A Neural Stimulator Output Stage for Dodecapolar Electrodes

This paper describes the output stage of a multipurpose ASIC designed to be used for electrical stimulation with a dodecapolar electrode. The circuit is developed within the context of the DEMAR project which aims to provide a palliative solution for nervous system dysfunctions thanks to functional electrical stimulation (FES). The output stage of the stimulator is in charge of amplifying and distributing the current among the poles of the electrode. The proposed structure offers several benefits such as the ability to switch the stimulation sites from cathode to anode configuration and to perform either synchronous, sequential or asynchronous stimulations on every channel.

1. Introduction

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a way explored for several years in order to palliate the dysfunctions of the nervous system [1], [2], [3], [7]. It consists in activating motor nerves thanks to implantable electrodes inducing controlled muscles contraction. The DEMAR project¹

DEMAR stands for déambulation et mouvement artificiel (artificial movement and gait restoration) and is an INRIA project-team.

is aiming to develop a new generation of distributed neural prostheses.