Importance

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Abstract

An output circuit is provided for delivering output pulses in either a constant voltage or constant current mode. The output circuit has a simple architecture built around a pair of area-ratioed transistors which operate in a linear range carrying a ratio of currents corresponding to the area ratio. The circuit is mode controlled by a switch network which connects to a constant current source, which constant current source controls the pulse amplitude, either current or voltage. As used in a pacemaker embodiment, the circuit is controllable to control the mode and/or amplitude of the pulse following a cyclical decision to deliver a pulse, and with an amplitude derived from pacemaker data and controllable during delivery of the pulse. The circuit has high speed control which enables amplitude modulation of the pulse, for transmitting encoded data to an external device adapted to receive the data.

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First Claim