Importance

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Abstract

A dynamically configurable clamping device for applying a desired electrical current to a tissue membrane includes an input lead electrically connected to the tissue membrane to provide a sensed signal indicative of voltage across the membrane. An input circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter, and is responsive to the sensed signal and provides a digitized signal indicative of the sensed signal. A digital signal processor executes selected program instructions to operate in a selected one of (i) a voltage clamp mode, (ii) a current clamp mode or (iii) a dynamic clamp mode based upon the state of a mode selection signal indicative of the selected operating mode. The digital signal processor provides a digital current command signal indicative of the current to be applied to the tissue membrane. An output circuit receives the digital current command signal, and generates a current signal indicative thereof. An output lead receives and applies the current signal to the tissue membrane. Digital feedback control is advantageous over the traditional systems by providing programmability, capability for dynamic changes of clamping modes, hardware simplification, and integration of multi-channel clamping systems. The digital signal processor in the feedback loop provides programmability in the control algorithm.

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First Claim