Patent ID: 8180456

Claim:
A method for configuring a multi-electrode lead (MEL) that includes N groups of electrodes, with each of the N groups of electrodes including at least M electrodes, where N≧2 and M≧2, the method comprising: sending, via the MEL, a first communication sequence of bits that includes N groups of bits, with each of the N groups of bits corresponding to a different one of the N groups of electrodes and specifying which electrode(s), if any, within the group of electrodes is to be configured as an anode; and sending, via the MEL, a second communication sequence of bits that includes N further groups of bits, with each of the N further groups of bits corresponding to a different one of the N groups of electrodes and specifying which electrode(s), if any, within the group of electrodes is to be configured as a cathode.