Patent ID: 7519428
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A stimulation circuit for a channel within a multi-channel stimulator, the circuit comprising: an electrical ground; a first electrode contact; a second electrode contact; a first current generating circuit configured to generate a first stimulation current in a push-pull arrangement; a second current generating circuit configured to generate a second stimulation current in a push-pull arrangement; a first bypass switch configured to selectively be in one of a first and a second position, wherein, in said first position, said first bypass switch is configured to electrically connect said first electrode contact to said ground, and wherein, in a second position, said first bypass switch is configured to electrically connect said first electrode contact to said first current generating circuit; and a second bypass switch configured to selectively be in one of a first and a second position, wherein, in said first position, said second bypass switch is configured to electrically connect said second electrode contact to said ground, and wherein, in a second position, said second bypass switch is configured to electrically connect said second electrode contact to said second current generating circuit; wherein said first bypass switch is configured to be selectively placed in said first position and said second bypass switch is configured to be selectively placed in said second position to cause said channel to operate in a low compliance voltage mode in which a voltage between said first and second electrode contacts is within a first voltage range; and wherein said first and second bypass switches are configured to both be selectively placed in said second positions to cause said channel to operate in a high compliance voltage mode in which a voltage between said first and second electrode contacts is within a second voltage range, said second voltage range greater than said first voltage range and wherein the stimulation circuit is capable of operating in both modes.