Neuromodulation System Complex Pulse Train Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation systems are limited in generating complex and high-frequency pulse trains, which are desirable for dynamic neuron response and therapeutic efficacy, but redesigning existing hardware to accommodate these features is a significant task and not easily feasible.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system with modulation output circuitry that generates multiple individual electrical pulse trains in timing channels, allowing for sequential output of modulation pulses and charge recovery pulses to create combined pulse trains at a common set of electrodes, with options for varying pulse amplitude, width, and rate to achieve temporal integration and higher average pulse rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware is redesigned to accommodate complex and high-frequency pulse trains, then pulse train complexity and frequency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse train generation is segmented into multiple timing channels, where each channel generates simpler pulse trains independently. These segmented channels are then combined through software control to create the desired complex pulse train pattern, avoiding the need to redesign hardware for complex pulse generation.
Solution Approach 2:
A software intermediary layer is introduced between the hardware pulse generation circuits and the final pulse output. This software mediator combines pulses from multiple timing channels to create complex pulse trains, allowing hardware to remain simple while achieving complex output patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple timing channels are used to generate complex pulse trains, then pulse train flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides pulse generation into multiple independent timing channels, each handling a portion of the overall pulse train. This segmentation allows flexible combination of simpler channel outputs to create complex patterns without requiring each channel to be individually complex.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple timing channels are merged through software control to produce the final complex pulse train. By combining outputs from several simpler channels, the system achieves high flexibility without the complexity of a single complex channel.
3Productivity
If high-frequency pulse trains are generated, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but charge recovery requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic charge recovery pulses inserted between modulation pulses in a regular pattern. This periodic charge recovery allows the system to maintain high average pulse rates while ensuring electrodes are periodically recharged, managing energy requirements through rhythmic charge restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
Charge recovery pulses are delivered in advance before the electrode would become depleted. By proactively restoring charge at scheduled intervals, the system prevents charge depletion and maintains the ability to deliver high-frequency modulation pulses throughout the treatment period.
Data Source
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AI summary
A neuromodulation system comprises electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to electrodes. The system further comprises modulation output circuitry configured for respectively outputting individual electrical pulse trains in timing channels to the electrical terminals, wherein each of the pulse trains has a modulation pulse, and at least one of the pulse trains has a charge recovery pulse associated with the modulation pulse of the respective pulse train. The neuromodulation system further comprises control circuitry configured for controlling the modulation output circuitry in a manner that sequentially outputs the modulation pulses of the respective pulse trains to a common set of the electrical terminals without an intervening charge recovery pulse, and outputting the charge recovery pulse(s) to the common set of the electrical terminals subsequent to the sequential modulation pulses, thereby creating a combined electrical pulse train at the common set of electrical terminals.