| abstract |
An implantable medical device having a dual cell power source powering a high-power output circuit and a low-power control circuit. The power source includes a first, high-rate cell and a second, lower-rate cell having a rate capability less than a rate capability of the first, high-rate cell. The first and second cells are electrically connected to the output circuit and control circuit by circuitry. In one embodiment, the circuitry connects the first and second cells in parallel to the output circuit and the control circuit, and includes a switching circuit for selectively uncoupling the first, high-rate cell from the control circuit during a transient high power pulse. In another embodiment, the first and second cells are formed within a single case and are connected in parallel to the output circuit and the control circuit. In another embodiment, the high-rate cell is anode limited, characterized by a rate capability exhibiting minimal dependence on time up to a pre-selected voltage-based ERI at which at least 40 percent of the cathode is consumed. |