Custom Instruction Set Architecture for Implantable Neuromodulation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices (IMDs) for neuromodulation therapy lack a customizable instruction set architecture to efficiently configure and control stimulation engines, limiting the flexibility and precision of therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a customizable instruction set architecture (ISA) in IMDs, featuring a main processor operating at one frequency and a secondary processor at a lower frequency, generates assembly-language-like instructions to control stimulation engines, allowing for customizable pulse definitions and timing settings based on user inputs, enabling precise therapy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single high-frequency processor is used to control all stimulation engines, then programming flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control processor is segmented into two distinct processors: a first processor for high-level programming and parameter management, and a second processor for low-level stimulation engine control. This segmentation allows each processor to operate at optimized frequencies, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining programming flexibility through the first processor's customizable instruction set architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns different operating frequencies to different processors based on their functional requirements. The first processor operates at a higher frequency for complex programming tasks, while the second processor operates at a lower frequency for real-time stimulation control, optimizing the power-performance tradeoff for each processing function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single high-frequency processor is used to control all stimulation engines, then programming flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control processor is segmented into two distinct processors: a first processor for high-level programming and parameter management, and a second processor for low-level stimulation engine control. This segmentation reduces processing complexity by dividing the control functions into separate domains, each with dedicated hardware resources and optimized instruction sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The second processor acts as an intermediary between the first processor and the stimulation engines. It receives customized control instructions from the first processor and translates them into appropriate stimulation commands, simplifying the overall system architecture by introducing a dedicated control layer.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a second processor operates at a lower frequency to control stimulation engines, then power consumption is reduced, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control processor is segmented into two distinct processors: a first processor for high-level programming and parameter management, and a second processor for low-level stimulation engine control. This segmentation allows each processor to operate at optimized frequencies, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining programming flexibility through the first processor's customizable instruction set architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns different operating frequencies to different processors based on their functional requirements. The first processor operates at a higher frequency for complex programming tasks, while the second processor operates at a lower frequency for real-time stimulation control, optimizing the power-performance tradeoff for each processing function.
4Measurement precision
If custom instruction sets are generated for each therapy program, then therapy precision is improved, but programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses template-based instruction generation where therapy programs are defined by selecting from predefined pulse types, timing parameters, and electrode configurations. The first processor generates customized instruction sets by copying and combining these templates, achieving therapy precision without requiring complex programming from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The customizable instruction set architecture provides a universal framework that can generate various therapy programs by parameter modification rather than requiring separate programming for each therapy type. The same instruction set can support different pulse widths, frequencies, and electrode configurations through a single unified language.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device (IMD) configured to provide stimulation therapy using an instruction set architecture (ISA) includes a main processor operating at a first frequency and a secondary processor operating at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. Example ISA may comprise assembly-language-like instructions that may be executed by the secondary processor for configuring one or more stimulation engines (SEs) to cause stimulation of select electrode sets of a lead system based on one or more pulse definitions and one or more timing definitions corresponding to a therapy program selection effectuated by a user at an external device.