Bio-stimulating and Bio-signal Measuring Circuit with Voltage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices cannot simultaneously perform bio-stimulating and bio-signal measuring modes due to the risk of damaging the bio-signal measuring circuit by the bio-stimulating signal, limiting their ability to handle abnormal signals in real time.
Innovation Solution
A bio-stimulating and bio-signal measuring circuit that includes a bio-stimulating signal generating circuit, a bio-signal electrode, switch blocks, and resistors, which automatically protect the bio-signal measuring circuit by using switch blocks and resistors to divide voltage levels based on reference voltages, allowing simultaneous bio-stimulating and bio-signal measurement with a single electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bio-signal measuring circuit is protected from the bio-stimulating signal by dividing modes, then the measuring circuit is protected from damage, but the device cannot simultaneously perform bio-stimulating and bio-signal measurement
Solution Approach 1:
A switch block is introduced as an intermediary component between the bio-signal electrode and the measuring circuit. The switch block monitors voltage levels and automatically connects or disconnects the measuring circuit from the electrode based on whether a stimulation signal or measurement signal is present, enabling both functions to share the same electrode without mutual interference or damage
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit configuration dynamically changes based on the operating mode. The switch block transitions between connected and disconnected states according to voltage thresholds, allowing the system to adapt its topology in real-time to accommodate both high-voltage stimulation and low-voltage measurement requirements through a single shared electrode
2Reliability
If the bio-signal measuring circuit is protected by separating modes, then circuit damage is prevented, but real-time handling of abnormal signals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The switch block continuously monitors the voltage level at the shared electrode and provides feedback control. When the voltage exceeds a threshold indicating stimulation mode, the switch disconnects the measuring circuit. When voltage returns to measurement range, the switch reconnects it, enabling automatic real-time protection and measurement without manual intervention or mode switching delays
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are used for separate stimulation and measurement, then simultaneous operation is possible, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bio-signal electrode is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a stimulation signal output terminal and a measurement signal input terminal. The switch block enables this single electrode to safely handle both high-voltage stimulation pulses and low-voltage bio-signal measurements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated electrodes and reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The circuit for measuring a bio-stimulating and bio-signal according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a bio-stimulating signal generating circuit, a bio-signal electrode, a switch block, first and second resistors, and a bio-signal measuring circuit. The bio-stimulating signal generating circuit may generate a bio-stimulating signal in a bio-stimulating mode. The bio-signal electrode may to deliver the bio-stimulating signal generated in the bio-stimulating mode and receive a bio-signal in a bio-signal measuring mode. The switch block may be turned on in a case where a voltage of the bio-stimulating signal is greater than a first reference voltage or lower than a second reference voltage. The first and second resistors may be serially connected between the bio-signal electrode and the switch block and divide a voltage of a signal of the bio-signal electrode according to whether the switch block is turned on. The bio-signal measuring circuit may measure voltage signals divided by the first and second resistors or measure a signal of the bio-signal electrode, according to whether the switch block is turned on. The first reference voltage may be greater than the second reference voltage.