A versatile microprocessor-based multichannel stimulator for experimental use in epidural spinal cord stimulation

A versatile, microprocessor-based, multichannel stimulator (MMCS) for epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) has been designed and constructed. It intends to be used in laboratory research to examine the effect of ESCS on modulating spinal cord functions for gait recovery, chronic pain management and other therapeutic applications. It consists of two components: a digital controller and a stimulation power delivery. The digital controller was realized using a 89S51 single chip and associated peripheral circuits. The stimulator uses a multicontact electrode to deliver arbitrarily specified electrical stimulus sequences. The width, amplitude, and interpulse interval of each pulse in the stimulus sequence are independently variable, and the three channels are independently programmable, allowing a wide variety of stimulus patterns. In this paper, the details of the MMCS design for ESCS are described. The plans for future research are also discussed.