A programmable electronic stimulator for FES systems

A low-cost, programmable, galvanically isolated bipolar four channel stimulator for patterned electrical stimulation has been developed. The design is based on a newly developed concept, and it includes a high efficiency DC/DC converter securing high output voltage and sufficient energy to drive four output stages, a microcontroller for control of charge compensation, pulse rate and duration, as well as patterns of exercise and functional use regimes. A user-friendly interface for programming of the stimulator has been developed for the PC host computer, using Windows environment and a push-button control for functional application of the system. The use in humans who suffered a central nervous system lesion and lost voluntary control over muscles necessary for standing, walking, or manipulation was tested. The prototype is small, light, battery-operated, and flexible for various applications.