A Versatile 8-Channel High Voltage Stimulator for Comprehensive Neural Stimulation

A dual-configuration dual-mode 8-channel high voltage stimulator is proposed and designed for biomedical applications. Dual-configuration indicates the choice between a bipolar or monopolar structural arrangement, while dual-mode refers to the selection between constant current or constant voltage stimulation. With supply voltages of 1.8 V, +/- 5 V, +/- 10 V, and +/- 15 V, the range of stimulus current is +/- 0.2 mA to +/- 10 mA with a 0.2 mA/step increment, and the range of stimulus voltage is +/- 0.2 V to +/- 10 V with a 0.2 V/step increment. The 8-channel stimulator chip has been fabricated in a 0.18-mu m BCD process with a silicon area of 3570 mu m x 1636 mu m. Moreover, stimulus functions have been successfully verified through experiments in agar with Pt electrodes and in-vivo animal test on pig with DBS electrode.