Supercapacitor-based pulse generator with waveform adjustment capability for small animal transcranial magnetic stimulation

Abstract

In transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), pulsed magnetic fields are applied to the brain, typically requiring high-power stimulators with high voltages and low series impedance. TMS pulse generators for small animal coils, are underexplored, with limited dedicated circuits and simulation models. Here, we present a new design for a high-power TMS pulse generator for small animals, utilizing a pre-charged supercapacitor that is sufficient to produce repeated pulses for TMS applications without the need for recharging. This approach eliminates the need for expensive high-voltage components and a high-voltage power supply. In this paper, we detail the design approach and basic block diagrams of a supercapacitor (SC) based TMS pulse generator, along with its experimental results. The findings indicate that the new circuit enables a complete test using just a single charge of an SC module. The proposed circuit functions as a versatile pulse-shaping device, where the MOSFET is treated as a dynamically varying resistor element rather than a traditional switch; allowing pulse parameter variations. We analyze a novel circuit for generating and controlling TMS pulses in small animal coils, and demonstrate its effectiveness through experimental results.