Low-power transcutaneous current stimulator for wearable applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Peripheral neuropathic desensitization affects millions globally, with limited treatment options.
• Emerging therapies involve continuous imperceptible vibration or electrical stimulation to enhance sensory function.
• Existing methods require continuous application, necessitating wearable solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-power, cost-effective, and compact current stimulator circuit for wearable applications.
• To enable continuous transcutaneous current stimulation for improved sensory function.

Main Methods:

• Designed a voltage-to-current converter circuit.
• Tested the circuit's performance driving various loads (up to 60 kΩ) from DC to 1 kHz.
• Implemented the circuit on a compact 46 mm × 21 mm two-layer PCB.

Main Results:

• The circuit drives ±1 mA into a 60 kΩ load from DC to 1 kHz.
• Operates with low power consumption (<21 mA from a 9 V source at 1 kHz, <12 mA minimum).
• Achieves high voltage compliance (±60 V) with minimal current draw (1.02 mA).

Conclusions:

• The designed circuit offers unprecedented low quiescent power and high voltage compliance for wearable stimulation.
• It is uniquely suited for low-power transcutaneous current stimulation in wearable devices.
• Further development of driving and instrumentation circuitry is recommended.