SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED DAMAGE PROTECTION DURING ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE AND CARDIAC DEFIBRILLATION, AND FOR SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED STIMULATION INTERFERENCE MITIGATION IN IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATORS

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for protection circuitry for an implantable pulse generator (IPG) of a neurostimulation system. The protection circuitry is coupled to an IPG ground, a plurality of electrodes, and an IPG case, and operable to protect IPG stimulation and sensing circuitry from damage during electrostatic discharge and cardiac defibrillation, and to mitigate unintended stimulation during electromagnetic interference. The protection circuitry includes an IPG ground connection, a plurality of protection Zener diodes, wherein one of the protection Zener diodes is electrically coupled between the IPG case and a float Zener diode, and wherein the remaining protection Zener diodes are electrically coupled between the plurality of electrodes and the float Zener diode, and the float Zener diode electrically coupled between the plurality of protection Zener diodes and the IPG ground.