Implantable Nerve Stimulator Current Source Without ASIC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems face challenges in accurately predicting nerve tissue structures and electrical properties among patients, leading to variable treatment outcomes, frequent adjustments, patient discomfort, and short device lifetimes due to complex circuit designs relying on Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).
Innovation Solution
An implantable pulse generator (IPG) with selectable current source/sinks configured using a current drive differential amplifier, eliminating the need for ASICs, allowing for smaller, more compact devices made with off-the-shelf components, reducing design and manufacturing costs, and enabling quicker design changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ASIC-based circuit designs are used in implantable neurostimulators, then device functionality and current control precision are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ASIC component from the neurostimulator system and replaces it with discrete off-the-shelf electronic components. The current control function previously implemented in custom ASICs is now achieved using commercially available operational amplifiers, transistors, and other standard components, eliminating the need for complex custom integrated circuit fabrication while maintaining precise current control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal off-the-shelf electronic components that can serve multiple functions in the neurostimulator circuitry. Standard operational amplifiers and transistors are configured to perform various current control tasks, replacing specialized ASIC functions with multi-functional discrete components that are widely available and easier to manufacture
2Adaptability or versatility
If ASIC-based circuit designs are used in implantable neurostimulators, then device functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and design time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts inexpensive, commercially available electronic components with standard manufacturing cycles instead of expensive, custom-fabricated ASICs. The discrete components can be readily replaced and are produced using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes, significantly reducing per-unit cost and design iteration expenses while maintaining full device functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different current control functions by changing the configuration and parameters of standard electronic components rather than designing new ASICs for each function. By adjusting resistor values, capacitor values, and operational amplifier configurations, the same basic component set can provide various stimulation waveforms and current levels, reducing manufacturing complexity
3Measurement precision
If complex ASIC-based circuits are used, then current control capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple current control functions into a single integrated circuit board layout using discrete components. Instead of separate ASICs for each function, the design merges voltage control, current limiting, and waveform generation into a compact arrangement of operational amplifiers and transistors on one PCB, reducing overall device volume while maintaining precise current control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin-film printed circuit board technology to mount the discrete electronic components in a compact, planar configuration. The flexible PCB layout allows efficient space utilization and reduces the thickness of the electronic assembly, contributing to a smaller overall implantable device size while supporting precise current control circuitry
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
The solution improves ease of use for physicians, enhances patient comfort, and extends device lifetime by allowing for more precise and efficient current sourcing and sinking, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable power supply disposed within the hermetically sealed internal volume of the bio-compatible housing
Implementation Method 2
The circuitry includes a first differential amplifier that can selectively source current to the lead and can selectively sink current from the lead
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable pulse generator that includes a current source/sink generator is disclosed herein. The current source/sink generator includes a current drive differential amplifier. The current driver differential amplifier is configured to selectively source current to, or sink current from a target tissue. The current drive differential amplifier includes an inverting input and a non-inverting input. One of the inputs of the current drive differential amplifier is connected to a virtual ground, and the other is connected to a current command. A stimulation controller can supply a voltage to the other of the inputs of the current drive differential amplifier to select either current sourcing or current sinking.