An output power control circuit for a cochlear implant RF module

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of output power control circuit of cochlear implant RF module, including MPU module, RF module interface, conversion circuit and power potentiometer, USB interface, Clk interface, ADC interface, Data interface and DAC interface are provided on MPU module, RF module interface is connected with Clk interface and conversion circuit respectively, conversion circuit includes IC1A operational amplifier and IC2B voltage comparator, IC1A operational amplifier is connected with ADC interface and IC2B voltage comparator, IC2B voltage comparator is connected with Data interface, and DAC interface is connected with power potentiometer.Compared with prior art, the utility model improves the operating efficiency and stability of control circuit, can control the output power of RF module in optimal state, so that cochlear implant system works in optimal state, reduce the power consumption of cochlear implant system, prolong battery use time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cochlear implant technology, and in particular to an output power control circuit for a cochlear implant RF module. Background Technology

[0002] The output power of existing cochlear implant RF modules is generally fixed or manually set during setup (with a limited number of power levels to choose from). Generally, the greater the distance between the RF module and the implant's receiving coil, the greater the output power of the RF module is required for the cochlear implant system to operate optimally, and vice versa.

[0003] During cochlear implant use, factors such as the wearer's skin flap thickness, hair (or wearing a hat) can cause significant deviations between the distance between the RF module and the implant's receiving coil, and the RF power set during setup, preventing the cochlear implant system from operating optimally. For example, patent application CN103961106A discloses a method for measuring skin flap thickness and detecting the receiving coil. This method couples an external coil (identical to the transmitting coil) to the receiving coil, measures its equivalent impedance at different distances, and finally determines the user's skin flap thickness using a standard curve; the maximum value of the impedance resonance peak and the resonant frequency are used to determine the cause of coil malfunction. However, this method only determines the user's skin flap thickness and identifies the cause of coil malfunction; it cannot adjust the RF module output power in real time based on the measurement results, and therefore cannot solve the problem of RF module output power deviation caused by factors such as skin flap thickness.

[0004] In actual operation, the output deviation of the RF module includes:

[0005] 1) Insufficient RF module output power may cause instability in the implant, affecting the user experience. For example, in noisy environments, patients may not be able to hear sounds clearly, or the system may experience intermittent or distorted sounds during complex sound processing. This can cause many inconveniences in the patient's daily life, such as misunderstandings when communicating with others or being unable to enjoy the full melody when listening to music.

[0006] 2) The RF module's output power is too high. While the stimulation output can be reduced by adjusting the volume, the high power consumption of the RF module leads to a decrease in battery life. This increases the frequency of battery replacements, placing an additional financial burden and causing inconvenience for patients. Furthermore, frequent battery replacements may affect the stability and reliability of the device, and could even cause skin irritation or discomfort. In addition, excessive output power may put unnecessary stress on the implanted electronic components, potentially shortening the device's lifespan and increasing maintenance costs and risks in the long run. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology by providing an output power control circuit for a cochlear implant RF module. This circuit improves the operating efficiency and stability of the control circuit, controls the output power of the RF module to the optimal state, thereby enabling the cochlear implant system to work in the optimal state, reducing the power consumption of the cochlear implant system, and extending battery life.

[0008] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0009] An output power control circuit for a cochlear implant RF module includes an MPU module, an RF module interface, a conversion circuit, and a power potentiometer. The MPU module is provided with a USB interface, a Clk interface, an ADC interface, a Data interface, and a DAC interface. The RF module interface is connected to the Clk interface and the conversion circuit, respectively. The conversion circuit includes an IC1A operational amplifier and an IC2B voltage comparator. The IC1A operational amplifier is connected to the ADC interface and the IC2B voltage comparator. The IC2B voltage comparator is connected to the Data interface. The DAC interface is connected to the power potentiometer.

[0010] Furthermore, the RF module interface is connected to the RF module, and the RF module is connected to the implant via an RF link.

[0011] Furthermore, the USB interface is connected to the host computer.

[0012] Furthermore, the specific connection method for the RF module interface to the Clk interface and the conversion circuit is as follows: pin 3 of the RF module interface is connected to the Clk interface, and pin 4 of the RF module interface is connected to pin 3 of the IC1A operational amplifier.

[0013] Furthermore, pin 1 of the RF module interface is connected in sequence to the power potentiometer for adjusting the output power of the RF module and the operating power supply, and pin 2 of the RF module interface is grounded.

[0014] Furthermore, the operating power supply is a 5V DC power supply.

[0015] Furthermore, the output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module also includes an IC2A voltage comparator, which is securely connected to an IC2B voltage comparator.

[0016] Furthermore, the specific connection method of the IC1A operational amplifier to the ADC interface and the IC2B voltage comparator is as follows: pin 1 of the IC1A operational amplifier is connected to the ADC interface and pin 5 of the IC2B operational amplifier, respectively.

[0017] Furthermore, the specific connection method between the IC2B voltage comparator and the Data interface is as follows: pin 7 of the IC2B operational amplifier is connected to the Data interface.

[0018] Furthermore, the power potentiometer is a 64-position controllable variable resistor.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. This invention transmits the clock signal of the test vector to the implant via an RF link. After the implant completes the specified operation according to the clock signal of the test vector, it returns the telemetry data of the test vector to the RF module via the RF link. The data is then output to the IC1A operational amplifier through the RF module interface to shift the level, outputting a level within the range of 0-5V. The level is matched with the distance between the RF module and the receiving coil of the implant, thereby detecting the distance between the RF module and the receiving coil of the implant in real time. The level within the range of 0-5V is compared with the TTL level output to determine whether the level within the range of 0-5V is within the reference area. Based on the determination result, the output power of the RF module is adjusted to control the output power of the RF module in an optimal state, thereby enabling the cochlear implant system to work in an optimal state, reducing the power consumption of the cochlear implant system, and extending the battery life.

[0021] 2. This invention inputs a level signal adjusted to the 0-5V range by the IC1A operational amplifier into the MPU module via the ADC interface, and inputs the same 0-5V level signal into the IC2B voltage comparator for comparison with a preset reference voltage, generating a TTL level output. The TTL level output is then input into the MPU module via the Data interface, and the 0-5V level signal is compared with the TTL level output to determine whether the 0-5V level is within the reference region. This dual signal input and comparison method improves the processing speed of the MPU module, reduces the processing load of the MPU module, and enhances the operating efficiency and stability of the control circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the output power control circuit of an artificial cochlear RF module proposed in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the process of determining whether a voltage level within the 0-5V range is within a reference region;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the division of the baseline region.

[0025] Legend: 1. MPU module; 2. RF module interface. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. This embodiment is based on the technical solution of the present invention and provides detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures; however, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0027] The following English abbreviations are involved:

[0028] Radio Frequency Module (RF Module)

[0029] Microprocessor: Microprocessor Unit (MPU)

[0030] Clock signal: Clk

[0031] Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

[0032] Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)

[0033] Example 1

[0034] This embodiment provides an output power control circuit for a cochlear implant RF module, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes MPU module 1, RF module interface 2, conversion circuit and power potentiometer. MPU module 1 is equipped with USB interface, Clk interface, ADC interface, Data interface and DAC interface.

[0035] RF module interface 2 is connected to both the Clk interface and the conversion circuit. Specifically, pin 3 of RF module interface 2 is connected to the Clk interface to transmit the reconstructed clock signal to the RF module, driving it to send and receive data. Pin 4 of RF module interface 2 is connected to pin 3 of the IC1A operational amplifier, which receives the demodulated telemetry data from pin 4. This data may not be within the input level range required by the ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), so the IC1A operational amplifier shifts these signal levels to the 0-5V range to meet the ADC's input requirements and accommodate subsequent ADC conversion and voltage comparison. Pin 1 of RF module interface 2 is connected sequentially to the power potentiometer for adjusting the RF module's output power and the operating power supply. Adjusting the power potentiometer controls the RF module's output power to adapt to different operating conditions and requirements. Pin 2 of RF module interface 2 is grounded to provide a stable reference potential for the entire control circuit. Through this connection method, RF module interface 2 not only realizes the transmission of clock signals, but also realizes the demodulation of telemetry data and the control of output power, thereby realizing precise control of the output power of the cochlear implant RF module.

[0036] The conversion circuit includes an IC1A operational amplifier and an IC2B voltage comparator. The IC1A operational amplifier is connected to the ADC interface and the IC2B voltage comparator, which is connected to the Data interface. The DAC interface is connected to a power potentiometer. The power potentiometer adjusts its resistance value to change the output power of the RF module, thereby achieving precise control of the signal strength. The operating power supply is 5V DC. Specifically, the IC1A operational amplifier's pin 1 (output pin) is connected to both the ADC interface and the IC2B operational amplifier's pin 5 (input pin). Similarly, the IC2B voltage comparator's pin 7 (output pin) is connected to the Data interface. This design allows the conversion circuit to effectively process the analog signal received from the RF module, converting it to a format suitable for digital processing and adjusting the RF module's output power as needed.

[0037] The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module also includes an IC2A voltage comparator, which is securely connected to an IC2B voltage comparator. The IC2A and IC2B voltage comparators are connected in parallel to provide additional voltage comparison functionality. This secure connection improves circuit redundancy and reliability, ensuring that the IC2A voltage comparator continues to function normally even if the IC2B voltage comparator fails. This redundant design and secure connection enhance the system's reliability and stability.

[0038] RF module interface 2 connects to the RF module for transmitting clock and control signals. The RF module connects to the implant via an RF link to achieve wireless communication. The distance between the RF module and the implant's receiving coil is 7mm.

[0039] The USB interface connects to the host computer, receiving test vectors from telemetry data. The host computer can also send test vectors to the MPU module via the USB interface for testing and verifying the RF module's performance.

[0040] The power potentiometer DW1 is a 64-position adjustable variable resistor controlled by the DAC module. By changing the supply voltage to the RF module, the power potentiometer DW1 can change the output power of the RF module. The DAC module outputs a corresponding analog voltage based on the control signal from the MPU module, adjusting the resistance value of the power potentiometer DW1, thereby changing the output power of the RF module.

[0041] During the operation of the control circuit, test vectors of telemetry data are received through the USB interface of MPU module 1, and the test vectors are parsed and reassembled into clock signals conforming to the implant communication protocol format. Test vectors are datasets used to verify and test the implant communication performance, containing specific encoding and modulation information. Upon receiving the test vectors, the MPU module parses and reassembles this data, converting it into clock signals conforming to the implant communication protocol format. Before sending the test vectors, the MPU module and RF module need to be initialized to ensure that all interfaces and modules are in a ready state. The initialization process includes configuring the module's operating parameters, checking the module's status, and ensuring that the power supply and grounding connections are correct.

[0042] The clock signal of the reconstructed test vector is transmitted to the RF module connected to RF module interface 2 via the Clk interface. The Clk interface is a key connection point between the MPU module and the RF module, responsible for transmitting the clock signal that controls the operation of the RF module. The clock signal is a synchronization signal for the RF module to perform data transmission and reception operations, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data transmission.

[0043] The RF module transmits the clock signal of the test vector to the implant via an RF link. The RF link is the wireless connection between the RF module and the implant. Upon receiving the clock signal of the test vector, the implant performs specified operations based on that signal. These operations may include:

[0044] Verify that the issued test vectors are correct to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the data.

[0045] Perform stimulus output to test the implant's response to specific stimuli.

[0046] Collect and return telemetry data, such as implant status information or performance indicators.

[0047] After completing the specified operation, the implant will return the telemetry data of the test vector to the RF module via the RF link.

[0048] After demodulating the telemetry data of the test vector, it is output to the IC1A operational amplifier through RF module interface 2. The IC1A operational amplifier performs level shifting on the demodulated signal, making its output range between 0 and 5V. This range is the voltage range that the ADC interface can handle. The voltage level is matched to the distance between the RF module and the implant receiving coil; the closer the RF module is to the implant receiving coil, the lower the voltage level; the farther the RF module is from the implant receiving coil, the higher the voltage level.

[0049] The signal, adjusted to a voltage level within the 0-5V range by the IC1A operational amplifier, is input to the MPU module via the ADC interface. The ADC interface converts the analog signal into a digital signal for further processing by the MPU module. Simultaneously, the same 0-5V voltage level signal is input to the IC2B voltage comparator and compared with a preset reference voltage. The voltage comparator determines whether the input level exceeds or falls below the set reference voltage, thereby generating a TTL level output signal.

[0050] The TTL level output generated by the IC2B voltage comparator is input to the MPU module via the Data interface. The Data interface is used to transmit digital signals; the TTL level signal is a standard digital logic level that can be directly recognized and processed by digital circuits. Internally, the MPU module compares the 0-5V level with the TTL level output. The purpose of this step is to determine whether the level within the 0-5V range is within a preset reference region. The reference region refers to a specific voltage range within which the level is considered a sign of normal operation of the RF module.

[0051] The specific procedure for determining whether a voltage level within the 0-5V range is within the reference region is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0052] Read the voltage level value within the range of 0 to 5V.

[0053] The read voltage level is compared with the upper and lower boundaries of a preset reference region. The upper and lower boundaries of the reference region are set based on the distance between the RF module and the implant's receiving coil.

[0054] If the voltage level is within the 0-5V range and is within the reference range, it is converted into DAC data and output to the power potentiometer through the DAC interface, thereby completing the power output of the RF module.

[0055] If the voltage level within the 0-5V range is outside the reference range, the DAC data is adjusted based on the relationship between the voltage level within the 0-5V range and the upper and lower boundaries of the reference range. This data is then output to the power potentiometer via the DAC interface, thereby controlling the output power of the RF module.

[0056] If the voltage level is higher than the upper boundary, reduce the transmit power of the RF module;

[0057] If the voltage level is below the lower boundary, increase the transmit power of the RF module.

[0058] The upper and lower boundaries of the reference area are divided as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0059] The preferred embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of this utility model without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of this utility model through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An output power control circuit for a cochlear implant RF module, characterized in that, The system includes an MPU module (1), an RF module interface (2), a conversion circuit, and a power potentiometer. The MPU module (1) is equipped with a USB interface, a Clk interface, an ADC interface, a Data interface, and a DAC interface. The RF module interface (2) is connected to the Clk interface and the conversion circuit, respectively. The conversion circuit includes an IC1A operational amplifier and an IC2B voltage comparator. The IC1A operational amplifier is connected to the ADC interface and the IC2B voltage comparator. The IC2B voltage comparator is connected to the Data interface. The DAC interface is connected to the power potentiometer.

2. The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The RF module interface (2) is connected to the RF module, and the RF module is connected to the implant via an RF link.

3. The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The USB interface is connected to the host computer.

4. The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific connection method of the RF module interface (2) to the Clk interface and the conversion circuit is as follows: pin 3 of the RF module interface (2) is connected to the Clk interface, and pin 4 of the RF module interface (2) is connected to pin 3 of the IC1A operational amplifier.

5. The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Pin 1 of the RF module interface (2) is connected in sequence to the power potentiometer for adjusting the output power of the RF module and the operating power supply, and pin 2 of the RF module interface (2) is grounded.

6. The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The operating power supply is a 5V DC power supply.

7. The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an IC2A voltage comparator, which is securely connected to an IC2B voltage comparator.

8. The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific connection method between the IC1A operational amplifier, the ADC interface, and the IC2B voltage comparator is as follows: pin 1 of the IC1A operational amplifier is connected to pin 5 of both the ADC interface and the IC2B voltage comparator.

9. The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific connection method between the IC2B voltage comparator and the Data interface is as follows: pin 7 of the IC2B voltage comparator is connected to the Data interface.

10. The output power control circuit of the cochlear implant RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power potentiometer is a 64-position controllable variable resistor.

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