An active electrode array provides a programmable number of electrode
contacts through which stimulation current may be selectively delivered
to surrounding tissue, preferably through the use of appropriate
stimulation groups. The active electrode array provides a large number of
both medial and lateral contacts, any one of which may be selected to
apply a stimulus pulse through active switching elements included within
the array. The active switching elements included within the array
operate at a very low compliance voltage, thereby reducing power
consumption.