A Fully Integrated Dynamic-Voltage-Scaling Stimulator IC for Cochlear Implants

Abstract

A fully integrated dynamic-voltage-scaling stimulator IC, consisting of a novel reconfigurable supply modulator (RSM) and 12 high-voltage-tolerant channel drivers, for cochlear implants, is presented, utilizing a 180-nm standard CMOS process. The RSM is designed to adaptively generate one of four supply voltage levels ranging from 2.6 to 11.3 V, effectively stimulating the cochlea with varying electrode-tissue-interface impedance and stimulus currents while offering improved power efficiency. The channel driver design is miniaturized to support high-channel-count applications within a single IC. Additional excessive current protection is implemented to ensure charge balancing between biphasic stimulating pulses, complementing the electrode-shorting technique.