A regulated multiple-output high-voltage charge pump IC for implantable neural stimulators

Abstract

In this paper, a single-input multiple-output high-voltage charge pump integrated circuit (IC) for neural stimulation applications is presented. The proposed circuit, implemented using 0.18-μm standard low-voltage CMOS process, reliably generates three high-voltage outputs of 12.8 V, 9.6 V, and 6.4 V from a single 2.8 V-input source while regulating the output with load current up to 1 mA. In addition, an input voltage modulated regulation scheme is employed for good efficiency and regulation performance. The designed IC, which includes three charge pump cores and regulation circuits, occupies 0.8 mm2 of core die area.