Programmable arbitrary waveform generator for internal defibrillation research

A programmable arbitrary waveform generator for creation of experimental defibrillation shocks is described. The system is capable of delivering shocks for internal defibrillation via 10 channels at 1000 Volts and 30 Amps. A microcontroller driven system that can receive waveform commands from a laptop was designed to be able to deliver shocks to any combination of electrodes. Waveforms are controllable down to 100 microsecond intervals and each channel is capable of serving as anode or cathode. This system can be used to verify predictions for defibrillation waveform efficacy as predicted by modeling efforts or to test new experimental waveforms tuned to parameters from an individual subject.