Architectures for an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrode driver integrated circuits with shorted electrode outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable neurostimulators face challenges in delivering simultaneous electrical stimuli at different frequencies without pulse overlap, leading to suboptimal therapy effectiveness due to existing solutions that either disrupt desired frequencies or require multiple devices, which are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A new architecture for an implantable pulse generator using a master and slave electrode driver integrated circuit configuration where electrode outputs are shorted together, allowing each chip to provide pulses at desired frequencies without arbitration, and an algorithm sets an optimal compliance voltage to handle overlapping pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single implantable pulse generator delivers electrical stimuli at different frequencies, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but pulse overlap occurs causing suboptimal therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode driver functionality into multiple independent integrated circuits, each responsible for generating pulses at a specific frequency. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of multiple frequency generators without interference, as each IC operates autonomously with its own timing channel, eliminating pulse overlap while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shared electrode output interface as an intermediary between multiple frequency-generating ICs and the electrodes. This mediator coordinates the outputs from different ICs, allowing them to drive the same electrodes simultaneously at different frequencies without causing harmful pulse overlap, thus enabling multi-frequency therapy with high timing accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If arbitration logic is used to prevent pulse overlap, then pulse timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex arbitration logic in a single controller, the patent segments the pulse generation function into multiple independent ICs, each with its own simple timing channel. This eliminates the need for complex arbitration logic while maintaining pulse timing accuracy, as each IC independently generates pulses without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
Each integrated circuit in the patent is self-sufficient with its own timing channel and pulse generation capability. The ICs independently manage their own pulse timing without requiring external arbitration, simplifying the overall device architecture while ensuring accurate pulse delivery at multiple frequencies simultaneously.
3Reliability
If multiple implantable pulse generators are used to deliver different frequencies, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple frequency-generating ICs into a single implantable pulse generator device. By combining multiple independent pulse generation circuits with shared electrode outputs, the system achieves multi-frequency therapy capability in one device rather than requiring multiple separate implants, reducing overall device complexity and surgical complexity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal pulse generator architecture where multiple ICs can simultaneously perform different frequency generation functions within a single device. The shared electrode output interface enables multi-functionality, allowing one device to deliver multiple therapeutic frequencies that would otherwise require separate devices, thereby simplifying implantation and reducing cost.
4Ease of manufacture
If electrode outputs are shorted together, then ease of manufacture is improved, but electrical conflicts may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a shared electrode output interface as an intermediary that mediates between multiple IC outputs and the electrodes. This intermediary is designed to handle simultaneous outputs from multiple ICs driving the same electrodes, preventing electrical conflicts while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of shorted outputs. The mediator ensures signal integrity by coordinating the outputs from different ICs.
Data Source
AI summary
A new architecture is disclosed for an IPG having a master and slave electrode driver integrated circuits (ICs). The electrode outputs on the ICs are wired together. Each IC can be programmed to provide pulses with different frequencies. Active timing channels in master and slave ICs are programmed to provide the desired pulses, while shadow timing channels in the master and slave are programmed with the timing data from the active timing channels in the other IC so that each chip knows when the other is providing a pulse, so that each chip can disable its recovery circuitry so as not to defeat those pulses. In the event of pulse overlap at a given electrode, the currents provided by each chip will add at the affected electrode. Compliance voltage generation is dictated by an algorithm to find an optimal compliance voltage even during periods when pulses are overlapping.