×

Multichannel implantable cochlear stimulator

  • US 5,776,172 A
  • Filed: 05/25/1995
  • Issued: 07/07/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/22/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS) for use with an external wearable processor (WP) system, said ICS comprising:

  • receiver means for receiving a data signal from the WP, the data signal comprising a series of data frames containing an end of frame signal, each data frame comprising a plurality of data words, each data word defining an amplitude for an output stimulation current for a different output channel of the ICS, and a command word for controlling a processor means in the ICS;

    power supply means coupled to said receiver means for extracting a raw power signal from the data signal that powers the ICS;

    a multiplicity of output stages, one for each of a multiplicity of output channels provided by said ICS, with each output stage having at least one stimulating electrode connected thereto;

    processor means for serially processing the plurality of data words and command word in each data frame received by the receiver means and includingdata word latching means for successively storing the data words,logarithmic D/A converter means for converting the data word stored by the data word latching means to an analog signal voltage representative of the amplitude for the output stimulation current defined by the data word stored by the data word latching means,switch means for coupling the analog signal voltage produced by the logarithmic D/A converter means to successive ones of the multiplicity of output stages; and

    whereineach of the multiplicity of output stages comprises;

    refresh voltage controller means for generating an isolated refresh voltage for the output channel,a voltage controlled current source powered by the isolated refresh voltage controller means for amplitude controlling, in accordance with the analog signal voltage coupled from the switch means, an output stimulation current, andmeans for coupling the output stimulation current to the at least one stimulating electrode of the output stage.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×