Voltage converter for implantable microstimulator using RF-powering coil
First Claim
1. A method of using an implantable medical device for electrically stimulating tissue in a patient, the method comprising:
- selectively using an inductor to charge a capacitor with a second voltage stepped up from a first voltage of a rechargeable power source, wherein the second voltage is used to power electrodes that electrically stimulate the tissue in a patient; and
selectively using the inductor to charge the capacitor with a third voltage stepped down from the first voltage of the rechargeable power source, wherein the third voltage is used to power the electrodes that electrically stimulate the tissue in a patient.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A combination, voltage converter circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a coil, instead of capacitors, to provide a voltage step up and step down conversion functions. The output voltage is controlled, or adjusted, through duty-cycle modulation. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, applicable to implantable devices having an existing RF coil through which primary or charging power is provided, the existing RF coil is used in a time-multiplexing scheme to provide both the receipt of the RF signal and the voltage conversion function. This minimizes the number of components needed within the device, and thus allows the device to be packaged in a smaller housing or frees up additional space within an existing housing for other circuit components. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the voltage up/down converter circuit is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) low power control circuit. Such operation allows high efficiencies over a wide range of output voltages and current loads.
33 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of using an implantable medical device for electrically stimulating tissue in a patient, the method comprising:
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selectively using an inductor to charge a capacitor with a second voltage stepped up from a first voltage of a rechargeable power source, wherein the second voltage is used to power electrodes that electrically stimulate the tissue in a patient; and selectively using the inductor to charge the capacitor with a third voltage stepped down from the first voltage of the rechargeable power source, wherein the third voltage is used to power the electrodes that electrically stimulate the tissue in a patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An implantable medical device, comprising:
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electrodes for delivering electrical stimulation to tissue of a patient; a power source having a first voltage; and voltage converter circuit comprising an inductor and a capacitor, wherein the inductor and capacitor are configurable in a first mode to provide a power supply voltage for the electrodes that is greater than the first voltage, and are configurable in a second mode to provide a power supply voltage for the electrodes that is less than the first voltage. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification