A ROBUST TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRO-MUSCLE STIMULATOR (RTES) - A MULTIMODALITY TOOL

This paper introduces a transcutaneous electrco-muscle stimulator desi gn that has a wide range of output capabilities. Because of this, the unit is referred to as a robust transcutaneous electro-muscle stimulat or (RTES). The RTES is a constant current stimulator that is designed to be capable of generating significant tetanic contractions from larg e muscle groups, such as the quadriceps. It is capable of generating c omplex current pulse profiles and has been tested at pulse frequencies greater than 7500 Hz. It is routinely used to generate rectangular, b i-phasic pulses in muscle-modelling studies in ranges of widths from 3 to 1000 mu s, amplitudes from -50 to +50 mA and frequencies from 10 t o 60 Hz. The design extrema on pulse width and amplitude, are 1000 mu s and +/-100 mA respectively. Because of the stimulator's robust outpu t characteristics, it is suitable for many types of electro-stimulatio n studies including pain management, edema reduction and more.