title: Towards a Switched-Capacitor based Stimulator for efficient deep-brain stimulation.
abstract: We have developed a novel 4-channel prototype stimulation circuit for implantable neurological stimulators (INS). This Switched-Capacitor based Stimulator (SCS) aims to utilize charge storage and charge injection techniques to take advantage of both the efficiency of conventional voltage-controlled stimulators (VCS) and the safety and controllability of current-controlled stimulators (CCS). The discrete SCS prototype offers fine control over stimulation parameters such as voltage, current, pulse width, frequency, and active electrode channel via a LabVIEW graphical user interface (GUI) when connected to a PC through USB. Furthermore, the prototype utilizes a floating current sensor to provide charge-balanced biphasic stimulation and ensure safety. The stimulator was analyzed using an electrode-electrolyte interface (EEI) model as well as with a pair of pacing electrodes in saline. The primary motivation of this research is to test the feasibility and functionality of a safe, effective, and power-efficient switched-capacitor based stimulator for use in Deep Brain Stimulation.
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. jose.vidal@gatech.edu
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vidal
authors.forename: Maysam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ghovanloo
mesh_terms: D003196:Computer Graphics; D003201:Computers; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D025802:Electric Capacitance; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D015233:Models, Statistical; D013997:Time Factors; D014584:User-Computer Interface
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes