Electrophysiological stimulator and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of bioelectrical stimulation, in particular to an electrophysiological stimulator and a use method thereof, and can solve the problems that a stimulator device in the current market is high in price, limited in adjustable parameter range, insufficient in operation flexibility, low in cost and the like to a certain extent. And certain limitations exist in the aspects of output stability, adjustment precision and multifunctionality. The power supply module is used for supplying power through a DC5V power supply, and the working current is 200mA; the buck-boost module is used for stably adjusting the input voltage to a preset voltage or current value; the PWM square wave adjusting module is connected to the output end of the buck-boost module and used for adjusting the waveform characteristic of the output signal; according to the output end interface, the output end of the PWM square wave adjusting module is connected to an external stimulator, and the PWM square wave adjusting module is used for applying stimulation signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of bioelectrical stimulation, and more particularly, to an electrophysiological stimulator and its usage method. Background Art

[0002] Bioelectrical stimulation technology has extensive applications in the fields of medicine, neuroscience, and bioengineering, such as pain simulation, neuromodulation, and electrophysiological experiments.

[0003] However, currently available stimulator devices on the market are expensive, have a limited range of adjustable parameters, lack operational flexibility, and have certain limitations in terms of output stability, adjustment accuracy, and versatility. These problems make it difficult for existing devices to meet the requirements of high-precision experiments.

[0004] Therefore, developing a bioelectrical stimulator device with a moderate price, high output stability, flexible parameter adjustment, and easy operation has important technical value and application significance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of currently available stimulator devices on the market being expensive, having a limited range of adjustable parameters, lacking operational flexibility, and having certain limitations in terms of output stability, adjustment accuracy, and versatility, this application provides an electrophysiological stimulator and its usage method.

[0006] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides an electrophysiological stimulator, including:

[0008] A power supply module: used to supply power through a DC5V power source, with a working current of 200 mA;

[0009] A buck-boost module: used to stably adjust the input voltage to a preset voltage or current value;

[0010] A PWM square wave adjustment module: connected to the output end of the buck-boost module, used to adjust the waveform characteristics of the output signal;

[0011] An output terminal interface: the output end of the PWM square wave adjustment module is connected to an external stimulator, used to apply a stimulation signal.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the adjustment range of the PWM square wave adjustment module includes:

[0013] Frequency: 1 Hz to 100 kHz, with a step accuracy of 1 Hz;

[0014] Duty cycle: 0% to 100%, with an adjustable accuracy of 0.1%;

[0015] Number of pulses: 0 to 999,000, which can be freely set by the user according to requirements.

[0016] In a possible implementation, after parameter presetting, the PWM square wave adjustment module outputs a stable square wave signal to achieve constant current / voltage stimulation.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the buck-boost module has high-precision adjustment and output stability, and can simulate the constant current / voltage requirements in bioelectric stimulation scenarios.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the power supply module is suitable for common portable power adapters or USB power supplies.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the PWM square wave adjustment module can output a pulse waveform of the set number of times. When the number is set to zero, it can continuously output PWM.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the frequency, duty cycle, and number of pulses of the PWM square wave adjustment module are all adjusted through an encoder knob.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the output of the PWM square wave adjustment module is driven by a high-power NPN type IRF3205, and the maximum driving current without heat dissipation is 10A.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the amplitude width of the PWM square wave adjustment module is determined based on the input voltage.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for using an electrophysiological stimulator, including:

[0024] Connect the electrostimulator to a power source;

[0025] Adjust the digital display adjustable buck-boost module to set the required constant current or voltage;

[0026] Connect the PWM square wave adjustment module to the output end of the digital display adjustable buck-boost module, and set the frequency, duty cycle, and number of pulses of the square wave according to actual requirements;

[0027] Connect the stimulator for external application of stimulation to the output end of the PWM square wave adjustment module to achieve the stimulation function of outputting a constant current or voltage square wave.

[0028] The technical solution provided by the present application can at least achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0029] An electrophysiological stimulator and a method for using the same provided by the present application can be widely applied to scenarios such as pain simulation, neural regulation, bio-signal detection, and electrophysiological experiments. It has the following advantages:

[0030] 1. High precision and high stability

[0031] Through the collaborative work of the digital display adjustable buck-boost module and the PWM square wave adjustment module, stable constant current or voltage output is achieved, meeting the requirements for output stability in the field of bioelectrical stimulation.

[0032] 2. Flexible parameter adjustment

[0033] The PWM square wave adjustment module has a wide range of frequency, duty cycle, and pulse number adjustment ranges, capable of meeting the requirements in different application scenarios.

[0034] 3. Modular design

[0035] Each functional module operates independently, facilitating expansion, maintenance, and replacement. The connection and setting of the device are simple and intuitive, suitable for a wide range of electrophysiological research groups. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrophysiological stimulator shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 It is a physical diagram of the PWM square wave adjustment module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 3 It is a physical diagram of the buck-boost module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of a method for using an electrophysiological stimulator shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Reference numerals:

[0042] 1. Power supply module; 2. Buck-boost module; 3. PWM square wave adjustment module; 4. Output terminal interface; 5. Input end of the buck-boost module;; 6. Output end of the buck-boost module; 7. Current adjustment; 8. Voltage adjustment; 9. First control button; 10. Second control button; 11. Encoder knob; 12. Start button; 13. Output indicator light. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] To make the objectives, embodiments, and advantages of this application clearer and more understandable, the following will clearly and completely describe the exemplary embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, rather than all of them. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not used to limit this application.

[0044] It should be noted that the brief description of the terms in this application is only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described next, rather than intending to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise specified, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meanings.

[0045] In this application, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. in the specification, claims, and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar or like objects or entities, and do not necessarily mean to limit a specific order or sequence, unless otherwise noted. It should be understood that such terms can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances.

[0046] The terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover but not exclude inclusion. For example, a product or device comprising a series of components does not necessarily have to be limited to all the components clearly listed, but may include other components not clearly listed or inherent to these products or devices.

[0047] Before explaining the electrophysiological stimulator provided in the embodiments of this application, the application scenarios and implementation environments of the embodiments of this application will be introduced first.

[0048] Bioelectric stimulation technology has a wide range of applications in the fields of medicine, neuroscience, and bioengineering, such as pain simulation, neuromodulation, and electrophysiological experiments.

[0049] However, currently, the stimulator devices on the market are expensive, have a limited range of adjustable parameters, lack operational flexibility, and have certain limitations in terms of output stability, adjustment accuracy, and versatility. These problems make it difficult for existing devices to meet the requirements of high-precision experiments.

[0050] Therefore, developing a bioelectric stimulator device with a moderate price, high output stability, flexible parameter adjustment, and easy operation has important technical value and application significance.

[0051] Based on this, this application provides an electrophysiological stimulator and its usage method. It adopts a modular design and combines a voltage / current adjustment module with a PWM (pulse width modulation) adjustment module to achieve a constant current or voltage output, and provides a square wave output function with adjustable frequency, duty cycle, and number of pulses, featuring high precision, high stability, and wide applicability.

[0052] Next, the technical solutions of the present application will be specifically described through embodiments in combination with the accompanying drawings, and how the technical solutions of the present application solve the above technical problems will also be described in detail. The embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0053] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrophysiological stimulator shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, a kind of electrophysiological stimulator is provided. In this embodiment, the device includes:

[0055] Power supply module 1: used to supply power through a DC 5V power supply, with a working current of 200 mA;

[0056] Buck-boost module 2: used to stably adjust the input voltage to a preset voltage or current value;

[0057] PWM square wave adjustment module 3: A PWM square wave adjustment module is connected to the output end of the buck-boost module, used to adjust the waveform characteristics of the output signal;

[0058] Output terminal interface 4: The output end of the PWM square wave adjustment module is connected to an external stimulator, used to apply a stimulation signal.

[0059] Figure 2 It is a physical diagram of the PWM square wave adjustment module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 It is a physical diagram of the buck-boost module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0060] In a possible implementation manner, the specific implementation structure of the electrophysiological stimulator includes:

[0061] 1. Power supply module

[0062] This device is powered by a DC 5V power supply, with a working current of 200 mA, and is suitable for being powered by a common portable power adapter or a USB power supply.

[0063] 2. Buck-boost module

[0064] As Figure 2As shown in the figure, a digital display adjustable buck-boost module is used. Through this module, the input voltage can be stably adjusted to a preset voltage or current value (for example, a constant output of 1 mA). The input end 5 of the buck-boost module is connected to the power supply module, and it is provided with a current regulator 7 and a voltage regulator 8. It is also provided with a first control button 9. A short press is used to control the input / output voltage switching, and a long press is used to control the output power / current switching; a second control button 10. A short press is used to control the ON / OFF switching, and a long press is used to set the default output ON / OFF. The output end of the buck-boost module has high-precision adjustment and output stability, and is used to simulate the constant current / voltage requirements in the bioelectric stimulation scenario.

[0065] 3. PWM Square Wave Adjustment Module

[0066] As Figure 3 shown, the output end 6 of the buck-boost module is connected to the PWM square wave adjustment module, and it is provided with a display screen and a programmable knob 11 corresponding to the frequency, duty cycle, and number of pulses respectively. It is also provided with a start button 12 and an output indicator light 13, which are used to adjust the waveform characteristics of the output signal.

[0067] This module supports the following adjustment ranges:

[0068] Frequency: 1 Hz to 100 kHz, with a step accuracy of 1 Hz;

[0069] Duty cycle: 0% to 100%, with an adjustable accuracy of 0.1%;

[0070] Number of pulses: 0 to 999,000, and users can freely set according to their needs.

[0071] 4. Output Terminal Interface

[0072] The output end of the PWM module is connected to an external stimulator for applying a stimulation signal. After parameter presetting, a stable square wave signal is output to achieve constant current / voltage stimulation.

[0073] In a possible implementation manner, the specific usage method of its PWM square wave adjustment module:

[0074] 1: Function: Give a signal; it can output a pulse waveform of the set number of times; when the number is set to zero; it can continuously output PWM.

[0075] 2: Frequency range adjustment: The range is 1HZ to 100KHZ, and the size can be adjusted through the knob on the encoder.

[0076] 3: Duty cycle range adjustment: The range is 0 to 100%, adjustable by 0.1%; the size can be adjusted through the encoder knob.

[0077] 4: Pulse Count Range Adjustment: Range 0 - 999000; can be adjusted via the encoder knob; when the count is set to zero, PWM can be continuously output.

[0078] 5: Power Supply: Universal for DC 5V - 24V.

[0079] 6: PWM Pulse Width = Input Voltage.

[0080] 7: Output PWM Driving Ability: The output uses a high-power NPN type IRF3205 for driving: the maximum driving current without heat dissipation can reach 10A.

[0081] 8: Decimal Point Explanation

[0082] Frequency: With a decimal point, the unit is KHZ; without a decimal point, the unit is HZ.

[0083] Pulse Count: With a decimal point, the unit is K; without a decimal point, the unit is.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the specific usage method of the buck-boost module:

[0085] (1) Adjust the CV constant voltage potentiometer to make the output voltage reach the desired voltage value.

[0086] (2) Use the 10A current range of the multimeter to measure the output short-circuit current (simply connect the two test leads to the output terminals), and at the same time adjust the CC constant current potentiometer to make the output current reach the predetermined overcurrent protection value. (For example, if the current value shown on the multimeter is 2A, then the maximum current when using the module can only reach 2A. When the current reaches 2A, the red constant voltage and constant current indicator light will be on, otherwise this indicator light will be off).

[0087] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts involved in the above embodiments are shown in sequence as indicated, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated. Unless there is a clear indication in this article, the execution of these steps has no strict order limit, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least a part of the steps in the flowcharts involved in the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed alternately or in turn with at least a part of the steps or stages in other steps or other steps.

[0088] Corresponding to the embodiments of the electrophysiological stimulator described above, the present application also provides embodiments of the usage method of the electrophysiological stimulator.

[0089] Figure 4It is a schematic flowchart of a method for using an electrophysiological stimulator shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the method for using the electrophysiological stimulator includes:

[0091] Step 100: Connect the electrical stimulator to a power source.

[0092] Step 200: Adjust the digital display adjustable step-up / step-down module to set the required constant current or voltage.

[0093] Step 300: Connect the PWM square wave adjustment module to the output end of the digital display adjustable step-up / step-down module, and set the frequency, duty cycle, and number of pulses of the square wave according to actual requirements.

[0094] Step 400: Connect the stimulator for external application of stimulation to the output end of the PWM square wave adjustment module to achieve the stimulation function of outputting a constant current or voltage square wave.

[0095] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope recorded in this specification.

[0096] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation manners of the present application. Their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several deformations and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present application shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrophysiological stimulator, characterized in that: include: Power supply module: used to supply power through DC5V power supply, the working current is 200mA; Buck-boost module: used to stabilize the input voltage to a preset voltage or current value; PWM square wave regulation module: A PWM square wave regulation module is connected to the output end of the buck-boost module to adjust the waveform characteristics of the output signal; Output interface: The output of the PWM square wave regulation module is connected to an external stimulator for applying a stimulation signal.

2. The electrophysiological stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The adjustment range of the PWM square wave adjustment module includes: Frequency: 1Hz to 100kHz, step accuracy is 1Hz; Duty cycle: 0% to 100%, adjustable accuracy 0.1%; Number of pulses: 0 to 999,000, users can freely set according to needs.

3. The electrophysiological stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The PWM square wave adjustment module outputs a stable square wave signal after parameter preset to achieve constant current / voltage stimulation.

4. The electrophysiological stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The buck-boost module has high-precision regulation and output stability, and can simulate the constant current / voltage requirements in bioelectric stimulation scenarios.

5. The electrophysiological stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply module is suitable for being powered by a common portable power adapter or a USB power supply.

6. The electrophysiological stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The PWM square wave adjustment module can output a pulse waveform of a set number of times. When the number is set to zero, PWM can be continuously output.

7. The electrophysiological stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frequency, duty cycle and pulse number of the PWM square wave adjustment module are all adjusted by the encoder knob.

8. The electrophysiological stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output of the PWM square wave regulation module is driven by a high-power NPN type IRF3205, and the maximum driving current without heat dissipation is 10A.

9. The electrophysiological stimulator according to claim 8, characterized in that: The width of the PWM square wave adjustment module is determined based on the input voltage.

10. A method for using an electrophysiological stimulator, applied to the electrophysiological stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: include: Connect the electrical stimulator to the power source; Adjust the digital display adjustable buck-boost module to set the required constant current or voltage; Connect the PWM square wave adjustment module to the output end of the digital display adjustable buck-boost module, and set the frequency, duty cycle and number of pulses of the square wave according to actual needs; The stimulator for applying external stimulation is connected to the output end of the PWM square wave adjustment module to realize the stimulation function of outputting a constant current or voltage square wave.

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