Implantable Pulse Generator Measurement Circuitry for Complex Waveforms

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable pulse generators (IPGs) for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems lack flexibility in defining complex pulses, limiting the ability to create ramped portions or other intricate stimulation waveforms due to the need for additional registers and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a pulse generator with memory circuitry to store measure instructions and aggregate programs, stimulation circuitry with a pulse definition circuit to execute aggregate programs and form stimulation waveforms, analog-to-digital circuitry, and measure circuitry that can execute measure instructions and measure analog values, allowing for programmable responses to trigger types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional registers are used to define complex pulses with ramped portions, then the flexibility of pulse generation is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of pulse generationVSAvoidnumber of registers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal pulse definition circuit that can generate multiple types of pulses (biphasic, monophasic, ramped, complex waveforms) using a single integrated architecture. The circuit uses a unified set of registers that can be configured through software to produce different pulse types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated registers for each pulse type. This multi-functional approach allows complex pulse generation while maintaining register efficiency and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter-based configuration where a fixed register structure is used, but the functional behavior is changed by modifying register values and software control parameters. The pulse definition circuit responds to trigger types (first trigger at aggregate program start, second trigger at each aggregate instruction, third trigger at pulse program start, fourth trigger at pulse phase start) and generates different waveforms by changing control parameters rather than requiring additional hardware registers. This allows flexible pulse generation with a minimal register set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional registers are used to define complex pulses with ramped portions, then the flexibility of pulse generation is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of pulse generationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal pulse definition circuit that can generate multiple types of pulses (biphasic, monophasic, ramped, complex waveforms) using a single integrated architecture. The circuit uses a unified set of registers that can be configured through software to produce different pulse types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated registers for each pulse type. This multi-functional approach allows complex pulse generation while maintaining register efficiency and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter-based configuration where a fixed register structure is used, but the functional behavior is changed by modifying register values and software control parameters. The pulse definition circuit responds to trigger types (first trigger at aggregate program start, second trigger at each aggregate instruction, third trigger at pulse program start, fourth trigger at pulse phase start) and generates different waveforms by changing control parameters rather than requiring additional hardware registers. This allows flexible pulse generation with a minimal register set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed pulse definition circuit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to create complex stimulation waveforms is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of circuit designVSAvoidability to create complex waveforms

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardware circuitry with a software-configurable pulse definition circuit. Instead of using multiple dedicated hardware circuits for different pulse types (which would increase device complexity), the invention uses a single integrated circuit that is controlled by software instructions stored in memory. The circuit responds to programmable trigger types and generates complex waveforms through software control rather than hardware complexity, achieving high adaptability with minimal device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3481499B1Measurement circuitry for measuring analog values in an implantable pulse generator

Publication Date: 2025.04.16 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

Improved circuitry for measuring analog values in an implantable pulse generator is disclosed. The measurement circuitry executes instructions that define the timing and parameters of measurements to be taken. The instructions include instructions that are responsive to different types of triggers issued by different pulse definition circuits, which pulse definition circuits generate different stimulation waveforms at different groups of electrodes. The measurement circuitry is configurable to update the groups of electrodes used to deliver stimulation.