CN103561813A - Electrode stimulator with energy recycling and current regulation - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for stimulating an electrode is provided. The stimulator includes a sensor circuit configured to couple to the at least one electrode of a medical device to measure a power characteristic of the at least one electrode. The stimulator includes a control circuit configured to compare the measured power characteristic of the at least one electrode to a desired power characteristic, and, based upon a comparison of the measured power characteristic of the at least one electrode and the desired power characteristic, select between a first operational mode and a second operational mode of the electrode stimulator. The first operational mode includes delivering energy to the at least one electrode to stimulate the tissue and the second operational mode includes recovering energy from the at least one electrode.

Description

The electrode stimulating device with energy recovery and Current Regulation

The statement that relevant federal scientific research is subsidized

Under the fund NS056140 that the fund N00014-09-1-1015 that research office of Shi of the present invention naval subsidizes and NIH subsidize, make, obtain government and support.Government has specific rights in the present invention.

Invention field

The field of the invention is the System and method for of the stimulation of tissue.More specifically, the present invention relates to via the System and method for reclaiming with energy and the electrode stimulating device of feedback current adjusting carries out the stimulation of Energy Efficient.

Background technology

The electricity irritation of tissue is the day by day valuable instrument that is used for the treatment of various disease conditions.Electrostimulator has a lot of application, such as be used for the treatment of severe hearing loss cochlear implant, be used for the treatment of blind vision prosthese, be used for the treatment of serious chronic pain spinal cord stimulation device, be used for the treatment of the muscle stimulator of paralysis, the degree of depth brain stimulator that is used for the treatment of the cardiac pacemaker of various heart diseases and is used for the treatment of multiple neurological disorder.For example, can treat and tremble and parkinson disease by degree of depth brain stimulation, and degree of depth brain stimulation also demonstrates the potential benefit for various other diseases for the treatment of (such as Tourette syndrome, pain, depression, obsessive compulsive neurosis treating dysfunction).For benumbing the brain implant for the treatment of, via nerve stimulation, provide sensing feedback much more all the more.

In major part realizes, due to the risk infecting, clinician makes efforts to avoid implantable electrostimulator is extended through the needs of skin (for example, by this equipment connection to exterior source of energy).Therefore, these stimulators be often by implanted battery or wirelessly the RF coil of implanting of received energy power.Therefore, the energy efficiency of stimulator is important for definite battery or the size of coil and the life-span aspect of equipment, and the improvement of stimulator energy efficiency directly cause battery or coil size minimizing, increase battery life and reduce tissue heating.If can reduce implant size, increase patient safety degree and comfort level and reduce medical treatment cost.

In existing application, due to the overall convenience of the safety of the stimulator based on current source, the charge balancing method of setting up and realization, this stimulator is generally dominant.But current source stimulator is ineffective, expends up to decupling and realize the necessary energy of tissue stimulation.Due to the intrinsic higher energy efficiency of the stimulator based on voltage, sometimes use stimulator based on voltage as the substitute of electric stimulator.But the stimulator based on voltage is limited by poor electric charge and Current Control, and this stimulator is comparatively responsive for the variation of electrode impedance.

Researched and developed to use and be precharged to the capacitor network of given voltage as some stimulator systems of the power supply of electrode.In turn capacitor is connected directly to electrode, as the means that the difference between electrode voltage and condenser voltage is kept littlely, can improves energy efficiency thus.Yet in these systems, electric current is also non-constant not controlled yet.

Research and develop optional system, used the current limiter of the increase of connecting with electrode to keep relative constant by the electric current of electrode., because capacitor bank only allows rough, discrete operation, compare the continuous realization based on voltage, these two realizations itself all have lower energy efficiency.In these are realized, the use of explicit current limiter has declined energy efficiency.

Summary of the invention

By being provided for the System and method for of tissue stimulation, the present invention has overcome above-mentioned defect.More specifically, the present invention relates to via the System and method for reclaiming with energy and the electrode stimulating device of feedback current adjusting carries out the stimulation of Energy Efficient.

In one implementation, the present invention is configured to be connected to experimenter and to the armarium of experimenter's organized delivery electricity irritation.This armarium comprises voltage source, be configured to the electrode of experimenter's organized delivery electricity irritation and be connected to electrode and the sensing circuit of voltage source.This sensing circuit is configured to the power characteristic of measurement electrode.This equipment comprises the control circuit that is connected to voltage source.This control circuit is configured to the power characteristic of the power characteristic of measured electrode and expectation to compare, and the comparison between the power characteristic of the electrode based on measured and the power characteristic of expectation, carry out to electrodes transfer energy stimulate this tissue and from this electrode, recover energy at least one.This control circuit is configured to operate in the upper conversion operations pattern of the lower translative mode stimulating and recovery.

In another is realized, the present invention is electrode stimulating device, is configured to be connected to have the armarium of at least one electrode of organized delivery electricity irritation being configured to having the experimenter of this armarium.Electrode stimulating device comprises: sensing circuit, and at least one electrode that is configured to be coupled to armarium is measured the power characteristic of this at least one electrode; And control circuit, be configured to the power characteristic of the power characteristic of at least one measured electrode and expectation to compare and the comparison of the power characteristic of at least one electrode based on measured and the power characteristic of expectation and selecting between the first operator scheme of electrode stimulating device and the second operator scheme.The first operator scheme comprises at least one electrodes transfer energy stimulates tissue, and the second operator scheme comprises from least one electrode and recovering energy.

In another is realized, the present invention is electrode stimulating device, is configured to be connected to have the armarium of at least one electrode of organized delivery electricity irritation being configured to having the experimenter of this armarium.This electrode stimulating device comprises current sensor circuit, is configured to measure the electric current that flows through this at least one electrode, and defines setting voltage by relatively flowing through electric current and the expectation electric current of this at least one electrode.This electrode stimulating device comprises the first stimulator core, is coupled at least one electrode and is configured to the voltage at least one the electrode two ends based on recording and in recovering energy to this at least one electrodes transfer energy with from this at least one electrode at least one of the comparison between setting voltage and carrying out.

In another is realized, the present invention is the method that stimulates an electrode, and this electrode is configured to the organized delivery electricity irritation with the experimenter of armarium.The method comprise measure flow through the electric current of this electrode, by relatively flowing through the electric current of this electric current and the voltage that expectation electric current defines setting voltage measurement electrode two ends.The method comprises the voltage at the electrode two ends based on measured and the comparison between setting voltage, carries out at least one in recovering energy to this electrodes transfer energy with from this electric current.

Aforementioned and other aspects of the present invention and advantage will present in the following description.In this is described, with reference to the accompanying drawing that forms a part of the present invention, in these accompanying drawings, as explanation, show the preferred embodiments of the present invention.Therefore yet these embodiment may not represent four corner of the present invention, and with reference to claims with explain scope of the present invention herein.

Brief Description Of Drawings

Fig. 1 is the block diagram illustrating according to the functional assembly of exemplary biomedical implants of the present invention.

Fig. 2 a and 2b use power supply based on current source to drive the schematic diagram of electrode stimulating device of the prior art of be connected electrode.

Fig. 3 is the figure that is illustrated in the amount of the energy of wasting in the current source of the electrode stimulating device circuit shown in Fig. 2 a and 2b.

Fig. 4 is the block diagram illustrating according to the functional assembly of the stimulator system based on voltage of disclosure configuration.

Fig. 5 a is the block diagram illustrating according to the additional detail of the functional assembly of the electrode stimulating device of disclosure configuration, and this stimulator comprises for controlling two feedback control loops of adaptive voltage stimulator.

Fig. 5 b illustrates reclaiming and feedback current regulates the flow chart of the series of steps of stimulating electrode by inductive energy of can being carried out by electrode stimulating device.

Fig. 6 a illustrates to be represented as to stimulate application and to the schematic diagram of the exemplary realization of electrodes transfer energy and the adaptive voltage stimulator core that recovers energy from electrode.

Fig. 6 b shows the mobile diagram of preferred output voltage range and electric energy for the adaptive voltage stimulator core shown in Fig. 6 a.

Fig. 7 illustrates to comprise that adaptive voltage stimulator core, electrode model and middle rail are with reference to the schematic diagram of each assembly of the adaptive voltage stimulator of (midrail reference).

Fig. 8 illustrates for switching signal being transferred to the schematic diagram of the exemplary pulse generator circuit of adaptive voltage stimulator core.

Fig. 9 is the sequential chart that is illustrated in the exemplary output of the impulse generator circuit of Fig. 8 in the situation of given specific input sequence.

Figure 10 is the schematic diagram that can be used to realize the DAC of Fig. 5 a and an exemplary DAC implementation of comparator.

Figure 11 is that illustrate can be by the sequential chart of the DAC realizing according to the disclosure and the handled a series of state phase of comparator.

Figure 12 is the schematic diagram of the exemplary comparator that can be combined with the DAC700 shown in Figure 10.

Figure 13 is the schematic diagram of a realization of the current sensor such as the current sensor 320 of Fig. 5 a that can be combined with electrode stimulating device of the present disclosure.

Figure 14 is that illustrate can be by the sequential chart of the handled a series of state phase of current sensor that realize according to the disclosure.

Figure 15 is the schematic diagram of exemplary model that comprises the electrode of the resistance that is connected with the model capacitances in series of voltage reference and electric capacity.

Figure 16 is for α according to equation 15 _cand α _rthe theoretical efficiency of a realization of each value stimulator device of the present disclosure with respect to the graph of a relation of η.

Figure 17 a comprises for realizing the microphotograph of tube core of the electronic circuit of electrode stimulating device of the present disclosure.

Figure 17 b comprises for realizing the layout of tube core structure of the electronic circuit of electrode stimulating device of the present disclosure.

Figure 18 is the figure that the original efficiency of a realization of adaptive voltage stimulator of the present disclosure when to 300 μ A DC load supplying is shown.

Figure 19 a-19b show for different resistive loads for the lower translative mode stimulating (Figure 19 a) and upper translative mode (Figure 19 b) the both of these case load current reclaiming with respect to the figure that controls voltage.

Figure 20 a-20d illustrates for | V _cur-V _ref| the figure of the exemplary stimulator waveform of=300mV, shows anode the first electrode voltage (electrode current (Figure 20 b) of Figure 20 a), corresponding to Figure 20 a, negative electrode the first electrode voltage (Figure 20 c) and corresponding to the electrode current (Figure 20 d) of Figure 20 c.

Figure 21 a-21b illustrates | V _cur-V _ref| average EF during=200mV _cSmeasurement result and theoretical prediction (Figure 21 a) and | V _cur-V _ref| average EF during=300mV _cSmeasurement result and theoretical prediction (Figure 21 b).

Figure 22 a and 22b show that (Figure 22 is the flowing of desirable scope output voltage and electric energy a) and for four-mode adaptive voltage stimulator (Figure 22 b) for double mode adaptive voltage stimulator.

Figure 23 a-23c is the schematic diagram of double mode adaptive voltage stimulator and the four-mode voltage stimulator that forms by combined dual-mode adaptive voltage stimulator.

Figure 24 is the schematic diagram of some assemblies of four-way adaptive voltage stimulator that four copies of stimulator circuitry are shown.

Figure 25 is the schematic diagram of heat insulation stimulator with the simplification with four passages of the single inductor being re-used in four passages, wherein with capacitor, maintains the electrode voltage between a plurality of pulses of adaptive voltage stimulator.

Figure 26 is the schematic diagram of adaptive voltage stimulator with the simplification with four stimulation channels of the single inductor being re-used in four passages.

Figure 27 is the figure of some functional assemblies that the voltage stimulator of adaptability rank A is shown.

The specific embodiment

The field of the invention is the System and method for of the stimulation for organizing.More specifically, the present invention relates to via the System and method for reclaiming by inductive energy and the electrode stimulating device of feedback current adjusting carries out the stimulation of Energy Efficient.

For the realization of aforementioned and relevant target, the disclosure comprises the feature of hereinafter complete description.Below description and appended accompanying drawing have elaborated many-side of the present disclosure.Yet these aspects only represent to use the sub-fraction in the various ways of disclosure principle.Reference is to following detailed description in detail of the present disclosure in conjunction with the drawings, and other side of the present disclosure, advantage and novel feature will become apparent.

With reference now to accompanying drawing, the various aspects of describing the application, wherein similar Reference numeral refers to similar or corresponding element.Yet should be appreciated that, at this related accompanying drawing, not being intended to subject matter restricted required for protection with detailed description is particular forms disclosed.On the contrary, the present invention is by all modifications, equivalents and the alternative that contain in the scope that falls into theme required for protection.

The included indicative flowchart of the disclosure is usually set to logical flow chart (as, Fig. 5 b).An embodiment of the order of therefore, describing and the step of labelling indication institute rendering method.Can in function, logic OR effect, realize and one or more steps of illustrated method or other step and method of its part equivalence.In addition, the form adopting and symbol are provided for the logic step of explanation the method, and are not the scopes of restriction the method.In addition the order of corresponding steps shown in the order that, wherein this method particular step occurs can or can not strictly observe.

System of the present disclosure provides a kind of electrode stimulating device with energy efficiency that is configured to use inductive energy energy storage and recovery in adaptive voltage stimulator.Thereby this system comes drive electrode to control energy consumption in roughly heat insulation mode.In the disclosure, heat insulation operation refers to that the voltage applying to electrode in the very first time approximates greatly the now operator scheme of the voltage of electrode.The energy loss in the circuit of this electrode and this electrode of driving has been controlled in this operation.System of the present disclosure also can comprise that shunt current sensor monitors and regulate the electric current by this electrode.This shunt current sensor combines feedback control loop and guarantees flexible and safe stimulation.

Therefore, adaptive voltage stimulator of the present disclosure allows to the effective transmission of power of electrode and effectively transfers out energy from electrode, and can be based on DC-to-dc (DC-DC) converter topologies.This stimulator can operation in a bi-directional way in two different operation modes (the upper translative mode of stimulation and the upper translative mode of recovery).The lower conversion stimulating refers to that the sense of current is wherein that the voltage of from energy source to electrode and wherein electrode is lower than the power transfer pattern of the voltage of energy source.The upper conversion of reclaiming refers to that the sense of current is wherein that the voltage of from electrode to energy source and wherein electrode is higher than the power transfer pattern of the voltage of energy source.

Therefore, system of the present disclosure is combined to the safety of voltage-controlled efficiency and Current Control and accuracy in single electrode stimulating device system.For example, can, via standard 0.35 micrometre CMOS process or any other suitable semiconductor fabrication process, realize the part of stimulator or stimulator.

Although electrode stimulating device system of the present disclosure has a lot of application, example is used and to be comprised nerve, heart, retina, cochlea, muscle and the very important biomedical implants of low-power operation wherein.In each application, stimulator can be bonded in implantable medical device.Alternatively, stimulator can be used in the equipment of the functional assembly that forms body sensor network.

Fig. 1 combines electrode stimulating device of the present disclosure and is configured to the block diagram with the functional assembly of the interactive exemplary biomedicine of the tissue 4 being associated or medical implant 2.Implant 2 comprises for holding the shell being built by bio-compatible material 3 and the electrode 14 of controller 10, stimulator 12.By making the signal of telecommunication be applied to electrode 14, controller 10 is configured to realize and is stored in the patient's condition that the algorithm in memorizer 18 is treated patient.Then electrode 14 transmits its energy to tissue 4.In various application, depend on the position of medical implant 2 and wherein electrode 14 places or electrode 14 are attached to or the type of close tissue 4, can via be for example used for the treatment of hearing loss extremely cochlear implant, be used for the treatment of blind vision prosthese, be used for the treatment of serious chronic pain spinal cord stimulation device, be used for the treatment of paralysis muscle stimulator, be used for the treatment of the cardiac pacemaker of various heart uneasinesses or be used for the treatment of the degree of depth brain stimulator of a plurality of neurological disorder, carry out transferring energy.

Controller 10 is by providing the energy delivery of input signal to electrode 14 to stimulator 12.Input signal described by the characteristic that is passed to the signal of telecommunication of electrode 14 by stimulator 12 (as, voltage or current amplitude).Combine with power supply 16, thereby the signal of telecommunication that stimulator 12 uses the input of self-controller 10 to revise and control is passed to electrode 14 meets the requirement of the input signal receiving from controller 10.For example, as described in detail and in conjunction with further context,, referring to Fig. 5, in one implementation, set up the signal of expectation, i.e. the V of comparator 324 _curinput.

Stimulator 12 of the present disclosure generally has the lower conversion of two operator scheme-stimulations and the upper conversion of recovery.Stimulator 12 can or be connected to or be bonded to another controller of stimulator 12 by controller 10, is brought into one of these two operator schemes.

Due to causes such as the power supply based on current source are relatively accurate, safety is controlled, a lot of existing electrode stimulating device systems are used the power supply based on current source.But these power supplys may be very inefficent.Fig. 2 a illustrates with 2b the electrode stimulating device that the power supply of using based on current source drives be connected electrode.In each figure, electrode 20 is modeled as resistor 24(R _s) and capacitor 22(C _dl) be connected in series.For example, the Disc Faraday Soc that can use J.E.B.Randles to deliver in nineteen forty-seven, the kinetics of the quick electrode reaction of Kinetics of rapid electrode reactions(of 1:11-19) in the model described carry out modeling.Therefore, parameters R _ssolution resistance, and C _dlit is double layer capacity.Desirable electrode has minimum series resistance and high capacitance, can carry out valid function at low voltage place.

In Fig. 2 a, switch 26 allows electrode 20 via current source 30(I _{cS, P}) be connected to positive supply 28(V _dD), via current source 34(I _{cS, N}) be connected to negative supply 32(V _sS) or be connected to and 36 carry out any the accumulated electric charge of short circuit.Due to power supply with appear at the voltage difference between the electrode at current source two ends, current source 30 and 34 has all limited current flowing, large energy has dissipated.

Fig. 2 b illustrates and similar circuit shown in Fig. 2 a, but thereby voltage has changed and makes electrode 20 can be connected to power supply 28(V via current source 34 now _dD) or ground 38, and electrode baseline current potential is by second source 40(V _mid) be set in the middle of (midway).In order to keep the circuit balancing of Fig. 2 a and 2b, for the disclosure, the V of Fig. 2 b _dDbe set to equal the V of Fig. 2 a _dD+ V _sS, and V _midthe V of Fig. 2 b _dDand half between ground.

Fig. 3 is the figure that is illustrated in the amount of the energy of wasting in the current source of the electrode stimulating device circuit shown in Fig. 2 a and 2b.In Fig. 2 a, capacitor 22(C _dl) the first beginning and end are recharged and electrode 20 is floated.Then current source 34(I _{cS, N}) be switched on, thereby electrode 20 is connected to power supply 32(V _sS).At the beginning, as capacitor 22(C _dl) on while there is no electric charge, from the major part of the energy of power supply 32, be wasted in current source 34(I _{cS, N}) in.As capacitor 22(C _dl) interior energy increase and the capacitor 22(C storing _dl) voltage at two ends is when increase, current source 34(I _{cS, N}) in the voltage drop and the instantaneous energy that dissipate all reduced.In Fig. 3, at point 100 places, when electrode 20 is connected to current source 34, the voltage at electrode two ends starts to decline, and causes the energy by the waste shown in the region 104 of Fig. 3.

Similarly, during discharge cycle, electrode 20 is via current source 30(I _{cS, P}) be connected to power supply 28(V _dD).Again, energy is dissipated in current source 30.In Fig. 3, at point 106 places, electrode 20 is connected to power supply 28.Therefore, the voltage at electrode two ends starts to rise at point 108 places, causes the energy by the waste shown in the region 110 of Fig. 3.It should be noted, Fig. 3 does not illustrate the energy of capacitor 22 interior storages, and this is also partly dissipated in resistor 24.

As general rule, for any given charge transfer requirement in given interval, cross over whole interval and use constant current just to make solution resistance (R _s) loss reach minimum.Stimulator based on current source has been realized this situation naturally, and the electric energy but they itself have dissipated has been wasted very a large amount of energy by this.The cause of the First-order Rc Circuit creating due to the impedance of electrode, the electric current that the stimulator of the heat insulation capacitor based on switch produces is often index in essence, because the step of stimulator voltage changes the exponential damping that has caused electric current.Therefore, also provide the heat insulation stimulator based on voltage of constant, controlled electric current just to cause energy efficiency that may be the highest.

In order to control and, for example, in some expectation application, in order to minimize the energy loss shown in Fig. 3, therefore, system of the present disclosure provides the adaptive stimulator based on voltage, it drives one or more electrodes heat insulationly with inductive energy storage.System of the present disclosure can be configured to drive this electrode with successional possible voltage, rather than the discrete step of selected quantity, those that provide such as capacitor group.In addition, in system of the present disclosure, even when electrode current changes (while operating in the upper translative mode of the lower translative mode stimulating or recovery such as this system), the feedback regulation of sensing electrode electric current using adaptability voltage stimulator output voltage is adjusted to expectation size by electrode current.In other words, when flowing through the electric current of electrode and separate from charging current, be bonded to the feedback control loop reorganization (adapt) of system of the present disclosure and revise continuously (servo) this adaptive voltage stimulator output voltage and maintain the suitable current level in electrode, and do not use current source or the current limiter of dissipation.

In addition,, in system of the present disclosure, the energy being stored in the electric capacity of electrode is callable, and stimulator of the present disclosure can be configured to reclaim at least a portion of this energy.

Fig. 4 is the block diagram illustrating according to the functional assembly of the stimulator system 200 based on voltage of disclosure configuration.Stimulator 200 comprises adaptive voltage stimulator 210, the electrode 202 that is configured to be connected to voltage source 206 and has internal capacitance and resistance.Adaptive voltage stimulator 210 is configured to electrode 202 transferring energies, or from electrode 202, recovers energy in inverse operation.Detector 204 detects and flows through the energy of electrode 202 or the voltage at electrode 202 two ends, and this information is back fed back to adaptive voltage stimulator 210.Information based on fed back to, adaptive voltage stimulator 210 controls to the energy delivery of electrode 202 or comes the energy of self-electrode 202 to reclaim, and guarantees that electrode 202 operates according to system requirements.

Adaptive voltage stimulator 210 can be implemented as DC-DC transducer, and this transducer is controlled as V _elec(voltages at electrode 202 two ends) (seeing the node 212 of Fig. 4) maintains the capacitor (C with electrode 202 _dl) approximately identical and consistent with the constant electrode stimulating electric current of the expectation current potential place of voltage at two ends.Can carry out current sense with the sensor that is coupled to detector 204.As described below, in one implementation, detector 204 is configured to carry out the loss in minimized detection device 204 with shunting topology or configuration rather than series topology, but can use other current sense systems.

In stimulator 200, single power supply 206(V _dD) at electrode, return to side rather than ground connection place and middle rail voltage source or benchmark 208(V _mid) use together.Thus, can avoid extreme conversion than and for the needs that the second transducer of negative voltage is provided.Therefore, in stimulator 200, dissipation source be only the intrinsic solution resistance of this electrode and adaptive voltage stimulator be not perfect efficiency.

Fig. 5 a is the block diagram of additional detail that the functional assembly of the electrode stimulating device 300 configuring according to the disclosure is shown.Stimulator 300 comprises for controlling two feedback loops of this adaptive voltage stimulator.Specifically, stimulator 300 comprises internal control ring 302 and external control ring 304.Stimulator 300 and specifically, the general operation of internal control ring 302 and external control ring 304, heel internal control ring 302 and the assembly of external control ring 304 and the detailed description of operation will be described.Internal control ring 302 forms control circuit together with external control ring 304, for the operation of control electrode stimulator, also controls by this and is passed to the energy of electrode and the energy reclaiming from electrode.

Generally speaking, external control ring 304 is for controlling the slower control loop of the electric current that flows through this electrode, and internal control ring 302 is control loops faster of control electrode both end voltage.For the execution each time of external rings 304, inner loop 302 is performed repeatedly.External rings 304 receives input from can or can not being bonded to the controller of stimulator system of the present disclosure, and this input has been indicated the energy that the is passed to electrode amount of (as, electric current).The power characteristic of external rings 304 monitoring by electrode (as, electric current, voltage or power) if, (the power characteristic recording and expected value comparison and the value that records are not mated with expected value, the value recording in the lower translative mode stimulating is too low, or the value recording in the upper translative mode reclaiming is too high), regulate setting voltage value higher or lowerly and then this setting voltage value be sent to inner loop 302.

Inner loop 302 receives to be described by the setting voltage value of the specific voltage of realizing at electrode two ends (but in other are realized, setting voltage value can be substituted by setting electric current or setting power value) voltage ratio that this value and electrode two ends are recorded.If (two values have difference, voltage measured in the lower translative mode stimulating is too low, or measured voltage is too high in the upper translative mode reclaiming), inner loop 302 transmit signals to stimulator core (as, be connected to the power supply of electrode), this stimulator core of instruction is to electrodes transfer energy or recover energy from electrode, thereby the measured voltage in electrode two ends is moved to expected value.

Specifically, in detail referring to Fig. 5 a, the operation that internal feedback ring 302 is configured to control adaptive voltage stimulator core 310 is to electrode 306 transferring energies.Internal feedback ring 302 comprises adaptability stimulator core 310, and this core is connected to electrode 306, and electrode 306 is connected to V then _midsource 312.Digital to analog converter (DAC) and comparator 314 are connected to electrode 306 and pulse generator 308.Pulse generator 308 is connected to adaptive voltage stimulator core 310 and this pulse generator and is configured to provide electric pulse or signal to carry out controller operation and to electrode 306 transferring energies to core 310.

Voltage (the V at internal feedback ring 302 test constantly electrode 306 two ends _elec) or other power characteristics, and this voltage and the setting voltage value receiving from external rings 304 via setting voltage line 316 are compared.By DAC and comparator 314, carry out this relatively.By the voltage recording and setting voltage relatively after, DCA and comparator 314 are sent to pulse generator 308 by the indication of difference.Information and current settings magnitude of voltage based on receiving from DAC and comparator 314, the operation that pulse generator 308 is controlled adaptive voltage stimulator core 310 then provides energy or recovers energy from electrode to electrode.

In one implementation, the setting voltage value receiving from external rings 304 is binary number (as, 8-bit value).In this situation, can operate one group of switch in DAC and comparator 314 with this setting voltage value, this group switch is redistributed sampling V _electime the electric charge that obtains, thereby effectively from setting voltage value, deduct V _elecvalue.When combining with comparator, this step allows DAC and comparator 314 to generate indication V _elecbe greater than or be less than the output of setting voltage.In one implementation, in the lower translative mode stimulating, work as V _elecwhile being less than setting voltage, DAC and comparator 314 are output as height, and work as V _elecwhile being greater than setting voltage, DAC and comparator 314 are output as low.In the upper translative mode in reclaiming, the output of DAC and comparator 314 is reversed.The operation that the output that DAC and comparator 314 produce can be used to clamp-pulse generator 308 to transmit suitable electric current to electrode 306.

Different from conventional DC-DC transducer, adaptive voltage stimulator core 310 can forward and backward operation, to electrode 306 transferring energies or recover energy from electrode 306.In the lower translative mode stimulating, if DAC and comparator 314 are determined V _elechave the value lower than setting voltage 316, pulse generator 308 makes 310 operations of adaptive voltage stimulator core reach one or more cycles, makes energy be applied on electrode 306 and therefore makes V _elecrise.Yet, if V _elechave the value higher than setting voltage 316, pulse generator 308 is not taked any action, because had enough energy delivery to electrode 306.In this situation, the output capacitor of core 310 (for example, see the capacitor 408 of Fig. 6 a) from pulse generator 308 pulsation before, stored sufficient energy, thus core 310 can continue energy to be provided and to allow pulse generator 308 to have a rest another cycles to electrode 308.Otherwise in the upper translative mode reclaiming, these operations are reversed.If DAC and comparator 314 are determined V _elechave the value higher than setting voltage 316, the operation of pulse generator 308 is reversed, and makes adaptive voltage stimulator core 310 reduce V _electhereby, to core 310, return to energy.Otherwise, if V _elechave the value lower than setting voltage 316, pulse generator 308 is not taked any action, because reclaimed enough energy from electrode 306.In this situation, the output capacitor of core 310 (for example, see the capacitor 408 of Fig. 6 a) in recovery before, fully exhausted, thus electrode 306 is sent to core by the energy being stored in electrode 306 passively, allows pulse generator 308 to have a rest another cycle.Below describe and respectively in exemplary realization and the operation of pulse generator 308 shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 6 a and adaptability stimulator core 310.

Pattern that can clamp-pulse generator 308 by STIM/REC value (the upper translative mode still reclaiming in the lower conversion stimulating), this STIM/REC value by controller (as, the controller 10 of Fig. 1 or with another controller of the component communication of stimulator 300) transfer to the output switch network 326 of pulse generator 308, wherein the higher value of STIM/REC is indicated the lower translative mode of this stimulator in stimulating, and the lower value of STIM/REC is indicated the upper translative mode of this stimulator in reclaiming.Depend on STIM/REC value, make the switch commutation in network 326, cause the converse operation of core 310.

External rings 304 comprises current sensor 320, comparator 324, sum counter 322.External rings 304 is configured to receive input V from controller (as, the controller 10 of Fig. 1) _cur318.External rings 304 is used this input V _curcome to determine and to flow through the target current of electrode 306 or to the energy delivery of electrode 306.Then, external rings compares target current and the actual current by electrode 306, and based on this relatively, external rings 304 provides specific setting voltage 316 to be controlled at the voltage at electrode 312 two ends to inner loop 302.

In the realization shown in Fig. 5 a, external rings 304 is carried out the electric current in measurement electrode 306 and operates with the lower conversion of stimulation of stimulator 300 and the symmetric mode of the upper conversion operations pattern of recovery via the shunting sensing in current sensor 320.The output of current sensor 320 is and the proportional voltage of electrode 306 electric current that this voltage is by comparator 324 and voltage V _currelatively.Then the output of device 324 based on the comparison, adjusts by enumerator 322 the setting electric current 316 of expecting.

If in the lower translative mode (being determined by the STIM/REC input to comparator 322) of the stimulation operating, externally encircle the size of current recording in 304 too little, digit counter 322 increases setting voltage size, for example, has increased the least significant bit (LSB) of fixed qty.The quantity of LSB can be represented as D _attack, wherein the quantity of LSB is larger, and system has more the promptly extremely specific electrode current of self-recision.Yet if the size of current recording is too large, enumerator 322 reduces setting voltage size, for example, reduced to be labeled as D _releasethe LSB of independent fixed qty.Therefore, state that can usage counter 322 is set up setting voltage 316, and it controls DAC in inner loop 322 and the operation of comparator 314 then.

In two kinds of operator schemes, (that is, the lower conversion of stimulation and the upper conversion of recovery), limits and arranges by the internal resistance of electrode 306 and the output voltage of adaptive voltage stimulator core 310 electric current that flows through stimulator 300.In order to ensure stability, as mentioned below, slower external rings can be configured to allow internal electrical pressure ring steady before making any adjustment for setting voltage.As mentioned below, in the specific implementation of system of the present disclosure, this system operates in a plurality of stages, some crossover and some difference, this allows the harmony operation of inside and outside ring, and wherein the time sequential routine of inside and outside ring can be controlled by the clock such as clock 328.

Stimulator 300 comprises the clock 328 with the component communication of stimulator 300.Clock 328 provides customary output signal, can be made by each assembly of stimulator 300 for the different phase of control operation and to guarantee that different assemblies do not have interfering with each other.For example, as mentioned below, can process DAC and comparator 314 by below referring to the different phase described in Figure 10,11 and 12 with clock 328, comprise φ _az, φ _samp, φ _{amp, out}, φ _{amp, in}, φ _redist, and φ _latch.As described below equally, similarly, with clock 328, process current sensor 320 by its a plurality of stages, comprise φ ₁and φ ₂guarantee that stimulator core 310 is opened during the sensing stage of current sensor 320.Can use by the controller of stimulator 300 clock 328, to control the operation of inside and outside ring, for example, for inner loop 302, to provide enough time externally to encircle before 304 operations steady.

During single stimulation event, stimulator system is by two operator schemes as above.During the first period, stimulator operates in the lower translate phase stimulating, and during the second period, stimulator operates in the upper translate phase reclaiming.In an exemplary operation of stimulator 300, in order to complete stimulation event, first controller makes system enter the lower translative mode (for example, by by STIM/REC specification of variables for " STIM ") of stimulation and apply voltage 318(V to slower current regulator 304 _cur).Note, as mentioned above, controller can comprise the single controller equipment of all controllers 10 as shown in Figure 1 and so on, maybe can comprise the controller equiment of several separation, and wherein some is placed in stimulator 300 outsides, and other are incorporated in in stimulator 300.

Then current sensor 320, and the voltage being associated by detecting the electric capacity two ends of electrode 306 in scheduled time slot, measures the electric current that flows through electrode 306, and with comparator 324 by detected voltage and V _currelatively.Depend on which voltage is greater than enumerator 322, comparator 324 is by the voltage detecting at electrode place and V _curbetween difference be output as high or low value.

Enumerator 322 receives and reflects the voltage (V recording from comparator 324 _amp) whether be greater than V _curhigh or low value and correspondingly increase or reduce this setting voltage enumerator.In one implementation, in the lower translative mode stimulating, if V _ampbe less than V _cur(as, enumerator 322 receives low value from comparator 324), enumerator 322 has increased enumerator and is defined as D _attacka plurality of bits, not so, enumerator 322 has reduced by D this enumerator _releasedefined a plurality of bit.Otherwise, in the upper translative mode reclaiming, if V _ampbe greater than V _cur(as, enumerator 322 receives high value from comparator 324), enumerator 322 makes enumerator reduce to be defined as D _attacka plurality of bits, not so, enumerator 322 has increased by D this enumerator _releasedefined a plurality of bit.Table 1 illustrates the different behaviors of the enumerator 322 of the input based on from current sensor 320.Yet, in other are realized, can realize selecting from the output of comparator 324 and the behavior being associated of enumerator 322 based on preferred system, for example based on operator scheme, the output of comparator 324 is inverted, in this situation, the behavior of enumerator 322 does not change based on operator scheme.

Table 1

The numeral that comprises setting voltage 316 due to enumerator, by being less than or greater than V based on recording voltage _curincrease or reduce enumerator, can increase or reduce the value providing to the setting voltage 316 of interior control loop 302.Due to the operation of enumerator 322, depending on system is to operate (in the lower translative mode stimulating or the upper translative mode reclaiming, based on pattern, the operation of enumerator 322 is inverted), need to not regulate based on current operation pattern the behavior of comparator 324.Certainly, in other are realized, can the behavior of comparator 324 is inverted based on pattern, and the behavior of enumerator 322 change.

See now inner loop 302, DAC and comparator 314 receive setting voltage 316 from enumerator 322 and also go back the voltage (V at measurement electrode 312 two ends _elec).Then DAC and comparator 314 compare setting voltage and the voltage recording.In the time of in the lower translative mode stimulating, if V _elecbe less than setting voltage, DAC and comparator 314 are output as height, otherwise are output as low.Otherwise, in the time of in the upper translative mode reclaiming, if V _elecbe greater than setting voltage, DAC and comparator 314 are output as height, otherwise are output as low.The output of DAC and comparator 314 is fed into impulse generator 308.

Impulse generator 308 receives output and the setting voltage 316 conduct inputs of DAC and comparator 314.When DAC and comparator 314 are output as when high, pulse generator 308 use setting voltages generate or identify for trigger switch D ₁and D ₂time series control adaptive voltage stimulator core 310.Operator scheme based on stimulator (in the upper conversion of the lower translative mode stimulating or recovery), can be by signal D ₁and D ₂be sent to the interior different switches configuration of core 310, make core 310 to electrode 306 transferring energies (that is, in the lower translative mode stimulating) or recover energy from electrode 306 (that is, in the upper translative mode reclaiming).Pulse generator can come based on setting voltage value and definite signal D with question blank or other data bases ₁and D ₂sequential, or can calculate in real time these values.Alternatively, as mentioned below, pulse generator 308 can add that delay line generates clock signal with question blank and data base's combination.

Select signal D ₁and D ₂time series make to transmit the energy of specified quantitatives or from electrode 306, reclaim the energy of specified quantitatives to electrode 306.Then, depend on the configuration of the operator scheme of stimulator 300 and the switching network 326 of Fig. 5 a, can be by the M from pulse generator 308 to core 310 _pand M _nd ₁and D ₂output be configured to electrode 306 transferring energies or in the upper translative mode reclaiming, from electrode 306, recover energy in the lower translative mode stimulating.

During the lower translative mode stimulating, inner loop 302 and external control ring 304 repeat aforesaid operations for several times, and inner loop 302 is carried out repetition than external rings 304 with higher frequency, as mentioned below.In the lower translative mode that completes stimulation after the period, controller (as, the controller 10 of Fig. 1 or another controller of communicating by letter with stimulator 300) make stimulator system enter recovery upper translative mode (as, by STIM/REC is made as to low value).Each in inner loop 302 and external rings 304 repeats process as above, but in the upper translative mode reclaiming.

Fig. 5 b illustrates the flow chart to electrodes transfer energy or the method 350 that recovers energy from electrode that can be realized by stimulator.Can be by stimulator 300 implementation methods 350 shown in Fig. 5 b.

In step 352, stimulator receives the input of the expectation electric current in sign electrode.Can be by being positioned at the controller of stimulator outside or by a controller that is combined in stimulator, receiving this input.Usually select expectation electric current to be implemented to certain therapeutic stimulation in the residing patient's of electrode region.

In step 354, stimulator is measured by the actual current of this electrode.Stimulator can use shunt current sensor (all sensors as shown in Figure 13) or another suitable current sensor measurement to flow through the electric current of electrode.Can be by the order of step 352 and 354 conversely, or can roughly carry out these two steps simultaneously.

In step 356, stimulator determines that it is operation in the lower translative mode stimulating (stimulating/lower conversion) or the upper translative mode (reclaiming/upper conversion) in circulation.The operator scheme of stimulator can affect the setting voltage value that stimulator generates.While operating in the lower translative mode stimulating, in step 358, if the electric current recording is less than expectation electric current, stimulator increases setting voltage value, otherwise setting voltage reduces.While operating in the upper translative mode that stimulator is reclaiming, in step 360, if the electric current recording is less than expectation electric current, stimulator reduces setting voltage value, otherwise setting voltage increases.

Although step 356,358 and 360 is illustrated as to separated step in Fig. 5 b, in some implementations, be not the operator scheme of determining expressly stimulator, but the output of each assembly of stimulator (such as the comparator of amplifier) is inverted or is automatically revised to current operation pattern based on stimulator.Therefore, each assembly of stimulator can the present mode based on stimulator be automatically revised their behavior (as, their output) thereby is performed step one of 358 and 360, makes step 356 inessential.

(by step 358 or step 360) set up setting voltage value, adopts the voltage at electrode two ends in step 362.Then stimulator is again determined its current operation pattern in step 364.Although as mentioned above, this step is also indefinite to be carried out by this stimulator.But, be responsible for the assembly of the stimulator of execution step 366 or 368 and can automatically revise himself output by the present mode based on stimulator, make step 364 inessential.

If stimulator is in the lower translative mode stimulating, and the measured voltage in electrode two ends is less than setting voltage,, in step 366, stimulator identifies the sequence of the signal of telecommunication, when being transferred to the core of stimulator or the gauge tap in power supply, energy is transmitted to electrode from core.This signal can comprise digital pulse sequence, analog wave or the electricity irritation of the behavior that is configured to control core.

If stimulator is in the upper translative mode reclaiming and the measured voltage in electrode two ends is greater than setting voltage, step 368 moderate stimulation device identifies the sequence of the signal of telecommunication, in the time of in being transferred to the core of stimulator or power supply, energy is transmitted to core from electrode.This signal can comprise digital pulse sequence, analog wave or the electricity irritation of the behavior that is configured to control core.

In step 366 or 368, set up after suitable signal, in step 370, signal is transferred into the core of stimulator.After step 370 completes, stimulator can repeat inner loop voltage measurement and comparison step (for example, the inner loop 302 of Fig. 5 a) or external rings current measurement and comparison step (for example, the external rings 304 of Fig. 5 a).As mentioned above, due to voltage ratio, encircle and compare current ratio and encircle with higher frequency operation, stimulator will the most often move to step 362 from step 370 and come repetition voltage ratio to encircle.Yet, having depended on number of times that voltage ratio encircles and the ratio that completes the number of times that current ratio encircles, comparator can move to step 352 from step 370 once in a while, comes repetition current ratio to encircle.

In a lot of electrode stimulating operations, the electricity irritation persistent period that is passed to electrode is shorter, and the persistent period is only hundreds of microseconds sometimes.Therefore,, in brief time span, electrode voltage by any voltage being developed to from hundreds of millivolts to three ten-day period of hot season spy, is then got back to static from static beginning.In the application of conventional power converter, although load current can temporal evolution, load voltage is generally to change lentamente regularly or only.Therefore, conventional power converter does not generally need very fast response time or the output voltage range of non-constant width.

Yet in electrode stimulating application, the electrode voltage that be suitable for changing soon relatively fast stabilization time is important.This is genuine at the transformation process of electrode current from positive to negative, and vice versa (wherein the variation at the near-instantaneous of the IR voltage drop at the solution resistance two ends of electrode needs).The transducer that can not change fast its output voltage can not be realized this variation rapidly in electrode current.

In addition, desired in creating the electrode stimulating of charge balance waveform of safety operation, two stage pulses require power converters can supply the induced current again can received current.This uncommon requirement, because power converter is generally to load transfer electric current but not from load current drawn.Yet, single transducer that can way traffic allow from the operation of the stimulator of single power supply or stimulator core and stimulate second, carry out energy during the charge balance stage and reclaim.

Fig. 6 a is for stimulating application for the figure to electrodes transfer energy and the exemplary realization in the adaptability stimulator core 310 shown in Fig. 3 that recovers energy from electrode.In illustrated arrangement, stimulator core 310 is implemented as step-down controller.By the switch 402(M of operation stimulator core 310 _p) and switch 404(M _n) carry out output (that is, the V of control core 310 _out ).Switch 402 and 404 can comprise transistor, diode or control by other switching devices of the electric current of switching device with input signal.The order that depends on console switch 402 and 404, can be passed to output from capacitor 406 by energy, or alternatively, the energy of output storage can be sent back to capacitor 406.As shown in Fig. 5 a, switch 402 and 404 is connected to pulse generator 308 and can is controlled the operation of stimulator core 310 and finally controlled to electrodes transfer electric power or carry out the electrical energy transfer of self-electrode by pulse generator 308 operation.

In conventional step-down controller operation, V _outbe less than V _inand energy is passed to capacitor 408 from capacitor 406.By realizing actuating switch 402(M _p) promote (flux up) inducer 410 and realize under this voltage and changing.Then cutoff switch 402(M _p) and actuating switch 404(M then _n) make the energy being stored in inducer 410 be released into V _outthe load (not shown) that two ends connect, such as connected electrode.In situation of the present disclosure, this conventional step-down controller operational correspondence is in the lower translative mode of stimulation of the present disclosure.

(that is, V wherein in the upper conversion operations pattern reclaiming _out>V _in), alteration switch 402 and 404 switching sequence make from output (being positioned at high voltage) to the energy Flow of inputting (being positioned at low voltage) conversely.In the upper translative mode reclaiming, actuating switch 404(M first _n) by absorbing energy and oppositely promote inducer 410 from capacitor 408.Then, switch 404(M _n) cut-off and switch 402(M _p) conducting, the energy being stored in inducer 410 is released into capacitor 406.

For example, by signal (, the signal D in Fig. 5 a receiving from pulse generator ₁and D ₂) carry out gauge tap 402(M _p) and 404(M _n).In order to realize the different operation modes of adaptive voltage stimulator core 310, in one implementation, during the lower translative mode stimulating, D ₁signal-controlled switch 402(M _p) and signal D ₂gauge tap 404(M _n), and in the upper translative mode reclaiming, D ₂signal-controlled switch 402(M _p) and signal D ₁gauge tap 404(M _n).But, according to the disclosure, can use other switch configurations.Can pass through the switching network such as the network 326 of Fig. 5 a, control from pulse generator to switch the distribution of one of 402 and 404 signal specific.

Because this energy in practice reclaims, be not 100% effective, and due to this at load resistance (as, R _s) in exist to consume, by closing switch 414 from power supply 412(V _dD) to capacitor 406 transferring energy periodically, thus the loss of charge in capacitor 406 on one-period supplemented.In one implementation, only at each thorn flyback cycle while starting (, after the upper translative mode reclaiming completes, but before entering the lower translative mode of stimulation) by closing switch 414, capacitor 406 is supplemented.

Fig. 6 b shows the mobile diagram of Utopian output voltage range and electric energy for the adaptive voltage stimulator core shown in Fig. 6 a.In lower the translative mode () pattern stimulating, energy is from source (V _in) be passed to electrode (V _out).In the upper translative mode () reclaiming, be reversed very, energy is passed to source from electrode.

Turn to Fig. 6 a, in a realization of system of the present disclosure, the switching frequency of switch 402 and 404 approximately 350kHz provides compromise fully between speed and power consumption, because higher switching frequency expends power larger in its control circuit.In such configuration, by the neural stimulation pulses of each stage 1ms, will allow each stimulation period to have 250 independent switch periods, thereby allow pulse shape quite accurately.Further, the inducer of Fig. 6 a 410 and capacitor 408 can be adjusted into power and the rate request that meets any independent utility.But, in other application, can use inducer 410 and capacitor 408 configurations of different switching frequencies and modification.

Because adaptive voltage stimulator of the present disclosure can be configured to from light to moderate a plurality of load supplyings, this stimulator is configured to use discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and pulse frequency modulated (PFM) control strategy.

Return to a referring to Fig. 5, therefore, under PFM, on demand and as DAC and 314 couples of V of comparator _outcarry out feedback monitoring determined, voltage control loop 302 pulses (for example, the signal D of the inside being provided by pulse generator 308 is only provided ₁and D ₂).Therefore, there is the load current I of adaptive voltage stimulator core 310 supported maximum possible _{max_load}, corresponding to the pulsation period at each switch gap T place.Under lighter load, stimulator can have activity probability P _aany given switch gap in pulse, cause average apparent switch gap T _apparent=T/P _a.Therefore the switching signal D, being provided by pulse generator 308 ₁and D ₂the absolute persistent period, not with load variations.Yet, signal D ₁and D ₂the frequency of pulsation will be with load variations.

In one example, D ₁and D ₂representing the fragment of nominal switch period T, is that each signal can be enabled respectively corresponding switch 402 (M _p) or 404 (M _n) (see Fig. 6 time a).Therefore,, in the time of in the lower translative mode of stimulator pulse in stimulating, the energy of obtaining from adaptive voltage stimulator core 310 is:

$E_{C_{\mathrm{in}}}=\frac{V_{\mathrm{in}}(V_{\mathrm{in}}-V_{\mathrm{out}})}{2\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="L\; D"\; filenames="HDA0000422016890000111.png,HDA0000422016890000181.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">L</figure-callout>}}{D_{}}^{}{{}_1}^2{T}^2---\left(1\right).$

Yet, because requiring with maximum possible frequency, stimulator do not pulse, and can be in interval T _apparentgone up by load consumption this energy.The energy that load consumes is:

E _load=V _out×I _load×T/P _a (2)。

Make with

equate, set up the following relationship of the adaptive voltage stimulator operating in DCM:

${{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="D"\; filenames="HDA0000422016890000111.png,HDA0000422016890000181.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">D</figure-callout>}}_1}^2=\frac{2L\&times;V_{\mathrm{out}}\&times;I_{\mathrm{load}}/P_a}{V_{\mathrm{in}}(V_{\mathrm{in}}-V_{\mathrm{out}})T}---\left(3\right);$

I wherein _loadaverage current, the V to electrode _inand V _outrespectively that input and output voltage, T are that available switch gap, L is inductance and the P of inducer 410 _ait is the probability of the actual pulsation of adaptive voltage stimulator during any given switch gap.V parameter _in, L and I _loadit is the constant that user can set.Assumable, V in given switch periods _outthereby variation less in the whole cycle V _outcan be considered to constant.

At design D ₁and D ₂time, can consider the adaptive voltage stimulator in the lower translative mode in stimulating.In this situation, signal D ₁closing switch 402 (M _p), at inducer two ends, place voltage V _in-V _out, cause the stable accumulation of the electric current in inducer.Then, according to D ₂, switch 402 (M _p) be opened, and switch 404 (M _n) be closed, at inducer 410 two ends placement-V _outvalue.

In order to prevent the unlimited accumulation of inducer 410 interior flux, in two stages (the lower conversion of stimulation and the upper conversion of recovery), the average voltage at inducer two ends should be about zero.This situation causes D ₁and D ₂between relation suc as formula shown in 4.

${\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="D"\; filenames="HDA0000422016890000011.png,HDA0000422016890000111.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">D</figure-callout>}}_2=\frac{V_{\mathrm{in}}-V_{\mathrm{out}}}{V_{\mathrm{out}}}\&times;D_1---\left(4\right).$

A strategy that meets formula 4 is to select D ₁for constant, and D ₂according to V _outvariable.But, in this situation, D ₁the effect of signal will depend on V _outsize.If V _outvery low, D ₁individual pulse will cause V _outa larger increase, and if V _outvery large, cause V _outless increase.If be acceptable although there is larger filter capacitor in output, but for wherein not realizing compared with the stimulator of large filter capacitor, be unacceptable, and the object of this system is on relative broad range, to adjust fast and equably output voltage.Therefore, preferably determine and haveing nothing to do in V _outthe situation of existing value under cause each pulse V _outthe identical D of variation ₁and D ₂scheme.

If with the D in formula 3 substituteds 4 ₁, D ₁and D ₂product be to be independent of V _outconstant.

${\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="D"\; filenames="HDA0000422016890000111.png,HDA0000422016890000181.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">D</figure-callout>}}_1\&times;{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="D"\; filenames="HDA0000422016890000011.png,HDA0000422016890000111.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">D</figure-callout>}}_2=\frac{2L{I}_{\mathrm{load}}/P_a}{V_{\mathrm{in}}T}---\left(5\right).$

Therefore, as the V expecting _outduring variation, in the mode of feed-forward, adjust D ₁and D ₂ratio, thereby meet formula 4, make D simultaneously ₁and D ₂product is that constant meets formula 5.If two conditions all meet, no matter when transducer is pulsed, the V closelying follow after the charge packet that each pulse is transmitted and this pulse _outvariation will be not with V _outchange.This character provides and V _outthe predictable operation of the irrelevant adaptive voltage stimulator of value.It should be noted, these calculating are based on the stimulator operation in the lower conversion operations of stimulation, but are equally applicable to the upper translative mode that reclaims, because topological sum circuit is all identical and be only current opposite in direction.

Fig. 8 illustrates for the adaptive voltage stimulator core to Fig. 5 a to transmit switching signal D ₁and D ₂the schematic diagram of exemplary pulse generator circuit, and this pulse-generator circuit can be used to for example realize the pulse generator 308 of Fig. 5 a.Generally speaking, pulse generator can comprise the setting voltage that is configured to based on the measured voltage in electrode two ends and expectation relatively come to stimulator core 310, transmit pulses for to load transfer energy or any circuit or the equipment that recover energy from load.For example, comprise that the microprocessor of switching signal or the pulse generator of other circuit that are programmed to transmission expectation can be combined with electrode stimulating system of the present disclosure.

Pulse generator 600 comprises delay line 602.The input of delay line 602 receives sees Fig. 5 output a) from DAC and comparator 314(.In the lower translative mode stimulating, input 606 be maintained low until V _elecbe less than setting voltage, input herein 606 for high.Otherwise, in the upper translative mode reclaiming, input 606 be maintained low until V _elecbe greater than setting voltage.After by pulse generator 600 sampling input 606, input 606 for low until DAC and comparator 314(are shown in that Fig. 5 is a) by V next time _elecwith setting voltage comparison, now input 606 and can be maintained low or uprise.

According to the operation of the delay line 602 of programming, after input 606 uprises, each pin of delay line 602 (for example, pin 1-20) is exported from low to high.In realization of the present disclosure, the beat (tap) after input 606 uprises (as, the clock cycle of clock cycle or predetermined quantity) to locate, the pin 1 of delay line 602 uprises.Two beat places after input 606 uprises, the pin 2 of delay line 602 uprises.Three beat places after input 606 uprises, the pin 3 of delay line 602 uprises, by that analogy.

Pulse generator also receives setting voltage 316(and sees that Fig. 5 is a) as input, and it is fed into input 608 and comprises the expression of being seen the current setting voltage that Fig. 5 a) sets up by slower outer control loop 304(.This expression can be the binary system with any suitable quantity bit, or simulation, this depends on that system realizes.

In pulse generator 600, setting voltage value is fed into transducer 610, and this transducer is converted to setting voltage value the sign of two taps (or pin) of delay line 602, and it is used to control the signal D being undertaken by pulse generator 600 ₁and D ₂transmission.In order to identify this two taps, transducer 610 can be derived D with question blank or other data bases ₁and D ₂signal sequence, or value of calculation in real time.Table 2 provides from input setting voltage to signal D ₁and D ₂the exemplary map of sequential.

Table 2

As shown in table 2, given specific settings voltage range (in the lower conversion stimulating or the upper translative mode of recovery), transducer 610 is selected three corresponding bits output S ₀, S ₁, and S ₂, this output has defined control signal D ₁and D ₂the combination of tap of transmission.Then by this three bits output S ₀, S ₁, and S ₂feed-in multiplexer 604, thus this multiplexer is used from three bits of transducer 610 and is exported to check the special pin control signal D on delay line 602 ₁and D ₂transmission.Set the tap joint position of table 2, so that signal D ₁and D ₂the product of quantity of delay cell in all setting, be constant (that is, 36 in table 2).

For example, if pulse generator 600 operates in the lower translative mode stimulating, setting voltage value equals .1V, and inputs 606 and uprise, and transducer 610 identifies D by the first row of option table 2 ₁and D ₂signal sequence also transmits 0,0 and 0 S to multiplexer 604 ₀, S ₁, and S ₂value.Be expert in 1, D ₁be assigned with tap number 2, and D ₂be assigned with tap number 20.

The first row configuration makes multiplexer 604 when the pin 2 of delay line 602 uprises, transmit high V ₁output, and when the pin 20 of delay line 602 uprises, spread out of high V ₂output.Output from multiplexer 604 makes pulse generator 600 when input 606 uprises, transmit D ₁signal, and occur that high input value (makes V on the pin 2 on delay line 602 ₁uprise) time stop transmitting D ₁signal.When pin 2 uprises and pulse generator 600 stops signal transmission D ₁time, pulse generator 600 proceed to transmit signal D ₂.Pulse generator 600 continues signal transmission D ₂until occur that on pin 20 high input value (makes V ₂uprise).

Therefore, in this example, the setting voltage value place between 0-0.32V, transmission D ₁relative transmission D of time ₂the ratio of time be 2:18.Because, at such low-voltage place, output inductor (as, the inducer 410 of Fig. 6 a) fast lifting, with respect to D ₂the D of signal ₁the shorter persistent period of signal is suitable.Also have, because inducer 410(is shown in Fig. 6, a) require the sufficient time to transfer its energy to load, signal D ₂persistent period of prolongation be suitable.Otherwise, in the lower translative mode of the stimulation that setting voltage is relatively high therein, signal D ₁and D ₂the relative persistent period be reversed-at electrode place, there is relatively high output voltage, this will need the more time to promote output inductor, and need the less time that this energy is released into load.

As can be seen from Table 2, in the upper translative mode reclaiming, voltage range is changing voltage scope skew a line from identical stimulation, causes for given setting voltage, compares the slightly different D of the lower translative mode of stimulation from the upper translative mode reclaiming ₁and D ₂signal sequence.But in other are realized, no matter its pattern, the voltage range of the every a line of table 1 is all the same.In this situation, no matter pulse generator 600 is based on voltage and the identical D of current operation model selection ₁and D ₂signal sequence, and depend on switching network 326 and guarantee to transmit D to the correct switch of core 310 ₁and D ₂signal, thus guarantee current operation pattern based on stimulator to electrodes transfer energy or remove energy from electrode.

Table 2 is only from setting voltage value to for transmitting D ₁and D ₂an exemplary map of signal sequence.Other mappings can comprise that permission regulates setting voltage value (and corresponding D more subtly ₁and D ₂the quantity of the tap of the increase corresponding output sequence of signal).Further, scalable or modification are dispensed to specific D ₁and D ₂the voltage range of signal sequence.Above-mentioned, in table 2, can be based on D ₁signal duration and D ₂the ratio of signal duration is selected voltage range, and each ratio has defined the edge of one group of voltage.In other are realized, D ₁and D ₂the ratio of signal duration can be used to definition and each D ₁-D ₂the mid point of the voltage range of Serial relation connection.

Therefore, in one implementation, delay line 602 comprises 20 unit elements as shown in Figure 8.Multiplexer 604 is from delay line 602 reception inputs and based on V _outcurrent setting value (that is, the setting voltage 316 of Fig. 5 a) select two outputs from delay line.Then, usage flag is V ₁and V ₂these two outputs generate signal D ₁and D ₂, these two signals are used to control the operation of (as, the core 310 of Fig. 5 a) of adaptive voltage stimulator core then.

The exemplary output of the pulse-generator circuit of Fig. 8 when Fig. 9 is illustrated in given specific input.In this example, the setting voltage value at input 608 places makes transducer 610 select tap number 1 to carry out control signal D ₁transmission and select tap number ' n' carrys out control signal D ₂transmission.Therefore,, when input 608 uprises, pulse generator 600 starts to transmit D ₁, and do not transmit D ₂, and the output (V of the pin 1 on monitoring delay line 602 ₁).At tap number 1 place, V ₁uprise (that is, delay line 602 uprises in the output at pin 1 place) and pulse generator 600 and stop transmitting D ₁.Work as V ₁while uprising, pulse generator 600 proceed to transmit signal D ₂and the output (V of the pin n of monitoring delay line 602 ₂).At tap number n place, V ₂uprise (that is, delay line 602 uprises in the output at pin n place) and pulse generator 600 and stop transmitting D ₂.This behavior by the logic gates 612 of pulse generator 600 as shown in Figure 8 and 614 determine.

Referring to Fig. 8, logic gates 612 control signal D ₁transmission.Gate circuit 612 is to input 606 and V ₁get non-as input with door, wherein V ₁be represented as the signal D from delay line 602 ₁the output of selected tap.Gate circuit 614 is by V ₁and V ₂get non-as input with door, wherein V ₂be represented as the signal D from delay line 602 ₂the output of selected tap.Once input 606, uprise, the input of gate circuit 612 all uprises (inputs 606 for high and V ₁be still low, but be squeezed), and signal D ₁be transmitted.Now, due to V ₁non-height, two inputs of gate circuit 614 are non-height all, and signal D ₂be not transmitted.

Work as V ₁uprise and (that is, be represented as D ₁the pin of the delay line 602 of selected tap uprises) and the equal non-height (V of two inputs of gate circuit 612 ₁get non-input now for low), and D ₁no longer be transmitted.But meanwhile, two inputs of gate circuit 614 are height (V ₁just uprise, and V ₂also do not uprise, but V ₂input is squeezed), so transmission D ₂.Work as V ₂uprise and (that is, be represented as D ₂the pin of the delay line 602 of selected tap uprises) and the equal non-height of two inputs of gate circuit 614, and D ₂no longer be transmitted.

The various realizations of the sequential the being associated explanation shown in the pulse generator shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and above-mentioned table 1 are only exemplary realizations from electrodes transfer (or reclaiming from the electrode) power to system of the present disclosure that control the pulse generator configuration of.Can realize other system, for example, with the comparison of electrode two ends specific voltage and setting voltage value and the suitable handoff algorithms of determining power transmission with setting voltage value itself.

Fig. 7 illustrates each assembly of adaptive voltage stimulator, comprises adaptive voltage stimulator core 502, electrode model 504 and middle base of the rail standard 506.For example, can with in base of the rail standard 506 realize the V of Fig. 5 a _mid312.Although in some systems realize, the second electrode completes this circuit, in the example depicted in fig. 7, by refurn electrode model and stimulating electrode model group are combined into single electrode model 504, has omitted the model of any such refurn electrode.Therefore, the far-end of electrode 504 corresponding to its current potential by rail voltage reference 506 be set to V _mid(supply voltage (V _dD) and ground centre) bulk tissue (bulk tissue).By these organizer are maintained by the medium voltage place that provides of base of the rail standard 506, single adaptive voltage stimulator can be above and below V _midtime drive stimulating electrode.

Due to stimulation, being designed to is on average neutral charge, there is no need to make middle base of the rail standard that DC electric current is provided.Therefore, in some aspects, the effect of middle base of the rail standard 506 in the circuit of Fig. 7 is restricted to as benchmark.Reason, as shown in Figure 7, can be used voltage reference V for this reason _{mid, ref}508 and comprise R _mid510 and C _mid512 large value RC FL-network generates V _mid.In the situation that there is no this wave filter, instantaneous electrode current will enter and leave middle base of the rail standard 506, and in requirement, base of the rail standard 506 becomes real DC power supply.But in the situation that this wave filter is in place, middle base of the rail standard 506 can become high impedance voltage reference.Therefore, R _mid510 can obviously or lie in V _{mid, ref}in 508 output impedance.

Therefore, between stimulation period, C _mid512 can absorb electric charge fluctuation and make by the accurate 506(V of the base of the rail _mid) voltage that generates keeps stable.This stability makes for V _{mid, ref}508 designing requirement becomes easily, only needs enough to come by force initially to C _mid512 chargings.By restriction, can want to pass through V _{mid, ref}508 are back to any problematic DC electric current on ground, resistance R _mid510 have also strengthened safety.

Figure 10 is the schematic diagram that can be used to realize an exemplary realization of the DAC of Fig. 5 a and the DAC of comparator 314.This DAC and comparator (as, the comparator shown in Figure 12) in combination operation by the voltage recording (as, the V of Fig. 5 a _elec) and reference voltage (as, the setting voltage 316 of Fig. 5 a) relatively.In this is realized, DAC700 is combined with comparator to work measurement electrode voltage V _eleccHARGE DISTRIBUTION DAC, and by this electrode voltage with can be via bit D ₀-D ₇the reference voltage of digitally setting compares.In other are realized, can be by other DAC and comparator arrangement by the voltage recording and setting or reference voltage comparison.For example, DAC, such as streamline, progressively approach or the DAC of binary weighting, can be combined with existing comparator, realizes DAC700 and the function of the comparator 800 that is associated.Even so, the DAC700 shown in Figure 10 compares a lot of other conventional DAC and has more energy efficiency.

DAC700 and comparator 800(Figure 12) on a plurality of stages of controlling at the controller 10 by for example Fig. 1, operate.First stage φ in DAC700 operation _sampduring this time, by V _elec(the voltage at electrode two ends-see that Fig. 5 a) samples to the array of capacitors 702 of DAC700.Second stage (φ in operation _redist) during, (that is, the bit D of the digital value based on inputted ₀-D ₇) CHARGE DISTRIBUTION is determined in array of capacitors to V _elecand the difference between setting voltage.Stage φ _sampand φ _redistnonoverlapping.For reference, be shown in the bracket of Figure 11, the operational phase of being furnished with comparator 800 a plurality of DAC stage.

DAC700 shown in Figure 10 is used normalized capacitor unit C.But in an exemplary realization, C has the value of 24fF.When below analyzing the operation of DAC700, use corresponding normalized electric charge element (this normalized electric charge element suppose all cell capaciators equal 1 and dimensionless), be labeled as Q '.

During sample phase, by φ _sampclose controlled switch (that is, switch 704), the top board of each capacitor in DAC700 is connected to V _dD/ 2, and each base plate except the base plate of the rightest capacitor (MSB capacitor) is connected to V _electhe voltage that is electrode two ends (is shown in Fig. 5 a).This MSB capacitor (128C) but be connected to ground.Due to the weight of MSB capacitor, 128, equal the weight that other capacitor banks get up, this has electrode voltage V _elechalf sample the effect on array of capacitors.Therefore, although electrode voltage can be rail-to-rail (to V _dD), the internal reference voltage of DAC and comparator can be positioned at V _dD/ 2 places.

Therefore the normalized electric charge, sampling on array of capacitors is provided by formula 7.

$Q^{\&prime;}=(\frac{V_{\mathrm{DD}}}{2}-V_{\mathrm{elec}})\&times;128+(\frac{V_{\mathrm{DD}}}{2}-0)\&times;128=(V_{\mathrm{DD}}-V_{\mathrm{elec}})\&times;128---\left(6\right)$

At φ _sampduring end, top board switch opens, is locked in electric charge on array of capacitors.Afterwards, base plate sampling switch 704 is opened.

At redistribution stage φ _redistduring this time, the base plate of each capacitor will be connected to V _dD/ 2 or GND, depend on each bit D by setting voltage value _ithe DAC setting voltage code (code) of representative.This scheme is illustrated as each capacitor pair of switches 706 in Figure 10, each free φ _redistand D _istate control, wherein i is i bit of setting voltage (seeing the setting voltage 316 of Fig. 5 a).Therefore,, in 8-bit is realized, setting voltage code is the integer with the value between 0 to 255.Equally, can, according to system requirements, in setting voltage value, use any amount of bit.In this situation, can in DAC, use and there is electric capacity 1C, 2C, 4C, 8C ..., the capacitor of the respective amount of 2nC etc.

Now, the output voltage V of DAC700 _{out, dac}still unknown.Therefore, by its bit D _ifor high capacitor stored charge is:

By its bit D _ifor low capacitor (comprise the most left capacitor, be connected to GND during the redistribution stage) stored charge is:

These formulas make to be stored in the total electrical charge on whole array, follow redistribution:

Because electric charge is saved between sampling and redistribution stage, after redistribution, can make formula 6 and 9 equate to solve V _{out, dac}.

Be reduced to:

Therefore, only work as V _elec=V _dD* code/256 o'clock, V _{out, dac}equal V _dD/ 2.Therefore, if V _electhe voltage that equals to be identified by setting voltage value, the output (V of DAC700 _{out, dac}) equal V _dD/ 2.Yet, if two values are different, the output (V of DAC700 _{out, dac}) depart from V _dD/ 2.For example,, if V _elecbe less than setting voltage, the output of DAC700 is greater than V _dD/ 2.Otherwise, if V _elecbe greater than setting voltage, the output of DAC700 is less than V _dD/ 2.

Voltage V _{out, dac}be connected directly to the comparator 800 of clock control, the output V of comparator 800 _{out, comp}also be illustrated in Figure 10.Comparator 800 is by V _{out, dac}with V _dD/ 2 comparisons and generation are to operate affected output in the lower translative mode stimulating or the upper translative mode reclaiming by comparator 800.If comparator 800 is in the lower translative mode stimulating, and V _{out, dac}be greater than V _dD/ 2, comparator 800 is output as height, indication V _elecbe less than setting voltage.In this situation, as mentioned above, pulse generator (for example, the pulse generator 600 of Fig. 8) receives high values and starts to make stimulator core (as, the core 310 of Fig. 5 a) to the electrodes transfer pulse train of multipotency more from comparator 800.Otherwise, if comparator 800 in the lower translative mode stimulating, and V _{out, dac}be less than V _dD/ 2, comparator 800 be output as low, indication V _elecbe greater than setting voltage.In this situation, as mentioned above, pulse generator (for example, the pulse generator 600 of Fig. 8) receives low value and does not take action from comparator 800.In the time of in the upper translative mode in reclaiming, the output of comparator 800 is squeezed.

Depend on that system realizes, the current operation pattern of stimulator (the STIM/REC value shown in Fig. 5 a) can be transfused to the circuit of the output that is coupled to comparator 800, while making in the upper translative mode of system in reclaiming, the output of comparator 800 is squeezed.

According to the disclosure, can the difference receiving from DAC700 and reference value relatively and by the indication for any such difference be transferred to pulse generator by other comparator systems.For example, thus can substitute comparator 800 with other the conventional comparators of the logic circuit coupling with suitable or analog-digital converter realizes function as above.

Figure 12 is the diagram of the exemplary comparator that can be combined with the DAC700 shown in Figure 10.Can be with a series of four crossover stages of order operate this comparator as shown in Figure 11.These comparator stages were consistent with sampling and the redistribution stage of DAC as above.In one implementation, this comparator is used the design of clock control, comprises that amplifier (comprises switch M in advance ₁-M ₄) and latch (comprise switch M ₅-M ₈).

The operation of comparator 800 is as follows: at φ _azduring stage, amplifier is placed in single gain (unity-gain) in advance.Amplifier is input as V in advance _ref(equal V _dD/ 2).Therefore,, due to single gain configuration, the output of amplifier is in advance also V _ref, any biasing that not can not exist in amplifier in advance and any error causing due to the limited DC gain of amplifier.This integral body topology causes this amplifier automatic balancing in advance, has the C of being stored in _azon any biasing.Approximately pass through φ _azstage one half, comparator enters φ _{amp, out}, the output of amplifier being in advance connected to the output of latch, latch is carved at this moment in high impedance or " high Z " state, because φ _latchwith

in M ₁₀and M ₉dead status.The complementary output of latch, is also high Z, is maintained at V _ref.Note, if this in advance amplifier be fully differential, the complementary output of latch will receive the corresponding complementary output of amplifier in advance of this difference.Make this folk prescription of amplifier output in advance finish to have simplified comparator design.In principle, the output of amplifier in advance does not during transition change, so this amplifier input in advance does not change and bias still maintains C _az.Approximately pass through φ _{amp, out}one half, φ _azfinish and φ _{amp, in}start.Meanwhile, DAC is from sample phase (φ _samp) transit to redistribution stage (φ _redist).DAC output, now effective, be connected to this input (V of amplifier in advance _in).Amplified V _inand V _refbetween any difference.Greatly about passing through φ _{amp, in}one half, φ _{amp, out}finish, the value of amplifying is in advance locked in the parasitic capacitance of latch oneself.Meanwhile, φ _latchstart, make latch regenerate (regenerate).At φ _latchduring this time, while operating, work as V in the lower translative mode that comparator 800 is stimulating _in>V _reftime export V _compfor height, and work as V _in<V _reftime be low.At other times, due to M ₁₁action, V _compfor low.Otherwise, in the time of in the upper translative mode reclaiming, work as V _in>V _reftime export V _compfor low, and work as V _in<V _refshi Weigao.

In order to regulate the electric current that flows to electrode and flow out from electrode, use circuit for the electric current of sensing electrode (see, for example, the current sensor 320 of Fig. 5 a).A possible design of current sensor is by current conversion, to be voltage with less resistors in series, and then this voltage is measured.Yet the sense resistor that this method has two inferior positions-use series connection has reduced valuable voltage headroom (voltage headroom), also consumed power.Sense resistor is larger, and each of these two problems is serious all the more.Further, less sense resistor only produces less voltage, and for example, the 10 Ω resistors for carrying 100-1000 μ A electric current, only produce 1-10mV.For useful, the output offset that these voltages amplifier that need to be coupled by AC or bias compensation amplifies to avoid larger has flooded this less sensing signal.

Optional method for designing, measures by discharging capacitor C _outthe condenser voltage V on the set time that the electrode current of (for example, seeing the capacitor 408 of Fig. 6 a) causes _outvariation.In order to ensure this change in voltage, only by electrode current, caused, during this measuring phases by switch M _pand M _n(seeing the switch 402 and 404 of Fig. 6 a) maintain open position so that electric current from C _outprovide to electrode.If C _dlc _out, be often this situation, and R _sc _outt, wherein T is the adaptive voltage stimulator switch period, electric current with approximately constant speed from C _outspill, cause at C _outon the linearity of voltage decline.If at T _senseduring sensing records the variation △ V in electrode voltage _elec, by following formula, approximately provide electrode current I:

$I=C_{\mathrm{out}}\frac{\mathrm{\&Delta;}{V}_{\mathrm{elec}}}{T_{\mathrm{sense}}}---\left(12\right).$

The symbol that depends on electrode current, at C _outcharging and discharging during, there is symmetrical measurement.

Figure 13 illustrates a realization of the current sensor 900 such as the current sensor 320 of Fig. 5 a.Current sensor circuit shown in Figure 13 is configured to measure △ V _elec.This circuit extracts hardly electric energy from electrode, and because this circuit is in the shunting configuration with the shunting of this electrode and do not connect with this electrode, so the voltage headroom of this electrode is unaffected.Current sensor circuit operates with following the trail of the mixture of holding circuit as conventional capacitive feedback amplifier.This circuit has state by two switches, and (itself is controlled by signal psi ₁and φ ₂) 3 main operational phases controlling.Figure 14 illustrates the stage sequential of operation of every one-phase of current sensor.

The operation of current sensor circuit is as follows: work as φ ₁and φ ₂while being all high, the switch φ in Figure 13 ₁and φ (902) ₂(904) close, corresponding to the reset phase of current sensor.Amplifier moves with single gain, and input is carried out to high-pass filtering.V _ampdC level equalization at V _ref.During this, and adaptive voltage stimulator (see, for example, Fig. 6 switch 402(M a) _p) and 404(M _n) can initiatively make energy delivery remove energy to electrode or from electrode.Then, be controlled by φ ₂(904) switch opens reaches period T _sense, amplifier is placed in gain configuration, by this V _inin any variation be squeezed and amplified by the determined gain of capacitor-ratio (that is, by-20 gain) institute.At T _senseduring this time, the switch 402(M of adaptive voltage stimulator _p) and 404(M _n) (see, for example, Fig. 6 a) opens, and electrode and any external power source or receptor are kept apart.Finally, in interval T _senseexpire, by φ ₁(902) switch of controlling is also opened.When input disconnects, V _ampby amplifier, kept, and by V _ampwith reference voltage V _currelatively.Therefore, V _ampand V _curbetween the electric current that records of relation indication be higher than or lower than setting value.In the upper translative mode reclaiming, compare with the lower translative mode stimulating, because bearing power C _out, △ V _electhere is contrary symbol, make V _eleclinear rising but not decline.Therefore, work as V _ampbe greater than V _curtime, comparator 906 is output as height, and works as V _ampbe less than V _curtime be low.In both cases, | V _cur-V _ref| the size of current of coding expectation in electric current loop slowly.As mentioned above, the output of comparator 906 is provided to enumerator (seeing, for example the enumerator 322 of Fig. 5 a), and wherein signal is used to depend on operator scheme and increases or reduce setting voltage value.But, in some implementations, in the upper translative mode reclaiming, output from comparator 906 is squeezed, thus the symbol of the up/down error correction in the feedback loop shown in Fig. 5 a automatically revised, in this situation, based on operator scheme, enumerator does not change its behavior.

Figure 14 is the sequential chart that the time relationship between each operational phase of current sensor 900 is shown.As shown in Figure 14, current sensor circuit only detects and generates output once in every five change-over periods of adaptive voltage stimulator.This strategy allows adaptive voltage stimulator to have reach its new set point and assist in ensuring that V the stabilization time of abundance (ample) _outstability.

The key property of stimulator, even also can calculate the in the situation that of electrode property the unknown, is the ratio of the energy that consumed by stimulator and the constant-current source stimulator energy that should use.This ratio is defined as the energy factors (EF with respect to constant-current source stimulator _cS).Minimum possible EF _cSdepend on electrode.Be less than 1 EF _cSexpression is with respect to the improvement in performance of constant-current source stimulator, and is greater than 1 EF _cSrepresent that constant-current source will have more energy efficiency.

Between stimulation period, because electrode returns, be at V _midplace but not at ground connection place, can be at C between stimulation period _midmiddle stored energy.If whether in no matter producing as shown in Figure 7 the base of the rail is accurate or use clear and definite voltage source to substitute, this is genuine.Any mode no matter, in the whole stimulation period, voltage V _midbe assumed to be constant.If C _midenough large and as long as galvanism is charge balance, this hypothesis may be accurately.

From Fig. 7, be apparent that the resistance R of electrode _sand capacitor C _dlwith C _midseries connection, as shown in Figure 15.Therefore, when electrode is by constant current I _stimcharging reaches period T _stimtime, the energy being stored in electrode capacitance is

be stored in middle rail capacitor C _midinterior energy is about E _mid=V _mid* I _stim* T _stim, C wherein _midthereby enough greatly as the power supply of small-signal.Therefore, be stored in electrode and C _midin gross energy be:

${E_C}^{\&prime;}=(\frac{1}{2}{V}_C+V_{\mathrm{mid}})\&times;I_{\mathrm{stim}}\&times;T_{\mathrm{stim}}---\left(13\right).$

If V _midequal V _dD/ 2, be stored in C _midinterior energy is V with the ratio that is stored in the energy in electrode capacitance _dD/ V _c.Therefore,, between stimulation period, be stored in C _midinterior peak energy is to be stored in C _dlthe several times of interior energy.In principle, by the energy being passed, be to be only stored in C _dlin energy, add at R _sany energy of interior dissipation.The adaptive voltage stimulator with perfect efficiency does not experience any process that Energy movoment transmits.Yet, transmit additional energy, although be can from stimulate second, charge balance reclaims the stage, because adaptive voltage stimulator loses (not having perfect break-even inducer, capacitor or switch), also expend.

Stimulator based on current source is configured to consume the energy of same amount, by E _cS=V _dD* I _stim* T _stimprovide, no matter and electrode impedance.Attention, in Fig. 2 b, is worked as I _{cS, P}during conducting, current source stimulates during the charging stage at V _midinterior stored energy, but I worked as _{cS, N}the energy that has dissipated during discharge regime and stored during conducting.Net energy on two stages dissipates and is provided by following formula:

$\begin{array}{c}((V_{\mathrm{DD}}-V_{\mathrm{mid}})I_{\mathrm{stim}}+V_{\mathrm{mid}}\&times;I_{\mathrm{stim}})T_{\mathrm{stim}}\\ =V_{\mathrm{DD}}\&times;I_{\mathrm{stim}}\&times;T_{\mathrm{stim}}=E_{\mathrm{CS}}\end{array}---\left(14\right).$

In current source stimulator and stimulator of the present disclosure, if V _mid=V _dD/ 2, at charging and discharging transition period between the stage, peak energy E _{mid, pk}=E _cS/ 2 are stored in C _midon.For E is provided _{mid, pk}, can be from V _dDobtain energy E _{mid, pk}/ η, and will return to an amount E _{mid, pk}* η.With the energy E consuming in Constant Current-Source Design _cS=2E _{mid, pk}compare, obtain as follows:

${\mathrm{EF}}_{\mathrm{CS}}\&GreaterEqual;\frac{1-{\mathrm{\&eta;}}^2}{2\mathrm{\&eta;}}---\left(15\right).$

Therefore, when

time, the realization of stimulator system of the present disclosure and constant-current source stimulator are carried out at par place.Can obtain routinely at least 75% efficiency, give in some implementations the EF of the expection of stimulator at least 0.29 of the present disclosure _cS, or for ideal electrode, provide the improvement that exceeds constant-current source stimulator 3.5x.

Electrode resistance has been contributed the loss that depends on electrode.Electrode capacitance has also been contributed loss, because capacitor must be by having that the imperfect adaptive voltage stimulator that is less than 100% efficiency charges and then to electric discharge (or then charging of electric discharge).The stable impact that is subject to the faulty efficiency of adaptive voltage stimulator of electrode capacitance energy, just as being stored in the energy E in middle rail _mid.

In order to calculate, there is resistance R _sand capacitor C _dlthe EF of electrode _cS, the voltage drop V at electrode resistance two ends between stimulation period _rwith the crest voltage V reaching at electrode capacitor two ends _c, be known.Usefully these two voltages are all expressed as to the mark of middle rail voltage.Therefore, definition α _cand α _rso that V _c=α _cv _midand V _r=α _rv _mid.In order to simplify, can suppose that electrode receives positive constant current during the first stimulation period, and electrode receives negative constant current during the second stimulation period.Yet, even if stage reversed in order is calculated and is had identical result.Therefore, during the first stage of electrode stimulating, if the energy being stored in middle rail power supply is E _mid, the energy being stored in electrode capacitance is (α _c/ 2) E _mid, because between charge period C _dlthe average voltage at two ends is V _c/ 2=(α _c/ 2) V _mid.Finally, the energy dissipating in resistor is α _re _mid.These three assembly energy summations are determined divided by η must be from V _dDthe amount of the energy obtaining.During second stage, therefrom rail power supply and electrode capacitor place all recover energy, but are dissipated in electrode resistance device.This energy is subject to the impact of adaptive voltage stimulator efficiency, has reduced and can be returned to V _dDamount.The net energy obtaining from power supply is called to E _sup, comprise lossy EF _cSgeneral type by following formula, provided:

$\begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{EF}}_{\mathrm{CS}}=\frac{E_{\sup }}{E_{\mathrm{CS}}}=\frac{(E_{\mathrm{mid}}+\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{\&alpha;}}_C{E}_{\mathrm{mid}}+{\mathrm{\&alpha;}}_R{E}_{\mathrm{mid}})\frac{1}{\mathrm{\&eta;}}}{{2E}_{\mathrm{mid}}}\\ -\frac{(E_{\mathrm{mid}}+\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{\&alpha;}}_C{E}_{\mathrm{mid}}-{\mathrm{\&alpha;}}_R{E}_{\mathrm{mid}})\mathrm{\&eta;}}{{2E}_{\mathrm{mid}}}\\ =\frac{1-{\mathrm{\&eta;}}^2}{2\mathrm{\&eta;}}[1+\frac{{\mathrm{\&alpha;}}_{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="C"\; filenames="HDA0000422016890000011.png,HDA0000422016890000111.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">C</figure-callout>}}}{2}+{\mathrm{\&alpha;}}_R\frac{(1+{\mathrm{\&eta;}}^2)}{(1-{\mathrm{\&eta;}}^2)}]\end{array}---\left(16\right).$

Note, formula 16 is analyzed EF when there is not any loss in electrode _cSthe EF that predicts of formula 15 _cSminima consistent.

Figure 16 is for α according to formula 15 _cand α _reach value theoretical EF _cSthe curve of relative η.As expected, higher adaptive voltage stimulator efficiency causes lower EF _cS, because then energy reclaims very effectively so that the operation stimulating with respect to constant-current source is highly useful.At 90% adaptive voltage stimulator efficiency place, can obtain 10 times of minimizings of energy dissipation.Figure 16 also illustrates and works as α _cand α particularly _rduring increase, because the faulty energy in adaptability electrode stimulating device reclaims, lost more electrode energy, EF _cSrise.In any case, for α _r, α _c, and all practice values of η, EF _cSfully to be less than 1.

In a realization of system of the present disclosure, in ON Semiconductor (being previously called AMI) 0.35 μ m CMOS technique, manufacture single stimulator passage.At the photo of tube core shown in Figure 17 a, and in the layout that identifies the single passage of critical component shown in Figure 17 b.Stimulator is built as has external module L=39 μ H, C _out=47nF and C _in=4.7 μ F.Voltage-controlled period T is 4 μ s(as, the inner loop 302 of Fig. 5 a), and current regulator (as, the external rings 304 of Fig. 5 a) is with 20 μ s intervals this electric current of sampling.

Figure 18 is the figure that the original efficiency of a realization of adaptive voltage stimulator of the present disclosure when power supply 300 μ A DC load is shown.This efficiency only consider via adaptive voltage stimulator core to from V _dDwith the basic energy delivery of load, this adaptive voltage stimulator core valid function as DC-DC transducer.For these, measure, by DC power supply, to dead load, powered.Output setting voltage (as, the element 316 in Fig. 5 a) on its gamut, change and obtain from V _dDelectric current and the measurement of output voltage obtain DC-DC converter efficiency.Note, in these measuring processes, effectively do not activate slowly current feedback ring (as, the external rings 304 of Fig. 5 a), because from this setting voltage of external stability and do not allow to change.Although in fact current regulator is surmounted, it is not by actual forbidding.By exchange V _dDinput and V _elecoutput, the adaptive voltage stimulator pattern for stimulating and reclaiming, repeats this step.Only for these measurements by output filter capacitor C _outbe chosen as 1 μ F, thereby create V _eleclevel and smooth voltage well.Control loop power, comprises electrode voltage and current sensing circuit, setting voltage enumerator, D ₁and D ₂pulse generation and M _pand M _ngate circuit drive, be about 40 μ W.This power ratio control expense can reduce the average net efficiency of transducer and reach several percentage ratio.The bias current of current sensor circuit is still included in this power ratio control.

As mentioned above, the current sensor/controller of native system (as, the current sensor 320 of Fig. 5 a) by measuring within a change-over period at C _outon sagging (the lower conversion of stimulation) or rise (the upper conversion of recovery) and operate to estimate this electric current.Expect that the speed of sagging (or rising) does not change with load impedance substantially, only depends on load current.In order to characterize current controller, by different pure resistive loads, test this adaptive voltage stimulator.These data are illustrated in Figure 19 a and 19b.Control voltage V _curat V _refthereby 0 ± 300mV within the scope of change stimulate and the data of take-back model.As Figure 19 a and 19b show, electric current changes and on gamut, has a good linearity at 0-450 μ A.As expected, Figure 19 a and 19b illustrate not appreciable impact of load variations load current.

With comprising the resistor of series connection and several model loads of capacitor, test this stimulator.Use V _curtwo values, at another two different current levels place testing stimulus devices.Select the value of resistor and capacitor, make it consistent with the situation of using Medtronic DBS electrode to run into.Supply voltage is 3.3V.And stimulate as persistent period 2ms, wherein each stage 1ms.By monitoring C at whole stimulating course _inon voltage, the energy of measuring stimulator is used.Due to energy recovery imperfect, C _inby periodically " termination " so that it is recharged and gets back to V _dD.C in a stimulating course _inthe variation of the voltage at two ends has represented the energy service condition of stimulator.

In Figure 20 a-20d, provided for | V _cur-V _ref| the example of the stimulator waveform of=300mV.In Figure 20 a and 20b, for anode-the first, stimulate, voltage and current waveform is shown.In Figure 20 c and 20d, to negative electrode first, apply identical stimulation.Load comprises connecting of 0.93 μ F capacitor and 500,1000 or 1500 Ω resistors.As shown in Figure 19 a and 19b, from Figure 20 a-20d, due to the adjusting of current feedback ring, even when load voltage continues to change, not appreciable impact of the variation load current of load impedance.

In Figure 21 a-21b, the EF recording is shown _cSvalue.In Figure 21 a, | V _cur-V _ref|=200mV.Due to C _dlbe set to constant at 0.93 μ F, due to V _curconstant, α _cbe about 0.18.Yet, owing to having selected the R of different value _s, therefore changed α _r.By using V _cur, C _dl, and R _sthose particular values amount to and carried out many times attempting, obtained EF _cSeach value.For see theory whether with data consistent, by α _c, α _r, and EF _cSthe value recording input to formula 15, by finding the value of the η that minimizes Minimum Mean Square Error to obtain line of best fit.For | V _cur-V _ref=200mV, the value of the η obtaining from matching is 82%, and for | V _cur-V _ref|=300mV is 84%.Consider the value recording of the adaptive voltage stimulator efficiency in DC situation, these two values are all very rational.

It should be noted, these measurements are also not included in and between stimulation period, move the needed energy of control loop.Yet cost is from the electric current of approximately 12 μ A of 3.3V power supply between less-stimulation period.

Above-mentioned adaptive voltage stimulator has been realized two kinds of operator schemes: the lower conversion of stimulation and the upper conversion of recovery.These two patterns provide bidirectional current.Yet, because electrode voltage should be less than DC supply voltage V _dD, rail voltage V in use _mid.Can create the single adaptive voltage stimulator that can carry out four operator schemes: the upper conversion of the lower conversion of stimulation, the upper conversion of recovery, stimulation and the lower conversion of reclaiming.If four patterns all can obtain,, in the situation that not needing middle rail voltage, bidirectional current is possible, because adaptive voltage stimulator can create, is greater than and is less than V _dDvoltage and at the inductor current of both direction.In this configuration, V _midunnecessary, because electrode baseline current potential can be set to V _dD.Figure 22 a and 22b show that (Figure 22 is the flowing of desirable scope output voltage and electric energy a) and for four-mode adaptive voltage stimulator (Figure 22 b) for double mode adaptive voltage stimulator.

Figure 23 a-23c illustrates double mode adaptive voltage stimulator and four-mode adaptive voltage stimulator.In order to create the adaptive voltage stimulator of four-mode, the standard adaptation voltage stimulator of these two patterns of upper conversion of the irritant lower conversion of the tool shown in Figure 23 a and recovery is replicated with mirror image, as shown in Figure 23 b.Therefore, Figure 23 b illustrates have two patterns second adaptive voltage stimulator of (the upper conversion of stimulation and the lower conversion of recovery).The stimulator of constitutional diagram 23a and Figure 23 b, generates complete four-mode adaptive voltage stimulator, as shown in Figure 23 c.As capacitor C _inand C _outas in original double mode adaptive voltage stimulator, there is identical function.In order to operate this adaptive voltage stimulator, below in table 3, providing form, illustrate for pulse manipulated D ₁and D ₂stage, switch M _p1, M _n1, M _p2, and M _n2correct position.

Table 3

In above-mentioned realization, the inducer of adaptive voltage stimulator operates in discontinuous conduction mode.This adaptive voltage stimulator is designed to, and makes in the 4 μ s periods between the succeeding impulse of adaptive voltage stimulator pulsed D ₁and D ₂persistent period of total combination be no more than 1 μ s.Due in pulsation period end, inductor current falls zero, for 4 electrodes altogether within 4 μ s periods, can reuse this inducer up to additional 3 times.

Figure 24 illustrates the heat insulation stimulator of the simplification with 4 passages, not only will note the switch of adaptive voltage stimulator, also has inducer and output filter capacitor.For the independent inducer of each channel setting, be labeled as L ₁-L ₄.In addition, each passage has the output filter capacitor of himself, is labeled as C ₁-C ₄.Bond pad shows the connection between the assembly on chip and outside chip.Each electrode is connected to voltage V _{out, 1}-V _{out, 4}.

Use the discontinuous conduction mode of inducer and timesharing or between four passages multiplexed this inducer, only need single inductor.Figure 25 illustrates and uses in four passages by the heat insulation stimulator of the simplification with 4 passages of multiplexed single inductor.In this configuration, still need four output filter capacitor C ₁-C ₄maintain the electrode voltage between the pulse of adaptive voltage stimulator.Yet, by the arbiter between each of continuous four passages, come zero current to switch this inducer.Therefore, the passage of can only pulsing at any given time, still multiplexed single inductor on four passages.In principle, any amount of passage is all possible.

Figure 26 is the diagram of another realization of the heat insulation stimulator of four-way.Due to the stimulator passage of only pulsing at any given time, for whole four passages, only need single adaptive voltage stimulator.Therefore, arbiter is changed this inducer by these four passages at each interval zero current.Capacitor C ₁-C ₄maintain each electrode voltage between pulse, and output voltage V _{out, 1}-V _{out, 4}be connected to respectively each electrode.

By making the input voltage V of adaptive voltage stimulator _inmatch with the requirement of electrode, can improve the performance of adaptive voltage stimulator.For example, for given stimulus levels and given electrode impedance, there is electrode voltage V _elecspecific peak value to the deflection of peak value.This electrode voltage can be adjusted and follow the tracks of to this adaptive voltage stimulator, also stores the energy in V _midin.If peak value is less to the electrode voltage of peak value, the most of energy loss in adaptive voltage stimulator is because energy enters V _midvoltage reference rather than due to electrode itself.Because the detector shown in Figure 27 is also reported V _eleccrest voltage deflection, the real DC-DC transducer in the input of adaptive voltage stimulator, depends on electrode requirement, can be by V _inand V _midheighten or turn down, therefore further save energy.

System of the present disclosure provides the heat insulation electric polar stimulation device of integrated circuit, and using adaptability voltage stimulator effectively with plus or minus electric current, carrys out drive electrode as variable voltage source.This stimulator also monitors based on branch current detection technology the electric current that flows into or flow out this electrode, and regulates the Voltage-output of adaptive voltage stimulator to maintain constant current as user-selected.Bypass technology operates and draws electric current seldom from electrode in micropower, avoids needing the current-sense resistor of series connection or the demand limiter of dissipation.The disclosure has shown that for the conventional stimulator based on constant-current source, being reduced by least 2-3 energy doubly uses.

Current sensing circuit makes electric current output be independent of electrode impedance, and the problem that the conventional predicament of the stimulator based on voltage has is the electrode impedance due to height change.Because this technology is general, can drive a lot of impedances by this technology, comprise the LED of the stimulator based on light.In the time of in being used in implantable medical device, energy that stimulator of the present disclosure provides reduces can be used to reduce the battery implanted or the size of coil, reduces by this equipment size, increases battery life, reduces equipment cost, reduces heat dissipation and increase patients ' life quality.Stimulator is useful in heart, nerve, muscle, cochlea, retina and other biological medical implant.

Aspect one or more embodiment, describing the present invention, and should be appreciated that many equivalents, alternatives, variant and modification except clearly stating are all possible and fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (28)

1. an armarium, is configured to be connected to experimenter and to described experimenter's organized delivery electricity irritation, described armarium comprises:

Voltage source;

Electrode, is configured to electricity irritation described in described experimenter's described organized delivery;

Be connected to the sensor circuit of described electrode and described voltage source, described sensor circuit is configured to measure the power characteristic of described electrode; With

Be connected to the control circuit of described voltage source, described control circuit is configured to:

The power characteristic recording of described electrode and the power characteristic of expectation are compared, and

The comparison of the power characteristic recording based on described electrode and the power characteristic of expectation, carry out to described electrodes transfer energy to stimulate described tissue and at least one from described electrode recovers energy, wherein said control circuit is configured to operate in the upper conversion operations pattern of the lower conversion operations pattern stimulating and recovery.

2. armarium as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that, to described electrodes transfer energy, comprises:

To the inducer that is connected to described electrode stimulating device, provide energy; And

Energy is released into described electrode from described inducer.

3. armarium as claimed in claim 2, comprise the arbiter that is connected to described inducer, described arbiter is configured to the described inducer to change between a plurality of connected electrodes to each of a plurality of electrodes and energy is provided or recovers energy from each of a plurality of electrodes.

4. armarium as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that, described sensor circuit comprises the current sensor that is configured to measure the electric current that flows through described electrode.

5. armarium as claimed in claim 4, is characterized in that, described sensor circuit is configured to the setting of shunt sensing device.

6. armarium as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, described control circuit be configured to measured power characteristic based on described electrode and expectation power characteristic comparison and set up a setting voltage value, described setting voltage value has defined the voltage at described electrode two ends.

7. electronic equipment as claimed in claim 6, is characterized in that, described control circuit is configured to:

Measure the voltage at described electrode two ends; With

The voltage recording and the setting voltage at described electrode two ends are compared.

8. armarium as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that, the upper conversion operations pattern of the lower conversion operations pattern that described control circuit is configured to stimulate, the upper conversion operations pattern of recovery, stimulation and the lower conversion operations pattern reclaiming operate.

9. an electrode stimulating device, is configured to be connected to armarium, and described armarium has at least one electrode, and described at least one electrode is configured to the organized delivery electricity irritation with the experimenter of described armarium, and described electrode stimulating device comprises:

Sensor circuit, described sensor circuit configuration is the power characteristic that at least one electrode of being coupled to described armarium is measured described at least one electrode;

Control circuit, is configured to:

The power characteristic recording of described at least one electrode and the power characteristic of expectation are compared, and

The comparison of the power characteristic recording based on described at least one electrode and the power characteristic of expectation is selected between the first operator scheme of described electrode stimulating device and the second operator scheme, and

Wherein said the first operator scheme comprises to described at least one electrodes transfer energy stimulates described tissue, and described the second operator scheme comprises from described at least one electrode and recovering energy.

10. electrode stimulating device as claimed in claim 9, is characterized in that, to described at least one electrodes transfer energy, comprises:

To the inducer that is connected to described electrode stimulating device, provide energy; And

Energy is released into described at least one electrode from described inducer.

11. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 10, comprise the arbiter that is connected to described inducer, described arbiter is configured to the described inducer to change between a plurality of connected electrodes to each of a plurality of electrodes and energy is provided or recovers energy from each of a plurality of electrodes.

12. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 9, is characterized in that, described sensor circuit comprises the current sensor that is configured to measure the electric current that flows through described at least one electrode.

13. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 12, is characterized in that, described sensor circuit is configured to the setting of shunt sensing device.

14. 1 kinds of electrode stimulating devices, are configured to be connected to armarium, and described armarium has at least one electrode, and described at least one electrode is configured to the organized delivery electricity irritation with the experimenter of described armarium, and described electrode stimulating device comprises:

Current sensor circuit, is configured to:

The electric current of described at least one electrode is flow through in measurement, and

By comparing to define a setting voltage by flowing through the described electric current of at least one electrode and the electric current of expectation; With

The first stimulator core, be coupled to described at least one electrode and be configured to voltage that the two ends based at described at least one electrode record and described setting voltage between relatively carry out at least one to described at least one electrodes transfer energy and in recovering energy from described at least one electrode.

15. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 14, is characterized in that, described the first stimulator core comprises energy container, and use inducer that energy is transmitted between described energy container and described at least one electrode.

16. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 14, is characterized in that, described the first stimulator core is configured to supplement described energy container.

17. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 16, it is characterized in that, described the first stimulator core be configured to after described electrode stimulating device exits the upper translative mode of recovery and in described system, enter the lower translative mode of stimulation before supplement described energy container.

18. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 14, comprise pulse generator, described pulse generator is configured to control the operation of described the first stimulator core, thereby described pulse generator is configured to voltage that the two ends based at described at least one electrode record and the comparison of described setting voltage makes described the first stimulator core carry out at least one to described at least one electrodes transfer energy and in recovering energy from described at least one electrode to described the first stimulator core transmission pulse signal.

19. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 18, is characterized in that, described pulse generator comprises delay line, and with described delay line, realize the sequential of described pulse signal.

20. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 14, is characterized in that, described current sensor circuit comprises shunt sensing device.

21. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 14, is characterized in that, described current sensor circuit is configured to by operating than the lower frequency of described the first stimulator core.

22. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 14, comprising:

DC-to-dc (DC-DC) transducer, being coupled to described the first stimulator core and being configured to provides voltage to described the first stimulator core, and wherein said DC-DC transducer is configured to the voltage adjustment that the two ends based at described at least one electrode record to be provided to the voltage of described the first stimulator core.

23. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 14, comprise the second stimulator core that is coupled to described the first stimulator core, in described the first stimulator core and described the second stimulator core configuration lower conversion operations pattern for the lower conversion operations pattern stimulating, the upper conversion operations pattern of recovery, the upper conversion operations pattern of stimulation and recovery, operate.

24. electrode stimulating devices as claimed in claim 23, is characterized in that, described the second stimulator core is set to the mirror image of described the first stimulator core.

25. 1 kinds of methods that stimulate an electrode, described electrode is configured to the organized delivery electricity irritation with the experimenter of armarium, and described method comprises:

(a) measure the electric current that flows through described electrode;

(b) by the electric current and the expectation electric current that flow through described electrode are compared to define a setting voltage;

(c) measure the voltage at the two ends of described electrode; With

(d) between the measured voltage in the two ends based on described electrode and described setting voltage, relatively carry out at least one to described electrodes transfer energy and in recovering energy from described electrode.

26. methods as claimed in claim 25, are included in after described electrodes transfer energy and supplement the energy container in described armarium.

27. methods as claimed in claim 25, comprise to stimulator core transmission pulse sequence, what described pulse train was configured to make the measured voltage in the two ends of described core based on described electrode and described setting voltage relatively carries out at least one to described electrodes transfer energy and in recovering energy from described electrode.

28. methods as claimed in claim 25, is characterized in that, step a-b comprises execution current regulator, and step c-d comprises execution voltage control loop, and comprise by the frequency lower than described voltage control loop and carry out described current regulator.

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