A transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit with multiple pulse output

Abstract

The application discloses a transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit with multiple pulse outputs, comprising an input module, a combination circuit module and an output module connected in sequence, wherein the combination circuit module comprises a combination discharge circuit, a voltage control unit, a trigger control unit and a microcontroller, one input end of the combination discharge circuit is connected with the input module, one output end of the combination discharge circuit is connected with the output module, the voltage control unit and the trigger control unit are respectively connected in communication with the microcontroller, the voltage control unit and the trigger control unit are connected with the input module, and the trigger control unit is connected with the output module. The number of the input module and the output module of the application can be adjusted according to the user. The trigger control unit is used to control the conduction discharge of the corresponding number of input modules and output modules, so that the combination use of multiple stimulation devices is realized, the output form of multiple frequencies and multiple pulses is realized, the limitation of the existing stimulation frequency is broken, and additional selection of specific devices and specific systems is not needed, thereby reducing the use cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transcranial magnetic stimulation devices, and more particularly to a transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit with multi-pulse output. Background Technology

[0002] Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a painless and non-invasive physical neuromodulation technique. Its main principle is based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, applying transient pulsed magnetic fields to the cerebral cortex to depolarize cortical neurons, generating action potentials and thus influencing cortical electrical activity to achieve neuromodulation. Since its development, TMS has become a common diagnostic and therapeutic tool in psychiatry and neurology. Numerous studies have shown its effectiveness in treating Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and related movement disorders, depression and mood disorders, stroke, schizophrenia, and chronic pain. Furthermore, TMS can provide objective and direct functional examinations of the motor and sensory nervous systems, evaluating the conduction of the corticospinal tract, assessing the excitability of the motor cortex, assessing central nervous system damage, and providing prognostic assessments for neurological diseases.

[0003] The first truly functional transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device was developed in the UK in 1985 by Barker et al. It could generate single magnetic stimulation pulses and act on motor nerves to induce motor potentials in the hand. As the technology gradually developed, repetitive TMS devices were also developed, which could generate repetitive transcranial magnetic pulses with a repetition frequency of up to 100 Hz. After more than 30 years of development, TMS technology has introduced various output modes, including single-pulse TMS, repetitive TMS, burst TMS, dual-pulse paired TMS, four-pulse or multi-pulse TMS, etc.

[0004] Regarding the commercialization of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices, various technologically mature and well-designed TMS devices have been launched both domestically and internationally. However, most TMS devices currently on the market only support single-pulse, repetitive-pulse, and burst-pulse output modes, with a maximum repetition frequency of only 100Hz and a minimum time interval between two pulses of only 10ms. For some research applications, a stimulation frequency of 100Hz is insufficient. Dual-pulse paired stimulation modes require a minimum time interval of 1ms or even 0.5ms between two pulses. Only a few manufacturers offer specific TMS devices supporting dual-pulse paired stimulation, but these devices are custom-designed systems, and their high price due to bundled equipment hinders their widespread adoption in clinical applications. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit with multi-pulse output, which aims to solve the problems of insufficient frequency and high cost in existing transcranial magnetic stimulation devices.

[0006] According to an embodiment of this application, a multi-pulse output transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit is provided, comprising an input module, a combination circuit module, and an output module connected in sequence; multiple input modules are connected in parallel with the combination circuit, and multiple output modules are connected in parallel with the combination circuit; the combination circuit module includes a combined discharge circuit, a voltage control unit, a trigger control unit, and a microcontroller; one input end of the combined discharge circuit is connected to the input module, and one output end is connected to the output module; the voltage control unit and the trigger control unit are respectively communicatively connected to the microcontroller; the voltage control unit and the trigger control unit are connected to the input module, and the trigger control unit is connected to the output module.

[0007] Preferably, the input module includes a first transistor, a capacitor, and two first thyristors. The capacitor is used to store electrical energy, and the two first thyristors form a first thyristor discharge circuit. The capacitor and the first thyristor discharge circuit are connected in parallel to the emitter of the first transistor. The base of the first transistor is connected to the voltage control unit, and the control stage of each first thyristor is connected to the trigger control unit.

[0008] Preferably, the combined circuit module further includes two second thyristors, which form a second thyristor discharge circuit. The control stage of each second thyristor is connected to the trigger control unit. The combined discharge circuit, the second thyristor discharge circuit, and the output module are connected in series in sequence. The second thyristor discharge circuit and the output module correspond one-to-one.

[0009] Preferably, the combined discharge circuit includes a second transistor and a resistor, with the base of the second transistor connected to the trigger control unit and the emitter connected to the resistor.

[0010] Preferably, the output module is a stimulation coil.

[0011] Preferably, the input module includes a switching power supply, a capacitor, and two third thyristors. The capacitor is used to store electrical energy, and the two third thyristors form a third thyristor discharge circuit. The capacitor and the third thyristor discharge circuit are connected in parallel to one end of the switching power supply. The switching power supply is connected to the voltage control unit, and the control stage of each third thyristor is connected to the trigger control unit.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the multi-pulse output transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0013] By connecting multiple input modules to the input end and multiple output modules to the output end of the combined circuit module, the number of input and output modules can be adjusted according to the user. A voltage control unit based on the combined circuit module controls the charging function of each input module, and a trigger control unit controls the conduction and discharge of a corresponding number of input and output modules. This allows for the combined use of multiple stimulation devices to achieve multi-frequency, multi-pulse output, breaking the existing 100Hz stimulation frequency limitation. Furthermore, based on the connection characteristics of the combined circuit module, users can connect existing stimulation devices for unified input and output control as needed. This means that achieving the aforementioned multi-frequency, multi-pulse output does not require the selection of specific equipment or systems. Conversely, this solution can be integrated into existing traditional transcranial magnetic stimulation devices and systems, and the number can be freely controlled, reducing the equipment cost for multi-frequency, multi-pulse output requirements and making the application of existing stimulation devices more flexible. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a multi-pulse output transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit provided in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-pulse output transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit provided in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interface connection of the combined circuit module in a multi-pulse output transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit provided in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Label Explanation:

[0019] 1. Input module;

[0020] 2. Combined circuit module; 21. Combined discharge circuit; 22. Voltage control unit; 23. Trigger control unit; 24. Microcontroller;

[0021] 3. Output module;

[0022] 100. First thyristor discharge circuit; 200. Second thyristor discharge circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0026] Please combine Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This invention discloses a multi-pulse output transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit, comprising an input module 1, a combination circuit module 2, and an output module 3 connected in sequence. The input module generates current and outputs it from the output module 3 after being controlled by the combination circuit module 2. In this embodiment, the input module 1 can be a pulse current generator, and the output module 3 can be a stimulation coil. The input module 1, the combination circuit module 2, and the output module 3 constitute a complete transcranial magnetic stimulation device.

[0027] In this embodiment, there are multiple input modules 1, and multiple input modules 1 are connected in parallel with the combined circuit 2, and multiple output modules 3 are connected in parallel with the combined circuit 2.

[0028] The combined circuit module 2 includes a combined discharge circuit 21, a voltage control unit 22, a trigger control unit 23, and a microcontroller 24. One input end of the combined discharge circuit 21 is connected to the input module 1, and the other output end is connected to the output module 3. The voltage control unit 22 and the trigger control unit 23 are communicatively connected to the microcontroller 24. The voltage control unit 22 and the trigger control unit 23 are connected to the input module 1, and the trigger control unit 23 is connected to the output module 3.

[0029] It is understood that the voltage control unit 22 is responsible for converting parameter information into a voltage control sequence, which is then connected to the pulse current generator to control the charging voltage of the capacitor inside the pulse current generator. This function can be enabled in a pulse current generator system that supports voltage control. The trigger control unit 23 is responsible for converting the parameter information of the pulse output into a pulse trigger sequence, which is used to connect to the trigger input interface of the pulse current generator to control the timing of its pulse generation. The microcontroller 24 is responsible for setting the overall circuit parameters.

[0030] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment uses four input modules (1) and four output modules (3) for illustrative purposes, but this is not intended to limit the scope of the solution. The input module 1 includes a first transistor, a capacitor, and two first thyristors. The capacitor stores electrical energy, and the two first thyristors form a first thyristor discharge circuit 100. The capacitor and the first thyristor discharge circuit 100 are connected in parallel to the emitter of the first transistor. The base of the first transistor is connected to the voltage control unit 22, and the control stage of each first thyristor is connected to the trigger control unit 23.

[0031] Power supply E is connected to resistor R and input to the collector of the first transistor. When the voltage control unit 22 receives the control information from the microcontroller 24, it can control the first transistor to conduct, so that power supply E charges capacitor C, and capacitor C stores electrical energy. After receiving the control information from the microcontroller 24, the trigger control unit controls the first thyristor discharge circuit 100 to open, so that capacitor C outputs electrical energy.

[0032] Optionally, as one embodiment, the input module 1 may further include a switching power supply (not shown), a capacitor, and two third thyristors. The capacitor stores electrical energy, and the two third thyristors form a third thyristor discharge circuit. The capacitor and the third thyristor discharge circuit are connected in parallel to one end of the switching power supply. The switching power supply is connected to the voltage control unit 22, and the control stage of each third thyristor is connected to the trigger control unit 23. That is, in Figure 1 By replacing the resistor R and transistor Q with a switching power supply, the function of a pulse current generator can also be realized.

[0033] Please continue reading. Figure 2The combined circuit module 2 further includes two second thyristors, which together form a second thyristor discharge circuit 200. The control stage of each second thyristor is connected to the trigger control unit 23. The combined discharge circuit 21, the second thyristor discharge circuit 200, and the output module 3 are connected in series sequentially. Each second thyristor discharge circuit 200 corresponds one-to-one with an output module 3; that is, in this embodiment, the number of second thyristor discharge circuits 200 and output modules 3 is the same, and one second thyristor discharge circuit 200 is connected to one output module 3.

[0034] The trigger control unit 23 synchronously controls the opening or closing of the first thyristor discharge circuit 100 and the second thyristor discharge circuit 200.

[0035] Please continue reading. Figure 2 The combined discharge circuit 21 includes a second transistor and a resistor R-Load. The base of the second transistor is connected to the trigger control unit 23, and the emitter is connected to the resistor R-Load.

[0036] It is understood that, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the combined circuit module 2 can be a combined circuit device, which has multiple interfaces for providing transcranial magnetic pulse current generators and multiple output interfaces for stimulation coils. When multiple transcranial magnetic pulse current generators are connected, it is equivalent to input module 1 and connected to combined circuit module 2, specifically connected to combined discharge circuit 21. Similarly, when the stimulation coil is connected to the interface as output module 3, it is equivalent to output module 3 being connected separately to one output end of the second discharge circuit 200 in combined circuit module 2. That is, for existing transcranial magnetic stimulation devices, the combined circuit module 2 provided in this embodiment can serve as an integration module for existing transcranial magnetic stimulation devices, simultaneously connecting and controlling multiple transcranial magnetic stimulation devices.

[0037] In use, multiple input modules 1 can be controlled to operate, with outputs sent to a single output module 3. For example, the pulse current generators of two 100 Hz transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices can operate synchronously, with the two pulse current generators outputting at 5 ms intervals, simultaneously outputting to a single output module 3, thus obtaining a 200 Hz pulse output result, breaking the existing 100 Hz stimulation frequency. Alternatively, one input module 1 can be controlled to output to multiple output modules 3, enabling simultaneous stimulation of multiple sites using a single TMS device. This scenario is particularly suitable for applications involving combined stimulation of the central and peripheral nerves. In some other embodiments, two, four, or more current generators can be combined into a stimulation coil, and the trigger time difference of double, four, or multiple pulses during a single output can be controlled to achieve paired double-pulse stimulation or even four-pulse stimulation.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the multi-pulse output transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0039] By connecting multiple input modules to the input end and multiple output modules to the output end of the combined circuit module, the number of input and output modules can be adjusted according to the user. A voltage control unit based on the combined circuit module controls the charging function of each input module, and a trigger control unit controls the conduction and discharge of a corresponding number of input and output modules. This allows for the combined use of multiple stimulation devices to achieve multi-frequency, multi-pulse output, breaking the existing 100Hz stimulation frequency limitation. Furthermore, based on the connection characteristics of the combined circuit module, users can connect existing stimulation devices for unified input and output control as needed. This means that achieving the aforementioned multi-frequency, multi-pulse output does not require the selection of specific equipment or systems. Conversely, this solution can be integrated into existing traditional transcranial magnetic stimulation devices and systems, and the number can be freely controlled, reducing the equipment cost for multi-frequency, multi-pulse output requirements and making the application of existing stimulation devices more flexible.

[0040] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit with multi-pulse output, characterized in that: It includes an input module, a combinational circuit module, and an output module connected in sequence; The multiple input modules are connected in parallel and connected to the combined circuit; the multiple output modules are connected in parallel and connected to the combined circuit. The combined circuit module includes a combined discharge circuit, a voltage control unit, a trigger control unit, and a microcontroller. One input end of the combined discharge circuit is connected to the input module, and the other output end is connected to the output module. The voltage control unit and the trigger control unit are respectively communicatively connected to the microcontroller. The voltage control unit and the trigger control unit are connected to the input module, and the trigger control unit is connected to the output module; The input module includes a first transistor, a capacitor, and two first thyristors. The capacitor is used to store electrical energy, and the two first thyristors form a first thyristor discharge circuit. The capacitor and the first thyristor discharge circuit are connected in parallel to the emitter of the first transistor. The base of the first transistor is connected to the voltage control unit, and the control stage of each first thyristor is connected to the trigger control unit; The combined circuit module also includes two second thyristors, which form a second thyristor discharge circuit. The control stage of each second thyristor is connected to the trigger control unit. The combined discharge circuit is connected in series with the second thyristor discharge circuit and the output module in sequence. The second thyristor discharge circuit corresponds one-to-one with the output module.

2. The transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit with multi-pulse output according to claim 1, characterized in that: The combined discharge circuit includes a second transistor and a resistor. The base of the second transistor is connected to the trigger control unit, and the emitter is connected to the resistor.

3. The transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit with multi-pulse output according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output module is a stimulation coil.

4. The transcranial magnetic stimulation circuit with multi-pulse output according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input module includes a switching power supply, a capacitor, and two third thyristors. The capacitor is used to store electrical energy, and the two third thyristors form a third thyristor discharge circuit. The capacitor and the third thyristor discharge circuit are connected in parallel to one end of the switching power supply. The switching power supply is connected to the voltage control unit, and the control stage of each third thyristor is connected to the trigger control unit.

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