A voltage-controlled current source with regulated electrode bias-voltage for safe neural stimulation

J Neurosci Methods. 2008 Jun 30;171(2):248-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.03.016. Epub 2008 Apr 4.

Abstract

A current source for neural stimulation is presented which converts arbitrary voltage signals to current-controlled signals while regulating the offset-voltage across the stimulation electrodes in order to keep the electrodes in an electrochemical state that allows for injecting a maximum charge. The offset-voltage can either be set to 0V or to a bias-voltage, e.g. of a few 100mV, as it can be advantageous for fully exploiting the charge injection capacity of iridium oxide electrodes.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electric Impedance
  • Electric Stimulation / instrumentation*
  • Electrodes*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Neurons / radiation effects*