Multiple Stimulation Engine Circuits for Collision-Free Neurostimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable pulse generators (IPGs) for neurostimulation systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple stimulation engines to avoid channel contention and electrical collisions, limiting the flexibility and effectiveness of therapeutic electric fields.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a voltage multiplier (VM) generating adjustable target voltages, combined with multiple stimulation engines (SEs) and digital control logic, allows independent stimulation or discharge of electrode sets through switchable anodic and cathodic connections, avoiding channel contention and enabling simultaneous, flexible therapy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple stimulation engines share common power supply circuitry, then device complexity is reduced, but channel contention and electrical collisions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic switching of power supply connections using switch circuitry. Each stimulation engine can be dynamically connected or disconnected from the voltage multiplier output based on operational requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows multiple engines to share the power supply without causing channel contention, as only one engine is actively connected to the voltage multiplier at any given time while others remain isolated through the switch network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulation engines operate simultaneously, then therapy flexibility is improved, but electrical collisions between channels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary disconnection of stimulation engines from the voltage multiplier before initiating stimulation sequences. The switch circuitry pre-configures the connection state of each engine, ensuring that only the intended active engine is connected to the voltage multiplier output before stimulation begins. This preliminary action prevents electrical collisions by establishing proper isolation between channels before therapeutic stimulation commences.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch circuitry acts as an intermediary between the voltage multiplier and multiple stimulation engines. This intermediary component controls and regulates the connection between the power supply and each engine, allowing the system to manage multiple engines simultaneously without direct electrical conflicts. The switch network mediates power distribution, enabling therapy flexibility while preventing harmful electrical collisions through controlled connection states.
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
This approach enables independent control of multiple stimulation engines, preventing electrical collisions and enhancing the flexibility and effectiveness of neurostimulation therapies by allowing simultaneous and optimized electric field application to different electrode sets.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage multiplier (VM) configured to generate an adjustable target voltage at an output node based on a voltage supplied by the power supply
Implementation Method 2
electrodes used with an example pulse generator deliver a particularized electric field to a specific region of the spinal cord or surrounding tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device (IMD) includes multiple stimulation engines (SEs) for independently stimulating respective electrode sets of a lead system. A voltage multiplier (VM) is configured to generate an adjustable target voltage at an output node. Each stimulation engine includes first switching circuitry to switchably connect an anodic node of the SE to the VM output node and second switching circuitry to switchably connect a cathodic node of the SE to a current sink circuit. Discharge switching circuitry may be disposed between the anodic and cathodic nodes of each SE. A selector and associated digital control logic block are operative to generate control signals for independently controlling respective SEs such that each SE may be activated to stimulate or discharge a corresponding select set of electrodes independently from or in concert with remaining SEs.