Systems and methods for activating an analyte monitoring system - Patents.com

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a power activation module for powering one or more wearable electronic components. The power activation module includes a battery associated with the power activation module, a switch configured to provide a path for current flow between the one or more wearable electronic components and a ground terminal. The power activation module also includes a sensor configured to detect whether a signal is applied to the sensor and, based on the detection, output a first digital output signal for at least partially controlling the switch to control current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components. The power activation module also includes a locking pin configured to receive a locking signal, and when the locking signal is received, the switch is locked to allow current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 267,228, filed January 27, 2022, which is hereby assigned to the assignee hereof and is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, such as wearable devices, for monitoring analyte values ​​received from sensors. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to power activation techniques for electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Diabetes is a metabolic disease associated with the production or use of insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use glucose as energy or store it as fat. When a person eats a meal containing carbohydrates, the food is processed by the digestive system, producing glucose in the blood. Blood glucose can be used as energy or stored as fat. The body normally maintains blood glucose levels in a range that provides enough energy to support bodily functions and avoids problems that can occur from glucose levels that are too high or too low. Regulation of blood glucose levels depends on the production and use of insulin, which regulates the movement of blood glucose into cells.

[0004] When the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to effectively use the insulin that is present, blood glucose levels can rise above the normal range. A condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal is called "hyperglycemia." Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to multiple health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cataracts and other eye diseases, nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage. Hyperglycemia can also lead to acute problems, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (a condition in which the body becomes too acidic due to the presence of glucose in the blood and ketone bodies, which are produced when the body can no longer use glucose). A condition in which blood glucose levels are lower than normal is called "hypoglycemia." Severe hypoglycemia can lead to acute crises that can result in seizures or death.

[0005] Diabetics may receive insulin to manage blood glucose levels. Insulin may be received, for example, through a hand injection with a needle. Wearable insulin pumps are also available. Diet and exercise also affect blood glucose levels.

[0006] Diabetes is sometimes referred to as "Type 1" and "Type 2". Type 1 diabetes patients are typically able to use insulin when it is present, but due to problems with the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin. Type 2 diabetes patients are able to produce some insulin, but due to reduced sensitivity to insulin, the patient is "insulin resistant". As a result, even though insulin is present in the body, the insulin is not used well by the patient's body and blood sugar levels are not effectively regulated. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a power activation module for powering one or more wearable electronic components. In some embodiments, the power activation module includes a switch configured to provide a path for current flow between a battery associated with the power activation module, the one or more wearable electronic components, and a ground terminal. Additionally, in some embodiments, the power activation module includes a sensor configured to detect whether a signal is applied to the sensor and, based on the detection, to at least partially control the switch to output a first digital output signal for controlling current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components. Additionally, in some embodiments, the power activation module includes a locking pin configured to receive a locking signal, and when the locking signal is received, the switch is locked to allow current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] Further aspects of the present disclosure will be more readily understood by considering the following detailed description of the various disclosed embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates aspects of an example system that may be used in connection with some embodiments. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates aspects of an example system that may be used in connection with some embodiments. [Figure 3A] 1 is an exemplary analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] 1 is an exemplary analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates aspects of an exemplary analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates aspects of an exemplary analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6]1 illustrates an exemplary power initiated module incorporating a tunneling magnetoresistive sensor. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example circuit diagram of a power start-up module. [Figure 8] 4 illustrates an example signal timing diagram associated with a power start-up module. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates the different conduction paths associated with a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch.

[0009] The figures are described in more detail in the following description and examples, which are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. It should also be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced with modification or alteration, and that the present disclosure may be limited only by the claims and their equivalents. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, and devices for reducing power consumption or dissipation associated with an analyte sensor system. For example, in some cases, to help conserve battery power of the analyte sensor system, the analyte sensor system may include a power activation device or module, which may be a circuit, such as one including one or more integrated chips (ICs). The power activation module may be configured to maintain the analyte sensor system in an off state in the absence of a trigger event and transition the analyte sensor system to an on state upon the occurrence of a trigger event. One such power activation module includes a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor. The TMR sensor may be configured to output a discrete signal in the presence of an applied magnetic field. This discrete signal may then be used to control current flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system, and therefore whether the analyte sensor system is powered on or off.

[0011] Although the power consumption of the analyte sensor system is highest when the analyte sensor system is powered on, power may still be consumed or dissipated by the analyte sensor system when it is powered off. This power consumption / dissipation while the analyte sensor system is powered off is due to certain electrical components within the analyte sensor system having to be continuously powered to sense the output signal of the TMR sensor. Although relatively low compared to when it is powered on, the power consumption experienced while the analyte sensor system is powered off can be problematic. For example, when the analyte sensor system is stored for a significant period of time, the power consumption that occurs while the analyte sensor system is powered off can reduce the battery power to a level such that the analyte sensor system becomes unusable.

[0012] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide a power start-up module for reducing power consumption or dissipation when an associated sensor system is powered off. Additionally, the power start-up module may optionally include a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch, allowing the power start-up module to function as an on / off / reset device such that electrical components in the analyte sensor system wake up in a known state. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the power start-up module may also optionally include a locking input (e.g., a pin) to disable the TMR sensor and avoid intermittent shutdown of electrical components in the presence of unexpected applied magnetic fields. In some embodiments, the locking input may be bidirectional and may provide the status of the applied magnetic field from the TMR sensor, e.g., to prevent false wake-up during shipping of the sensor system when the applied magnetic field may change. It should be noted that while certain embodiments are described with respect to an analyte sensor system as an exemplary electronic device, the techniques herein may also be applied to power start-up of other suitable electronic devices (e.g., wearable devices).

[0013] Details of some exemplary embodiments of the systems, methods, and devices of the present disclosure are set forth in this description, and in some cases elsewhere in the present disclosure. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure, description, figures, examples, and claims. All such additional systems, methods, devices, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this description (whether explicitly or by reference), be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by one or more of the accompanying claims.

[0014] System Overview and Exemplary Configuration 1 depicts a system 100 that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present disclosure that involve collecting, monitoring, and / or providing information regarding analyte values ​​present in a user's body, including, for example, the user's blood glucose, other analytes, multiple multiplexed or simultaneously measured analytes, etc. System 100 depicts aspects of an analyte sensor system 8 that may be communicatively coupled to display devices 110, 120, 130, and 140, a partner device 136, and / or a server system 134.

[0015] The analyte sensor system 8 in the illustrated embodiment includes an analyte sensor electronics module 12 and an analyte sensor 10 associated with the analyte sensor electronics module 12. The analyte sensor electronics module 12 may be electrically and mechanically coupled to the analyte sensor 10 before the analyte sensor 10 is implanted within a user or host. Thus, the analyte sensor 10 may not require a user to couple the analyte sensor electronics module 12 to the analyte sensor 10. For example, the analyte sensor electronics module 12 may be physically / mechanically and electrically coupled to the analyte sensor 10 during manufacturing, and this physical / mechanical and electrical connection may be maintained during shipping, storage, insertion, use, and removal of the analyte sensor system 8. Thus, the electromechanically connected components of the analyte sensor system 8 (e.g., the analyte sensor 10 and the analyte sensor electronics module 12) may be referred to as a "pre-connected" system. The analyte sensor electronics module 12 may wirelessly communicate (e.g., directly or indirectly) with one or more of the display devices 110, 120, 130, and 140. In addition to or in the alternative to the display devices 110, 120, 130, and 140, the analyte sensor electronics module 12 may communicate wirelessly (e.g., directly or indirectly) with the partner device 136 and / or the server system 134. Similarly, in some examples, the display devices 110-140 may additionally or alternatively communicate (e.g., directly or indirectly) with the partner device 136 and / or the server system 134. The various couplings shown in FIG. 1 may be facilitated using a wireless access point (WAP) 138, as also noted below.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the analyte sensor electronics module 12 includes electronic circuitry associated with measuring and processing the analyte sensor data or information, including predictive algorithms associated with processing and / or calibrating the analyte sensor data / information. The analyte sensor electronics module 12 may be physically / mechanically connected to the analyte sensor 10 and may be integral (non-removably attached) or removably attached to the analyte sensor 10. The analyte sensor electronics module 12 may also be electrically coupled to the analyte sensor 10 such that the components may be electromechanically coupled to one another. The analyte sensor electronics module 12 may include hardware, firmware, and / or software that enables measurement and / or estimation of a level of an analyte in a host / user via the analyte sensor 10 (e.g., may be / may include a glucose sensor). For example, the analyte sensor electronics module 12 may include one or more of a potentiostat, a power supply for providing power to the analyte sensor 10, other components useful for signal processing and data storage, and a remote measurement module for transmitting data from the sensor electronics module to one or more display devices. The electronics may be mounted, such as on a printed circuit board (PCB) or platform within the analyte sensor system 8, and may take a variety of forms. For example, the electronics may take the form of an integrated circuit (IC), such as an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, a processor, and / or a state machine.

[0017] Analyte sensor electronics module 12 may include sensor electronics configured to process sensor information, such as sensor data, and generate transformed sensor data and displayable sensor information. Examples of systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data are described in more detail herein and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,310,544 and 6,931,327, as well as U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005 / 0043598, 2007 / 0032706, 2007 / 0016381, 2008 / 0033254, 2005 / 0203360, 2005 / 0154271, 2005 / 0192557, 2006 / 0222566, 2007 / 0203966, and 2007 / 0208245, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0018] With further reference to FIG. 1 , display devices 110, 120, 130, and / or 140 may be configured to display (and / or alert) displayable sensor information that may be transmitted by sensor electronics module 12 (e.g., in customized data packages transmitted to the display devices based on respective preferences). Each of display devices 110, 120, 130, or 140 may include a display, such as a touchscreen display 112, 122, 132, and / or 142 (respectively), for displaying sensor information and / or analyte data to a user and / or receiving input from a user. For example, a graphical user interface (GUI) may be presented to the user for such purposes. In embodiments, the display device may include other types of user interfaces, such as a voice user interface, as an alternative or in addition to a touchscreen display, for communicating sensor information to a user of the display device and / or receiving user input. In embodiments, one, some, or all of the display devices 110, 120, 130, 140 may be configured to display or otherwise communicate sensor information as it is communicated from the analyte sensor electronics module 12 (e.g., within a data package transmitted to the respective display device) without any additional anticipated processing required for calibration and / or real-time display of the sensor data.

[0019] 1 may include custom display devices, such as an analyte display device 110 that is specifically designed to display a particular type of displayable sensor information (e.g., in embodiments, numerical values ​​and / or arrows) associated with analyte data received from the analyte sensor electronics module 12. In an embodiment, one of the display devices 110, 120, 130, 140 includes a smartphone, such as a mobile phone based on Android, iOS, or other operating system and configured to display a graphical representation of continuous sensor data (e.g., including current and / or historical data).

[0020] 1 and mentioned above, the system 100 may also include a WAP 138 that may be used to couple one or more of the analyte sensor system 8, the multiple display devices 110, 120, 130, 140, etc., the server system 134, and the partner device 136 to one another. For example, the WAP 138 may provide WiFi and / or cellular or other wireless connectivity within the system 100. Near Field Communication (NFC) may also be used between devices of the system 100 to exchange data and to perform specialized functions, such as to wake up or power devices, or to cause devices (e.g., the analyte sensor electronics module 12 and / or transmitter) to exit a low power mode or otherwise change state and / or enter an operational mode. The server system 134 may be used to collect analyte data from the analyte sensor system 8 and / or multiple display devices, for example, to perform analysis, generate generic or personalized models of glucose levels and profiles, provide services or feedback, including from a system that remotely monitors personal or analyte data, etc. The partner device 136 may generally communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with the analyte sensor system 8, including, by way of overview and example, for authentication of the partner device 136 and / or the analyte sensor system 8, and for exchange of analyte data, medication data, other data, and / or control signaling, etc. The partner device 136 may be a passive device in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. One example of a partner device 136 may be an insulin pump for administering insulin to a user in response to and / or according to the user's analyte levels measured / estimated using the analyte sensor system 8. For various reasons, it may be desirable for such an insulin pump to receive and track glucose values ​​transmitted from the analyte sensor system 8 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ).One exemplary reason for this is to provide an insulin pump with the ability to interrupt / activate / control insulin delivery to a user based on the user's glucose values ​​falling below / above a threshold value.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2, a system 200 is depicted. The system 200 may be used in connection with implementing embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or devices, including, for example, aspects described above in connection with FIG. 1. By way of example, various below-described components of FIG. 2 may be used to provide wireless communication of analyte (e.g., glucose) data, such as between, for example, the analyte sensor system 308, the display device 310, the partner device 315, and / or one or more server systems 334. In some cases, the analyte sensor system 308 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be an example of the analyte sensor system 8 illustrated in FIG. 1. Additionally, in some cases, the display device 310 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be an example of the display devices 110, 120, 130, and 140 illustrated in FIG. 1. Additionally, in some cases, the partner device 315 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be an example of the partner device 136 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0022] 2, the system 200 may include an analyte sensor system 308, one or more display devices 310, and / or one or more partner devices 315. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the system 200 includes a server system 334, which may include a server 334a coupled to a processor 334c and storage 334b. The analyte sensor system 308 may be coupled to the display device 310, the partner device 315, and / or the server system 334 via a communication medium 305. Some details of the processing, collection, and exchange of data and / or the performance of actions (e.g., providing medications or related instructions) by the analyte sensor system 308, the partner device 315, and / or the display device 310, etc., are provided below.

[0023] The analyte sensor system 308, the display device 310, and / or the partner device 315 may exchange messaging (e.g., control signaling) over the communication medium 305, which may also be used to deliver analyte data to the display device 310, the partner device 315, and / or the server system 334. As alluded to above, the display device 310 may include a variety of electronic computing devices, such as, for example, smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearable devices, etc. The display device 310 may also include the analyte display device 110, which may be customized for display and communication of analyte data and associated notifications, etc. The partner device 315 may include medical devices, such as insulin pumps or pens, connectable devices, such as smart refrigerators or mirrors, key fobs, and other devices.

[0024] In an embodiment, the communication medium 305 may be based on one or more wireless communication protocols, such as, for example, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, WiFi, IEEE 802.11 protocols, Infrared (IR), Radio Frequency (RF), 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and / or wired protocols and media. It will also be appreciated upon review of this disclosure that the communication medium may be implemented as one or more communication links, including possibly separate links, between components of the system 200, regardless of whether such links are explicitly shown in or referenced in connection with FIG. 2. By way of illustration, the analyte sensor system 308 may be coupled to the display device 310 via a first link of the communication medium 305 using BLE, and the display device 310 may be coupled to the server system 334 by a second link of the communication medium 305 using a cellular communication protocol (e.g., 4G LTE / 5G, etc.). In an embodiment, the BLE signal may be temporarily attenuated to minimize data interception. For example, attenuation of the BLE signal due to hardware or firmware design may occur temporarily during the moment of data exchange (e.g., pairing).

[0025] In embodiments, the elements of system 200 may be used to implement various processes described herein and / or to perform various operations and / or features described herein with respect to one or more of the disclosed systems and / or methods. Upon review of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that system 200 may include single or multiple analyte sensor systems 308, communication medium 305, and / or server system 334.

[0026] As mentioned, the communication medium 305 may be used to connect or communicatively couple the analyte sensor system 308, the display device 310, the partner device 315, and / or the server system 334 to one another or to a network. The communication medium 305 may be implemented in various forms. For example, the communication medium 305 may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a person area network (PAN), a wide area network (WAN), an optical fiber network, the Internet over power lines, a hardwired connection (e.g., a bus), an Internet connection such as DSL, or any other type of network connection or communication coupling. The communication medium 305 may be implemented using any combination of routers, cables, modems, switches, optical fibers, wires, wireless (e.g., microwave / RF, AM, FM links, etc.), and the like. Additionally, the communication medium 305 may be implemented using various wireless standards, such as Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11, 3GPP standards (e.g., 2G GSM / GPRS / EDGE, 3G UMTS / CDMA2000, or 4G LTE / LTE-A / LTE-U, 5G, or subsequent generations), etc. Upon reading this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other ways to implement the communication medium 305 for communication purposes, and will also recognize that the communication medium 305 may be used to implement features of the present disclosure using yet to be developed communication protocols that may be deployed in the future.

[0027] 2 , the server 334a may receive, collect, and / or monitor information including analyte data, drug data, and related information from the analyte sensor system 308, the partner device 315, and / or the display device 310, such as input responsive to analyte data or drug data, or input received in connection with an analyte monitoring application operating on the analyte sensor system 308 or the display device 310, or a drug delivery application operating on the display device 310 or the partner device 315. Thus, the server 334a may receive, collect, and / or monitor information from the partner device 315, such as, for example, information related to the provision of a drug to a user, and / or information regarding the operation of one or more of the partner devices 315. The server 334a may also receive, collect, and / or monitor information regarding a user of the analyte sensor system 308, the display device 310, and / or the partner device 315.

[0028] In an embodiment, the server 334a may be adapted to receive such information via the communication medium 305. This information may be stored in the storage 334b ​​and processed by the processor 334c. For example, the processor 334c may include an analytics engine capable of performing analytics on information collected, received, etc. by the server 334a via the communication medium 305. In an embodiment, the server 334a, the storage 334b, and / or the processor 334c may be implemented as a distributed computing network, such as a Hadoop® network, or as a relational database, etc. The information previously mentioned may then be processed in the server 334a such that services may be provided to the analyte sensor system 308, the display device 310, the partner device 315, and / or their users. For example, such services may include diabetes management feedback for the user.

[0029] In an embodiment, the database may be implemented in a server system 334, which may pair user accounts to one or more analyte sensor systems 308 using the communication medium 305. For example, based on the expected lifespan of an individual component or one or more groups of components of the analyte sensor system 308, or the analyte sensor system 308 as a whole, and / or based on diagnostic feedback received by the analyte sensor system 308, the server system 334 may be able to determine whether a given analyte sensor system 308 or its component or group of components has expired or is past its useful life. A user may receive an indication, notification, alert, or warning from the server system 334, for example, on the display device 310 and / or via the analyte sensor system 308, that the analyte sensor system 308 or its component or group of components has expired or is past its useful life, or will become so soon or within a given time. In an embodiment, a user may receive an indication, notification, alert, or warning on the display device 310 from the server system 334 about the expected life of the analyte sensor system 308 or a component or group of components thereof.

[0030] The server 334a may include, for example, an internet server, a router, a desktop or laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a processor, a module, etc., and may be implemented in a variety of forms including, for example, an integrated circuit or assembly thereof, a printed circuit board or assembly thereof, or a separate housing / package / rack or multiples thereof. In an embodiment, the server 334a at least partially directs communications that occur over the communication medium 305. Such communications may include delivery of analyte data, drug data, and / or messaging related thereto (e.g., advertisements, authorizations, commands, or other messaging). For example, the server 334a may process and exchange messages between the analyte sensor system 308, the display device 310, and / or the partner device 315 related to frequency bands, timing of transmissions, security / encryption, alarms, alerts, notifications, etc. The server 334a may update information stored in the analyte sensor system 308, the partner device 315, and / or the display device 310, for example, by delivering or updating applications thereto and / or by reconfiguring system parameters or other settings of the analyte sensor system 308, the partner device 315, and / or the display device 310. The server 334a may send / receive information to / from the analyte sensor system 308, the partner device 315, and / or the display device 310 on a real-time, periodic, sporadic, or event-driven basis. Additionally, the server 334a may implement cloud computing capabilities for the analyte sensor system 308, the partner device 315, and / or the display device 310.

[0031] With the above description of aspects of the disclosed systems and methods for wireless communication of analyte data, examples of certain specific features of the present disclosure are now provided. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, upon review of the present disclosure, that these features may be implemented using aspects and / or combinations of aspects of the exemplary configurations described above, whether or not explicit reference is made thereto.

[0032] Analyte Data 1 , as mentioned above, in an embodiment, an analyte sensor system 8 is provided for measuring an analyte within a host or user. By way of overview and example, the analyte sensor system 8 may be implemented as an encapsulated microcontroller that performs sensor measurements, generates analyte data (e.g., by calculating values ​​of continuous glucose monitoring data), and engages in wireless communications (e.g., via Bluetooth and / or other wireless protocols) to send such data to a remote device (e.g., display devices 110, 120, 130, 140, partner device 136, and / or server system 134).

[0033] The analyte sensor system 8 may include an analyte sensor 10 configured to measure a concentration or level of an analyte in a host and an analyte sensor electronics module 12 that is typically physically connected to the analyte sensor 10 before the analyte sensor 10 is implanted in a user. In some cases, the analyte sensor 10 may be a multi-analyte sensor capable of measuring multiple different types of analytes, such as glucose, lactate, potassium, etc. In an embodiment, the analyte sensor electronics module 12 includes electronics configured to process a data stream associated with an analyte concentration measured by the analyte sensor 10 to generate sensor information including, for example, raw sensor data, converted sensor data, and / or any other sensor data. The analyte sensor electronics module 12 may be further configured to generate analyte sensor information that is customized for a respective display device 110, 120, 130, 140, partner device 136, and / or server system 134. The analyte sensor electronics module 12 may be further configured so that different devices may receive different sensor information and may be further configured to wirelessly transmit the sensor information to such display devices 110, 120, 130, 140, partner device 136, and / or server system 134.

[0034] As used herein, the term "analyte" is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of skill in the art (and is not to be limited to any special or customized meaning) and refers to, but is not limited to, a substance or chemical constituent in a biological fluid (e.g., blood, interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, lymphatic fluid, or urine) that may be further analyzed. Analytes may include naturally occurring substances, man-made substances, metabolites, and / or reaction products. In some embodiments, the analyte for measurement by the sensor head, devices, and methods is glucose. However, other analytes are contemplated as well, including acarboxyprothrombin; acylcarnitines; adenine phosphoribosyltransferase; adenosine deaminase; albumin; α-fetoprotein; amino acid profile (arginine (Krebs cycle), histidine / urocanic acid, homocysteine, phenylalanine / tyrosine, tryptophan); andrenostenedione; antipyrine; arabinitol enantiomers; arginase; benzoylecgonine (cocaine); biotinidase; biopterin; c-reactive protein; carnitine; carnosinase; CD4; ceruloplasmin; chenodeoxycholic acid; chloroquine; cholesterol; cholinesterase; conjugated 1-hydroxycholic acid; cortisol; creatine kinase; creatine kinase MM isoenzyme; cyclosporin; d-Penicillamine; Deethylchloroquine; Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; DNA (acetylation polymorphism, alcohol dehydrogenase, α1-antitrypsin, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne / Becker muscular dystrophy, analyte-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, hemoglobin A, hemoglobin S, hemoglobin C, hemoglobin D, hemoglobin E, hemoglobin F, D-Punjab, beta-thalase MIA, Hepatitis B virus, HCMV, HIV-1, HTLV-1, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, MCAD, RNA, PKU, Plasmodium vivax, sex differentiation, 21-deoxycortisol); Desbutylhalofantrine; Dihydropteridine reductase; Diphtheria / tetanus antitoxin; Erythrocyte arginase; Erythrocyte protoporphyrin; Esterase D; Fatty acids / acylglycines; Free-human chorionic gonadotropin;Free erythrocyte porphyrin; free thyroxine (FT4); free triiodothyronine (free tri-iodothyronine, FT3); fumarylacetoacetase; galactose / gal-1-phosphate; galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase; gentamicin; analyte-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; glutathione; glutathione peroxidase; glycocholate; glycosylated hemoglobin; halofantrine; hemoglobin variants; hexosaminidase A; human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I; 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone; hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase; immunoreactive trypsin; lactate; lead; lipoprotein ((a),B / A-1,); lysozyme; mefloquine; netilmicin; phenobarbitone; phenytoin; phytanic acid / pristanic acid; progesterone; prolactin; prolidase; purine nucleoside phosphorylase; quinine; reverse triiodothyronine (reverse tri-iodothyronine, rT3); selenium; serum pancreatic lipase; sisomicin; somatomedin C; specific antibodies (adenovirus, antinuclear antibody, anti-zeta antibody, arbovirus, pseudorabies virus, dengue virus, dracunculiasis, tapeworm, granulosus granulosus, ameba histolytica, enterovirus, giardiasis, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus, herpes virus, HIV-1, IgE (atopic disease), influenza virus, Leishmania donovani, Leptospira, measles / mumps / rubella, Mycobacterium leprae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, myoglobin, Onchocerca volvulus, parainfluenza encephalopathy virus, Plasmodium, poliovirus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respiratory syncytial virus, Rickettsia (tsutsugamushi disease), Schistosoma mansoni, Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum, Trypanosoma cruzi / langeri, Vesicular stomatitis virus, Wuchereria bancrofti, Yellow fever virus);Specific antigens (Hepatitis B virus, HIV-1);Succinylacetone;Sulfadoxine;Theophylline;Thyrotropin (TSH);Thyroxine (T4);Thyroxine-binding globulin;Trace elements;Transcription;UDP-galactose-4-epimerase;Urea;Uroporphyrinogen I synthase;Vitamin A;Leukocytes;and zinc protoporphyrin. Salts, sugars, proteins, fats, vitamins, and hormones naturally present in blood or interstitial fluids can also constitute analytes in certain embodiments. Analytes can be naturally present in biological fluids, such as metabolites, hormones, antigens, antibodies, and the like. Alternatively, analytes can be introduced into the body, such as contrast agents for imaging, radioisotopes, chemical agents, fluorocarbon-based synthetic blood, or drugs or pharmaceutical compositions, including insulin; ethanol; cannabis (marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, hashish); inhalants (nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, chlorohydrocarbons, hydrocarbons); cocaine (crack cocaine); stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, ritalin, silurt, preludine, didrex, prestate, borane, sandrex, pregin); depressants (barbiturates, methaqualone, valium , Librium, Miltown, Serax, Equuanil, Tranxine, and other tranquilizers; hallucinogens (phencyclidine, lysergic acid, mescaline, peyote, psilocybin); narcotics (heroin, codeine, morphine, opium, meperidine, Percocet, Percodan, Tasionex, fentanyl, Darvon, Talwin, Lomotil); synthetic narcotics (fentanyl, meperidine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and analogs of phencyclidine, e.g., ecstasy); anabolic steroids; and nicotine. Metabolic products of drugs and pharmaceutical compositions are also contemplated analytes. Analytes such as neurochemicals and other chemicals produced in the body can also be analyzed, such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, noradrenaline, 3-methoxytyramine (3MT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (FHIAA);

[0035] Analyte Sensor System As described above with reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the analyte sensor 10 includes a continuous glucose sensor, e.g., a subcutaneous, transdermal (e.g., transcutaneous), or intravascular device. In embodiments, such a sensor or device can continuously measure and analyze glucose measurements in interstitial fluid, blood samples, etc., depending on whether the device is subcutaneous, transdermal, or intravascular. The analyte sensor 10 can use any analyte measurement method, including exemplary glucose measurement methods, including, for example, enzymatic, chemical, physical, electrochemical, spectrophotometric, polarimetric, calorimetric, iontophoretic, radiometric, immunochemical, etc.

[0036] In embodiments in which the analyte sensor 10 is a glucose sensor, the analyte sensor 10 can use any method, including invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive sensing techniques (e.g., fluorescence monitoring), to provide a data stream indicative of the concentration of glucose in the host. The data stream can be a raw data signal that can be converted into a calibrated and / or filtered data stream that can be used to provide a useful glucose value to a user, such as a patient or caregiver (e.g., a parent, relative, guardian, teacher, doctor, nurse, or any other individual interested in the health of the host).

[0037] The glucose sensor may be any device capable of measuring the concentration of glucose. According to one exemplary embodiment described below, an implantable glucose sensor may be used. However, it should be understood that the devices and methods described herein may be applied to any device capable of detecting the concentration of an analyte, e.g., glucose, and providing an output signal (e.g., in the form of analyte data) that is representative of the concentration of the analyte, again e.g., glucose.

[0038] In an embodiment, the analyte sensor 10 is an implantable glucose sensor, such as described with reference to U.S. Patent No. 6,001,067 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0027463. In an embodiment, the analyte sensor 10 is a transcutaneous glucose sensor, such as described with reference to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0020187. In an embodiment, the analyte sensor 10 is configured to be implanted within a host's blood vessel or outside the body, such as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0027385, co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0119703, filed October 4, 2006, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0108942, filed March 26, 2007, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0197890, filed February 14, 2007. In an embodiment, the continuous glucose sensor includes a transcutaneous sensor, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,565,509 to Say et al. In an embodiment, the analyte sensor 10 is a continuous glucose sensor including a subcutaneous sensor, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,579,690 to Bonnecaze et al. or U.S. Patent No. 6,484,046 to Say et al. In an embodiment, the continuous glucose sensor includes a refillable subcutaneous sensor, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,512,939 to Colvin et al. The continuous glucose sensor may include an intravascular sensor, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,477,395 to Schulman et al. The continuous glucose sensor may include an intravascular sensor, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,424,847 to Mastrototaro et al.

[0039] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an on-skin sensor assembly 360 that may be used in conjunction with the analyte sensor system 8, 308, according to some embodiments. For example, the on-skin sensor assembly 360 may include the analyte sensor system 8, referring to FIG. 1 by way of example. The on-skin sensor assembly 360 may include an outer housing having a first upper portion 392 and a second lower portion 394. In an embodiment, the outer housing may include a clamshell design. The on-skin sensor assembly 360 may include components similar to the analyte sensor electronics module 12 described above in connection with FIG. 1, such as a potentiostat, a power supply for providing power to the analyte sensor 10, signal processing components, data storage components, and a communication module (e.g., a telemetry module) for one-way or two-way data communication, a printed circuit board (PCB), an integrated circuit (IC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, and / or a processor.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3A, the outer housing may feature a generally oval shape. The outer housing may further include an opening 396 disposed substantially through a central portion of the outer housing and adapted for needle insertion through the sensor 338 and the underside of the on-skin sensor assembly 360. In an embodiment, the opening 396 may be a channel or an elongated slot. The on-skin sensor assembly 360 may further include an adhesive patch 326 configured to secure the on-skin sensor assembly 360 to the skin of a host. In an embodiment, the adhesive patch 326 includes an adhesive suitable for skin adhesion, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (e.g., acrylic, rubber-based, or other suitable type) bonded to a carrier substrate (e.g., spunlace polyester, polyurethane film, or other suitable type) for skin attachment, although any suitable type of adhesive is contemplated. As shown, the adhesive patch 326 may feature an opening 398 aligned with the opening 396 such that the sensor 338 may pass through the underside of the on-skin sensor assembly 360 and the adhesive patch 326.

[0041] Figure 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the on-skin sensor assembly 360 of Figure 3A. Figure 3B further illustrates an opening 396 disposed in a substantially central portion of the bottom of the on-skin sensor assembly 360, and an opening 398, both adapted for sensor 338 and needle insertion.

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the on-skin sensor assembly 360 of Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 4 illustrates a first upper portion 392 and a second lower portion 394 of the outer housing, an adhesive patch 326, an opening 396 in a central portion of the on-skin sensor assembly 360, an opening 398 in a central portion of the adhesive patch 326, and a sensor 338 passing through the opening 396. The electronics unit described above in connection with Figure 3A may further include a circuit board 404 and a battery 402 configured to provide power to at least the circuit board 404.

[0043] 5, a more detailed functional block diagram of the analyte sensor system 308 is provided (e.g., discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2). As mentioned above, the analyte sensor system 308 may be an example of the analyte sensor system 8 illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the analyte sensor system 308 may include an analyte sensor 530 (e.g., may be an example of the analyte sensor 10 illustrated in FIG. 1) coupled to sensor measurement circuitry 525 for processing and managing sensor data. The sensor measurement circuitry 525 may be coupled to a processor / microcontroller 535 (e.g., may be part of the analyte sensor electronics module 12 in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the processor / microcontroller 535 may perform some or all of the functionality of the sensor measurement circuitry 525 to obtain and process sensor measurements from the analyte sensor 530.

[0044] The processor / microcontroller 535 may further be coupled to a wireless unit or transceiver 510 (which may be part of the analyte sensor electronics module 12 in FIG. 1, for example) for transmitting sensor and other data and receiving requests and commands and other signaling from an external device, such as a display device 310 (see, for example, FIG. 2). The display device 310 may be used to display or otherwise provide the sensor data (or analyte data) or data derived therefrom to a user, a server system 334, and / or a partner device 315. The partner device 315 may utilize the sensor data or derived data derived therefrom in administering medication (e.g., insulin) and / or diabetes management guidance to the user. As used herein, the terms "wireless unit" and "transceiver" are used interchangeably and generally refer to a device that can transmit and receive data wirelessly. The analyte sensor system 308 may further include storage 515 (which may be part of the analyte sensor electronics module 12 of FIG. 1, for example) and a real time clock (RTC) 540 (which may be part of the analyte sensor electronics module 12 of FIG. 1, for example) for storing and tracking sensor data and other data.

[0045] As shown, the analyte sensor system 308 may also include a power activation module 520. The power activation module 520 may use or include logic circuitry configured to implement functionality as described herein with respect to detecting a trigger event, such as the presence or absence of a magnetic field, and enabling activation of the analyte sensor system 8, 308 based on the trigger event. Additional details regarding the power activation module 520 are discussed further herein.

[0046] The analyte sensor system 308, in an example implementation, collects analyte data using an analyte sensor 530 and transmits it or a derivative thereof to the display device 310, the partner device 315, and / or the server system 334. Data points regarding the analyte value may be collected and transmitted over the life of the analyte sensor 530. New measurements and / or related information may be transmitted frequently enough for the remote device / individual to adequately monitor the analyte (e.g., glucose) level.

[0047] It should be understood that some details of the processing, collection, and exchange of data by the analyte sensor system 308, partner device 315, and / or display device 310, etc., are provided elsewhere herein. Upon review of this disclosure, it will be understood that the analyte sensor system 308 may include, for at least some embodiments herein, some similar components as described with respect to Figure 1 or Figure 2. Accordingly, details and use of such similar components may be understood with respect to the analyte sensor system 308, even if not explicitly described herein with reference to Figure 5.

[0048] Aspects Related to Power Activation for Wearable Electronic Devices Diabetic patients can benefit from real-time diabetes management guidance that is determined based on the patient's physiological condition. In some cases, the patient's physiological condition is determined using a diagnostic system, such as an analyte sensor system (e.g., analyte sensor system 8 and / or analyte sensor system 308). In some embodiments, analyte sensor system 308 can be configured to measure glucose levels and inform the patient about the identification and / or prediction of adverse glycemic events, such as hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Additionally, analyte sensor system 308 can be configured to help inform the type of guidance provided to the patient in response to these adverse glycemic events.

[0049] For example, the analyte sensor system 308 may be configured to be worn by a patient and to continuously measure the patient's glucose level over time using a continuous analyte sensor, such as analyte sensor 530. The measured glucose level may then be processed by the analyte sensor system 308 (e.g., by processor / microcontroller 535) to identify and / or predict adverse glycemic events and / or provide the patient with guidance for treatment and / or actions to mitigate or prevent the occurrence of such adverse glycemic events. To perform and process these measurements, the analyte sensor system 308 may include a power source, such as a battery. When the analyte sensor system 308 is powered on, power from the battery may be consumed by different components of the analyte sensor system 308, such as one or more sensors (e.g., sensor measurement circuitry 525, analyte sensor 530, etc.), a microprocessor (e.g., processor / microcontroller 535), a transmitter (e.g., connection interface 505), etc. Power consumption in the analyte sensor system is a primary concern since the amount of power that can be stored in a battery is limited.

[0050] To help conserve battery power for continuous glucose monitoring, the analyte sensor system 308 may include a power activation module, such as the power activation module 520. The power activation module 520 may be designed to maintain the analyte sensor system 308 in an off state in the absence of a triggering event and transition the analyte sensor system 308 to an on state upon the occurrence of a triggering event. In some embodiments, the power activation module 520 may include a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor to maintain the analyte sensor system 308 in an off state in the absence of a triggering event. For example, the TMR sensor may be configured to output a discrete signal in the presence of an applied magnetic field. This discrete signal may then be used to control current flow from the battery 308 of the analyte sensor system, and therefore whether the analyte sensor system 308 is powered on or off.

[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary power activation module 600 incorporating a TMR sensor 602. In some embodiments, the power activation module 600 may be an example of or be incorporated into the power activation module 520 illustrated in FIG. 5. When a magnetic field is applied to or near the TMR sensor 602, the output signal of the TMR sensor 602 may be configured to be low or zero. In some embodiments, the applied magnetic field may be provided by a magnet included in an applicator or packaging of the analyte sensor system 308. For example, in some cases, when the analyte sensor system 308 is located in the applicator or packaging, the magnet included in the applicator or packaging applies a magnetic field to the TMR sensor 602 to obtain an output signal of the TMR sensor 602 low. Conversely, when the analyte sensor system 308 is removed from the packaging and / or applicator, the magnetic field from the included magnet is removed from the TMR sensor 602, which may result in the output signal from the TMR sensor 602 being driven high.

[0052] The output signal of the TMR sensor 602 may be provided to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 606, as shown at 604, that is continuously powered by a battery 608 and configured to sense the output of the TMR sensor 602. Thus, while the output signal of the TMR sensor 602 is low, a wake-up component 610 in the ASIC 606 is configured to maintain a switch 612 in the ASIC in an open position to prevent current flow from the battery 608 to one or more electrical components (e.g., the sensor measurement circuitry 525, the analyte sensor 530, the processor / microcontroller 535, the connection interface 505, etc.) in a system on chip (SoC) 614 of the analyte sensor system 308 to maintain the analyte sensor system 308 in an off state.

[0053] In some embodiments, the output signal of the TMR sensor 602 may be configured to be high (e.g., logic 1) when the magnetic field is not applied to or removed from the TMR sensor 602, such as when the analyte sensor system 308 is removed from the package and / or applicator. Thus, when the magnetic field is removed from the TMR sensor 602, the wake-up component 610 of the ASIC 606 senses the output signal 604 from the TMR sensor 602 and then closes the switch 612 to allow current to flow from the battery 608 to one or more electrical components of the SoC 614, thereby allowing the analyte sensor system 308 to transition to an ON state. In some examples, the power activation module 600 may utilize a near field communication (NFC) based wake-up system in place of the TMR sensor 602. In some cases, the NFC based wake-up system may utilize a loop antenna or coil to sense magnetic induction, which may then provide a signal to the switch 612 to turn it on. In such an example, the display device may provide a radio frequency (RF) trigger signal to a loop antenna when in proximity to the analyte sensor system 308 .

[0054] In order to conserve battery power of the battery 608, it may be desirable to maintain the analyte sensor system 308 in an OFF state when the analyte sensor system 308 is still in its packaging and not being used or worn by a patient, such as when it is being stored or shipped. The analyte sensor system 308 may then be transitioned to an ON state when it is removed from its packaging and actively being used or worn by a patient. In some embodiments, a magnet may be included in the packaging or housing of the continuous glucose monitor to effect the transition from an OFF state (e.g., while not being used or worn) to an ON state (e.g., while being used or worn). While the continuous glucose monitor is in its packaging or housing, the magnet applies a magnetic field to the TMR sensor 602 included in the power activation module 600, maintaining the analyte sensor system 308 in an OFF state and conserving battery power. When the analyte sensor system 308 is removed from its packaging or housing, the magnetic field may no longer be applied to the TMR sensor 602, allowing current from the battery 608 to flow and place the analyte sensor system 308 in an ON state.

[0055] Although the power consumption of the analyte sensor system 308 is highest when the analyte sensor system 308 is powered on (e.g., in the on state), power may still be consumed or dissipated by the analyte sensor system 308 when in the off state. This power consumption / dissipation while the analyte sensor system 308 is in the off state may be the result of the wake-up component 610 in the ASIC 606 having to be continuously powered to sense whether the output signal of the TMR sensor 602 is high or low. Although relatively low relative to the on state, the power consumption in the off state may be problematic. For example, when the analyte sensor system 308 is stored for a significant period of time, this power consumption experienced in the off state may reduce the battery power to a level such that the analyte sensor system 308 becomes unusable. Thus, there is a need in the art for improved systems and methods for power management in wearable devices, such as the analyte sensor system 308, that utilize a magnet-based power wake-up module.

[0056] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide a power wake-up module to reduce power consumption or dissipation when an associated sensor system (e.g., analyte sensor system 308) is in an off state. Additionally, the power wake-up module includes a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch, allowing the power wake-up module to function as an on / off / reset device such that a transceiver (e.g., transceiver 510) in the sensor system wakes in a known state. The power wake-up module also includes a lock input (e.g., pin) to disable the TMR sensor and avoid intermittent shutdown of the transceiver in the analyte sensor system 308 in the presence of an unexpected applied magnetic field. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lock input may be bidirectional and may provide the status of the applied magnetic field from the TMR sensor, e.g., to prevent false wake-up during shipping of the sensor system when the applied magnetic field may change.

[0057] 7 illustrates an example circuit diagram of a power activation module 700. The power activation module 700 may be part of a wearable electronic device, such as the power activation module 520 of the analyte sensor system 308, and may be used to power the wearable electronic components 722 of the wearable electronic device. In some cases, the wearable electronic components 722 may include one or more electrical components of the analyte sensor system 308, such as the sensor measurement circuitry 525, the analyte sensor 530, the processor / microcontroller 535, the connection interface 505, etc.

[0058] As described in more detail below, the power activation module 700 includes a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch 716 configured to provide a path for current flow between a battery 704 associated with the power activation module 700, a wearable electronic component 722, and a ground terminal 724. Additionally, the SPDT switch 716 provides on / off / reset functionality to the wearable electronic device so that a transceiver (e.g., transceiver 510) of the wearable electronic component 722 wakes up in a known state when the wearable electronic device is powered on.

[0059] Additionally, the power activation module 700 includes a TMR sensor 702 configured to detect whether a magnetic field is applied thereto. Based on the detection, the TMR sensor 702 is further configured to output a first digital output signal to operate the SPDT switch 716 to control a current flow from the battery 704 to the wearable electronic component 722 of the wearable electronic device. In some cases, rather than employing the TMR sensor 702, the power activation module 700 may implement an NFC sensor that may be configured to detect whether a magnetic field is applied and, based on the detection, output a first digital output signal to at least partially control the SPDT switch 716 to control a current flow from the battery 704 to the wearable electronic component 722 of the wearable electronic device. In some cases, a suitable sensor different from the NFC sensor or the TMR sensor may be used to detect whether an environmental condition (e.g., one or more types of signals such as magnetic field / signal, temperature, etc.) is applied and, based on the detection, control the first digital output signal.

[0060] Additionally, in certain aspects, the power activation module 700 optionally includes a lock pin 726 configured to receive a lock signal for a power lock function and, optionally, a field monitoring function. The power lock function associated with the lock pin 726 prevents a wearable electronic component 722 of the wearable electronic device, such as a transceiver, from unintentionally powering off in the presence of a magnetic field. For example, in some cases, when a lock signal is received, the SPDT switch 716 is locked to allow current flow from the battery 704 to the wearable electronic component 722. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the field monitoring function associated with the lock pin provides the wearable electronic device with the ability to determine false wake-ups.

[0061] As described above, the power activation module 700 includes a TMR sensor 702. The TMR sensor 702 may be powered by a power source, such as a battery 704, via an input pin 728. In one particular embodiment, the battery 704 receives an input voltage V in the range of approximately 1.1 volts to 1.8 volts. DD The voltage range of 1.1 volts to 1.8 volts is not intended to be limiting, and V DD Other voltage ranges of are possible. The TMR sensor 702 may be configured to detect whether a magnetic field is applied to the TMR sensor 702 and output a first digital output signal based on the detection. For example, in some embodiments, the TMR sensor 702 may be configured to output a low digital output signal (e.g., the first digital output signal comprises a low digital output signal) when the magnetic field applied to the TMR sensor 702 reaches an operating magnetic field threshold of the TMR sensor. Conversely, the TMR sensor 702 may be configured to output a high digital output signal (e.g., the first digital output signal comprises a high digital output signal) when the magnetic field is reduced below a release magnetic field threshold of the TMR sensor 702. In other embodiments, the TMR sensor 702 may be configured to output a high digital output signal when a magnetic field is applied to the TMR sensor 702 and output a low digital output signal when a magnetic field is not applied to the TMR sensor.

[0062] As shown, the power activation module 700 also includes a comparator, such as an ultra-low power (ULP) comparator 706 configured to receive a first digital output signal from the TMR sensor 702. The ULP comparator 706 may be further configured to compare a voltage of the first digital output signal of the TMR sensor 702 to a reference voltage or a bias voltage, for example, generated by a ULP bias generator 708, and output a second digital output signal based on the greater of the voltage of the first digital output signal or the reference voltage. For example, when the voltage of the first digital output signal from the TMR sensor 702 is less than the reference voltage received from the ULP bias generator 708, the ULP comparator 706 is configured to output a low voltage (e.g., the second digital output signal comprises a low digital output signal). Conversely, when the voltage of the digital output signal from the TMR sensor 702 is greater than the reference voltage from the ULP bias generator 708, the ULP comparator 706 is configured to output a high voltage (e.g., the second digital output signal comprises a high digital output signal). Additionally, as shown, the power start-up module 700 includes test and trim components 732 configured to enable adjustment of the reference voltage generated by the ULP bias generator 708, as well as adjustment of the sensitivity of the TMR sensor 702 to an applied magnetic field.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second digital output signal from the ULP comparator 706 is then input to a first terminal of a logical OR gate 710. The logical OR gate 710 may be configured to output a third digital output signal based on the second digital output signal from the ULP comparator 706 and a lock signal received at a second terminal of the logical OR gate 710 via a lock pin of the power activation module 700.

[0064] When the voltage of the second digital output signal from the TMR sensor 702 is greater than the reference voltage from the ULP bias generator 708, the ULP comparator 706 outputs a high voltage to a first terminal of a logic OR gate 710. When either the voltage of the second digital output signal or the voltage of the lock signal is high, the logic OR gate 710 may be configured to output a high digital output signal (e.g., the third digital output signal includes a high digital output signal). The third digital output signal may then be input to a control logic component 712 as shown. When the voltage of the third digital output signal is high, this high voltage enables the control logic component 712 to transition to an on state. When in the on state, the control logic component 712 is configured to output a drive signal to control one or more transistors of the SPDT switch 716.

[0065] For example, in some embodiments, the control logic component 712 may output a first drive signal to the charge pump component 714 via a first output terminal. In response to receiving the first drive signal from the control logic component 712, the charge pump component 714 outputs a third drive signal via a second output terminal to V DD , may be configured to apply a voltage greater than 0.1 V to a gate terminal of a first transistor 718 of the SPDT switch 716 to bias the first transistor 718 on. As shown, the drain terminal of the first transistor 718 is electrically coupled to the battery 704 and is connected to the input voltage V DDWhen the first transistor 718 is biased on via the third drive signal from the charge pump component 714, current from the battery 704 is allowed to flow through the first transistor 718 (e.g., from the drain terminal of the first transistor 718 to the source terminal of the first transistor 718, which is electrically coupled to the wearable electronic component 722) and to the wearable electronic component 722 via the output pin 730, powering the wearable electronic component 722. As shown, the voltage output from the first transistor 718 via the output pin 730 and provided to the wearable electronic component 722 is V out It is known as.

[0066] In some embodiments, the ULP comparator 706 outputs a low voltage when the voltage of the first digital output signal from the TMR sensor 702 is less than the reference voltage from the ULP bias generator 708. Assuming that the voltage of the lock signal at the lock pin 726 is also low, the low voltage associated with the first digital signal output of the TMR sensor 702, at least in part, maintains the control logic component 712 in an off state. When the control logic component 712 is in an off state, the control logic component 712 does not output a first drive signal to the charge pump component 714 (or outputs a low first drive signal), preventing current flow from the battery 704 through the first transistor 718 and maintaining the wearable electronic component 722 in an off state.

[0067] For example, when a magnetic field is applied to the TMR sensor 702, current from the battery 704 is prevented from flowing through the first transistor 718, which keeps the wearable electronic component 722 in an off state. However, when the magnetic field is removed from the TMR sensor 702, current from the battery 704 is allowed to flow through the first transistor 718, allowing the wearable electronic component 722 to transition to an on state, as described above.

[0068] In some embodiments, after one or more wearable electronic components are powered on, the wearable electronic component 722 may be configured to generate a lock signal and output the lock signal to a lock pin 726. For example, as shown, the lock signal may be input to a second terminal of a logic OR gate 710 disposed between the ULP comparator 706 and the control logic component 712. When applied (e.g., the lock signal is high), the lock signal locks the first transistor 718 to allow current flow from the battery 704 to the wearable electronic component 722. In other words, when the lock signal is applied by the wearable electronic component 722, the lock signal functionally removes the TMR sensor 702 from the power activation module 700 and forces the third digital output signal input to the control logic component 712 high, regardless of whether a magnetic field is applied to the TMR sensor 702. Thus, the lock signal function prevents a wearable electronic component 722 of a wearable electronic device, such as a transceiver (e.g., transceiver 510 of analyte sensor system 308 of FIG. 5), from being unintentionally powered off in the presence of a magnetic field.

[0069] Further, the lock signal may be used to protect against false wake-ups in addition to the field monitoring functions of the microcontroller (e.g., processor / microcontroller 535) associated with the power activation module 700. For example, there may be instances where the wearable electronic component 722 may be unintentionally woken up due to various environmental factors such as vibrations, loud noises, etc. In some cases, these environmental factors may be significant enough to cause fluctuations in the magnetic field sensed by the TMR sensor 702, causing the wearable electronic component 722 to power on. Unintentional or false wake-up of the wearable electronic component 722 may unnecessarily consume power from the battery 704.

[0070] To help reduce power consumption associated with these false wake-ups, upon wake-up, the microcontroller (e.g., processor / microcontroller 535) of the wearable electronic component 722 may apply a lock signal to prevent the wearable electronic component 722 from powering down. The microcontroller may then begin monitoring the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702 for a period of time. In some cases, due to environmental factors, the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702 may fluctuate during the monitoring period. Thus, the microcontroller may take into account the fluctuating magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702 to determine whether the wake-up of the wearable electronic component 722 was a true (e.g., intentional) wake-up or a false (e.g., unintentional) wake-up. For example, in some embodiments, based on the monitoring, when the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702 is greater than the magnetic field threshold for a threshold amount of time (e.g., for a defined period of time, such as several minutes), the microcontroller may determine that the wearable electronic component 722 was erroneously woken up despite fluctuations in the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702. In response, the microcontroller may output a power-down signal, causing the wearable electronic component 722 to de-assert the lock signal, allowing the wearable electronic component 722 to power down. However, when the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702 is equal to or less than the magnetic field threshold for the threshold amount of time, the microcontroller may determine that the wearable electronic component 722 was intentionally woken up despite fluctuations in the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702. In such embodiments, the microcontroller may continue to assert the lock signal to keep the wearable electronic component 722 powered on.

[0071] As described above, in some embodiments, the TMR sensor 702 may be configured to output a high digital output signal when a magnetic field is applied to the TMR sensor 702 and to output a low digital output signal when a magnetic field is not applied to the TMR sensor. As a result, the wearable electronic component 722 may be configured to be woken up when a magnetic field is applied to the TMR sensor 702. In such embodiments, to detect a false wake-up based on monitoring by the microcontroller, when the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702 is greater than the magnetic field threshold for a threshold amount of time (e.g., for a defined period of time such as several minutes), the microcontroller may determine that the wearable electronic component 722 has been falsely woken up despite fluctuations in the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702. In response, the microcontroller may output a power-disconnect signal, causing the wearable electronic component to de-assert the lock signal, allowing the wearable electronic component to power-disconnect. However, when the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702 is greater than the magnetic field threshold for a threshold amount of time, the microcontroller may determine that the wearable electronic component 722 was intentionally woken up despite fluctuations in the magnetic field output signal from the TMR sensor 702. In such an embodiment, the microcontroller may continue to assert the lock signal to keep the wearable electronic component 722 powered on.

[0072] An example of a lock signal function is illustrated in Figure 8. For example, Figure 8 illustrates a signal timing diagram 800 associated with the power activation module 700 of Figure 7. As shown at the beginning of the timing diagram at 802 in Figure 8, when a magnet is near the TMR sensor 702 (and a magnetic field is applied), the output voltage (V out ) (e.g., the voltage output from the power activation module 700 to the wearable electronic component 722) is low, maintaining the wearable electronic component 722 in an off state. At this point, the current (e.g., I DD) is prevented from flowing through the first transistor 718. However, as time progresses and the magnet is removed from the TMR sensor (the magnetic field is no longer applied to the TMR sensor), the power activation module 700 (e.g., via the control logic component 712 and the charge pump component 714) biases the first transistor 718 on, as shown at 804, causing a current (e.g., I DD ) to the wearable electronic component 722 and an output voltage (V out ) is forced to be higher.

[0073] Thereafter, in some embodiments, the wearable electronic component 722 may output a high lock signal, as shown at 806. As can be seen, when the lock signal is high, the output voltage of the power activation module (V out ) remains high regardless of whether the magnet is close or far from the TMR sensor 702, allowing the wearable electronic component 722 to remain in an on state until the lock signal is removed and a magnetic field is applied to the TMR sensor 702 (e.g., a magnet is positioned close to the TMR sensor 702). For example, in some embodiments, if the wearable electronic device needs to be put into storage, the wearable electronic component 722 may detect a power-down signal (e.g., output by a microcontroller within the wearable electronic component 722). In response to the power-down signal, the wearable electronic component 722 may then prepare itself for power-down, and after the wearable electronic component 722 is prepared for power-down, the wearable electronic component 722 may deassert the lock signal (e.g., output a low lock signal to the lock pin 726). A magnet may then be subsequently applied and left applied to the TMR sensor 702, and the output voltage (V out ) and current (I DD ) low to keep the wearable electronic component 722 in the off state.

[0074] 7, as shown, the SPDT switch 716 of the power activation module 700 includes a second transistor 720. As shown, the gate terminal is coupled to the control logic component 712 and is driven by a second drive signal from the control logic component 712. Additionally, as shown, the drain terminal of the second transistor device is electrically coupled to the source terminal of the first transistor and to the one or more wearable electronic components, and the source terminal of the second transistor device is electrically coupled to the ground terminal.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the purpose of this second transistor 720 is to provide a conductive path to ground for the wearable electronic component 722 so that when the wearable electronic component 722 is powered off, it subsequently wakes up in a known state. More specifically, for example, when devices are powered off but no conductive path to ground is provided, the electrical components contained within these devices may not be able to fully discharge and may retain a certain amount of charge. This residual charge may cause the electronics within the device to hang, causing a brownout within the device, which may then cause the device to wake up in an unknown or undetermined state and subsequently malfunction when powered up again.

[0076] Thus, to help avoid these problems, the power activation module 700 includes a second transistor 720 that can be driven by the control logic component 712 using a second drive signal, as described above. By selectively driving the gate terminals of the first transistor 718 and the second transistor 720, the control logic component 712 directs current flow from the battery 704 along different conduction paths, as illustrated in FIG. 9, providing true on / off / reset functionality to the wearable electronic device.

[0077] 9 , when the wearable electronic component 722 is powered on, the second drive signal output via the first output terminal of the control logic component 712 and applied to the gate terminal of the second transistor 720 may be low such that the second transistor 720 is turned off and current from the battery 704 flows along the conduction path 902 to the wearable electronic component 722. If the wearable electronic device is subsequently powered down, the wearable electronic component 722 may receive the power-down signal as described above, prepare itself for shutdown, and deassert the lock signal from the lock pin 726.

[0078] Thereafter, the control logic component 712 may also receive a power-disconnect signal and, in response thereto, control the first transistor 718 to stop current flow from the battery 704 to the wearable electronic component 722. For example, in response to the power-disconnect signal, the control logic component 712 may be configured to output a first drive signal having a low voltage and cause the charge pump component 714 to also output a third drive signal having a low voltage, thereby turning off the first transistor 718 and preventing current flow from the battery 704 to the wearable electronic component 722 along the conduction path 902. After the first transistor 718 is turned off, the control logic component 712 may apply a second drive signal at a high voltage to a gate terminal of the second transistor 720. A high voltage of the second drive signal applied to the gate terminal of the second transistor 720 allows current to flow from the wearable electronic component 722 to ground (e.g., via the ground terminal 724) along the conduction path 904, allowing the electrical components of the wearable electronic component 722 to discharge, causing the wearable electronic component 722 to enter a known state. A magnetic field can then be applied to the TMR sensor 702, allowing the wearable electronic device to transition to an off state. Thereafter, when the magnetic field is removed from the TMR sensor 702, the wearable electronic device can be powered again in a known state.

[0079] As noted above, one goal of the power activation module 700 is to conserve battery power when the wearable electronic component 722 is in the off state (e.g., powered down). For example, in contrast to the power activation module 600 of FIG. 6, which requires the ASIC 606 to be continuously powered in order to sense whether the output of the TMR sensor 602 is high or low (e.g., consuming a significant amount of power), the only components of the power activation module 700 that need to be continuously powered when the wearable electronic component 722 is in the off state are the ULP comparator 706 and the control logic component 712, significantly reducing the amount of power consumed while the wearable electronic component 722 is in the off state. For example, while in the off state, the power activation module 600 may consume up to 1.2 microwatts, whereas the power activation module 700 may consume only 38-50 nanowatts.

[0080] Although not specifically shown in FIG. 7 , individual components of the power start-up module 700, such as the TMR sensor 702, the ULP comparator 706, the ULP bias generator 708, the control logic component 712, the charge pump component 714, the first transistor 718, and the second transistor 720, each have an input pin 728 (e.g., a voltage V DD 7) and ground terminal 724 to form an electrical circuit.

[0081] Example clauses Example implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0082] Clause 1: A power activation module for powering one or more wearable electronic components, comprising: a switch configured to provide a path for current flow between a battery associated with the power activation module, the one or more wearable electronic components, and a ground terminal; a sensor configured to detect whether a signal is applied to the sensor and based on the detection, to output a first digital output signal for at least partially controlling the switch to control current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components; and a locking pin configured to receive a locking signal, where when the locking signal is received, the switch is locked to allow current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components.

[0083] Clause 2: The power activation module of clause 1, wherein the first digital output signal from the sensor includes a first low digital output signal when the sensor detects that a signal is applied to the sensor, and a first high digital output signal when the sensor detects that no signal is applied to the sensor.

[0084] Clause 3: The power activation module of clause 1 or 2, further comprising a bias generator component configured to output a reference voltage; and a comparator component configured to receive a first digital output signal from the sensor and a reference voltage from the bias generator component, compare a voltage of the first digital output signal with the reference voltage received from the bias generator component, and output a second digital output signal, wherein the second digital output signal includes a second low digital output signal when the voltage of the first digital output signal is less than the reference voltage based on the comparison, and a second high digital output signal when the voltage of the first digital output signal is greater than the reference voltage based on the comparison.

[0085] Clause 4: The power startup module of clause 3, further comprising: a control logic component configured to receive an input signal based on at least one of a second digital output signal from the comparator component or a lock signal from the lock pin, output a first drive signal via a first output terminal, and output a second drive signal; and a charge pump component configured to receive the second drive signal from the control logic component and output a third drive signal via the second output terminal.

[0086] Clause 5: The power activation module of clause 4, wherein the switch comprises a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch including at least a first transistor and a second transistor, the first transistor configured to control current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components, and the second transistor configured to control current flow from the one or more wearable electronic components to a ground terminal.

[0087] Clause 6: An electronic boot module as described in Clause 5, wherein a gate terminal of the first transistor is coupled to a second output terminal of the charge pump component and configured to receive a third drive signal, a drain terminal of the first transistor is coupled to a battery, and a source terminal of the first transistor is coupled to one or more wearable electronic components.

[0088] Clause 7: An electronic boot module as described in Clause 6, wherein a gate terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a first output terminal of the control logic component, a drain terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a source terminal of the first transistor and to one or more wearable electronic components, and a source terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a ground terminal.

[0089] Clause 8: A power activation module described in any one of clauses 5 to 7, wherein when the sensor detects that no signal is applied to the sensor, the sensor is configured to control a SPDT switch to enable current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components to power on the one or more wearable electronic components.

[0090] Clause 9: A power activation module as described in any one of clauses 5 to 8, wherein the control logic component is further configured to receive a power-off signal and, in response to the power-off signal, control the first transistor via the second drive signal and the charge pump component to stop current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components and control the second transistor via the first drive signal to enable current flow from the one or more wearable electronic components to a ground terminal.

[0091] Clause 10: A power-activated module described in any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein one or more wearable electronic components are configured to generate a lock signal and output the lock signal to the lock pin after the one or more wearable electronic components are powered on.

[0092] Clause 11: The power activation module of clause 10, wherein the one or more wearable electronic components are further configured to detect a power-off signal, prepare the one or more wearable electronic components for power-off in response to the power-off signal, and stop outputting the lock signal after the one or more wearable electronic components are prepared for power-off.

[0093] Clause 12: A power activation module as described in clause 11, wherein the one or more wearable electronic components include a microcontroller, the microcontroller configured to monitor a magnetic field output signal from a sensor during a period of time, and when, during the period, the magnetic field output signal from the sensor is greater than a magnetic field threshold for a threshold amount of time, the microcontroller configured to output a power disconnect signal and cause the one or more wearable electronic components to stop outputting a lock signal.

[0094] Clause 13: A power-activated module as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the sensor comprises one of a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor or a near field communication (NFC) sensor, and the signal comprises a magnetic field.

[0095] Clause 14: A method for operating a power activation module to power one or more wearable electronic components, the method comprising: detecting, by a sensor of the power activation module, whether a signal is applied to the sensor; outputting a first digital output signal from the sensor for at least partially controlling a switch that controls current flow from a battery to the one or more wearable electronic components, the switch being configured to provide a path for current flow between a battery associated with the power activation module, the one or more wearable electronic components, and a ground terminal; and detecting whether a lock signal is received on a lock pin of the power activation module, where when the lock signal is received, the switch is locked to enable current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components.

[0096] Clause 15: The method of clause 14, wherein the first output signal from the sensor includes, based on the detecting, a first low digital output signal when a signal is applied to the sensor, and based on the detecting, a first high digital output signal when no signal is applied to the sensor.

[0097] Clause 16: The method of clause 14 or 15, further comprising: outputting a reference voltage from a bias generator component of the power start-up module; receiving a first digital output signal from the sensor and a reference voltage from the bias generator component by a comparator component of the power start-up module; comparing a voltage of the first digital output signal with the reference voltage received from the bias generator component by the comparator component; and outputting a second digital output signal by the comparator component, wherein the second digital output signal comprises a second low digital output signal when the voltage of the first digital output signal is less than the reference voltage based on the comparison, and a second high digital output signal when the voltage of the first digital output signal is greater than the reference voltage based on the comparison.

[0098] Clause 17: The method of clause 16, further comprising receiving, by a control logic component of the power start-up module, an input signal based on at least one of a second digital output signal from the comparator component or a lock signal from the lock pin, outputting, by the control logic component, a first drive signal via the first output terminal, outputting, by the control logic component, a second drive signal, receiving, by a charge pump component of the power start-up module, the second drive signal from the control logic component, and outputting, by the charge pump component, a third drive signal via the second output terminal.

[0099] Clause 18: The method of clause 17, further comprising: controlling current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components by a first transistor of a switch, the switch comprising a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch including at least a first transistor and a second transistor; and controlling current flow from the one or more wearable electronic components to a ground terminal by the second transistor.

[0100] Clause 19: The method of clause 18, wherein a gate terminal of the first transistor is coupled to a second output terminal of the charge pump component and configured to receive a third drive signal, a drain terminal of the first transistor is coupled to a battery, and a source terminal of the first transistor is coupled to one or more wearable electronic components.

[0101] Clause 20: The method of clause 19, wherein a gate terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a first output terminal of the control logic component, a drain terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a source terminal of the first transistor and to one or more wearable electronic components, and a source terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a ground terminal.

[0102] Clause 21: The method of any one of clauses 18 to 20, further comprising controlling an SPDT switch to allow current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components to power on the one or more wearable electronic components when no signal is applied to the sensor based on the detection.

[0103] Clause 22: The method of any one of clauses 18 to 21, further comprising: receiving a power-off signal by the control logic component; and in response to the power-off signal, controlling by the control logic component via the second drive signal and the charge pump component a first transistor to stop current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components; and controlling by the control logic component via the first drive signal a second transistor to enable current flow from the one or more wearable electronic components to a ground terminal.

[0104] Clause 23: The method of any one of clauses 14 to 22, further comprising generating a lock signal after one or more wearable electronic components are powered on, and outputting the lock signal to a lock pin.

[0105] Clause 24: The method of clause 23, further comprising detecting, by the wearable electronic component, a power-off signal; preparing, by the wearable electronic component, one or more wearable electronic components for power-off in response to the power-off signal; and ceasing, by the wearable electronic component, to output the lock signal after the one or more wearable electronic components are prepared for power-off.

[0106] Clause 25: The method of clause 24, further comprising monitoring, by a microcontroller of one or more wearable electronic components, a magnetic field output signal from the sensor during a period of time, and when, during the period, the magnetic field output signal from the sensor is greater than a magnetic field threshold for a threshold amount of time, outputting a power disconnect signal by the microcontroller and ceasing to output a lock signal to the one or more wearable electronic components.

[0107] Clause 26: The method of any one of clauses 14 to 25, wherein the sensor comprises one of a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor or a near field communication (NFC) sensor, and the signal comprises a magnetic field.

[0108] Additional Considerations In this document, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" and "computer readable medium" and variations thereof are generally used to refer to a transitory or non-transitory medium, such as, for example, main memory 1115, storage unit interface 1135, removable storage medium 1125, and / or channel 1145. These and other various forms of computer program medium or computer usable / readable medium may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processing device for execution. Such instructions embodied on the medium may generally be referred to as "computer program code" or "computer program product" or "instructions" (which may be grouped in the form of a computer program or other collection). When executed, such instructions may enable the computing module 1100, circuitry associated therewith, and / or a processor therein or connected thereto to perform features or functions of the present disclosure as discussed herein (e.g., in connection with the methods described above and / or in the claims), including, for example, when it is incorporated into a system, apparatus, device, etc.

[0109] Various embodiments have been described with reference to specific exemplary features thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are therefore to be regarded in an illustrative and not a restrictive sense. It will be appreciated that for clarity, the above description has described the embodiments with reference to different functional units. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units may be used without departing from the invention. For example, functionality illustrated as being performed by separate computing devices may be performed by the same computing device. Similarly, functionality illustrated as being performed by a single computing device may be distributed among several computing devices. References to specific functional units should therefore be seen only as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than to a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0110] Although described above with reference to various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment for which they are described, but instead may be applied alone or in various combinations to one or more of the other embodiments of the present application, whether or not such an embodiment is described, and whether or not such features are presented as part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present application should not be limited by any of the illustrative examples described above.

[0111] Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, unless expressly stated otherwise, are to be construed as open ended, as opposed to limiting. For example, the term "including" should be read to mean "including without limitation," and the like; the term "example" is used to provide illustrative instances of the items under discussion, and not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the term "a" or "an" should be read to mean "at least one," "one or more," and the like; the term "set" should be read to include one or more objects of the type included in the set; and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "usual," "standard," "known," and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the items described to items available during a given period or at a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, ordinary, or standard technology that may be available or known at any time now or in the future. Similarly, in some cases, it may be recognized that the plural is applicable to the singular, and vice versa. Similarly, when this document refers to technology that would be apparent or known to one of skill in the art, such technology encompasses that which is apparent or known to one of skill in the art now or at any time in the future.

[0112] The presence in some instances of broader words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "including but not limited to," or other similar phrases should not be read to imply that a narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broader phrases may not be present. Use of the term "module" does not imply that components or functionality described or claimed as part of a module are all configured within a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic, circuitry, or other components, may be combined into a single package or maintained separately, and may even be distributed in multiple groups or packages, or across multiple locations.

[0113] Additionally, various embodiments described herein are described with reference to exemplary block diagrams, flow charts, and other illustrations. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without being limited to the illustrated examples. For example, the block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as requiring a particular architecture or configuration. Furthermore, the operations and sub-operations of the various methods described herein are not necessarily limited to the order described or shown in the figures, and one skilled in the art will appreciate, upon review of this disclosure, variations in the order of operations described herein that are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by the execution of computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device in the sensor electronics system to produce a machine such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing device (such as a controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, etc.) create instructions for implementing the functions specified in the block(s) of the flowchart. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory create an article of manufacture that includes instructions that implement the functions specified in the block(s) of the flowcharts. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to create a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the block(s) of the flowcharts presented herein.

[0114] It should be understood that all methods and processes disclosed herein may be used in any glucose or other analyte monitoring system, either continuously or intermittently. Further, it should be understood that the implementation and / or execution of all methods and processes may be performed by any suitable device or system, whether local or remote. Furthermore, any combination of devices or systems may be used to implement the methods and processes.

[0115] In addition, the operations and sub-operations of the methods described herein may, in some cases, be performed or implemented by one or more of the components, elements, devices, modules, circuit configurations, processors, etc. of the systems, apparatuses, devices, environments, and / or computing modules described herein and referenced in the various figures of this disclosure, as well as one or more sub-components, elements, devices, modules, processors, circuit configurations, etc. depicted herein and / or described in connection therewith. In such cases, the description of the method or aspect may refer to the corresponding components, elements, etc., but those skilled in the art will recognize, upon review of this disclosure, when the corresponding components, elements, etc. may be used, whether or not an explicit reference is made. Furthermore, it will be understood that such references do not necessarily limit the described method to the particular components, elements, etc. referenced. Thus, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the aspects and features described above in connection with (sub)components, elements, devices, modules, circuit configurations, etc., including variations thereof, may be applied to the various operations described in connection with the methods described herein, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A power activation module for powering one or more wearable electronic components, comprising: a switch configured to provide a path for current flow between a battery associated with the power activation module, the one or more wearable electronic components, and a ground terminal; a sensor configured to detect whether a signal is applied to the sensor and, based on the detection, output a first digital output signal for at least partially controlling the switch to control the current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components; a locking pin configured to receive a locking signal, wherein when the locking signal is received, the switch is locked to allow current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components.

2. The first digital output signal from the sensor is a first low digital output signal when the sensor detects that the signal is applied to the sensor; and a first high digital output signal when said sensor detects that no signal is applied to said sensor.

3. a bias generator component configured to output a reference voltage; A comparator component, receiving the first digital output signal from the sensor and the reference voltage from the bias generator component; comparing a voltage of the first digital output signal to the reference voltage received from the bias generator component; and a comparator component configured to output a second digital output signal, the second digital output signal being: a second low digital output signal when the voltage of the first digital output signal is less than the reference voltage based on the comparison; and a second high digital output signal when the voltage of the first digital output signal is greater than the reference voltage based on the comparison.

4. A control logic component comprising: receiving an input signal based on at least one of the second digital output signal from the comparator component or the lock signal from the lock pin; Outputting a first drive signal via a first output terminal; a control logic component configured to output a second drive signal; A charge pump component comprising: receiving the second drive signal from the control logic component; 4. The power startup module of claim 3, further comprising: a charge pump configured to output a third drive signal via the second output terminal.

5. the switch comprises a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch including at least a first transistor and a second transistor; the first transistor is configured to control the current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components; The power activation module of claim 4 , wherein the second transistor is configured to control the current flow from the one or more wearable electronic components to the ground terminal.

6. a gate terminal of the first transistor is coupled to the second output terminal of the charge pump component and configured to receive the third drive signal; a drain terminal of the first transistor coupled to the battery; The power activation module of claim 5 , wherein a source terminal of the first transistor is coupled to the one or more wearable electronic components.

7. a gate terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the first output terminal of the control logic component; a drain terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the source terminal of the first transistor and to the one or more wearable electronic components; The power startup module of claim 6 , wherein a source terminal of said second transistor is coupled to said ground terminal.

8. 6. The power activation module of claim 5, wherein the sensor is configured to control the SPDT switch to allow the current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components to power on the one or more wearable electronic components when the sensor detects that the signal is not applied to the sensor.

9. said control logic component comprising: Receive a power cut signal; in response to the power cut signal, Controlling the first transistor via the second drive signal and the charge pump component to stop the current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components; 6. The power activation module of claim 5, further configured to control, via the first drive signal, the second transistor to enable the current flow from the one or more wearable electronic components to the ground terminal.

10. 2. The power activation module of claim 1, wherein the one or more wearable electronic components are configured to generate the locking signal and output the locking signal to the locking pin after the one or more wearable electronic components are powered on.

11. the one or more wearable electronic components Detecting a power disconnect signal; preparing the one or more wearable electronic components for power disconnection in response to the power disconnection signal; The power activation module of claim 10 , further configured to cease outputting the lock signal after the one or more wearable electronic components are prepared for power disconnection.

12. one or more of the wearable electronic components includes a microcontroller; the microcontroller is configured to monitor a magnetic field output signal from the sensor over a period of time; 12. The power activation module of claim 11, wherein during the period, when the magnetic field output signal from the sensor is greater than a magnetic field threshold for a threshold amount of time, the microcontroller is configured to output the power disconnect signal and cause one or more wearable electronic components to stop outputting the lock signal.

13. the sensor comprises one of a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor or a near field communication (NFC) sensor; The power activation module of claim 1 , wherein the signal comprises a magnetic field.

14. 1. A method for operating a power activation module for powering one or more wearable electronic components, comprising: Detecting, by a sensor of the power activation module, whether a signal is applied to the sensor; outputting a first digital output signal from the sensor for at least partially controlling a switch that controls a current flow from a battery to the one or more wearable electronic components, the switch being configured to provide a path for the current flow between the battery associated with the power activation module, the one or more wearable electronic components, and a ground terminal; and detecting whether a lock signal is received on a lock pin of the power activation module, wherein when the lock signal is received, the switch is locked to allow current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components.

15. The first output signal from the sensor is a first low digital output signal based on said detecting when said signal is applied to said sensor; and a first high digital output signal when the signal is not applied to the sensor based on the detecting.

16. outputting a reference voltage from a bias generator component of the power start-up module; receiving, by a comparator component of the power start-up module, the first digital output signal from the sensor and the reference voltage from the bias generator component; comparing, by the comparator component, a voltage of the first digital output signal to the reference voltage received from the bias generator component; and outputting, by the comparator component, a second digital output signal, the second digital output signal comprising: a second low digital output signal when the voltage of the first digital output signal is less than the reference voltage based on the comparison; and a second high digital output signal when the voltage of the first digital output signal is greater than the reference voltage based on the comparison.

17. receiving, by a control logic component of the power start-up module, an input signal based on at least one of the second digital output signal from the comparator component or the lock signal from the lock pin; outputting, by the control logic component, a first drive signal via a first output terminal; outputting, by the control logic component, a second drive signal; receiving, by a charge pump component of the power startup module, the second drive signal from the control logic component; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: outputting, by the charge pump component, a third drive signal via the second output terminal.

18. controlling the current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components by a first transistor of the switch, the switch comprising a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch including at least the first transistor and a second transistor; 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: controlling, by the second transistor, the current flow from the one or more wearable electronic components to the ground terminal.

19. a gate terminal of the first transistor is coupled to the second output terminal of the charge pump component and configured to receive the third drive signal; a drain terminal of the first transistor coupled to the battery; 20. The method of claim 18, wherein a source terminal of the first transistor is coupled to the one or more wearable electronic components.

20. a gate terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the first output terminal of the control logic component; a drain terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the source terminal of the first transistor and to the one or more wearable electronic components; 20. The method of claim 19, wherein a source terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the ground terminal.

21. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: based on the detection, controlling the SPDT switch to allow the current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components to power on the one or more wearable electronic components when the signal is not applied to the sensor.

22. receiving, by the control logic component, a power cut signal; in response to the power cut signal, controlling, by the control logic component, via the second drive signal and the charge pump component, the first transistor to stop the current flow from the battery to the one or more wearable electronic components; 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: controlling, by the control logic component, via the first drive signal, the second transistor to enable the current flow from the one or more wearable electronic components to the ground terminal.

23. The method of claim 14 , further comprising generating the locking signal after the one or more wearable electronic components are powered on and outputting the locking signal to the locking pin.

24. detecting, by the wearable electronic component, a power disconnect signal; preparing, by the wearable electronic components, the one or more wearable electronic components for power disconnection in response to the power disconnect signal; 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising ceasing to output the lock signal by the wearable electronic component(s) after the one or more wearable electronic components are prepared for power down.

25. monitoring, by a microcontroller of the one or more wearable electronic components, a magnetic field output signal from the sensor during a period of time; 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: during the period, when the magnetic field output signal from the sensor is greater than a magnetic field threshold for a threshold amount of time, causing the microcontroller to stop outputting the power disconnect signal and outputting the lock signal to the one or more wearable electronic components.

26. the sensor comprises one of a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor or a near field communication (NFC) sensor; The method of claim 14 , wherein the signal comprises a magnetic field.

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