Charge regulation circuits and related products

Abstract

This invention discloses a charge regulation circuit and related products. The charge regulation circuit is used to regulate the neutralization current during the stimulation and neutralization cycle of nerve tissue. The charge regulation circuit includes an accumulation charge storage module that stores the charge accumulated on the nerve tissue due to stimulation and neutralization, and generates a first voltage based on the accumulated charge. A first voltage acquisition module acquires the first voltage in real time during the neutralization process on the nerve tissue. A first control module outputs a first control signal in response to the first voltage meeting a first preset condition, and outputs a second control signal when the first voltage meets a second preset condition. The charge regulation module adjusts the parameters of the neutralization current on the nerve tissue according to the first or second control signal to make the charge amounts of the two oppositely polarized charges accumulated on the nerve tissue equal. This solution can achieve long-term charge balance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of charge regulation technology. More specifically, this invention relates to a charge regulation circuit and related products. Background Technology

[0002] Implantable medical systems have seen rapid development in recent years and are increasingly widely used in clinical practice, such as cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implant stimulators, retinal stimulators, muscle stimulators, spinal cord stimulators for treating chronic pain, and cortical and deep brain stimulators for treating motor and psychological disorders, as well as other neuro-implantable stimulators.

[0003] An implantable neurostimulation system typically consists of at least one electrode lead and an implantable pulse generator (IPG). The pulse waveform output by the implantable pulse generator comprises two parts: a stimulation pulse and a neutralization pulse. The stimulation pulse and the neutralization pulse must have equal area and opposite polarity; otherwise, prolonged nerve stimulation will cause charge accumulation in the nerve tissue, which can lead to irreversible damage to neurons once the charge accumulation reaches a certain level.

[0004] Since charge imbalance can cause tissue damage, monitoring charge balance during stimulation cycles becomes essential.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a charge regulation circuit and related products, which can achieve long-term charge balance, thereby solving the charge imbalance problem caused by charge accumulation. This scheme triggers the charge regulation mechanism only when the first voltage reaches a preset condition, which reduces the number of charge regulation triggers compared to frequent regulation, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the circuit and chip. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to at least solve one or more of the technical problems mentioned above, the present invention provides a charge regulation circuit and related products in several aspects.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a charge regulation circuit for regulating a neutralizing current during a stimulation and neutralization cycle of nerve tissue. The nerve tissue generates currents of opposite polarity after stimulation and neutralization, thereby generating charges of opposite polarity on the nerve tissue. The charge regulation circuit includes: an accumulation charge storage module for storing charges accumulated on the nerve tissue due to stimulation and neutralization, and generating a first voltage based on the accumulated charges; a first voltage acquisition module for acquiring the first voltage on the accumulation charge storage module in real time during neutralization of the nerve tissue; a first control module for: outputting a first control signal in response to the first voltage satisfying a first preset condition; and outputting a second control signal in response to the first voltage satisfying a second preset condition; and a charge regulation module for adjusting the action parameters of the neutralizing current on the nerve tissue according to the first control signal or the second control signal, so that the charge amounts of the two opposite polarity charges accumulated on the nerve tissue are equal, thereby achieving charge balance.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first preset condition includes the first voltage being greater than a preset positive voltage, the second preset condition includes the first voltage being less than a preset negative voltage, and the first control module includes: a first comparison control submodule, configured to compare the first voltage with the preset positive voltage, and output the first control signal in response to the first voltage being greater than the preset positive voltage; and a second comparison control submodule, configured to compare the first voltage with the preset negative voltage, and output the second control signal in response to the first voltage being less than the preset negative voltage.

[0009] In one embodiment, both the preset positive voltage and the preset negative voltage are adjustable voltages.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first comparison control submodule includes: a positive voltage providing module for providing an adjustable preset positive voltage; a first comparison circuit for comparing the first voltage with the preset positive voltage to obtain a comparison result; and a first controller for outputting the first control signal in response to determining, based on the comparison result, that the first voltage is greater than the preset positive voltage.

[0011] In one embodiment, the positive voltage providing module includes an adjustable resistor or a digital-to-analog converter.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second comparison control submodule includes: a negative voltage providing module for providing an adjustable preset negative voltage; a second comparison circuit for comparing the first voltage with the preset negative voltage to obtain a comparison result; and a second controller for outputting the second control signal in response to determining, based on the comparison result, that the first voltage is less than the preset negative voltage.

[0013] In one embodiment, the negative voltage providing module includes an adjustable resistor or a digital-to-analog converter.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first preset condition includes the first voltage being greater than a preset positive voltage, the second preset condition includes the first voltage being less than a preset negative voltage, and the first control module includes: a first analog-to-digital converter configured to: convert the first voltage into a first digital signal; and a third controller configured to: output the first control signal in response to determining, based on the first digital signal, that the first voltage is greater than the preset positive voltage; and output the second control signal in response to determining, based on the first digital signal, that the first voltage is less than the preset negative voltage.

[0015] In one embodiment, the charge regulation circuit further includes a first charge discharge module for discharging the charge stored on the accumulated charge storage module.

[0016] In one embodiment, a low-pass filter circuit is further included for filtering out interference signals in the first voltage supplied to the first control module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the charge regulation module includes: a second voltage acquisition module, configured to acquire in real time a second voltage generated by the accumulated charge on the nerve tissue due to the current stimulation and neutralization cycle during the neutralization process; a second control module, configured to adjust the magnitude of a second preset voltage according to a first control signal or a second control signal, and output a third control signal in response to the second voltage matching the adjusted second preset voltage; and a neutralization circuit, configured to stop the neutralization process on the nerve tissue according to the third control signal during the neutralization process, so that the charge amounts of the two oppositely polarized charges accumulated on the nerve tissue are equal when the neutralization process is stopped.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second control module includes: a reference voltage providing module, configured to adjust the magnitude of the second preset voltage according to the first control signal or the second control signal; a third comparison circuit, configured to compare the second voltage with the adjusted second preset voltage to obtain a comparison result; and a fourth controller, configured to output the third control signal in response to determining that the second voltage matches the adjusted second preset voltage according to the comparison result.

[0019] In one embodiment, the reference voltage providing module includes an adjustable resistor or a digital-to-analog converter.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second control module includes: a second analog-to-digital converter, configured to: convert the second voltage into a second digital signal; and a fifth controller, configured to: adjust the magnitude of a second preset voltage according to the first control signal or the second control signal; compare the second voltage with the adjusted second preset voltage according to the second digital signal to obtain a comparison result; and output the third control signal in response to determining that the second voltage matches the adjusted second preset voltage according to the comparison result.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second voltage acquisition module is used to directly acquire the voltage at both ends of the nerve tissue as the second voltage.

[0022] In one embodiment, the initial charge of the neural tissue is zero in each stimulation and neutralization cycle.

[0023] In one embodiment, the charge regulation module further includes a second charge discharge module for discharging the charge on the neural tissue before the start of each stimulation and neutralization cycle.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a chip including a charge regulation circuit according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present invention also provides an implantable neurostimulation system including a charge regulation circuit according to any embodiment of the first aspect, the charge regulation circuit being used to control the output of a neutralizing current.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, the present invention also provides a charge regulation method based on a charge regulation circuit, comprising: acquiring a first voltage in real time when neutralizing nerve tissue, wherein the first voltage is generated by the charge accumulated on the nerve tissue due to stimulation and neutralization; and adjusting the action parameters of the neutralizing current on the nerve tissue in response to the first voltage satisfying a first preset condition or a second preset condition, so as to make the charge amounts of the two opposite polarities of the charge accumulated on the nerve tissue equal, so as to achieve charge balance.

[0027] In summary, compared with existing technologies, the technical solution conceived in this invention can adjust the parameters of the neutralizing current on nerve tissue based on the residual charge (e.g., polarity and amount) on the accumulated charge storage module. This ensures that the reverse charge acting on the nerve tissue has the opposite polarity and equal amount to the residual charge on the accumulated charge storage module, thereby achieving long-term charge balance. Furthermore, this solution triggers the charge regulation mechanism only when the first voltage reaches a preset condition, reducing the number of charge regulation triggers compared to frequent adjustments, thus improving circuit stability and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 An exemplary block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 4 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 7 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 9 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 10 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 11 A circuit diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 12 A circuit diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 13 A circuit diagram of a charge regulation circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 14 The waveforms of each component are shown when the stimulus-neutralization periodic charge is in perfect balance according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 15 The waveforms of each component during underneutralization of the stimulus-neutralization cycle of the present invention are shown.

[0044] Figure 16 The waveforms of each component during overneutralization in the stimulus-neutralization cycle of the present invention are shown.

[0045] Figure 17 A waveform diagram of the voltage across capacitor C2 in one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 18 A schematic block diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0047] Figure 19 An exemplary principle block diagram of an implantable neurostimulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 20 An exemplary flowchart of a charge regulation method based on a charge regulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0049] 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.

[0050] It should be understood that the terms "comprising" and "including" as used in the specification and claims of this invention indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0051] It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this specification and claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations.

[0052] As used in this specification and claims, the term "if" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when," "once," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [described condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "once determined," "in response to determination," "once [described condition or event] is detected," or "in response to detection of [described condition or event]."

[0053] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Due to the variability of components in actual circuits, charge balance within a single stimulus and neutralization cycle cannot be absolutely guaranteed. This leads to charge accumulation during prolonged stimulation, necessitating the acquisition and assessment of charge accumulation during long-cycle electrical stimulation. After charge accumulation, an unbalanced charge accumulates across the energy storage element, generating an unbalanced voltage, which can cause damage to neurons. While some technologies can achieve adaptive charge balance control within a single stimulation cycle, differences in electronic components (such as stimulation current errors and stimulation pulse time errors) often result in output parameters that differ from actual parameters. Therefore, the charge imbalance remains unresolved, leading to the gradual accumulation of subtle charge imbalances within a single stimulation cycle in long-duration, high-frequency stimulation applications.

[0055] In view of this, the present invention provides a charge regulation circuit and chip that can achieve long-term charge balance and can trigger the charge regulation mechanism only when the charge accumulates to a certain level. Compared with the frequent regulation method, it can reduce the number of charge regulation triggers, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the circuit and chip.

[0056] The charge regulation circuit is used to regulate the neutralization current during the stimulation and neutralization cycle of neural tissue. After stimulation and neutralization, the neural tissue generates currents of opposite polarity, thus producing opposite charges on the tissue. For example, positive charges are generated during stimulation, and negative charges are generated during neutralization. In each stimulation and neutralization cycle, the neural tissue is first stimulated, and when the stimulation reaches a certain level, neutralization begins to neutralize the charge accumulated on the neural tissue by the stimulation.

[0057] Figure 1 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the charge regulation circuit 100 includes an accumulated charge storage module 101, a first voltage acquisition module 102, a first control module 103, and a charge regulation module 104.

[0059] In one embodiment, the aforementioned accumulated charge storage module 101 can be used to store the charge accumulated on the nerve tissue due to stimulation and neutralization, and generate a first voltage based on the accumulated charge. The first voltage acquisition module 102 can be used to acquire the first voltage on the accumulated charge storage module 101 in real time during the neutralization process on the nerve tissue. The first control module 103 can be used to output a first control signal in response to the first voltage meeting a first preset condition, and to output a second control signal in response to the first voltage meeting a second preset condition. The aforementioned charge adjustment module 104 can be used to adjust the action parameters of the neutralizing current on the nerve tissue according to the first control signal or the second control signal, so that the charge amounts of the two opposite polarities of charges accumulated on the nerve tissue are equal, thereby achieving charge balance.

[0060] In one embodiment, the charge stored in the aforementioned charge accumulation storage module 101 can be accumulated based on one stimulation and neutralization cycle, or it can be accumulated based on multiple stimulation and neutralization cycles (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 cycles). Before the charge stored in the charge accumulation storage module 101 is discharged, the charge on the neural tissue is accumulated and stored in the charge accumulation storage module 101. The charge accumulation storage module 101 may include energy storage elements such as DC blocking capacitors.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first voltage acquisition module 102 can continuously acquire the first voltage according to a certain acquisition period (the acquisition period is less than the neutral pulse width, such as 0.2s, 0.3s, or 0.5s). The first voltage acquisition module 102 may include acquisition components such as operational amplifiers or analog-to-digital converters, and is equipped with peripheral components to realize the acquisition function. For example, an operational amplifier and resistors connected to the non-inverting input and inverting input of the operational amplifier are used to connect to a DC blocking capacitor (when it is used as an accumulated charge storage module) to acquire the voltage across the DC blocking capacitor.

[0062] In one implementation, the first control module 103 can compare a first voltage with a preset voltage and determine whether to trigger charge regulation based on the comparison result. Due to the effects of multiple cycles (stimulation and neutralization cycles), positive or negative charges may accumulate on neural tissue. Therefore, the preset voltage may include a preset positive voltage and a preset negative voltage, serving as charge regulation triggering conditions for the accumulation of positive and negative charges, respectively. Thus, the first preset condition may include a first voltage greater than a preset positive voltage, and the second preset condition may include a first voltage less than a preset negative voltage.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the parameters of the neutralizing current on nerve tissue may include, with the neutralizing current magnitude remaining constant, the time at which the neutralizing current stops acting, i.e., adjusting the duration of neutralization; or, simultaneously adjusting both the magnitude of the neutralizing current and its stopping time, i.e., adjusting both the current magnitude and the duration of action.

[0064] This scheme adjusts the neutralizing current's effect on nerve tissue based on the residual charge (e.g., polarity and amount) on the accumulated charge storage module 101. This ensures that the reverse charge acting on the nerve tissue has the opposite polarity and equal amount to the residual charge on the accumulated charge storage module, thus achieving long-term charge balance. The scheme triggers the charge regulation mechanism only when the first voltage reaches a preset condition, reducing the number of charge regulation triggers compared to frequent adjustments, thereby improving circuit stability and reliability.

[0065] Figure 2 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the charge regulation circuit 200 includes an accumulated charge storage module 201, a first voltage acquisition module 202, a first control module 203, and a charge regulation module 204. The structure and principle of the accumulated charge storage module 201, the first voltage acquisition module 202, and the charge regulation module 204 are the same as described above. Figure 1 The accumulated charge storage module 101, the first voltage acquisition module 102, and the charge adjustment module 104 in the illustrated embodiment are the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0067] As described above, the first preset condition may include a first voltage greater than a preset positive voltage, and the second preset condition may include a first voltage less than a preset negative voltage. Based on this, two comparison control modules can be set up to implement the function of the first control module 203. Specifically, the first control module 203 may include a first comparison control submodule 2031 and a second comparison control submodule 2032. The first comparison control submodule 2031 can be used to compare the first voltage with the preset positive voltage, and output a first control signal in response to the first voltage being greater than the preset positive voltage. The second comparison control submodule 2032 can be used to compare the first voltage with the preset negative voltage, and output a second control signal in response to the first voltage being less than the preset negative voltage.

[0068] To facilitate adjustment of the triggering conditions for charge accumulation regulation to adapt to different application scenarios, in one embodiment, both the preset positive voltage and the preset negative voltage can be adjustable voltages. When triggering charge regulation when a large amount of charge needs to be accumulated on the nerve tissue, the absolute values ​​of the preset positive voltage and the preset negative voltage can be set to a larger value; correspondingly, when triggering charge regulation when a small amount of charge needs to be accumulated on the nerve tissue, the absolute values ​​of the preset positive voltage and the preset negative voltage can be set to a smaller value.

[0069] Figure 3 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the charge regulation circuit 300 includes an accumulated charge storage module 301, a first voltage acquisition module 302, a first control module 303, and a charge regulation module 304. The first control module 303 includes a first comparison control submodule 3031 and a second comparison control submodule 3032. The structure and principle of the accumulated charge storage module 301, the first voltage acquisition module 302, and the charge regulation module 304 are similar to those described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The accumulated charge storage module, the first voltage acquisition module, and the charge adjustment module in the illustrated embodiment are the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first comparison control submodule 3031 may include a positive voltage providing module 3031-1, a first comparison circuit 3031-2, and a first controller 3031-3. The positive voltage providing module 3031-1 can provide an adjustable preset positive voltage; the first comparison circuit 3031-2 can compare a first voltage with the preset positive voltage to obtain a comparison result; and the first controller 3031-3 can output a first control signal in response to determining that the first voltage is greater than the preset positive voltage based on the comparison result. In one implementation, the positive voltage providing module 3031-1 may include an adjustable resistor or a digital-to-analog converter, and the preset positive voltage it provides can be dynamically adjusted by the first controller 3031-3. The first comparison circuit 3031-2 may include a comparator or an integrated circuit, and the first controller 3031-3 may include an MCU (Microcontroller Unit) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0072] Figure 4 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0073] like Figure 4As shown, the charge regulation circuit 400 includes an accumulated charge storage module 401, a first voltage acquisition module 402, a first control module 403, and a charge regulation module 404. The first control module 403 includes a first comparison control submodule 4031 and a second comparison control submodule 4032. The structure and principle of the accumulated charge storage module 401, the first voltage acquisition module 402, and the charge regulation module 403 are the same as described above. Figures 1-3 The accumulated charge storage module, the first voltage acquisition module, and the charge adjustment module in the illustrated embodiment are the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the second comparison control submodule 4032 described above can be structurally similar to the first comparison control submodule 3031 in the above embodiment, including a negative voltage providing module 4032-1, a second comparison circuit 4032-2, and a second controller 4032-3. The negative voltage providing module 4032-1 can be used to provide an adjustable preset negative voltage; the second comparison circuit 4032-2 can be used to compare a first voltage with the preset negative voltage to obtain a comparison result; the second controller 4032-3 can output a second control signal in response to determining that the first voltage is less than the preset negative voltage based on the comparison result. The negative voltage providing module 4032-1 may include an adjustable resistor or a digital-to-analog converter, and the preset negative voltage it provides can be dynamically adjusted by the second controller 4032-3. The second comparison circuit 4032-2 may include a comparator or an integrated circuit, and the second controller 4032-3 may include an MCU or a CPU.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first comparison control submodule 4031 can adopt Figure 3 The structure in the first comparison control submodule 4031 can also employ other circuit structures that can achieve its function; this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this. Figure 3 In order to simplify the structure of the charge regulation circuit, the first controller 3031-3 and the second controller 4032-3 can be implemented by a single controller.

[0076] The circuit structure of the first control module, consisting of a comparison circuit, a controller, and a corresponding preset voltage supply module, has been described above. To simplify the circuit structure, this solution can also use an analog-to-digital converter in conjunction with the controller to implement the function of the first control module. The following section will discuss this further. Figure 5 Please provide an explanation.

[0077] Figure 5 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0078] like Figure 5As shown, the charge regulation circuit 500 includes an accumulated charge storage module 501, a first voltage acquisition module 502, a first control module 503, and a charge regulation module 504. The structure and principle of the accumulated charge storage module 501, the first voltage acquisition module 502, and the charge regulation module 504 are the same as described above. Figures 1-4 The accumulated charge storage module, the first voltage acquisition module, and the charge adjustment module at the point shown in the embodiment are the same, and will not be described in detail here.

[0079] The first preset condition includes cases where the first voltage is greater than a preset positive voltage, and the second preset condition includes cases where the first voltage is less than a preset negative voltage. Figure 5 As shown, the first control module 503 may further include a first analog-to-digital converter 5031 and a third controller 5032. The first analog-to-digital converter 5031 can be used to convert the first voltage into a first digital signal. The third controller 5032 can be used to output a first control signal in response to determining that the first voltage is greater than a preset positive voltage based on the first digital signal; and to output a second control signal in response to determining that the first voltage is less than a preset negative voltage based on the first digital signal. The third controller 5032 here may also include an MCU or a CPU. This solution only requires one analog-to-digital converter and one controller, which simplifies the structure of the charge regulation circuit and reduces its circuit complexity compared to the case where two comparison circuits, a voltage supply module adapted to them, and a controller are required. This reduces the circuit area.

[0080] Figure 6 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, the charge regulation circuit 600 includes an accumulated charge storage module 601, a first voltage acquisition module 602, a first control module 603, and a charge regulation module 604. The structure and principle of the accumulated charge storage module 601, the first voltage acquisition module 602, and the charge regulation module 604 are the same as described above. Figures 1-5 The same applies to the illustrated embodiment, and will not be described in detail here. The first control module 603 can adopt the above-described... Figure 1-5 The structures described in any of the embodiments shown will not be detailed here.

[0082] In some implementation scenarios, it is necessary to release accumulated charge in order to start long-term charge accumulation from zero, thereby enabling... Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the charge regulation circuit 600 may further include a first charge discharge module 605, which is used to discharge the charge stored in the accumulated charge storage module. In one implementation, the first charge discharge module 605 may include a short-circuit circuit connected in parallel with the accumulated charge storage module 601. A switch is provided on the short-circuit circuit. When the switch is closed, the charge stored in the accumulated charge storage module 601 can be discharged. When the switch is open, charge can be accumulated in the accumulated charge storage module 601.

[0083] Figure 7 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, the charge regulation circuit 700 includes an accumulated charge storage module 701, a first voltage acquisition module 702, a first control module 703, and a charge regulation module 704. The structure and principle of the accumulated charge storage module 701, the first voltage acquisition module 702, the first control module 703, and the charge regulation module 704 are the same as described above. Figures 1-5 The embodiments shown are the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, the charge regulation circuit 700 may further include a low-pass filter circuit 705, which can be used to filter out interference signals in the first voltage supplied to the first control module 703, such as filtering out interference signals in a single stimulus and neutralization cycle. The low-pass filter circuit 705 may include a filter circuit composed of resistors and capacitors.

[0086] Understandably, the first charge discharge module and the low-pass filter circuit can also be set in the charge regulation circuit 700 at the same time to take into account the functions of both.

[0087] The structure and implementation of the first voltage acquisition module and the first control module have been described above with reference to the embodiments. The charge adjustment module will be described in detail below.

[0088] Figure 8 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 800 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0089] like Figure 8 As shown, the charge regulation circuit 800 includes an accumulated charge storage module 801, a first voltage acquisition module 802, a first control module 803, and a charge regulation module 804. The structure and principle of the accumulated charge storage module 801, the first voltage acquisition module 802, and the first control module 803 are the same as described above. Figures 1-7 The embodiments shown are the same and will not be described in detail here. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to charge regulation circuits that include a first charge discharge module and / or a low-pass filter circuit.

[0090] In one embodiment, the charge adjustment module 804 may include a second voltage acquisition module 8041, a second control module 8042, and a neutralization circuit 8043. The second voltage acquisition module 8041 can be used to acquire, in real time, a second voltage generated by the accumulated charge on the nerve tissue due to the current stimulus and neutralization cycle during neutralization. The second control module 8042 can be used to adjust the magnitude of the second preset voltage according to a first control signal or a second control signal, and output a third control signal in response to the second voltage matching the adjusted second preset voltage. The neutralization circuit 8043 can be used to stop the neutralization of the nerve tissue according to the third control signal during neutralization, so that the charge amounts of the two opposite polarities of charge accumulated on the nerve tissue are equal when the neutralization is stopped.

[0091] As described above, the second voltage acquisition module 8041 acquires the voltage of a single stimulus and the neutralization phase of a neutralization cycle. It can continuously acquire voltage according to a certain acquisition period (the acquisition period is shorter than the neutralization pulse width, such as 2s, 3s, or 5s).

[0092] In one embodiment, the second voltage acquisition module 8041 can be used to directly acquire the voltage across the nerve tissue as a second voltage. Since nerve tissue consumes some charge as heat, storing the charge on the nerve tissue using energy storage elements such as DC blocking capacitors may result in a difference between the charge on the nerve tissue and the charge at its ends, leading to inaccurate voltage acquisition. Directly detecting the voltage across the nerve tissue is obviously more accurate and direct, and this method also simplifies the circuit, reducing circuit area and power consumption.

[0093] In some implementation scenarios, energy storage elements, such as DC blocking capacitors, can be used to store the charge accumulated in nerve tissue during a single cycle, so that the second voltage acquisition module 8041 can acquire the voltage on the energy storage element as the second voltage.

[0094] The second voltage acquisition module 8041 may include acquisition elements such as operational amplifiers or analog-to-digital converters, and is equipped with peripheral components to realize the acquisition function. For example, an operational amplifier and resistors connected to the non-inverting and inverting input terminals of the operational amplifier are used to connect to the two ends of nerve tissue or a DC blocking capacitor to acquire the voltage on it.

[0095] Matching the second voltage with the adjusted second preset voltage can include the second voltage being equal to the second preset voltage. For example, if the second preset voltage is 1V, then the two are considered matched when the second voltage reaches 1V. Matching the second voltage with the adjusted second preset voltage can also include the difference between the two being within a certain error range, such as less than 0.01V or 0.005V. For example, if the second preset voltage is 1V, then the two are considered matched if the second voltage is between 0.99V and 1.01V.

[0096] This scheme adjusts the triggering conditions for single-cycle charge regulation based on the polarity and amount of residual charge on the accumulated charge storage module, thereby regulating the neutralization and cessation time of the nerve tissue. This controls the matching of the reverse charge acting on the nerve tissue with the amount of residual charge on the accumulated charge storage module, achieving dynamic balance. This scheme can solve the problem of charge accumulation caused by differences in electronic components during high-frequency stimulation. Furthermore, this scheme can adjust a second preset voltage to achieve single-cycle charge balance (detailed below with reference to the specific circuit), thus enabling single-cycle charge balance control. Therefore, this scheme can achieve charge balance control for multiple cycles with a single circuit, simplifying the circuit structure and reducing costs.

[0097] Currently, most IPGs on the market employ open-loop control to address charge balance issues. This involves using software algorithms to process the timing and parameters of the stimulus waveform to derive the timing and parameters of the neutralization waveform. A neutralization pulse is then output after a gap phase following the stimulus pulse output. Other technologies use hardware adaptive control to control the timing of the neutralization pulse, thus achieving charge balance. However, open-loop control for charge balance has significant drawbacks. For example, there is no closed loop between the software calculations and the actual charge amount. The software cannot sense whether the charge is balanced within the current stimulus cycle; it simply outputs the neutralization pulse based on theoretical calculations, failing to achieve true charge balance. This solution, however, achieves closed-loop control for charge balance, thus resolving the problems of open-loop control and truly realizing charge balance within the stimulus-neutralization cycle (both the stimulus and neutralization cycles).

[0098] Due to some errors in the electronic components, the second preset voltage may be set inaccurately, which may cause the charge balance interruption (stop neutralization) to be triggered too early or too late. This results in charge imbalance (e.g., residual positive or negative charge) within a single stimulus and neutralization cycle. This solution can compensate for the errors caused by the electronic components by adjusting the second preset voltage.

[0099] Figure 9 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0100] like Figure 9 As shown, the charge regulation circuit 900 includes an accumulated charge storage module 901, a first voltage acquisition module 902, a first control module 903, and a charge regulation module 904. The structure and principle of the accumulated charge storage module 901, the first voltage acquisition module 902, the first control module 903, and the charge regulation module 904, including the second voltage acquisition module 9041, the second control module 9042, and the neutralization circuit 9043, are the same as described above. Figure 8 The embodiments shown are the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0101] The second control module 9042 can be structurally similar to the first comparison control submodule and the second comparison control submodule in the previous embodiments, such as... Figure 9 As shown, it may include a reference voltage providing module 9042-1, a third comparison circuit 9042-2, and a fourth controller 9042-3. The reference voltage providing module 9042-1 can be used to adjust the magnitude of a second preset voltage according to a first control signal or a second control signal. The third comparison circuit 9042-2 can be used to compare the second voltage with the adjusted second preset voltage to obtain a comparison result; the fourth controller 9042-3 can be used to output a third control signal in response to determining that the second voltage matches the adjusted second preset voltage based on the comparison result.

[0102] In one implementation, the aforementioned reference voltage providing module 9042-1 may include an adjustable resistor or a digital-to-analog converter, and the second preset voltage it provides may be dynamically adjusted by a fourth controller 9042-3. The third comparator circuit 9042-2 may include a comparator or an integrated circuit, and the fourth controller 9042-3 may include an MCU or a CPU. To simplify the structure of the charge regulation circuit, the fourth controller 9042-3 may be implemented as a single controller with other controllers in other modules, such as the first controller, the second controller, or the third controller.

[0103] In one embodiment, the neutralization circuit 9043 may include a neutralization source and a controllable switch connected between the neutralization source and the nerve tissue. The neutralization source can provide a neutralizing current to the nerve tissue for neutralization. Thus, the supply of a neutralizing current to the nerve tissue can be controlled by controlling the opening and closing of the controllable switch; for example, when the controllable switch is closed, the neutralization source provides a neutralizing current to the nerve tissue, and when the controllable switch is open, the neutralization source stops providing a neutralizing current to the nerve tissue. The controllable switch may include a transistor, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field-effect transistor (FET).

[0104] The charge adjustment module 904 described in this embodiment can also be applied to charge adjustment circuits that include a first charge discharge module and / or a low-pass filter circuit, which will not be described in detail here.

[0105] Figure 10 An exemplary principle block diagram of a charge regulation circuit 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0106] like Figure 10 As shown, the charge regulation circuit 1000 includes an accumulated charge storage module 1001, a first voltage acquisition module 1002, a first control module 1003, and a charge regulation module 1004. The structure and principle of the second voltage acquisition module 10041 and the neutralization circuit 10043 included in the accumulated charge storage module 1001, the first voltage acquisition module 1002, the first control module 1003, and the charge regulation module 1004 are the same as described above. Figure 8 The embodiments shown are the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0107] like Figure 10 As shown, the charge adjustment module 1004 includes a second control module 10042, which may further include a second analog-to-digital converter 10042-1 and a fifth controller 10042-2. The second analog-to-digital converter 10042-1 can be used to convert a second voltage into a second digital signal. The fifth controller 10042-2 can be used to adjust the magnitude of a second preset voltage according to a first control signal or a second control signal, compare the second voltage with the adjusted second preset voltage according to the second digital signal to obtain a comparison result, and output a third control signal in response to determining that the second voltage matches the adjusted second preset voltage based on the comparison result. The fifth controller 10042-2 may include an MCU or a CPU. Furthermore, it can be implemented using the same controller as the first and second controllers described in the previous embodiments, or the same controller as the third controller. This solution requires only one analog-to-digital converter and one controller, which simplifies the structure of the charge adjustment circuit and reduces its circuit complexity compared to situations requiring a reference voltage supply module, a comparison circuit, and a controller, thereby reducing the circuit area.

[0108] The charge adjustment module 1004 described in this embodiment can also be applied to charge adjustment circuits that include a first charge discharge module and / or a low-pass filter circuit, which will not be described in detail here.

[0109] To ensure charge balance in the neural tissue after each cycle, the initial charge level in the neural tissue can be zero for each stimulus and neutralization cycle. Therefore, the charge regulation module may further include a second charge discharge module, which can be used to discharge the charge on the neural tissue before the start of each stimulus and neutralization cycle. In one implementation, the second charge discharge module may include a short-circuit circuit connected in parallel with the neural tissue, on which a switch is provided. Closing the switch discharges the charge from the single-cycle charge storage module.

[0110] In one embodiment, the charge regulation module may further include a single-cycle charge storage module, which can be used to store the charge accumulated on the neural tissue due to a single stimulation and neutralization cycle, and generate a second voltage based on the accumulated charge. The single-cycle charge storage module may include an energy storage element, such as a DC blocking capacitor. In this case, a second charge discharge module can be connected to the single-cycle charge storage module to discharge the charge stored thereon.

[0111] The structure and working principle of the charge regulation circuit will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0112] Figure 11 A circuit diagram of a charge regulation circuit 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0113] Figure 12 A circuit diagram of a charge regulation circuit 1200 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the embodiment shown in this figure, other parts are similar to... Figure 11 The two are the same, except that they provide the corresponding reference voltage to the corresponding comparator through a DAC (digital-to-analog converter). For example, the DAC connected to comparator U1 provides a second preset voltage to comparator U1, the DAC connected to comparator U2 provides a preset negative voltage to comparator U2, and the DAC connected to comparator U3 provides a preset positive voltage to comparator U3.

[0114] Figure 13 A circuit diagram of a charge regulation circuit 1300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the embodiment shown in this figure, other parts are similar to... Figure 11 The process is the same, except that an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) is used to receive the second voltage output by operational amplifier U4 and the voltage output by operational amplifier U5, convert them into digital signals, set corresponding reference voltages inside the MCU, such as a second preset voltage, a preset positive voltage, and a preset negative voltage, and adjust the magnitude of the second preset voltage according to the first control signal or the second control signal, and then control it through the MCU. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the previous embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0115] The following plan will combine Figure 11 This section will provide a detailed explanation of the structure and working principle of the charge regulation circuit.

[0116] The figure also exemplarily illustrates a stimulation circuit and a neutralization circuit. The stimulation circuit includes a stimulation source V1 connected to nerve tissue (referred to as "tissue" in the figure). Switches S1 and S4 are also provided on its connection line to control whether the stimulation source V1 provides a stimulating current to the nerve tissue, thereby determining whether a stimulation effect is achieved. The neutralization circuit includes a neutralization source V2 connected to the nerve tissue. Controllable switches S2 and S3 are also provided on its connection line to control whether the neutralization source V2 provides a neutralizing current to the nerve tissue, thereby determining whether a neutralization effect is performed.

[0117] As shown in the figure, the charge adjustment circuit 1100 includes a long-cycle charge balance circuit (i.e., the "charge adjustment circuit" in the previous embodiment) and a single-cycle charge balance circuit (which can be understood as the "charge adjustment module" in the "charge adjustment circuit"). The long-cycle charge balance circuit includes capacitor C2, operational amplifier U5, comparators U2 and U3, adjustable resistors R2 and R3, switch S6, resistor R12, capacitor C3, and MCU. The single-cycle charge balance circuit includes capacitor C1, operational amplifier U4, comparator U1, adjustable resistor R1, switch S5, and MCU. Switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 are analog switches.

[0118] Capacitors C1 and C2, along with the nerve tissue, are connected in series in the stimulation and neutralization circuits. The charge flowing through capacitors C1 and C2 in the series circuit is the same as the charge flowing through the nerve tissue. Switch S5 is connected in parallel with capacitor C1. The two ends of capacitor C1 are connected to the inverting and non-inverting inputs of operational amplifier U4, respectively (e.g., via resistors). A resistor (not shown in the figure) can also be connected between the inverting input and output of operational amplifier U4. The non-inverting input of operational amplifier U4 can also be connected to a positive voltage VREF via a resistor (not shown in the figure). The output of operational amplifier U4 is connected to the non-inverting input of comparator U1. The inverting input of comparator U1 is connected to the output of adjustable resistor R1. The control terminal of adjustable resistor R1 and the output of comparator U1 are connected to the MCU. Adjustable resistor R1 provides a reference voltage VR1 (the "second preset voltage" mentioned above) to comparator U1 and is controlled by the MCU.

[0119] Switch S6 is connected in parallel with capacitor C2. The two ends of capacitor C2 are connected to the inverting input and non-inverting input of operational amplifier U5 respectively (e.g., through a resistor). A resistor (not shown in the figure) can be connected between the inverting input and output of operational amplifier U5. The non-inverting input of operational amplifier U5 can be connected to a positive voltage VREF through a resistor (not shown in the figure). The output of operational amplifier U5 is connected to the non-inverting input of comparator U2 and the inverting input of comparator U3 through a low-pass filter circuit composed of resistor R12 and capacitor C3. The inverting input of comparator U2 is connected to the output of adjustable resistor R2. The output of comparator U2 is connected to the MCU. The non-inverting input of comparator U3 is connected to the output of adjustable resistor R3. The output of comparator U3 is connected to the MCU. Adjustable resistor R2 provides a negative reference voltage (the "preset negative voltage" mentioned above) to comparator U2, and adjustable resistor R3 provides a positive reference voltage (the "preset positive voltage" mentioned above) to comparator U3. Adjustable resistors R2 and R3 are controlled by the MCU.

[0120] The following section will explain the charge balance detection principle of this scheme in conjunction with the circuit described above.

[0121] When controllable switches S3 and S2 are closed, the nerve tissue is stimulated using stimulus source V1. At this time, the voltage at point A is greater than that at point B, and the voltage V1 output by operational amplifier U4 is greater than VR1. When switches S1 and S4 are closed, the charge is neutralized using neutralization source V2. During this process, the voltage at point A gradually decreases. When the voltages at points A and B are equal, the voltage V1 output by operational amplifier U4 equals VR1, and the charge on the nerve tissue is balanced. When the charge neutralization process continues, the voltage at point B will gradually become greater than that at point A. At this time, the voltage V1 output by operational amplifier U4 will be less than VR1. Therefore, by comparing the voltage V1 output by operational amplifier U4 with VR1 using comparator U1, it is possible to determine whether the charge on both ends of the nerve tissue is balanced.

[0122] The following plan will combine Figures 14-17 The waveform diagrams are used to illustrate the principles of charge regulation in single-cycle and long-cycle applications.

[0123] Figure 14 , 15 Figure 16 shows the waveforms of various components when VR1 is set to different values. Figure 14 The waveforms of each component are shown when the stimulus-neutralization cycle (stimulus and neutralization cycle) charges are completely balanced according to the present invention. Figure 15 The waveforms of each component during underneutralization of the stimulus-neutralization cycle of the present invention (with residual positive charge on capacitor C2) are shown. Figure 16 The waveforms of each component during overneutralization (with residual negative charge on capacitor C2) in the stimulus-neutralization cycle of the present invention are shown.

[0124] In the three attached diagrams above, during time period T1, switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 are completely open. During time period T2, the stimulation cycle, controllable switches S2 and S3 are closed, while the remaining switches are open. At this time, positive charges gradually accumulate on capacitors C1 and C2, and the output voltage V1 of operational amplifier U4 gradually increases until it reaches the saturation state of operational amplifier U4. During time period T3, the neutralization cycle, switches S1 and S4 are closed, while the remaining switches are open. At this time, the positive charges on capacitors C1 and C2 gradually decrease, and the output voltage of operational amplifier U4 gradually decreases from the saturation state. During time period T4, the short-circuit cycle, the neutralization process ends, switch S5 closes, and the remaining switches are open, discharging the residual charge across capacitor C1.

[0125] The working principle of the above single-cycle charge balance circuit is as follows.

[0126] Before the start of each stimulation cycle (the stimulation phase of each stimulation and neutralization cycle), switch S5 is closed to discharge the charge in capacitor C1. After discharge, switch S5 is opened. Then, the MCU controls the controllable switches S3 and S2 to close, and switches S1 and S4 to open, allowing the stimulation source to stimulate the nerve tissue. When the stimulation source stimulates the tissue, positive charge accumulates on capacitor C1, resulting in a voltage V0 across capacitor C1. The magnitude of this voltage is related to the amount of charge from the stimulation. The relationship between charge and voltage is Q = C * V, where Q is the amount of charge on capacitor C1, C is the capacitance, and V is the voltage across C1. Operational amplifier U4 acquires, amplifies, and boosts the voltage across capacitor C1. If the amplification factor is G, the amplified voltage is V1 = V0 * G + VREF.

[0127] After the stimulation cycle ends, the neutralization cycle begins (the neutralization phase within the stimulation and neutralization cycles). During this cycle, MCU control switches S1 and S4 close, while controllable switches S3 and S2 open, allowing the neutralization source to neutralize the nerve tissue. Once the neutralization source begins neutralizing the charge in the nerve tissue, the charge in capacitor C1 begins to decrease, and the voltage across capacitor C1 drops.

[0128] Figure 14 The figure shows the stimulus-neutralization waveform when the reference voltage of the adjustable resistor R1 (the “second preset voltage” in the above embodiment) VR1 = VREF, the charge waveform of capacitor C1, the charge waveform of capacitor C2, the output waveform of operational amplifier U4 (the waveform of “op-amp U4 output” in the figure), and the output waveform of comparator U1 (the waveform of “comparator U1 output” in the figure).

[0129] like Figure 14As shown, when the voltage V1 acquired during the stimulation phase is greater than VR1, comparator U1 outputs a high level. After the neutralization process begins, V1 gradually decreases, and when V1 < VR1, comparator U1 outputs a low level. When the MCU detects that comparator U1 outputs a low level, switches S1 and S4 are opened to stop the neutralization process. At this time, the net charge in capacitor C1 is 0, and the charge balance of the nerve tissue is achieved. If the neutralization source continues to neutralize the charge of the nerve tissue, negative charge will accumulate on capacitor C1, and the voltage V0 across capacitor C1 will be less than 0, resulting in a voltage V1 less than VREF. Therefore, by comparing the amplified voltage V1 (V0) with the reference voltage VR1 of the adjustable resistor R1, the voltage across capacitor C1 can be determined, thus indirectly assessing the charge stored in capacitor C1.

[0130] The working principle of a long-period charge balance circuit is as follows.

[0131] Because the physical parameters of the circuit cannot guarantee that the charge on capacitor C2 will be completely balanced after each stimulus-neutralization cycle, an unbalanced charge will accumulate across capacitor C2 after one or more stimulus-neutralization cycles, resulting in an unbalanced voltage. After each single-cycle stimulus-neutralization process (stimulus and neutralization cycle), only switch S5 is synchronously closed to "clear" the charge across capacitor C1; the charge across capacitor C2 is not cleared, causing the unbalanced voltage to gradually accumulate.

[0132] Figure 15 The diagram shows the stimulus-neutralization waveform when the reference voltage ("second preset voltage" in the above embodiment) VR1 > VREF of the adjustable resistor R1, the charge waveform of capacitor C1, the charge waveform of capacitor C2, the output waveform of operational amplifier U4 ("op-amp U4 output" waveform in the figure), and the output waveform of comparator U1 ("comparator U1 output" waveform in the figure).

[0133] like Figure 15 As shown, after neutralizing the nerve tissue, V1 gradually decreases. When V1 drops to VR1, comparator U1 outputs a low level. When the MCU detects the low level, it controls switches S1 and S4 to open, stopping the neutralization process. Since VR1 > VREF, when comparator U1 outputs a low level, the charge across capacitors C1 and C2 is not completely neutralized, and positive charges remain on capacitors C1 and C2.

[0134] Figure 16The diagram shows the stimulus-neutralization waveform when the reference voltage ("second preset voltage" in the above embodiment) VR1 < VREF of the adjustable resistor R1, the charge waveform of capacitor C1, the charge waveform of capacitor C2, the output waveform of operational amplifier U4 ("op-amp U4 output" waveform in the figure), and the output waveform of comparator U1 ("comparator U1 output" waveform in the figure).

[0135] like Figure 16 As shown, after neutralizing the nerve tissue, V1 gradually decreases. When V1 drops to VR1, comparator U1 outputs a low level. When the MCU detects the low level, it controls switches S1 and S4 to open, stopping the neutralization process. Since VR1 < VREF, when comparator U1 outputs a low level, the charge across capacitors C1 and C2 has already been neutralized, leaving a negative charge on capacitors C1 and C2.

[0136] The unbalanced voltage across capacitor C2 is amplified by operational amplifier U5 and then filtered by a low-pass filter circuit composed of resistor R13 and capacitor C3 to remove interference signals from individual stimulus and neutralization cycles. Finally, comparators U2 and U3 compare the voltage across capacitor C2 to determine the charge accumulation. Here, the voltage across adjustable resistor R2 (the "preset negative voltage" mentioned above) can be set to VREF-ΔV, and the voltage across adjustable resistor R3 (the "preset positive voltage" mentioned above) can be set to VREF+ΔV, where ΔV is the error voltage. When the positive charge accumulation across capacitor C2 exceeds a certain value, the amplified and filtered voltage will exceed VREF+ΔV, at which point the voltage output of comparator U3 changes from high to low. Conversely, when the negative charge accumulation across capacitor C2 exceeds a certain value, the amplified and filtered voltage will be lower than VREF-ΔV, at which point the voltage output of comparator U2 changes from high to low.

[0137] Figure 17 A waveform diagram of the voltage across capacitor C2 is shown in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] like Figure 17 As shown in the diagram, according to the above description, when VR1 > VREF, positive charge accumulates across capacitor C2, and the voltage across capacitor C2 gradually increases, as does the output voltage of operational amplifier U5. When the output voltage of operational amplifier U5, after filtering, exceeds VREF + ΔV, the output voltage of comparator U3 changes from high to low. When the MCU detects this change in the output voltage of comparator U3, it controls the adjustment of the reference voltage provided by the adjustable resistor R1 to VR1 < VREF. At this time, the neural brain tissue in a single stimulation cycle is in a superneutralized state, and the charge across capacitor C2 gradually decreases until negative charge accumulates across it. At this point, the output voltage of operational amplifier U5 gradually decreases.

[0139] When the voltage output of operational amplifier U5, after filtering, is less than VREF-ΔV, the voltage output of comparator U2 will change from high to low. When the MCU detects this change in the output voltage of comparator U2, it controls the adjustment of the reference voltage provided by the adjustable resistor R1 to make VR1 > VREF. At this time, the neural tissue in a single stimulation cycle is in a sub-neutralized state, and the charge across capacitor C2 gradually increases. This process is repeated to achieve dynamic charge balance over a long period.

[0140] Therefore, this scheme can adjust the value of VR1 according to the polarity and amount of residual charge on capacitor C2, thereby regulating the neutralization cessation time of the nerve tissue and placing it in a state of under-neutralization or over-neutralization to neutralize the charge on capacitor C2. Furthermore, single-cycle charge balance can be achieved by adjusting the value of VR1. This scheme is cleverly designed so that a long-cycle charge balance circuit can be implemented using a single-cycle charge balance circuit, eliminating the need for a separate circuit design, thus simplifying the circuit structure and saving costs. Furthermore, this scheme achieves closed-loop control of the charge during the stimulus-neutralization cycle through the aforementioned hardware components, ensuring charge balance within the stimulus-neutralization cycle.

[0141] Furthermore, this solution eliminates software or hardware errors by adjusting the long-cycle and single-cycle reference voltages using adjustable resistors, thereby achieving charge balance in both single-cycle and long-cycle modes. During the neutralization phase, the MCU can enter a deep sleep state, waiting for the neutralization to complete and trigger an interrupt (stopping the neutralization process) before shutting down the corresponding switches. This improves system speed and reduces resource consumption.

[0142] Figure 18 A schematic block diagram of a chip 1800 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0143] As shown in the figure, chip 1800 may include a charge regulation circuit 1801 according to any of the embodiments described above. The structure and working principle of the charge regulation circuit 1801 can be referred to the preceding description. Figures 1-17 The described embodiments will not be detailed here.

[0144] The use of the charge regulation circuit 1801 enables long-term charge balance. Furthermore, since the charge regulation circuit 1801 only triggers the charge regulation mechanism when the first voltage reaches a preset condition, the number of charge regulation triggers can be reduced compared to frequent regulation, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the chip 1800.

[0145] Figure 19 An exemplary principle block diagram of an implantable neurostimulation system 1900 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0146] As shown in the figure, the implantable neurostimulation system may include a charge regulation circuit 1901 according to any of the preceding embodiments, which can be used to control the output of a neutralizing current.

[0147] As described above regarding the charge regulation circuit, the implantable neurostimulation system 1900 of this solution can achieve long-term charge balance by employing the charge regulation circuit 1901. Furthermore, since the charge regulation circuit 1901 only triggers the charge regulation mechanism when the first voltage reaches the preset condition, it can reduce the number of charge regulation triggers compared to frequent regulation, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the implantable neurostimulation system 1900.

[0148] Figure 20 An exemplary flowchart of a charge regulation method 2000 based on a charge regulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0149] As shown in the figure, the charge adjustment method 2000 may include, in step S2001, acquiring a first voltage in real time when neutralizing the nerve tissue, wherein the first voltage is generated by the charge accumulated on the nerve tissue due to stimulation and neutralization; in step S2002, in response to the first voltage satisfying a first preset condition or a second preset condition, adjusting the action parameters of the neutralizing current on the nerve tissue so that the charge amounts of the two opposite polarities of the charge accumulated on the nerve tissue are equal, thereby achieving charge balance.

[0150] As described above regarding the charge regulation circuit, the charge regulation method 2000 of this scheme can achieve long-term charge balance. Furthermore, since the charge regulation mechanism is only triggered when the first voltage reaches the preset condition, it can reduce the number of charge regulation triggers compared to frequent regulation, thereby improving the stability and reliability of systems and devices based on the charge regulation method 2000.

[0151] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., in the claims, specification, and drawings of this invention are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. The terms "comprising" and "including" used in the specification and claims of this invention indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or collections thereof.

[0152] While numerous embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and essence of the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in the practice of the invention. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of protection of the invention and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A charge regulation circuit for regulating a neutralization current during a stimulation and neutralization cycle of nerve tissue, wherein the nerve tissue generates currents of opposite polarity upon stimulation and neutralization to generate charges of opposite polarity on the nerve tissue, the charge regulation circuit comprising: An accumulation charge storage module is used to store the charge accumulated on nerve tissue due to stimulation and neutralization, and to generate a first voltage based on the accumulated charge; The first voltage acquisition module is used to acquire the first voltage on the accumulated charge storage module in real time when neutralizing the nerve tissue. The first control module is used for: In response to the first voltage satisfying a first preset condition, a first control signal is output; as well as In response to the first voltage satisfying the second preset condition, a second control signal is output; And a charge adjustment module, which is used to adjust the action parameters of the neutralizing current on the nerve tissue according to the first control signal or the second control signal, so as to make the charge amounts of the two opposite charges accumulated on the nerve tissue equal, so as to achieve charge balance.

2. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first preset condition includes the first voltage being greater than a preset positive voltage, the second preset condition includes the first voltage being less than a preset negative voltage, and the first control module includes: The first comparison control submodule is used to compare the first voltage with the preset positive voltage, and output the first control signal in response to the first voltage being greater than the preset positive voltage. as well as The second comparison control submodule is used to compare the first voltage with the preset negative voltage, and output the second control signal in response to the first voltage being less than the preset negative voltage.

3. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 2, wherein the preset positive voltage and the preset negative voltage are both adjustable voltages.

4. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 3, wherein the first comparison control submodule comprises: A positive voltage supply module for providing an adjustable preset positive voltage; A first comparison circuit is used to compare the first voltage with a preset positive voltage to obtain a comparison result; as well as A first controller is configured to output the first control signal in response to determining, based on the comparison result, that the first voltage is greater than the preset positive voltage.

5. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 4, wherein the positive voltage providing module includes an adjustable resistor or a digital-to-analog converter.

6. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 3, wherein the second comparison control submodule comprises: A negative voltage supply module for providing an adjustable preset negative voltage; The second comparison circuit is used to compare the first voltage with a preset negative voltage to obtain a comparison result. as well as A second controller is configured to output a second control signal in response to determining, based on the comparison result, that the first voltage is less than the preset negative voltage.

7. The charge regulation circuit of claim 6, wherein the negative voltage providing module comprises an adjustable resistor or a digital-to-analog converter.

8. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first preset condition includes the first voltage being greater than a preset positive voltage, the second preset condition includes the first voltage being less than a preset negative voltage, and the first control module includes: A first analog-to-digital converter, which is used for: Convert the first voltage into a first digital signal; as well as The third controller is used for: In response to determining that the first voltage is greater than the preset positive voltage based on the first digital signal, the first control signal is output; as well as In response to determining that the first voltage is less than the preset negative voltage based on the first digital signal, the second control signal is output.

9. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 1 further includes a first charge discharge module, which is used to discharge the charge stored on the accumulated charge storage module.

10. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 1 further includes a low-pass filter circuit for filtering out interference signals in the first voltage supplied to the first control module.

11. The charge regulation circuit according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the charge regulation module comprises: The second voltage acquisition module is used to acquire, in real time, the second voltage generated by the accumulated charge on the nerve tissue due to the current stimulation and neutralization cycle during the neutralization process. The second control module is used to adjust the magnitude of the second preset voltage according to the first control signal or the second control signal, and outputs a third control signal in response to the second voltage matching the adjusted second preset voltage. as well as A neutralization circuit is used to stop the neutralization of nerve tissue according to the third control signal when the neutralization process is performed, so that the amount of two opposite charges accumulated on the nerve tissue is equal when the neutralization process is stopped.

12. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 11, wherein the second control module comprises: A reference voltage providing module is used to adjust the magnitude of the second preset voltage according to the first control signal or the second control signal; The third comparison circuit is used to compare the second voltage with the adjusted second preset voltage to obtain a comparison result. as well as A fourth controller is configured to output the third control signal in response to determining, based on the comparison result, that the second voltage matches the regulated second preset voltage.

13. The charge regulation circuit of claim 12, wherein the reference voltage providing module comprises an adjustable resistor or a digital-to-analog converter.

14. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 11, wherein the second control module comprises: A second analog-to-digital converter, which is used for: The second voltage is converted into a second digital signal; as well as The fifth controller is used for: Adjust the magnitude of the second preset voltage according to the first control signal or the second control signal; The second voltage is compared with the adjusted second preset voltage based on the second digital signal to obtain a comparison result; as well as In response to determining that the second voltage matches the adjusted second preset voltage based on the comparison result, the third control signal is output.

15. The charge regulation circuit according to claim 11, wherein the second voltage acquisition module is used to directly acquire the voltage at both ends of the nerve tissue as the second voltage.

16. The charge regulation circuit of claim 11, wherein the initial charge of the neural tissue is zero in each stimulation and neutralization cycle.

17. The charge regulation circuit of claim 16, wherein the charge regulation module further comprises a second charge discharge module for discharging charge on the neural tissue before the start of each stimulation and neutralization cycle.

18. A chip comprising a charge regulation circuit according to any one of claims 1-17.

19. An implantable neurostimulation system comprising a charge regulation circuit according to any one of claims 1-17, the charge regulation circuit being used to control the output of a neutralizing current.

20. A charge regulation method based on a charge regulation circuit, comprising: During the neutralization process on nerve tissue, a first voltage is acquired in real time, wherein the first voltage is generated by the charge accumulated on the nerve tissue due to stimulation and neutralization. as well as In response to the first voltage satisfying a first preset condition or a second preset condition, the action parameters of the neutralizing current on the nerve tissue are adjusted so that the charge amounts of the two opposite charges accumulated on the nerve tissue are equal, thereby achieving charge balance.

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