Design and implementation for the prototype of a microstimulator

Abstract

In this paper, the first domestic implementation of an implantable microstimulator utilizing HDL and ASIC methodologies is presented. We implement the digital part of the microstimulator by writing the hardware description language for the digital circuits, synthesizing them and downloading them into a field programmable gate array. The analog part is designed by using full-custom IC design flow, implemented by CMOS 0.35 mum technology, and fabricated by TSMC. It generates a maximum current of 2.77 mA through 1 kOmega load while the stimulation frequency is 20Hz and the stimulation current pulse width is 300 mus, and the maximum power consumption is evaluated at 14 mW based on a 5 V voltage supply.