High performance programmable bi-phasic pulse generator design for a cochlear speech processor

Abstract

Cochlear implant devices are designed to provide sound sensation and improved speech understanding to people who are profoundly hearing impaired. Best speech recognition could be achieved by using multi-channel, multi-electrode cochlear implant devices. In a multichannel cochlear prosthesis, channel interaction and tissue damage are important issues to be solved. Speech processing and modulation strategies are the steps in solving these problems. Bi-phasic pulse streams are used as a modulator signal in Continuous Interleaved Sampling (CIS) based cochlear implant devices which is the best processing strategy. In this paper, we present a high-performance, low-power, low-voltage, digitally programmable bi-phasic pulse generator for cochlear implant speech processing systems operates at a single 1.5 V, and consumes only 15 /spl mu/W dynamic power. Pulse width and inter-channel separation time periods of 4 channels can be digitally programmed with 15 programming choices.