Programmable active matrix of electrodes
First Claim
1. An electrode array device comprising:
- an array of unit cells that are arranged in a two-dimensional array of rows and columns;
wherein each unit cell comprises;
an individual electrode element that is electrically connectable to at least one function line; and
programming circuitry that is integrated into the unit cell and is operable to place the unit cell in a plurality of connection states corresponding to different states of electrical connection or disconnection to the at least one function line;
further wherein the unit cells are individually selectable for programming and operation in one of the plurality of connection states;
wherein the programming circuitry comprises;
a first storage element;
a first electronic switch that is connected between a first function line and the first storage element; and
a second electronic switch that is connected between the first storage element and the individual electrode element;
wherein during a first programming mode the first electronic switch is in an on state and a current flow from the first function line through the first electronic switch charges the first storage element;
wherein the charge on the first storage element maintains the second electronic switch in an on state, whereby the unit cell is in a first connection state in which the individual electrode element is connected to the first function line;
wherein during a second programming mode the first electronic switch is in an on state and the storage element discharges through the first function line; and
wherein the discharged first storage element maintains the second electronic switch in an off state, whereby the unit cell is in a second connection state in which the individual electrode element is disconnected from the first function line.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrode array device has integrated programming circuitry within the unit cells for stable connection of individual electrode elements of the unit cells to one or more control signal lines. An array of unit cells are arranged in a two-dimensional array of rows and columns. Each unit cell includes an individual electrode element that is electrically connectable to at least one function line, and programming circuitry that is integrated into the unit cell and is operable to place the unit cell in a plurality of connection states corresponding to different states of electrical connection or disconnection to the at least one function line. The unit cells are individually selectable for programming and operation in one of the plurality of connection states. The programming circuitry includes storage elements and electronic switches that are operable to place the unit cells in different connection states.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An electrode array device comprising:
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an array of unit cells that are arranged in a two-dimensional array of rows and columns; wherein each unit cell comprises; an individual electrode element that is electrically connectable to at least one function line; and programming circuitry that is integrated into the unit cell and is operable to place the unit cell in a plurality of connection states corresponding to different states of electrical connection or disconnection to the at least one function line; further wherein the unit cells are individually selectable for programming and operation in one of the plurality of connection states; wherein the programming circuitry comprises; a first storage element; a first electronic switch that is connected between a first function line and the first storage element; and a second electronic switch that is connected between the first storage element and the individual electrode element; wherein during a first programming mode the first electronic switch is in an on state and a current flow from the first function line through the first electronic switch charges the first storage element; wherein the charge on the first storage element maintains the second electronic switch in an on state, whereby the unit cell is in a first connection state in which the individual electrode element is connected to the first function line; wherein during a second programming mode the first electronic switch is in an on state and the storage element discharges through the first function line; and wherein the discharged first storage element maintains the second electronic switch in an off state, whereby the unit cell is in a second connection state in which the individual electrode element is disconnected from the first function line. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of operating an electrode array device comprising the steps of:
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providing an electrode array device comprising an array of unit cells that are arranged in a two-dimensional array of rows and columns;
wherein each unit cell comprises an individual electrode element that is electrically connectable to at least one function line, and programming circuitry that is integrated into the unit cell and is operable to place the unit cell in a plurality of connection states corresponding to different states of electrical connection or disconnection to the at least one function line;wherein the programming circuitry comprises; a first storage element; a first electronic switch that is connected between a first function line and the first storage element; and a second electronic switch that is connected between the first storage element and the individual electrode element; electronically selecting one or more unit cells, and for the selected unit cells performing the steps of; operating the selected unit cells in a first programming mode in which the programming circuitry of the selected unit cells is charged via electrical connection to a first function line; wherein during the first programming mode the first electronic switch is in an on state and a current flow from the first function line through the first electronic switch charges the first storage element, and wherein the charge on the first storage element maintains the second electronic switch in an on state, whereby the unit cell is in a first connection state in which the individual electrode element is connected to the first function line; and
;operating the selected unit cells in a second programming mode during which the first electronic switch is in an on state and the storage element discharges through the first function line, wherein the discharged first storage element maintains the second electronic switch in an off state, whereby the unit cell is in a second connection state in which the individual electrode element is disconnected from the first function line. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification