Compex motion — New portable transcutaneous stimulator for neuroprosthetic applications

A new portable and programmable transcutaneous electric stimulator Compex Motion that can be used for a wide range of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applications is presented. The stimulator has four current regulated stimulation channels and has two input channels that can be configured as analog or digital input channels. The number of stimulation channels can be expanded in multiples of four (e.g. 8,12,16,…) by using 2,3,4, or more stimulators that are working in parallel. When the stimulators work in parallel their stimulation sequences and stimulation timings are fully synchronized. The Compex Motion stimulator can be programmed to generate arbitrary stimulation sequences. The programmed stimulation sequences are stored on readily exchangeable memory chip-cards. By replacing (exchanging) the chip-card the function of the stimulator is changed to provide another function or FES treatment. The stimulator can be controlled via any external sensor, sensory system or laboratory equipment with an output voltage in the range 0–5 V. The Compex Motion stimulator can be used to develop various custom-made neuroprostheses, neurological assessment devices, muscle exercise systems, and experimental set-ups for physiological studies. The Compex Motion stimulator is manufactured by the company Compex SA, located in Switzerland, and is currently undergoing clinical trials.