Patent ID: 8121703

Claim:
A stimulation circuit for a channel in a multi-channel stimulator, the stimulation circuit comprising: a common voltage power supply; a first current generating means configured to generate a first stimulation current in a push-pull arrangement; a second current generating means configured to generate a second stimulation current in a push-pull arrangement; and means for selecting between a high voltage compliance mode and a low voltage compliance mode for said channel, wherein, in said low voltage compliance mode, said channel operates at a voltage level substantially equal to a voltage level of said common voltage power supply, and, in said high voltage compliance mode, said channel operates at a voltage level that is higher than said voltage level of said common voltage power supply, said means for selecting between said high voltage compliance mode and said low voltage compliance mode comprising a first bypass switch configured to selectively be in one of a first and a second position and operates in both said positions, wherein, in said first position, said first bypass switch is configured to electrically connect a first electrode contact to 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 means, and a second bypass switch configured to selectively be in one of a first and a second position and operates in both said positions, wherein, in said first position, said second bypass switch is configured to electrically connect a 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 means; wherein the stimulation circuit is capable of operating in both the low compliance voltage mode and the high compliance voltage mode.