings coupled together in a series configuration, wherein a storage capacitor and a flyback diode are coupled to each of the plurality of secondary windings, and

[0078] a power switch configured to supply a voltage from a power source to the primary winding, and

[0079] An array has at least one electrode extending therefrom and in electrical communication with a signal generator.

[0080] Clause 20. The electroporation system of Clause 19, wherein the base station is in electrical communication with a power source when the base station is coupled to the handset.

Claims

1. A handheld device for an electroporation device, the handheld device comprising: case; an array having electrodes extending from the housing; a signal generator positioned within the housing and comprising a signal amplifier, the signal amplifier comprising: a primary winding configured to receive a voltage from a power source, and a plurality of secondary windings coupled together in a series configuration, wherein each of the plurality of secondary windings is coupled to a respective flyback diode, the plurality of secondary windings comprising a first output terminal and a second output terminal such that a voltage across the plurality of secondary windings is equal to a voltage difference between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, The electrode is electrically connected to the first output terminal and the second output terminal of the signal amplifier.

2. The handset of claim 1 further comprising said power source.

3. The handset of claim 2, wherein the power source comprises one or more rechargeable batteries.

4. The handset of claim 3, wherein the one or more rechargeable batteries comprise lithium-ion batteries.

5. The handset of claim 1, wherein a turns ratio between the primary winding and each of the plurality of secondary windings is one to one.

6. The handset of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of secondary windings is coupled to a corresponding storage capacitor.

7. The handset of claim 6, wherein the respective flyback diode and the respective storage capacitor are coupled to a respective one of the plurality of secondary windings in a series configuration.

8. The handset of claim 6, wherein the respective flyback diode and the respective storage capacitor are coupled to a respective one of the plurality of secondary windings in a parallel configuration.

9. The handset of claim 8, wherein the respective storage capacitors and respective filter capacitors are coupled together in a parallel configuration.

10. The handset of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of secondary windings is coupled to a corresponding balancing capacitor in a parallel configuration.

11. The handset of claim 10, wherein a thermistor is coupled between the plurality of secondary windings and the primary winding.

12. The handset of claim 1, wherein the primary winding, the plurality of secondary windings, and each flyback diode are each disposed within a signal generator housing.

13. The handset of claim 1, wherein the plurality of secondary windings comprises at least five secondary windings.

14. An electroporation device comprising: case; A signal generator, the signal generator is positioned in the housing, the signal generator comprising: a signal amplifier having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings coupled together in a series configuration, wherein each of the plurality of secondary windings is coupled to a respective flyback diode, and the plurality of secondary windings include a first output terminal and a second output terminal such that a voltage across the plurality of secondary windings is equal to a voltage difference between the first output terminal and the second output terminal; a power switch configured to supply a voltage from a power source to the primary winding; and An array having one or more electrodes in electrical communication with the first output and the second output of the signal generator.

15. The electroporation device of claim 14, wherein a turns ratio between the primary winding and each of the plurality of secondary windings is one to one.

16. The electroporation device of claim 15, wherein the electroporation device further comprises the power source.

17. The electroporation device of claim 16, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

18. The electroporation device of claim 14, wherein each of the secondary windings is coupled to a corresponding storage capacitor and a corresponding flyback diode, and wherein the corresponding flyback diode and the corresponding storage capacitor are coupled to each other in a series configuration.

19. The electroporation device of claim 18, wherein the respective flyback diode and the respective storage capacitor are coupled to a respective one of the plurality of secondary windings in a parallel configuration.

20. The electroporation device of claim 19, wherein the respective storage capacitors and respective filter capacitors are coupled to each other in a parallel configuration.

21. The electroporation device of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of secondary windings is coupled to a corresponding balancing capacitor in a parallel configuration.

22. The electroporation device of claim 14, wherein a thermistor is coupled between the plurality of secondary windings and the primary winding.

23. An electroporation system comprising: Base station; as well as A handset removably coupled to the base station, the handset comprising: case, Injection components, A signal generator positioned within the housing of the handset and operably connected to the injection assembly, the signal generator comprising: a signal amplifier having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings coupled together in a series configuration, wherein each of the plurality of secondary windings is coupled to a respective flyback diode and the plurality of secondary windings include a first output terminal and a second output terminal, such that a voltage across the plurality of secondary windings is equal to a voltage difference between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and a power switch configured to supply a voltage from a power source to the primary winding, and An array has at least one electrode extending therefrom and in electrical communication with the signal generator.

24. The electroporation system of claim 23, wherein the electroporation system comprises the power source.

25. The electroporation system of claim 24, wherein the power source is powered by one or more batteries or battery packs.

26. The electroporation system of claim 24, wherein the power source is powered by a mains power supply.

27. The electroporation system of claim 24, wherein the power source is powered by a combination of battery power and mains power.

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