A spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system includes implantable components (10), external components (20) and surgical tools and aids (30). The implantable components includes an implantable pulse generator (100), or IPG, having a rechargeable battery. The IPG (100) is connected to an electrode array (110) having at least sixteen electrodes. An extension lead (120) may be used, as required, to connect the IPG to the electrode array. The rechargeable battery is recharged using non-invasive means. The external components (20) include a hand held programmer (202), a clinician programmer (204), and an external trial stimulator (140). The trial stimulator may connect directly with the implantable electrode array (110) via a percutaneous extension lead (132), communications with the IPG are established via an RF link established between the pulse generator and an external hand held programmer (202), or HHP. Similar circuitry may control the applied stimulation pulses as a burst of pulses ends in order to gradually ramp down the amplitude. Other processing circuitry allows electrode impedance measurements to be regularly made.
