Patent ID: 7177691

Claim:
An implantable pulse generator (IPG) system for use with a spinal cord stimulation system, the IPG system comprising an implantable pulse generator and an external portable charger, wherein the IPG comprises: an hermetically sealed case; electronically circuitry including memory circuits, housed within said hermetically sealed case, said electronic circuitry including a multiplicity of independent bi-directional output current sources, each output current source being connected to an electrode node; a multiplicity of coupling capacitors, each coupling capacitor being connected to a respective one of said electrode nodes; a header connecter attached to said sealed case, the header connecter having a multiplicity of feedthrough pins that pass therethrough, wherein each of said multiplicity of coupling capacitors is connected on the sealed side of said case to one of said feedthrough pins; an electrode array having a multiplicity of electrodes thereon external to said sealed case, wherein each electrode of the multiplicity of electrodes is detachably electrically connected to one of said feedthrough pins on a nonsealed side of said sealed case; wherein each output current source generates an output stimulus current having a selected amplitude and polarity that, when the output current source is enabled, is directed to the electrode connected thereto through its respective feedthrough pin and coupling capacitor; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery adapted to operate over a wide range of voltages ranging from zero volts to a fully-charged voltage, said rechargeable battery having an anode electrode having a substrate made from titanium, said rechargeable battery providing operating power for the electronic circuitry; a secondary coil; a rectifier circuit; and battery charger and protection circuitry that receives externally generated energy through the secondary coil and rectifier circuit, and uses the externally generated energy to charge the rechargeable lithium-ion battery.