Biocompatible, High Precision, Wideband, Improved Howland Current Source With Lead-Lag Compensation | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

Biocompatible, High Precision, Wideband, Improved Howland Current Source With Lead-Lag Compensation


Abstract:

The Howland current pump is a popular bioelectrical circuit, useful for delivering precise electrical currents. In applications requiring high precision delivery of alter...Show More

Abstract:

The Howland current pump is a popular bioelectrical circuit, useful for delivering precise electrical currents. In applications requiring high precision delivery of alternating current to biological loads, the output impedance of the Howland is a critical figure of merit that limits the precision of the delivered current when the load changes. We explain the minimum operational amplifier requirements to meet a target precision over a wide bandwidth. We also discuss effective compensation strategies for achieving stability without sacrificing high frequency output impedance. A current source suitable for Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) was simulated using a SPICE model, and built to verify stable operation. This current source design had stable output impedance of 3.3 MΩ up to 200 kHz, which provides 80 dB precision for our EIT application. We conclude by noting the difficulty in measuring the output impedance, and advise verifying the plausibility of measurements against theoretical limitations.
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems ( Volume: 7, Issue: 1, February 2013)
Page(s): 63 - 70
Date of Publication: 20 June 2012

ISSN Information:

PubMed ID: 23853280

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