A physically-configurable external charger device for an implantable medical device is disclosed, which facilitates the generation of different powers of a magnetic field with reduced heating concerns. A housing which includes an internal charging coil includes a receptacle for holding an electronics module for energizing the charging coil. A cable coupled to the charging coil spans around the edges of the housing and connects to the electronics module when it is retained by the receptacle. In this first configuration, a low-power magnetic field can be produced, as the electronics module is still relatively near the charging coil, and thus may heat to some degree. In a second configuration, the electronics module is removed from the receptacle and extendable from the housing by the length of the cable, and thus a higher-power magnetic field can be produced with reduced heating concerns.
