Active current electrodes for in vivo electrical impedance tomography

The characterization of tissue by means of electrical impedance tomography requires accurate impedance measurements at relatively high frequencies. The present study describes the design and fabrication of broad-band, active, current electrodes for in vivo measurements. This approach eliminates the lead capacitances of the sourcing electrodes. The value of the resistors used were computed according to a protocol taking into account the constraints of a given application and the values and tolerances of the available components. Additional selection of the components further reduced the variability in circuit performance. The current sources designed according to the method described are usable at frequencies higher than 1 MHz, for differential load impedances up to 2000 omega. The parallel output conductance for each active electrode is 0.85 microS +/- 2%. The design method is valid for either adjacent or diametric drive, and can be applied to various applications by modifying the shape of the electrode.