Code-Controlled Multi-Site Wireless Stimulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multisite stimulation technologies face challenges with scalability, interference, and high fabrication costs due to the need for multiple Tx coils and complex circuitry, particularly in applications like cardiac pacing and neural stimulation, where interference and unwanted couplings limit operation distance and increase the risk of infections and reoperation.
Innovation Solution
A code-controlled, wirelessly powered batteryless stimulator system using a single Tx coil to power and control multiple implants through a near-field resonant inductive link, with modulated waveforms containing n-bit passcodes for individual control of each stimulator, including a rectifier, voltage regulator, and data recovery circuitry to provide constant voltage and stimulation signals, allowing for miniaturization and reduced fabrication complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple Tx coils are used for multisite stimulation, then individual control of each implant is achieved, but interference and unwanted couplings limit operation distance and system scalability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A single Tx coil is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously powers multiple implants and transmits individualized control signals to each implant through code-modulated waveforms. The system achieves multi-site stimulation capability without requiring multiple separate Tx coils, thereby eliminating interference issues while maintaining individual implant control and improving system scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the modulation parameters of the wireless signal to encode individual control information for each implant. By varying the code sequence and modulation characteristics, the single Tx coil can selectively address and control different implants, achieving individualized stimulation while using shared power and communication resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PUFs are implemented for individual implant identification, then scalability is improved, but inherent instability and sensitivity to PVT variations require complex circuitry and increase fabrication costs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using physical unclonable functions that rely on manufacturing variations, the system uses software-based code sequences that are assigned to each implant. These code sequences serve as unique identifiers and can be programmed into each implant without requiring complex hardware implementation. This approach achieves individual implant identification and control while significantly reducing circuit complexity and fabrication costs.
3Reliability
If electrode arrays are used for spinal cord stimulation, then multiple stimulation sites are achieved, but implant size and electrode length increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the stimulation function across multiple separate implants rather than using a single large electrode array. Each implant contains a complete set of power management and control circuitry, allowing them to be distributed throughout the target tissue. This segmentation reduces the size of each individual implant and eliminates the need for long electrode leads while achieving multisite stimulation coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables robust multi-channel stimulation over long lead distances with minimal volume and weight, tolerating misalignment and varying biological tissues, while ensuring safety through low power consumption and specific absorption rate compliance, thus improving clinical outcomes with reduced risk of infection and reoperation.
Implementation Method 1
a coil that harvests AC power
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier that rectifies the harvested power and passes the rectified voltage (Vrect) to the voltage regulator
Implementation Method 3
voltage regulator... configured to provide a constant voltage
Implementation Method 4
A code-controlled, wirelessly powered batteryless stimulator system using a single Tx coil to power and control multiple implants through a near-field resonant inductive link
Data Source
AI summary
Wirelessly powered and controlled implantable stimulator system in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described. One embodiment includes: a transmitter (TX) coil wirelessly powering and controlling several implantable stimulators though electromagnetic waves that include modulated waveforms that include n-bit passcodes to individually control stimulation of each of the plurality of implantable stimulators; where an implantable stimulator of the several implantable stimulators includes: a receiver (RX) for receiving a modulated waveform from the TX coil, where the implantable stimulator is controlled based on the modulated waveform.