An HFAC block-capable and module-extendable 4-channel stimulator for acute neurophysiology
File(s)Rapeaux_2020_J._Neural_Eng._17_046013.pdf (1.57 MB)
Published version
Author(s)
Rapeaux, Adrien
Constandinou, Timothy G
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Objective. This paper describes the design, testing and use of a novel multichannel block-capable stimulator for acute neurophysiology experiments to study highly selective neural interfacing techniques. This paper demonstrates the stimulator's ability to excite and inhibit nerve activity in the rat sciatic nerve model concurrently using monophasic and biphasic nerve stimulation as well as high-frequency alternating current (HFAC). Approach. The proposed stimulator uses a Howland Current Pump circuit as the main analogue stimulator element. 4 current output channels with a common return path were implemented on printed circuit board using Commercial Off-The-Shelf components. Programmable operation is carried out by an ARM Cortex-M4 Microcontroller on the Freescale freedom development platform (K64F). Main results. This stimulator design achieves ± 10 mA of output current with ± 15 V of compliance and less than 6 µA of resolution using a quad-channel 12-bit external DAC, for four independently driven channels. This allows the stimulator to carry out both excitatory and inhibitory (HFAC block) stimulation. DC Output impedance is above 1 M Ω. Overall cost for materials i.e. PCB boards and electronic components is less than USD 450 or GBP 350 and device size is approximately 9 cm × 6 cm × 5 cm. Significance. Experimental neurophysiology often requires significant investment in bulky equipment for specific stimulation requirements, especially when using HFAC block. Different stimulators have limited means of communicating with each other, making protocols more complicated. This device provides an effective solution for multi-channel stimulation and block of nerves, enabling studies on selective neural interfacing in acute scenarios with an affordable, portable and space-saving design for the laboratory. The stimulator can be further upgraded with additional modules to extend functionality while maintaining straightforward programming and integration of functions with one controller. Additionally, all source files including all code and PCB design files are freely available to the community to use and further develop.
Date Issued
2020-08-01
Date Acceptance
2020-05-19
Citation
Journal of Neural Engineering, 2020, 17 (4)
ISSN
1741-2552
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Neural Engineering
Volume
17
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
©2020 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd. Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
License URL
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000551909200001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Engineering, Biomedical
Neurosciences
Engineering
Neurosciences & Neurology
stimulator
HFAC
block
ex-vivo
multichannel
FREQUENCY ELECTRICAL-STIMULATION
CONDUCTION BLOCK
NERVE-CONDUCTION
ACTIVATION
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 046013
Date Publish Online
2020-07-10