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Output channels
16
Expandable to 32 or 64 via daisy-chain
Stimulus current
25.5mA
100 µA coarse / 20 µA fine step
Power (DBS typ.)
<2mW
Standby current under 1 µA
Frequency range
2Hz–10kHz
Pulse width 10–2550 µs
Applications
Implantable pulse generators

DBS, SCS, cochlear, peripheral nerve stimulation

BCI research hardware

Brain-computer interface stimulation front ends

External stimulators

NMES, rehabilitation, research systems

Custom precision systems

Any system requiring programmable multi-channel current output

Why It's Different

Ultra-low power

85 µA average draw in DBS mode (2 ch, 3 mA, 130 Hz, 90 µs, 1 kΩ), total system power under 2 mW. For implantables, this is battery life. For externals, it's thermal budget.

Active + passive charge balance

Both modes, hardware-native, single register select — no additional circuitry required.

Dual waveform modes

Autonomous: MCU configures via SPI, then sleeps. MCU-driven: step-by-step control for asymmetric, multi-phase, custom-shaped pulses.

Capacitive impedance measurement

Real-time resistive + capacitive measurement (50 Ω–10 kΩ), even during active stimulation, for electrode-tissue interface monitoring.

Built-in safety error reporting

Hardware fault detection with dedicated status signaling. The chip surfaces the error; firmware decides the response.

Burst mode & amplitude ramping

Complex stimulation protocols — burst trains, ramp-up/ramp-down — configured via registers and executed internally, with no MCU overhead.

Technical Specifications
Model NumberDC-6001
Output Channels16 (expandable to 32 or 64 via daisy-chain)
Stimulus Current (coarse)0.1–25.5 mA, 100 µA/step
Stimulus Current (fine)0.02–5 mA, 20 µA/step
Supply Voltage (bipolar)±3.6 V min – ±9 V max (±6 V typ.)
Pulse Width10–2550 µs, 10 µs/step
Frequency2 Hz–10 kHz
Electrode Impedance (meas.)50 Ω–10 kΩ, resistive + capacitive
Power — DBS typical< 2 mW (2 ch, 3 mA, 130 Hz, 90 µs, 1 kΩ)
Standby Current< 1 µA
PackageBGA, 65-pin, 8 × 8 mm
Host InterfaceSPI, 100 kHz clock
Channel Configuration
Monopolar
Any EP channel vs. CASE reference
Bipolar
Any two EP channels paired (source/sink)
Multipolar
Multiple EP channels sharing a return path

The CASE electrode functions as an independent 17th channel in silicon. Connect additional chips on the same SPI bus to daisy-chain to 32 or 64 channels.

Open by Design

No sales calls, NDAs, or purchase commitments to get started. The datasheet, protocol spec, firmware library, and an evaluation board are available right away, so you can prototype, characterize, and decide whether OpenStim Core fits your design on your own timeline. When you're ready to move into characterization builds or production, a straightforward volume agreement opens up the rest — full register access, validation support, and supply commitments.

Tier 1 — Evaluation & Development

1–5 units

Anyone — research labs, academic researchers, startups, engineers prototyping or exploring a design. No contract or declaration of intent required, including for research labs running studies or characterization work.

  • · Datasheet — full electrical specs, pinout, typical application circuit
  • · Application register map & SPI protocol specification
  • · Firmware library & code examples (non-commercial license)
  • · Application notes and reference schematic
  • · DC-6002 OpenStim Core EVB — available for purchase

Tier 2 — Volume Agreement

6+ units

Characterization builds, V&V, IQ/OQ/PQ runs, or production. Requires a signed Volume Agreement with Device Commons.

  • · Full register map, including calibration and trim registers
  • · Production lot characterization data
  • · IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols and design history file support
  • · Supply commitment, last-time-buy policy, volume pricing
  • · Dedicated technical support and custom firmware development
DC-6002 OpenStim Core EVB · Bring-Up
01 / Power

Connect and power up

USB Type-C at 5 V powers the board automatically, or run from a Li-cell or bench supply for higher compliance voltage.

02 / Configure

Talk to it over SPI / UART

Connect UART via the BR9 header and send configuration commands. All stimulus parameters are register-mapped over SPI at 100 kHz.

03 / Measure

Read stimulus output

Measure at the EP1–EP16 test points, with on-board 1 kΩ load resistors available per channel, or connect your own load.

Engineering Resources
Datasheet
Full electrical specs, pinout, absolute maximum ratings
By request
Application Register Map
All registers needed for normal operation
By request
SPI Protocol Specification
Transaction format, timing, command structure
By request
Firmware Library & Examples
Non-commercial open license for evaluation
By request
Application Notes
DBS, SCS, PNS, and external stimulation use-case guides
By request
Reference Design
Full system reference — power, MCU, electrode interface
Q4 2026
Access the Technical Package

Tier 1 documentation and the DC-6002 evaluation board are available to qualified teams — no contract required. Contact us to request access; we typically respond within one business day.

Request Technical Package →
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