Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research (대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지)

The Korean Society of Medical and Biological Engineering (대한의용생체공학회)
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Biphasic Electrical Nerve Stimulator for Medical Applications Generating a Wide Range of Pulse Specifications Without Microcontroller

  • Jun Sang Yu (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University) ;
  • Dong Rim Kim (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University) ;
  • Su Bin Kang (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University) ;
  • Jung Suk Kim (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University)
  • Received : 2024.07.11
  • Accepted : 2024.08.13
  • Published : 2024.08.31
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Abstract

We present an improved biphasic electrical nerve stimulator designed to overcome limitations. Traditional electrical nerve stimulators lacking a microcontroller unit (MCU) have restrictions in terms of frequency, pulse duration, and amplitude control, making them insufficient for medical applications requiring a broader range of pulse specifications. To address this, we developed a stimulator with enhanced capabilities. By not using an MCU, the design reduces power consumption and the required area, simplifying the overall design and increasing efficiency. In addition, our approach optimizes oscillator parameters to achieve wide frequency and pulse duration ranges. Specifically, we expanded the frequency range of the stimulator up to from 1 mHz to 100 kHz and the pulse duration up to from 5 ㎲ to 500 s. Improved amplitude control mechanisms were implemented for adjustable and high biphasic amplitudes. Furthermore, we added a balancing circuit to ensure proper discharging for tissue safety when biphasic pulses do not occur. The improved stimulator demonstrated an increase in operational range compared to traditional MCU-less designs, producing consistent biphasic pulses with adjustable amplitude and duration. The balancing circuit effectively managed discharging, reducing the risk of tissue damage and ensuring safety and efficacy.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Gachon University research fund of 2022(GCU-202206710001).

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