Multi-electrode system for pacemaker applications

Modern pacemakers deliver localized electrical stimuli to the cardiac tissue via electrodes in the stimulation lead. The stimulation lead come either in unipolar or bipolar configuration (1 or 2 electrode). Studies however have shown benefits of a multi-electrode system in rendering therapy for heart diseases like chronic heart failure. In this paper we present the design and implementation of such a multi-electrode system. We discuss and provide solutions as well as the key challenges for such design in a constrained cardiac environment. These challenges are namely, powering of multi-electrode system, the communication protocol and the compliance with the existing standards. Our chip has been fabricated in 0.18 μm technology and occupies 2.25×5.35 mm² area. It enables ultra-low power operation down to 1.8 volts and allows quick configuration. Our design has been tested by simulations and measurements. To the best of our knowledge our study is the first published study of its kind.