Systems and methods related to an analyte sensor system having a battery located within a disposable base

The analyte sensor system addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent battery power by integrating a disposable base with a battery and a reusable sensor electronics module, ensuring accurate and reliable glucose monitoring.

JP7691236B2Active Publication Date: 2025-06-11DEXCOM INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2020561816
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2018-05-04
Filing Date
2019-05-03
Publication Date
2025-06-11
Estimated Expiration
2039-05-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing analyte sensor systems face challenges in maintaining consistent battery power, which is crucial for continuous glucose monitoring in diabetic patients, as fluctuations can lead to inaccurate readings and increased health risks.

Method used

The proposed analyte sensor system includes a disposable base with an integrated analyte sensor and battery, which is designed to adhere to the skin, and a reusable sensor electronics module that can be easily coupled and decoupled from the base, ensuring reliable power supply and easy maintenance.

Benefits of technology

This system ensures consistent power supply to the analyte sensor, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of glucose monitoring, while also allowing for easy replacement of disposable components and reuse of the electronics module, thereby reducing costs and improving user experience.

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Abstract

An analyte sensor system is provided. The system includes a base configured to attach to the skin of a host. The base includes an analyte sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of an analyte concentration level of the host, a battery, and a first plurality of contacts. The system includes a sensor electronics module configured to releasably couple to the base. The sensor electronics module includes a second plurality of contacts, each configured to be in electrical contact with a respective one of the first plurality of contacts, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal. The system includes a first seal member configured to provide a seal around the first and second plurality of contacts within the first cavity. Related analyte sensor systems, analyte sensor base assemblies, and methods are also provided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 667,348, filed on May 4, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This development generally relates to medical devices such as analyte sensors, and more specifically, without limitation, to disposable analyte sensor bases having an internal battery, and reusable sensor electronics modules configured to releasably couple to the base, and related systems, devices, and methods.

Background Art

[0003] Diabetes is a metabolic state related to the production or use of insulin by the body. Insulin is a hormone that enables the body to use glucose as energy or store glucose as fat.

[0004] When a person eats a meal containing carbohydrates, the food is processed by the digestive system, which produces glucose in the person's blood. Blood glucose can be used as energy or stored as fat. The body normally maintains blood glucose levels within a range that provides sufficient energy to support body functions and avoids problems that can occur when glucose levels are too high or too low. Regulation of blood glucose depends on the production and use of insulin, which regulates the movement of blood glucose into cells.

[0005] If the body does not produce enough insulin, or if the body cannot effectively use the insulin that is present, blood glucose levels can rise above the normal range. A condition of higher than normal blood glucose is called "hyperglycemia". Chronic hyperglycemia can cause many health problems such as cardiovascular disease, cataracts and other eye problems, nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage. Hyperglycemia can also cause acute problems such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition in which the body becomes overly acidic due to the presence of blood glucose and ketones produced when the body cannot use glucose. A condition where blood glucose levels are lower than normal is called "hypoglycemia". Severe hypoglycemia can cause an acute episode, which can lead to a seizure or death.

[0006] Diabetic patients can receive insulin to manage their blood glucose levels. Insulin can be received, for example, by manual injection using a needle. Wearable insulin pumps can also be utilized. Diet and exercise also affect blood glucose levels. Glucose sensors can provide an estimated glucose concentration level, which can be used as guidance by the patient or caregiver.

[0007] The condition of diabetes is sometimes called "type 1" and "type 2". Type 1 diabetic patients can usually use insulin when it is present, but due to problems with the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, the body cannot produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetic patients may produce some insulin, but because of reduced sensitivity to insulin, the patients are "insulin resistant". As a result, even though insulin is present in the body, it is not being used sufficiently in the patient's body to effectively regulate blood glucose levels.

[0008] Blood glucose concentration levels can be monitored using an analyte sensor such as a continuous glucose monitor. A wearable continuous glucose monitor can be powered by a battery that powers the sensor and other components such as a wireless communication circuit. It is important that battery power be consistently available to ensure that analyte concentration levels can be detected and transmitted by the analyte sensor.

[0009] This background art is provided to introduce a concise context for the following summary of the invention and the detailed description of the invention. This background art is not intended to assist in determining the scope of the subject matter recited in the claims, nor is it to be regarded as limiting the implementation of the subject matter recited in the claims to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages or problems described above.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to some embodiments, an analyte sensor system is provided. The system includes a base configured to adhere to the skin of a host. The base includes an analyte sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the analyte concentration level of the host, a battery, and a first plurality of contacts. The system includes a sensor electronics module configured to releasably couple to the base. The sensor electronics module includes a second plurality of contacts each configured to make electrical contact with one of the first plurality of contacts, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal. The system includes a first seal member configured to provide a seal around the first and second plurality of contacts within a first cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the base is disposable. In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is reusable. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to provide power to the analyte sensor and the sensor electronics module. In some embodiments, the first plurality of contacts includes a first sensor contact and a second sensor contact, each configured to be electrically coupled to respective terminals of the analyte sensor. In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts includes a first signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the first sensor contact and a second signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the second sensor contact.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first plurality of contacts further includes a first battery contact and a second battery contact, each configured to be electrically coupled to respective terminals of the battery. In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts further includes a first power contact configured to make electrical contact with the first battery contact and a second power contact configured to make electrical contact with the second battery contact. In some embodiments, the first and second signal contacts are configured to receive a sensor signal via the first and second sensor contacts, and the first and second power contacts are configured to receive power from the battery.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base further includes a first retaining member and a second retaining member, and the sensor electronics module further includes a fixed feature configured to mate with the first retaining member and a retaining feature configured to mate with the second retaining member, thereby releasably coupling the sensor electronics module to the base. In some embodiments, the second retaining member is frangible and configured to be separable from the base.

[0014] In some embodiments, the base further includes a cover configured to be fixedly attached to the base and to fixedly attach a battery within the base. In some embodiments, the cover includes a first plurality of conductive traces configured to couple at least some of the first plurality of contacts to one of the analyte sensor and the battery. In some embodiments, the cover includes a recess configured to receive the battery. In some embodiments, the cover includes a weld line configured to fixedly attach the cover to the base. In some embodiments, the first seal member is configured as a part of the cover. In some embodiments, the cover is configured to be disposed between the base and the sensor electronics module. In some embodiments, the cover is configured to be fixedly attached to the bottom of the base.

[0015] In some embodiments, the base includes a first plurality of conductive traces configured to couple at least some of the first plurality of contacts to one of the analyte sensor and the battery. In some embodiments, the first seal member extends over the first plurality of conductive traces, thereby sealing the first plurality of conductive traces from ingress of moisture. In some embodiments, the first seal member extends over the battery, thereby sealing the battery from ingress of moisture. In some embodiments, at least some of the second plurality of contacts are in direct electrical contact with the analyte sensor or the battery.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts are disposed on the fixed feature. In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts include at least one signal contact configured to be electrically connected to the analyte sensor and at least one power contact configured to be electrically connected to the battery. In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts include at least two signal contacts configured to be electrically connected to the analyte sensor and at least two power contacts configured to be electrically connected to the battery. In some embodiments, the first holding member includes a hood and the first plurality of contacts are disposed within the hood. In some embodiments, the first seal member is disposed around the periphery of the fixed feature such that the first cavity is disposed within the hood. In some embodiments, the first seal member is disposed on the inner surface of the hood. In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configured to releasably couple to the base by mating the fixed feature with the first holding member while the sensor electronics module is disposed at a high angle relative to the base and pivoting the first holding member about its center toward the base until the retaining feature mates with the second holding member.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module includes an opening, and the base includes a raised portion configured to fit within the opening, with the outer perimeter of the raised portion mating with the inner perimeter of the opening. In some embodiments, a first plurality of contacts are disposed on the raised portion. In some embodiments, the opening is symmetric about at least one axis parallel to the top surface of the sensor electronics module and asymmetric about at least one other axis parallel to the top surface of the sensor electronics module. In some embodiments, the top surface of the raised portion seats substantially flush with the top surface of the sensor electronics module. In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configured to releasably couple to the base by fitting the raised portion of the base within the opening of the sensor electronics module and pressing the sensor electronics module against the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base until one or more retention features of the sensor electronics module engage one or more corresponding retention members of the base. In some embodiments, the base includes a recess disposed on the top surface of the base, and the sensor electronics module includes a protrusion configured to mate with the recess, thereby aligning the sensor electronics module with the base.

[0018] In some embodiments, the base further includes a third plurality of contacts, the sensor electronics module further includes a fourth plurality of contacts, each configured to be in electrical contact with one of the third plurality of contacts, and the system further includes a second sealing member configured to provide a continuous seal around the third and fourth pluralities of contacts within a second cavity. In some embodiments, the third plurality of contacts includes a first battery contact and a second battery contact, each configured to be electrically coupled to a respective terminal of a battery. In some embodiments, the fourth plurality of contacts includes a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second battery contact. In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts includes concentric circular contacts. In some embodiments, the concentric circular contacts are disposed around the center of the sensor electronics module. In some embodiments, each of the second plurality of contacts is configured to be in electrical contact with one of the first plurality of contacts when the sensor electronics module is fixedly attached to the base in any of a plurality of radial orientations.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base includes an opening, the sensor electronics module includes a raised portion configured to fit within the opening, and an outer perimeter of the raised portion abuts an inner perimeter of the opening. In some embodiments, the opening and the raised portion each have a substantially circular shape. In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configured to be releasably coupled to the base by placing the raised portion of the sensor electronics module within the opening of the base and pressing the sensor electronics module against the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base until one or more retaining features of the sensor electronics module engage one or more corresponding retaining members of the base.

[0020] In some embodiments, the base includes a raised rail, and the sensor electronics module includes a channel having a shape that conforms to the shape of the raised rail. In some embodiments, the raised rail has a constant width along the length of the raised rail. In some embodiments, the width of the raised rail tapers along the length of the raised rail. In some embodiments, a first plurality of contacts are disposed on a sidewall of the raised rail, and a second plurality of contacts are disposed on a sidewall of the channel. In some embodiments, a first and a third plurality of contacts are disposed on a sidewall of the base, and a second and a fourth plurality of contacts are disposed on a sidewall of the sensor electronics module. In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configured to releasably couple to the base by aligning the channel of the sensor electronics module with the raised rail of the base and sliding the sensor electronics module along the raised rail in a direction parallel to the host's body until the sensor electronics module seats against the base and one or more retention features of the sensor electronics module engage one or more corresponding retention members of the base.

[0021] According to some embodiments, an analyte sensor system is provided. The system includes a base configured to adhere to the host's skin. The base includes an analyte sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the host's analyte concentration level, a battery, and a first plurality of contacts. The system includes a sensor electronics module configured to releasably couple to the base. The sensor electronics module includes a second plurality of contacts configured to be in electrical contact with respective ones of the first plurality of contacts when the sensor electronics module is secured to the base in any of a plurality of radial orientations, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts are concentric and annularly spaced from each other. In some embodiments, each one of the second plurality of contacts is configured to be in electrical contact with one of the first plurality of contacts at any point along one of the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts are formed by laser direct structuring. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a first sealing member configured to provide a seal around the first and second plurality of contacts within the first cavity.

[0023] In some embodiments, the base is disposable. In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is reusable. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to provide power to the analyte sensor and the sensor electronics module. In some embodiments, the first plurality of contacts includes a first sensor contact and a second sensor contact, each configured to be electrically coupled to a respective terminal of the analyte sensor. In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts includes a first signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first sensor contact and a second signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second sensor contact. In some embodiments, the first plurality of contacts further includes a first battery contact and a second battery contact, each configured to be electrically coupled to a respective terminal of the battery.

[0024] According to some embodiments, an analyte sensor base assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base configured to adhere to the host's skin. The assembly includes an analyte sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the host's analyte concentration level. The assembly includes at least one battery. The assembly includes at least one sensor contact. The assembly includes at least one battery contact. The assembly includes at least a sealing member configured to provide a seal around at least one battery contact.

[0025] In some embodiments, the seal member is further configured to provide a seal around at least one sensor contact. In some embodiments, the assembly includes at least two sensor contacts and at least two battery contacts, and the seal member is configured to provide a seal around at least two sensor contacts and at least two battery contacts. In some embodiments, the base further includes a plurality of conductive traces configured to electrically connect a battery to at least one battery contact. In some embodiments, the base further includes a plurality of conductive traces configured to electrically connect an analyte sensor to at least one sensor contact. In some embodiments, the assembly is disposable. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to provide power to the analyte sensor and a sensor electronics module that can be coupled to the base.

[0026] In some embodiments, the base further includes a first retaining member configured to mate with a securing feature of a couplable sensor electronics module and a second retaining member configured to mate with a retaining feature of a couplable sensor electronics module. In some embodiments, the second retaining member is frangible and configured to be separable from the base. In some embodiments, the base further includes a cover configured to be secured to the base and to secure a battery within the base. In some embodiments, the first retaining member includes a hood, and at least one sensor contact and at least one battery contact are disposed within the hood. In some embodiments, the seal member is disposed within the hood.

[0027] According to some embodiments, an analyte monitoring system is provided. The system may include a base configured to connect to a host, a reusable portion, and a battery assembly. The base may include an analyte sensor configured to detect a sensor signal indicative of an analyte concentration level of the host. The reusable portion, which may be configured to couple to the base, may include a wireless transceiver, and the reusable portion receives a signal from the base and transmits a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal. The battery assembly may include a battery housing and one or more batteries. The battery assembly is configured to mechanically and electrically couple to the base or the reusable portion, and the batteries supply power to the analyte sensor and the wireless transceiver.

[0028] According to some embodiments, an analyte monitoring kit is provided. The kit may include a sensor electronics package including a processor and a communication circuit, and a plurality of sensor devices, each sensor device including a sensor device battery and a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an analyte concentration level of a host, the sensor electronics package being electrically and mechanically coupled to each of the plurality of sensor devices, drawing power from the sensor device batteries to power the processor and the communication circuit, and the sensor electronics package being reusable with the plurality of sensor devices.

[0029] According to some embodiments, a biosensor device is provided. The device includes an analyte sensor configured to generate a sensor signal, which is a signal representative of the concentration level of a substance in a host fluid, a processor configured to receive the sensor signal and determine a value based on the sensor signal, a communication circuit operably coupled to the processor and configured to transmit a value based on the sensor signal, a battery, and a supercapacitor electrically coupled to the battery. The battery and the supercapacitor may be configured to supply power to the processor or the communication circuit, and the supercapacitor is configured to reduce the load on the battery during periods of high load, thereby reducing the burden on the battery.

[0030] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the disclosure. The detailed description is included to provide further information regarding this patent application. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, each of which should not be construed in a limiting sense.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] Here, the embodiments will be described in detail with an emphasis on highlighting advantageous features. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not to scale, but rather emphasize the principles of the disclosure. These drawings include the following figures, in which like numerals may represent like parts.

[0032]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description and examples illustrate in detail some exemplary embodiments, implementations, and arrangements. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are many variations and modifications of the present disclosure that are encompassed by the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the description of a particular exemplary embodiment should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] Definitions To facilitate understanding of the various embodiments described in this specification, some terms are defined below.

[0035] As used herein, the term "analyte" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art (not limited to a special or customized meaning), and further refers to, but is not limited to, substances or chemical components in a body fluid that can be analyzed (e.g., blood, interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph, or urine). Analytes can include natural substances, artificial substances, metabolites, or reaction products. In some embodiments, the analyte for measurement by the sensor head, device, and method is an analyte. However, other analytes are equally contemplated, including prothrombin carboxylase, acyl carnitine, adenine phosphoribosyl transferase, adenosine deaminase, albumin, alpha-fetoprotein, amino acid profile (arginine (Krebs cycle), histidine / urocanic acid, homocysteine, phenylalanine / tyrosine, tryptophan), androstenedione, antipyrine, arabinitol enantiomer, arginase, benzoylecgonine (cocaine), biotinidase, biopterin, c-reactive protein, carnitine, carnosinase, CD4, ceruloplasmin, chenodeoxycholic acid, chloroquine, cholesterol, cholinesterase, conjugated 1-beta-hydroxy cholic acid, cortisol, creatine kinase, creatine kinase MM isozyme, cyclosporine A, D-penicillamine, de-ethyl chloroquine, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DNA (acetylation polymorphism, alcohol dehydrogenase, alpha1-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-thalassemia, hepatitis B virus, HCMV, HIV-1, HTLV-1, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, MCAD, RNA, PKU, Plasmodium malariae, sex differentiation, 21-deoxycortisol), desbutyl halofantrine, dihydrobiopterin reductase, diphtheria / tetanus antitoxin, erythrocyte arginase, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, esterase D, fatty acid / acyl glycine, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin,Free thyroxine (FT4), free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), fumaryl acetoacetase, galactose / gal-1-phosphate, galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, gentamicin, analyte-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glycolic acid, glycosylated hemoglobin, halofantrine, hemoglobin variants, hexosaminidase A, human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase, immunoreactive trypsin, lactate, lead, lipoproteins ((a), B / A-1, β), lysozyme, mefloquine, netilmicin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, phytanic acid / pristanic acid, progesterone, prolactin, prolidase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, kinins, reverse tri-iodothyronine (rT3), selenium, serum pancreatic lipase, sisomicin, somatomedin C, specific antibodies (adenovirus, antinuclear antibody, anti-zeta antibody, arbovirus, OESK virus, dengue virus, guinea worm, tapeworm, Entamoeba histolytica, enterovirus, Giardia duodenalisa, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus, herpes virus, HIV-1, IgE (atopic disease), influenza virus, Donovan leishmania, Leptospira, measles / mumps / rubella, mycoplasma pneumoniae, myoglobin, Loa loa, parainfluenza virus, Plasmodium falciparum, poliovirus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respiratory rash virus, Rickettsia (scrub typhus), Schistosoma mansoni, Toxoplasma gondii, Treponoma pallidium, Trypanosoma cruzi / Langerhans, vesicular stomatis virus, Wuchereria bancrofti, yellow fever virus), specific antigens (hepatitis B virus, HIV-1), acetoacetic acid, sulfadoxine, theophylline, thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4), thyroxine-binding globulin, trace elements, transferrin, UDP-galactose-4-epimerase, urea, uroporphyrinogen I synthase, vitamin A, white blood cells, and zinc protoporphyrin are mentioned, butThese are not limited thereto. Salts, sugars, proteins, fats, vitamins, and hormones that occur naturally in blood or interstitial fluid can also constitute analytes in certain embodiments. Analytes, such as metabolites, hormones, antigens, antibodies, etc., can naturally exist in body fluids. Alternatively, analytes, such as contrast agents for imaging diagnostics, radioisotopes, chemical agents, fluorocarbon-based artificial blood, or drugs or pharmaceutical compositions can be introduced into the body, including insulin, glucagon, ethanol, cannabis (marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, hashish), inhalants (nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, chlorinated hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons), cocaine (crack cocaine), stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, Ritalin, Cylert, Preludin, Didrex, PreState, Voranil, Sandrex, Plegine), depressants (barbiturates, methaqualone, tranquilizers, such as Valium, Librium, Miltown, Serax, Equanil, Tranxene), hallucinogens (fenciclovir, lysergic acid, mescaline, peyote, psilocybin), narcotics (heroin, codeine, morphine, opium, meperidine, Percocet, Percodan, Tussionex, Fentanyl, Darvon, Talwin, Lomotil), designer drugs (fentanyl, meperidine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and analogs of fenciclovir, such as Ecstasy), anabolic steroids, and nicotine, but are not limited thereto. Metabolites of drugs and pharmaceutical compositions can also be considered analytes. For example, analytes such as neurochemicals and other chemicals produced in the body, such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, norepinephrine, 3-methoxythyramine (3MT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (FHIAA) can be analyzed.

[0036] As used herein, the term "microprocessor" is used in a broad sense and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to, but is not limited to, a computer system or state machine that performs arithmetic and logical operations using a logic circuit that processes in response to basic instructions that drive a computer.

[0037] As used herein, the term "calibration" is used in a broad sense and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to, but is not limited to, a process of determining the relationship between sensor data and corresponding reference data that can be used to convert the sensor data into a meaningful value that is substantially equal to the reference data, with or without using reference data in real time. In some embodiments, i.e., analyte sensors, the calibration can be updated or recalibrated over time (at the factory, in real time and / or in the context of the past) when a change in the relationship between the sensor data and the reference data occurs, for example, due to changes such as sensitivity, baseline, transport, metabolism, etc.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "calibrated data" and "calibrated data stream" are used in a broad sense and their ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refer to, but are not limited to, data that is converted from its raw state to another state using a function, e.g., a conversion function, including the use of sensitivity, to provide a meaningful value to the user.

[0039] As used herein, the term "algorithm" is used in a broad sense and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those skilled in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to, for example, a computational process (e.g., a program) involved in converting information from one state to another using computer processing, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] As used herein, the term "sensor" is used in a broad sense and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those skilled in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to a component or region of a device that quantifies an analyte, but is not limited thereto. A "lot" of sensors generally refers to a group of sensors manufactured on the same day or around that time using the same process and tools / materials. Further, sensors that measure temperature, pressure, etc. may be referred to as "sensors".

[0041] As used herein, the terms "glucose sensor" and "member for determining the amount of glucose in a biological sample" are used in a broad sense and their ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those skilled in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refer to any mechanism (e.g., enzymatic or non-enzymatic) that quantifies glucose, but is not limited thereto. For example, some embodiments utilize a membrane containing glucose oxidase that catalyzes the conversion of oxygen and glucose to hydrogen peroxide and gluconate, as shown by the following chemical reaction: Glucose + O 2 → Gluconic acid + H 2 O 2

[0042] For each glucose molecule metabolized, there is a proportional change in the co-reactant O 2 and the product H 2 O 2 Therefore, the glucose concentration can be determined by monitoring the current change of the co-reactant or product using an electrode.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "operatively connected" and "operatively coupled" are broad terms, the ordinary and customary meanings of which are provided to those of ordinary skill in the art (and are not limited to special or customized meanings), and refer to, but are not limited to, the coupling of one or more components to another component (s) in a manner that enables the transmission of signals between the components. For example, one or more electrodes can be used to detect the amount of glucose in a sample and convert that information into a signal, such as an electrical or electromagnetic signal, which can then be transmitted to an electronic circuit. In this case, the electrode is "operatively coupled" to the electronic circuit. These terms are broad enough to include wireless connections.

[0044] The term "determining" encompasses a variety of actions. For example, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (e.g., searching within a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, etc. Also, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), etc. Also, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, calculating, deriving, establishing, etc. Determining may include ascertaining that a parameter meets a predetermined criterion, such as satisfying, passing, or exceeding a threshold.

[0045] As used herein, the term "substantially" is a broad term, the ordinary and customary meaning of which is provided to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to special or customized meanings), and refers to, but is not limited to, being mostly but not completely of the specified thing.

[0046] As used herein, the term "host" is a broad term, the ordinary and customary meaning of which is provided to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to special or customized meanings), and refers to, but is not limited to, mammals, particularly humans.

[0047] As used herein, the term "continuous analyte (or glucose) sensor" is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to, for example, a device that continuously or continuously measures the concentration of an analyte at time intervals ranging from fractions of a second to, for example, 1, 2, or 5 minutes or more, but is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the continuous analyte sensor is a glucose sensor as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,001,067, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0048] As used herein, the term "sensing membrane" is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and can be composed of two or more domains, and typically refers to a permeable or non-permeable membrane constructed of a material that can permeate oxygen and can or cannot permeate glucose, with a thickness of several microns or more, but is not limited thereto. In one example, the sensing membrane contains an immobilized glucose oxidase enzyme, which can cause an electrochemical reaction to measure the glucose concentration.

[0049] As used herein, the term "sensor data" is a broad term, with its ordinary and customary meaning as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art (and not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to any data related to a sensor, such as a continuous analyte sensor, but not limited thereto. Sensor data includes raw data streams of analog or digital signals directly related to the analyte being measured by the analyte sensor (or other signals received from another sensor), or simply data streams, as well as calibrated and / or filtered raw data. In one example, sensor data includes digital data of "counts" converted by an A / D converter from an analog signal (e.g., voltage or amperage), and includes one or more data points representing glucose concentration. Thus, the terms "sensor data point" and "data point" generally refer to the digital representation of sensor data at a particular time. The terms broadly encompass data points from multiple time intervals from a sensor, such as a substantially continuous glucose sensor, including individual measurements taken at time intervals ranging from fractions of a second to, for example, 1, 2, or 5 minutes or more. In another example, sensor data includes integrated digital values representing one or more data points averaged over a period of time. Sensor data may include calibration data, smoothed data, filtered data, transformed data, and / or other data related to the sensor.

[0050] As used herein, the term "sensor electronics" is a broad term, with its ordinary and customary meaning as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art (and not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to the components (e.g., hardware and / or software) of a device configured to process data, but not limited thereto. As will be described in more detail below (e.g., see FIG. 2), "sensor electronics" may be arranged and configured to measure, convert, store, transmit, communicate, and / or retrieve sensor data related to an analyte sensor.

[0051] As used herein, the terms "sensitivity" or "sensor sensitivity" are broad terms, and their ordinary and customary meanings are indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and are not limited to special or customized meanings), and refer to, but are not limited to, the amount of signal generated by a certain concentration of a measurement target analyte or a measurement target sample (e.g., H2O2) related to the measurement target analyte (e.g., glucose). For example, in one embodiment, the sensor has a sensitivity of about 1 to about 300 picoamperes of current per 1 mg / dL of glucose analyte.

[0052] As used herein, the term "sample" is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meanings are indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and are not limited to special or customized meanings), and refers to, but is not limited to, body fluids including samples of a host body, such as blood, serum, plasma, interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, lymphatic fluid, ocular fluid, saliva, oral fluid, urine, excrement, or exudate.

[0053] As used herein, the term "distal to" is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meanings are indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and are not limited to special or customized meanings), and refers to, but is not limited to, the spatial relationship between various elements compared to a specific reference point. Generally, this term indicates that one element is relatively farther from the reference point than another element.

[0054] As used herein, the term "proximal to" is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meanings are indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and are not limited to special or customized meanings), and refers to, but is not limited to, the spatial relationship between various elements compared to a specific reference point. Generally, this term indicates that an element is relatively closer to the reference point than another element.

[0055] As used herein, the terms "electrical connection" and "electrical contact" are broad terms, their ordinary and customary meanings being those shown to one of ordinary skill in the art (and not being limited to special or customized meanings), and refer to any connection, but not limited to, between two electrical conductors known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the electrode is in electrical connection (e.g., electrically connected) with the electronic circuit of the device. In another embodiment, two materials, such as but not limited to two metals, can be in electrical contact with each other such that current can flow from one of the two materials to the other and / or a potential can be applied.

[0056] As used herein, the term "elongated conductor" is a broad term, its ordinary and customary meanings being those shown to one of ordinary skill in the art (and not being limited to special or customized meanings), and refers to an elongated body formed at least in part of a conductive material and including any number of coatings that can be formed thereon, but not limited to. By way of example, an "elongated conductive body" may mean a bare elongated conductive core (e.g., a metal wire), an elongated conductive core coated with one, two, three, four, five, or more layers of material, each of which may or may not be conductive, a trace, and / or an electrode coated thereon with one, two, three, four, five, or more layers of material, each of which may or may not be conductive.

[0057] As used herein, the term "extracorporeal portion" is a broad term, its ordinary and customary meanings being those shown to one of ordinary skill in the art (and not being limited to special or customized meanings), and refers to a part of a device (e.g., a sensor) adapted to remain and / or exist outside the host's living body, but not limited to these.

[0058] As used herein, the term "in vivo portion" is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to, but is not limited to, a part of a device (e.g., a sensor) adapted to be inserted into and / or to exist within the interior of the host's body.

[0059] As used herein, the term "potentiostat" is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to, but is not limited to, an electrical device that controls the potential between a working electrode and a reference electrode at one or more preset values.

[0060] As used herein, the term "processor module" is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to, but is not limited to, a computer system, a state machine, a processor, components thereof, etc. designed to perform arithmetic or logical operations using logic circuitry that processes in response to basic instructions that drive a computer.

[0061] As used herein, the term "sensor session" is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meaning is indicated to those of ordinary skill in the art (and is not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to, but is not limited to, the period from when a sensor is implanted (e.g., by a host) until the sensor is removed (e.g., removed from the host's body and / or the system electronics are removed (e.g., disconnected therefrom)).

[0062] As used herein, the terms "substantial" and "substantially" are broad terms and are meant to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art (and are not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refer to, but are not limited to, an amount sufficient to provide the desired function.

[0063] "Coaxial two-conductor-based sensor": A round wire sensor composed of a conductive central core, an insulating intermediate layer, and a conductive outer layer with a conductive layer exposed at one end for electrical contact.

[0064] "Pre-connected sensor": A sensor to which a "sensor interconnect / interposer / sensor carrier" is connected. Thus, this "pre-connected sensor" comprises two parts, the sensor itself and the interconnect / interposer / sensor carrier, which are joined together. The term "pre-connected sensor unit" refers to a unit formed by the permanent joining of these two different parts.

[0065] Other definitions are provided within the following description and, in some cases, from the context of the use of the terms.

[0066] As used herein, the following abbreviations apply: Eq and Eq (equivalent), mEq (milliequivalent), M (mole), mM (millimole), μM (micromole), N (normal), mol (mole), mmol (millimole), μmol (micromole), nmol (nanomole), g (gram), mg (milligram), μg (microgram), Kg (kilogram), (liter), mL (milliliter), dL (deciliter), μL (microliter), cm (centimeter), mm (millimeter), μm (micrometer), nm (nanometer), h and hr (hour), min. (minute), s and sec (second), °C (Celsius), °F (Fahrenheit), Pa (pascal), kPa (kilopascal), MPa (megapascal), GPa (gigapascal), Psi (pounds per square inch), kPsi (pounds per square inch).

[0067] Summary The energy of an analyte sensor system can be managed by controlling energy outputs such as the energy consumption by communication circuits or other circuits, and by controlling energy inputs such as battery replacement or recharging. A wearable analyte sensor system may include a battery, capacitor, or other power storage component that powers the sensor, processor, communication circuit, or other electrical components. Managing energy consumption (e.g., power management, i.e., managing the energy consumed per unit time) can be important to extend the life of the sensor component (e.g., battery) and ensure that the analyte sensor continues to perform its intended function(s). For example, if a component (e.g., a sensor electronics module that may include relatively expensive wireless sensor electronics package components) has a battery that is not rechargeable or replaceable, the life of the component can be extended by managing the use of the energy stored in the battery.

[0068] The sensor system may apply an algorithm that takes into account one or more of various real-time, trending, model, or wireless performance, analyte management (e.g., glucose management), battery state, power management trends or characteristics, patient or environmental risk factors, risk tolerance, location, or combinations thereof. For example, the system may perform an action in response to a condition. System response may include changing system behavior to decrease power consumption or increase power consumption based on a determined condition. For example, analyte management conditions (e.g., an estimated glucose level that is within, below, above a specified range of values, or exhibits a specified trend) may be used as an input for determining system behavior and energy consumption. In various examples, the condition may be pre-determined and programmed or hardwired into the device, specified by the user, or determined by the processor (e.g., based on information learned from data).

[0069] In some examples, the sensor system may receive operating parameters regarding a peripheral device, which may be a treatment device such as an insulin pump or pen. The sensor system may receive the operating parameters from the peripheral device, from a remote resource based on the identification of the peripheral device (e.g., pump model number or serial number), or from memory (e.g., retrieved from a look-up table). The sensor system may manage its operation based at least in part on the operating parameters. For example, based on the operating parameters, the system may communicate according to a schedule, communicate with a specified device or group of devices, or manage power consumption to extend battery life.

[0070] The system hardware may be configured to allow for battery replacement, and system components (e.g., sensor base and sensor electronics) may be configured to provide a watertight seal after battery replacement. Battery support technologies such as supercapacitors may also be used to facilitate energy management.

[0071] Exemplary System FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary system 100. The system 100 may include an analyte sensor system 102 that may be coupled to a host 101. The host 101 may be a human patient. The patient may be subject to, for example, a temporary or permanent diabetic condition, or other health conditions for which analyte monitoring may be useful.

[0072] The analyte sensor system 102 can include an analyte sensor 104, which can be, for example, a glucose sensor. A glucose sensor can be any device capable of measuring the concentration of glucose. For example, the analyte sensor 104 can be fully implantable, the analyte sensor can be wearable on the body (e.g., on the body but not under the skin), or the analyte sensor can be a transdermal device (e.g., having a sensor that is present under or in the host's skin). It should be understood that the devices and methods described herein can be applied to any device capable of detecting the concentration of glucose and providing an output signal representing the concentration of glucose (e.g., in the form of analyte data).

[0073] The analyte sensor system 102 can also include sensor electronics 106. In some examples, the analyte sensor 104 and the sensor electronics 106 can be provided as an integrated package. In other examples, the analyte sensor 104 and the sensor electronics 106 can be provided as separate components or modules. For example, the analyte sensor system 102 can include a disposable (e.g., single-use) base that can include the analyte sensor 104, components for attaching the sensor to a host (e.g., adhesive pads), or a mounting structure configured to receive another component. The system can also include a sensor electronics package that can include some or all of the sensor electronics 106 shown in FIG. 2. The sensor electronics package can be reusable.

[0074] An analyte sensor can provide a data stream indicative of the concentration of an analyte in a host using any known method, including invasive, minimally invasive, or non-invasive sensing techniques (e.g., optically excited fluorescence, microneedles, transdermal glucose monitoring). The data stream can be a raw data signal and can be converted into a calibrated and / or filtered data stream used to provide a useful value of the analyte (e.g., an estimated blood glucose concentration level) to a user such as a patient or caregiver (e.g., a parent, relative, guardian, teacher, physician, nurse, or any other individual interested in the health of the host).

[0075] The analyte sensor 104 can be, for example, a continuous glucose sensor and can include, for example, a subcutaneous, transdermal (e.g., transcutaneous), or intravascular device. In some embodiments, such a sensor or device can repeatedly (e.g., periodically or intermittently) analyze sensor data. The glucose sensor can use any method of glucose measurement, including enzymatic, chemical, physical, electrochemical, spectrophotometric, polarimetric, calorimetric, electrophoretic, radiometric, immunochemical, etc. In various examples, the analyte sensor system 102 can be or can include a continuous glucose monitoring sensor available from DexCom™ (e.g., a DexCom G5™ sensor, or a Dexcom G6™ sensor, or any variation thereof).

[0076] In some examples, the analyte sensor 104 can be an implantable glucose sensor, such as described with reference to U.S. Patent No. 6,001,067 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005 / 0027463 (A1). In some examples, the analyte sensor 104 can be a transdermal glucose sensor, such as described with reference to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006 / 0020187 (A1). In some examples, the analyte sensor 104 can be configured to be implanted into the host's blood vessel or extracorporeally, such as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007 / 0027385 (A1), co-pending U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0119703 (A1) filed on Oct. 4, 2006, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0108942 (A1) filed on Mar. 26, 2007, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2007 / 0197890 (A1) filed on Feb. 14, 2007. In some examples, the continuous glucose sensor can include a transdermal sensor, such as described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,565,509 to Say et al. In some examples, the analyte sensor 104 can be a continuous glucose sensor including a subcutaneous sensor, such as described with reference to, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,579,690 to Bonnecaze et al., or U.S. Patent No. 6,484,046 to Say et al. In some examples, the continuous glucose sensor can include a refillable subcutaneous sensor, such as described with reference to, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,512,939 to Colvin et al. The continuous glucose sensor can include an intravascular sensor, such as described as being referenced in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,477,395 to Schulman et al. The continuous glucose sensor can include an intravascular sensor, such as described as being referenced in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,424,847 to Mastrototaro et al.

[0077] System 100 may also include a second medical device 108 that can be, for example, a drug delivery device (e.g., an insulin pump or an insulin pen). In some examples, the medical device 108 can be or include sensors such as another analyte sensor, a heart rate sensor, a respiration sensor, a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer), a posture sensor (e.g., a three-axis accelerometer), an acoustic sensor (e.g., capturing ambient or internal body sounds). In some examples, the medical device 108 can be wearable on, for example, a watch, glasses, contact lenses, a patch, a wristband, an ankle band, or other wearable items, or can be incorporated into a handheld device (e.g., a smartphone). In some examples, the medical device 108 can include a multi-sensor patch that can detect one or more of, for example, analyte levels (e.g., glucose, lactate, insulin or other substances), heart rate, respiration (e.g., using impedance), activity (e.g., using an accelerometer), posture (e.g., using an accelerometer), electrodermal response, tissue fluid levels (e.g., using impedance or pressure).

[0078] The analyte sensor system 102 can communicate with a second medical device 108 via a wired connection or via a wireless communication signal 110. For example, the analyte sensor system can be configured to communicate using a radio frequency (e.g., Bluetooth, Medical Implant Communication System (MICS), WiFi, NFC, RFID, Zigbee, Z-Wave or other communication protocols), optical (e.g., infrared), acoustic (e.g., ultrasonic), or cellular protocol (e.g., CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)), or via a wired connection (e.g., serial, parallel, etc.). In some examples, an array or network of sensors can be associated with a patient. For example, the analyte sensor system 102, the medical device 108, and additional sensors 130 can communicate with each other via wired or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, MICS, or any of the other options discussed above) communication. The additional sensors 130 can be any of the examples discussed above with respect to the medical device 108. The analyte sensor system 102, the medical device 108, and the additional sensors 130 on the host 101 are provided for purposes of illustration and discussion and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0079] The system can also include one or more peripheral devices such as a handheld smart device (e.g., a smartphone) 112, a tablet 114, a smart pen 116 (e.g., an insulin delivery pen having processing and communication capabilities), a computer 118, a watch 120, or a peripheral medical device 122, any of which can communicate with the analyte sensor system 102 via a wireless communication signal and communicate with a server system (e.g., a remote data center) 126 or a remote terminal 128 via a network 124 to facilitate communication with a remote user (not shown) such as a technical support staff or a clinician.

[0080] System 100 may also include a wireless access point (WAP) 132 that can be used to communicatively couple one or more of the analyte sensor system 102, network 124, server system 126, medical device 108, or any of the above peripheral devices. For example, WAP 132 may provide Wi-Fi and / or cellular connectivity within system 100. Other communication protocols (e.g., near field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth) may also be used between devices of system 100. In some examples, server system 126 may collect analyte data from the analyte sensor system 102 and / or multiple other devices, perform an analysis on the collected data, generate or apply a universal or individualized model of glucose levels, and communicate such analyte, model, or information based thereon back to one or more of the devices within system 100.

[0081] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of various exemplary electronic components that may be part of a medical device system 200. In one example, the system may include sensor electronics 106 and a base 290. Although specific examples of the division of components between the base and the sensor electronics are shown, some examples may include additional components within the base 290 or within the sensor electronics 106, and it is understood that some of the components shown in the sensor electronics 106 (e.g., supercapacitor 284) may be provided alternatively or additionally (e.g., redundantly) in the base. In one example, the base 290 may include an analyte sensor 104 and a battery 292. In some examples, the base may be replaceable, and the sensor electronics 106 may include a debouncing circuit (e.g., a gate with hysteresis or delay) to avoid repeated execution of a power-on or power-off process when the battery is repeatedly connected and disconnected, or to avoid processing of noise signals associated with removal or replacement of the battery.

[0082] Sensor electronics 106 may include electronic components configured to process sensor information such as sensor data and generate the converted sensor data and displayable sensor information. The sensor electronics 106 may include, for example, electronic circuits associated with the measurement, processing, storage, or communication of continuous analyte sensor data, including predictive algorithms associated with the processing and calibration of sensor data. The sensor electronics module 106 may include hardware, firmware, and / or software that enables the measurement of the level of an analyte via a glucose sensor. The electronic components may be fixed to, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) and may take various forms. For example, the electronic components may take the form of integrated circuits (ICs) such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microcontrollers, and / or processors.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor electronics 106 may include a potentiostat 202, which is coupled to the analyte sensor 104 and may be configured to repeatedly obtain analyte sensor readings using the analyte sensor by continuously or repeatedly applying a voltage bias across the sensor electrodes and measuring the current indicative of the analyte concentration. The sensor electronics may also include a processor 204, which may retrieve instructions 206 from a memory 208, execute the instructions to determine the controlled application of a bias potential to the analyte sensor 104 via the potentiostat, interpret signals from the sensor, or compensate for environmental factors. The processor may also store information in or retrieve information from a data storage memory 210. In various examples, the data storage memory 210 may be integrated with the memory 208 or may be a separate memory circuit such as a non-volatile memory circuit (e.g., flash RAM). Examples of systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data are described in more detail herein and in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,310,544 and 6,931,327.

[0084] Sensor electronics 106 may also include a sensor 212 that can be coupled to the processor. The sensor 212 can be, for example, a temperature sensor or an accelerometer. The sensor electronics 106 may also include a power source such as a capacitor or a battery 214 that can be integrated into the sensor electronics, removable, or part of a separate electronics package. The battery 214 (or other power storage component, such as a capacitor) may optionally be rechargeable via a wired or wireless (e.g., inductive or ultrasonic) recharge system 216. The recharge system can recover energy or receive energy from an external or internal source. In various examples, the recharge circuit can include a circuit that recovers energy from a triboelectric charging circuit, a piezoelectric charging circuit, an RF charging circuit, an optical charging circuit, an ultrasonic charging circuit, a thermal charging circuit, a heat recovery circuit, or a communication circuit. In some examples, the recharge circuit can recharge a rechargeable battery using power supplied from a replaceable battery (e.g., a battery supplied with a base component).

[0085] The sensor electronics may also include one or more supercapacitors 284 within the sensor electronics package (as shown) or within the base. For example, the supercapacitor 284 can allow energy to be drawn from the battery in a highly consistent manner, extending the life of the battery. The battery can recharge the supercapacitor after the supercapacitor supplies energy to the communication circuit or the processor, such that the supercapacitor is ready for subsequent high-load periods of energy supply. In some examples, the supercapacitor can be configured in parallel with the battery. The device can be configured to preferentially draw energy from the supercapacitor rather than the battery. In some examples, the supercapacitor can be configured to receive energy from a rechargeable battery for short-term storage and transfer the energy to a rechargeable battery for long-term storage.

[0086] A supercapacitor can extend the operating life of a battery by reducing the burden on the battery during high-load periods. In some examples, the supercapacitor removes at least 10% of the burden from the battery during a high-load event. In some examples, the supercapacitor removes at least 20% of the burden from the battery during a high-load event. In some examples, the supercapacitor removes at least 30% of the burden from the battery during a high-load event. In some examples, the supercapacitor removes at least 50% of the burden from the battery during a high-load event.

[0087] Sensor electronics 106 may also include a wireless communication circuit 218 that can include, for example, a wireless transceiver operably coupled to an antenna. The wireless communication circuit 218 can be operably coupled to a processor and can be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more peripheral devices such as an insulin pump or a smart insulin pen or other medical devices.

[0088] The peripheral device 250 may include a user interface 252, a memory circuit 254, a processor 256, a wireless communication circuit 258, a sensor 260, or any combination thereof. The user interface 252 may include, for example, a touch screen interface, a microphone (e.g., for receiving voice commands), or a speaker, a vibration circuit, or any combination thereof, and the user interface 252 may receive information from the user (e.g., a glucose value) or deliver information such as a glucose value, a glucose trend (e.g., an arrow, a graph, or a chart), or a glucose warning to the user. The processor 256 may be configured to present information to the user or receive input from the user via the user interface 252. The processor 256 may also be configured to store and retrieve information such as communication information (e.g., pairing information or data center access information), user information, sensor data or trends, or other information in the memory circuit 254. The wireless circuit communication circuit 258 may include a transceiver and an antenna configured to communicate via a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, MICS, or any of the other options discussed above. The sensor 260 may include, for example, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a location sensor, a biometric sensor, or a blood glucose sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a heart rate sensor, a respiration sensor, or other physiological sensors. The peripheral device 250 may be, for example, a device such as a handheld smart device (e.g., a smartphone or other device such as a dedicated handheld device available from Dexcom), a tablet 114, a smart pen 116, a watch 120 or other wearable device, or a computer 118 shown in FIG. 1.

[0089] The peripheral device 250 can be configured to receive and display sensor information that can be transmitted by the sensor electronics module 106 (e.g., in a customized data package transmitted to a display device, based on respective preferences). Sensor information (e.g., blood glucose concentration level) or warnings or notifications (e.g., "high glucose level", "low glucose level", or "decline rate warning") can be communicated via the user interface 252 (e.g., via visual display, sound, or vibration). In some examples, the peripheral device 250 can be configured to display or otherwise communicate the sensor information when communicated from the sensor electronics module (e.g., in a data package transmitted to respective display devices). For example, the peripheral device 250 can transmit processed data (e.g., an estimated analyte concentration level that can be determined by processing raw sensor data), such that a device receiving the data may not need to further process the data to determine usable information (such as the estimated analyte concentration level). In other examples, the peripheral device 250 can process or interpret the received information (e.g., to declare a warning based on glucose values or glucose trends). In various examples, the peripheral device 250 can receive information directly from the sensor electronics 106 or via a network (e.g., via a cellular or Wi-Fi network that receives information from the sensor electronics or from a device communicatively coupled to the sensor electronics 106).

[0090] Referring again to FIG. 2, the medical device 270 may include a user interface 272, a memory circuit 274, a processor 276, a wireless communication circuit 278, a sensor 280, a treatment circuit 282, or any combination thereof. The user interface 272 may include, for example, a touch screen interface, a microphone, or a speaker, a vibration circuit, or any combination thereof, and the user interface 272 may receive information from the user (e.g., glucose value, warning preference, calibration coding), or may transmit information such as, for example, glucose value, glucose trend (e.g., arrow, graph, or chart), glucose warning, etc. to the user. The processor 276 may be configured to present information to the user or receive input from the user via the user interface 272. The processor 276 may also be configured to store and retrieve information such as communication information (e.g., pairing information or data center access information), user information, sensor data or trends, or other information within the memory circuit 274. The wireless circuit communication circuit 278 may include a transceiver and an antenna configured to communicate via a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, Medical Implant Communication System (MICS), Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or a cellular protocol (e.g., Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)). The sensor 280 may include, for example, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a location sensor, a biometric sensor, or a blood glucose sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a heart rate sensor, a respiration sensor, or other physiological sensors. Although only one is shown in the example of FIG. 2, the medical device 270 may include two or more sensors (or memories or other components). In various examples, the medical device 270 may be a smart handheld glucose sensor (e.g., a blood glucose meter), a drug pump (e.g., an insulin pump), or other physiological sensor device, treatment device, or a combination thereof. The medical device 270 may be the device 122 shown in FIG. 1.

[0091] In an example where medical device 122 or medical device 270 is an insulin pump, the pump and the analyte sensor system can communicate bidirectionally (e.g., so that the pump can request a change to the analyte transmission protocol, e.g., request data points or data at a more frequent schedule, and the analyte sensor system provides the requested data as appropriate), or the pump and the analyte sensor system can communicate using unidirectional communication (e.g., the pump can receive analyte concentration level information from the analyte sensor system without responding to a request. In unidirectional communication, the glucose value can be incorporated into an advisory message that can be encrypted with a pre-shared key. In bidirectional communication, the pump can request values that the analyte system shares or obtains and shares in response to a request from the pump, and any or all of these communications can be encrypted using one or more pre-shared keys. The insulin pump can receive and track analyte (e.g., glucose) values transmitted from the analyte sensor system 102 using unidirectional communication to the pump for one or more of a variety of reasons. For example, the insulin pump can suspend or initiate insulin administration based on glucose values that are below or above a threshold.

[0092] In some examples, the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include two or more peripheral devices, each receiving information directly or indirectly from the analyte sensor system 102. Since different display devices may provide different user interfaces, the content of the data package (e.g., the amount, format, and / or type of data to be displayed, alarms, etc.) may be customized for each particular device (e.g., programmed differently by the manufacturer and / or end user). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a plurality of different peripheral devices may communicate directly wirelessly with a sensor electronics module (e.g., a skin surface mounted sensor electronics module 106 physically connected to the continuous analyte sensor 104) during a sensor session to enable multiple different types and / or levels of display and / or functionality associated with displayable sensor information, or may conserve battery power of the sensor system 102, and one or more designated devices may communicate with the analyte sensor system and relay (i.e., share) information directly to other devices or via a server system (e.g., a network-connected data center) 126.

[0093] Exemplary method FIG. 3 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 300 for managing power consumption of an analyte monitoring system. The method may include, for example, modulating the power output from a first communication circuit to increase the range or bandwidth by increasing the power output, and conserving energy by decreasing the power output from the first communication circuit. The method may be implemented, for example, in a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 or a device such as that shown in FIG. 2. The method may be repeated continuously or iteratively (e.g., periodically) or in response to one or more events to manage power in an ongoing manner.

[0094] At 302, a signal representing an analyte (e.g., glucose) concentration level may be received. The signal may be received, for example, from an analyte sensor and may be part of a continuous glucose monitoring system as described above.

[0095] In 304, a determination is made as to whether the first condition is satisfied. In some examples, a processor (e.g., a CGM processor) operably coupled to the analyte sensor may determine whether the first condition is satisfied. In some examples, a processor within a peripheral device (e.g., a smartphone or other display device) may determine whether the first condition is satisfied. In response to the condition not being satisfied, the method may return to step 302 and continue to receive the analyte concentration level.

[0096] In some examples, the first condition may be a connectivity condition, and step 304 may include determining whether the connectivity condition is satisfied. The connectivity condition may include, for example, the presence of a connection (e.g., a Bluetooth connection), the reliability of the connection (e.g., based on the occurrence of a successful connection attempt or on a connection failure), or the quality of the connection based on one or more signal strength measurement parameters (e.g., received signal strength indicator (RSSI)). Determining whether the first condition is satisfied may include applying connectivity parameters to a model. The model may include multiple communication states. The communication state may be based on, for example, the reliability of the communication, the elapsed time in a series of successful communication sessions, the elapsed time from a failed attempt (or series of attempts) to establish communication, or other measures of the effectiveness or reliability of the communication.

[0097] The first condition may additionally or alternatively include analyte management conditions such as a range (e.g., a glucose value range) or a trend (e.g., one or more analyte (glucose) levels are above or below a specified value, or within a specified range, or the rate of change of the analyte concentration level is above or below a rate-of-change threshold). In various examples, determining whether the first condition is satisfied may include analyzing the analyte signal or analyte parameters based on the analyte signal to determine whether the analyte management condition is satisfied.

[0098] In some examples, determining whether the first condition is met may include, for example, applying an analyte parameter to a model (e.g., a state model). In some examples, the condition may correspond to a user of a peripheral device's recognition of a clinically relevant disease management state. The condition may be based on, for example, an analyte level (e.g., an estimated low glucose level or an estimated high glucose level), a trend (e.g., a rate of change of an analyte concentration level or predicted data), a deviation from a trend (e.g., a reversal of a trend), or the likelihood of a clinically relevant condition occurring in the future (e.g., an imminent low glucose).

[0099] In some examples, the condition may correspond to or be based on one or more requirements of a peripheral device such as an insulin pump. For example, the connection state may transition from a low power usage model to a high power usage model based on basal or bolus insulin delivery conditions (e.g., a high power usage model or a more reliable or frequent communication may be used when insulin is being delivered to avoid loss of connection).

[0100] In some examples, the state model may include a plurality of analyte concentration level states. The analyte concentration level state may be defined or determined by an analyte concentration range or trend (e.g., glucose below a target range, glucose within a target range, or glucose above a target range).

[0101] In some examples, the state model may additionally or alternatively include a plurality of communication states (e.g., a low power state, a high power state, or a high reliability state, a partnered state for communicating with a peripheral device such as a pump, a battery life extension state to ensure that a predicted battery life meets a battery life criterion).

[0102] In response to the condition being satisfied, method 300 may, at 306, include transitioning from a first wireless communication mode to a second wireless communication mode in response to the condition being satisfied. In some examples, the transition from the first wireless communication mode to the second wireless communication mode includes reducing the power output from the communication circuitry to conserve energy. In some examples, the first wireless communication mode may consume more power than the second wireless communication mode. This transition to the second wireless communication mode may enable the analyte monitoring system to conserve power when a first condition is satisfied by transitioning to the second wireless communication mode. In some examples, the system may balance the need for communication and power consumption. For example, the satisfaction of the first condition may be associated with low urgency of communication (e.g., a determination that the analyte concentration level and / or trend is in a “managed” range or state), in which case, less frequent (e.g., 15-minute intervals instead of 5-minute intervals), lower power requirements (e.g., lower transmit power or lower power protocol), or less automatic or on-demand communication (e.g., NFC instead of Bluetooth) communication may be permitted. In some examples, the processor may continuously or repeatedly intermittently monitor power consumption or may increase or decrease power consumption in response to satisfying a protocol or condition.

[0103] In some examples, the second wireless communication mode uses less power than the first wireless communication mode. In some examples, the first wireless communication mode can be a continuous connection mode defined by a connection protocol (e.g., Bluetooth), and the second wireless communication mode can be a periodic connection mode. The periodic connection mode may require less wireless transmission than the continuous connection mode to maintain an active state (e.g., based on a minimum connection interval). In some examples, the first wireless communication mode can be a bidirectional communication mode, and the second wireless communication mode can be a unidirectional communication mode that includes data transmission from the first communication circuit. For example, the unidirectional communication mode can be a broadcast mode (e.g., of the Bluetooth protocol). The unidirectional communication protocol requires less time for active transmission and reception and thus can use less power.

[0104] In some examples, the first wireless communication mode has a longer range than the second wireless communication mode. For example, the first communication mode can include a medium-range to long-range wireless communication method or technology (e.g., Bluetooth or MICS communication), and the second communication mode can use a short-range wireless method or technology (e.g., NFC or inductive communication). Bluetooth tends to have a relatively long range (e.g., up to 100 m). MICS also tends to have a relatively long range (e.g., up to about 6 m), although the MICS range is typically shorter than Bluetooth. NFC and other inductive communication technologies tend to have a relatively short range (e.g., 4 cm to up to about 30 cm), but require less power, do not require power, and in some examples can harvest power.

[0105] In some examples, the authentication process may be performed in a first communication mode (e.g., a two-way communication scheme that enables key exchange), and the system may transition to a second communication mode after authentication. In some examples, the system may transmit encrypted broadcast data via the second wireless communication mode. The encrypted broadcast data may include, for example, analyte concentration level information, trend information, or status information. In some examples, the encrypted broadcast data may be used to determine whether to transition from the second wireless communication mode to the first wireless communication mode (e.g., to determine whether a second condition is met). In some examples, the encrypted broadcast data may include an instruction to transition back from the second wireless communication mode to the first wireless communication mode. For example, an analyte system processor (e.g., a CGM processor) may apply an algorithm to determine whether to transition back to the first mode (e.g., back to two-way communication), and a peripheral device may transmit a bit flag within a broadcast packet. In some examples, a peripheral device (e.g., a smartphone or other handheld display device) may apply an algorithm to determine whether to transition from the first mode to the second mode (e.g., to conserve power).

[0106] After transitioning to the second wireless communication mode, the method may include, at 308, transmitting using the second wireless communication mode for a period of time or until a second condition (e.g., as determined at step 310) is met.

[0107] At 310, the method may include determining whether a second condition is met. The second condition may be a different condition or the inverse of the first condition (e.g., the analyte level or trend moves out of range, otherwise meets or fails to meet the glucose management condition, or fails to meet the communication condition). If the second condition is not met, the method may return at 308 to transmitting a wireless signal using a second (e.g., low power) wireless communication mode.

[0108] In response to the second condition being met, the method may include ceasing to use the second wireless communication mode. For example, when the second condition is met, the method may include, at 312, transitioning from the second wireless communication mode to the first wireless communication mode. In some examples, method 300 may include transitioning to return from the second communication mode to the first communication mode, increasing the power output to increase the communication range or bandwidth, and at step 314, communicating using the first wireless communication mode. Alternatively, the method may include, at 310, transitioning to a third wireless communication mode (e.g., an intermediate power consumption mode (e.g., intermittent two-way communication) that may consume more power than the first mode, or a high priority communication mode (e.g., continuous connection)) and, at 314, communicating using the third wireless communication mode.

[0109] In some examples, method 300 may include transitioning from a one-way communication mode (e.g., broadcast) to a two-way communication mode when sensor calibration is required or to confirm that a warning or alarm has been received.

[0110] FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 400 for managing power output based on monitored sensor values or performance criteria. The method may be implemented, for example, in a system such as shown in FIG. 1 or a device such as shown in FIG. 2.

[0111] Method 400 may include, at 402, monitoring one or more physiological sensor values (e.g., analyte concentration level, temperature, activity level, heart rate). The physiological sensor values may be received, for example, from a wearable sensor device that includes an analyte sensor (e.g., an analyte sensor) and a communication circuit. The wearable sensor device may include, for example, an analyte monitor, and the one or more physiological sensor values may include an estimated analyte concentration level.

[0112] The method may also include, at 404, monitoring one or more communication performance metrics related to communication to or from the wearable sensor device. The communication performance metrics may include, for example, a packet capture rate or a received signal strength indicator value.

[0113] The method may further include, at 406, determining whether a condition is met. The determination may be based at least in part on, for example, the monitored physiological sensor values (e.g., meeting an analyte management condition) or communication performance metrics (e.g., meeting a communication reliability condition), or both or a combination thereof. For example, the method may include determining whether an analyte management condition is met based at least in part on the estimated analyte concentration level. The analyte risk management condition may include, for example, a range, a trend, a planned analyte level, or other analyte management information. As detailed above, the condition may correspond to the user of the peripheral device's awareness of a clinically relevant disease management state.

[0114] The method may additionally or alternatively include determining whether a communication reliability condition is met based at least in part on the communication performance metrics, and in response to determining that the communication reliability condition is met, conserving power by transitioning to a more energy-efficient communication mode or maintaining the current communication mode (e.g., suppressing an increase in power output). The communication reliability condition may be based on, for example, a signal strength or packet rate below a threshold, or a combination thereof.

[0115] In some examples, the system may maintain the status quo (e.g., make no changes) if the conditions are met. In some examples, the conditions may be negative conditions, for example, the negative conditions may be met when some combinations of requirements do not match.

[0116] In response to meeting the conditions, the method may further include, at 408, increasing or decreasing the power output of the communication circuit. In some examples, the method may include transitioning to a lower power protocol. For example, the method may include transitioning from a long - range communication protocol to a short - range communication protocol (e.g., from MICS or Bluetooth to NFC), or from a continuously connected mode to an intermittently (e.g., periodically) connected mode, or from a two - way communication protocol to a one - way communication mode (e.g., broadcast mode). In some examples, the method may include changing one or more communication parameters (e.g., transitioning communication modes). In some examples, the method may include periodically communicating the estimated analyte concentration level to another device, and the increase or decrease in power output may include decreasing the frequency of communication of the estimated analyte concentration level.

[0117] In some examples, the increase or decrease in power output may include a frequency shift, a mode shift, a power level shift, or a shift in the period between communications, increasing the communication range or reliability or saving energy. For example, the system may shift between communications at one or more of once per minute, once every five minutes, once every ten minutes, or once every thirty minutes.

[0118] In some examples, increasing or decreasing power output may include restricting communication to a specified peripheral device among a plurality of available peripheral devices (e.g., increasing power to a pump instead of a smartwatch). In some examples, the method may further include determining the specified peripheral device based on a schedule, a priority scheme, or location. In some examples, the method may further include determining a battery state, and the communication scheme is modified based at least in part on monitored physiological sensor values, communication performance metrics, and battery state.

[0119] FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 500 for selecting a communication protocol based on meeting analyte management conditions. Method 500 may be applied, for example, to an analyte monitoring system that includes a communication circuit and an analyte sensor configured to generate a signal representative of an analyte concentration level, a processor configured to control the operation of the system, and a battery configured to power the system. The method may be implemented, for example, in a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 or a device such as that shown in FIG. 2.

[0120] The method may include, at 502, receiving analyte management conditions from a partner device such as an insulin pump or insulin pen. The analyte management conditions may include, for example, a range of analyte concentration levels (e.g., glucose concentration levels), a rate or change, or other parameters based on one or more analyte concentration levels. In various examples, the analyte management conditions may be determined by the partner device or input by a user of the partner device.

[0121] In 504, method 500 may further include receiving, from, for example, an analyte sensor, an analyte signal representative of an analyte concentration level (e.g., a glucose concentration level). Method 500 may also include, in 506, determining an analyte parameter based at least in part on the analyte signal. For example, an estimated analyte concentration level (e.g., an estimated glucose concentration level) may be determined. Method 500 may further include, in 508, determining whether an analyte management condition is satisfied. The determination may be based at least in part on the analyte parameter. For example, the method may include determining whether the estimated analyte concentration level is below a threshold, above a threshold, a rate of change exceeds a rate of change threshold, or a predicted analyte concentration level meets a condition (e.g., is above or below a threshold). In some examples, determining whether an analyte management condition is satisfied may include applying the analyte parameter to a model (e.g., a state model). The model may be pre - defined or may be learned from data and may reside within the system (e.g., within sensor electronics) or locally (e.g., on a smart device resident with or near the patient (host)) or on a remote system (e.g., a networked resource). One or more parameters (e.g., analyte parameters) may be applied to the model (e.g., provided as an input) and a state may be determined by applying the one or more parameters to the model. The state may relate to, for example, the host such as a glucose state (e.g., within range, out of range, or trend), to communication (e.g., reliable or unreliable), or a combination thereof.

[0122] Method 500 may further include determining a communication protocol for communicating with a partner device, at least partially based on whether analyte management conditions are met. For example, the method may include, at 510, communicating via a first communication mode (e.g., power level, frequency, protocol) when the conditions are met, and at 512, communicating via a second communication mode when the conditions are not met. In one example, when an estimated analyte level (e.g., an estimated glucose level) falls within a safety zone (e.g., 80 - 140 mg / DL) that may be specified by a partner device (e.g., an insulin pump) or based on the requirements or characteristics of the partner device, the analyte monitor (e.g., a CGM) may communicate (e.g., notify via the Bluetooth protocol) at a lower frequency (e.g., instead of continuously or every 1 minute or 5 minutes, every 15 minutes or 30 minutes) to conserve power, shift to a one-way communication mode, or otherwise control the operation of the power conservation system as described herein.

[0123] Figure 6 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 600 for managing power using operation parameters received from a peripheral device. Method 600 may be implemented within an analyte monitoring system (e.g., a CGM), which includes a communication circuit, an analyte sensor configured to generate a signal representative of an analyte concentration level, a processor configured to control the operation of the system, and a battery configured to power the system. The method may be implemented, for example, in a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 or a device such as that shown in FIG. 2.

[0124] Method 600 may include, at 602, receiving operating parameters regarding a peripheral device via a communication circuit. The peripheral device may include, for example, a drug pump, a smart pen, a handheld device (e.g., a smartphone), or another type of display device configured to communicate with an analyte monitoring system. The operating parameters may be received from the peripheral device, or the operating parameters may be received from a remote resource (e.g., a server) or a local device (e.g., a smartphone app). In some examples, the operating parameters may be retrieved from a memory circuit (e.g., retrieved from a lookup table) based on identification information or characteristics of the peripheral device. In one example, the system may communicate with the peripheral device and receive (or exchange) device identification information, and the system may then provide the device identification information (e.g., via a device such as a smartphone), and receive operating parameters that may be received from or determined by a remote resource (e.g., a network server) or a smart device.

[0125] In various examples, the operating parameters can include, for example, battery management parameters, calibration schedule parameters, sensor accuracy parameters, or context information. In some examples, the operating parameters can include context information from a peripheral device (e.g., information regarding the interaction of the peripheral device with another device or network environment). For example, the operating parameters can include information regarding the connection state of the peripheral device (such as network or remote server ("cloud") connection, RSSI, or dropped communications). In some examples, the operating parameters can include battery level, activity level (e.g., determined using an accelerometer of the peripheral device), location (e.g., based on GPS, or network connection status or strength), display status (e.g., on or off), warning state (e.g., whether a warning is active or not), confirmation of a warning (e.g., input received from a user to confirm receipt of a warning), usage mode (e.g., open loop or closed loop), or the status of a pending event or action (e.g., waiting for an action or event).

[0126] The method can further include, at 604, operating a system (e.g., an analyte monitoring system such as a CGM) at least partially based on the operating parameters. In various examples, a determination can be made based on the operating parameters, and the system can operate at least partially based on the determination. For example, the system can determine whether the operating parameters are within an acceptable range. In some examples, the system can determine whether, for example, an analyte concentration is within a defined analyte concentration range, or whether a trend criterion such as an average rate of change is below a threshold value.

[0127] In some examples, the operating parameters can include the operating requirements of the peripheral device. The method 600 can include controlling the operation of the system to meet the operating requirements.

[0128] In one example, the operating requirements may include sensor accuracy requirements, and the system may be controlled to meet the sensor accuracy requirements (e.g., calibrating or replacing sensors that do not meet the sensor accuracy requirements). In one example, the operating requirements may include a calibration schedule, and the system may operate to meet the calibration schedule (e.g., the system may prompt the user to perform a calibration to meet a schedule received from a partner device).

[0129] In one example, the operating requirements may include battery life requirements, and the system may operate to meet the battery life requirements (e.g., the system may propose replacing the battery, or a transceiver or other component containing the battery, to ensure that the battery life requirements are met). In some examples, the operating parameters may include a specified period (e.g., pump session time), and the operation of the system (e.g., a continuous analyte sensor) may be controlled to manage the energy consumption from a battery (e.g., an analyte sensor battery) such that the energy stored in the battery is not depleted before the specified period elapses. For example, the processor may control the operation of the communication circuit in a calculated manner to ensure that the energy stored in the battery is not depleted before the specified period elapses. For example, the processor may modify the communication scheme to conserve battery energy during the specified period. For example, the processor may switch to a communication mode that consumes less energy (e.g., switching from MICS or Bluetooth to NFC, from a continuously connected mode to a periodic communication mode, or from a two-way communication mode to a one-way (e.g., broadcast) communication mode).

[0130] In some examples, a system (e.g., an analyte monitoring system) may be configured to communicate with a second device (in addition to a peripheral device such as a pump or a smart pen), and a method may include restricting communication by a communication circuit such that the system communicates only with the peripheral device during a specified period. For example, the system may receive a whitelist (e.g., from a peripheral device or from a smart device or network resource) that the system may use during a specified period. In another example, a system (e.g., an analyte monitoring system) may receive an operating parameter (e.g., the parameter may define a communication schedule to reduce the need to broadcast) indicating that the system may communicate only with the peripheral device during a specified period. In another example, a system (e.g., an analyte monitoring system) may receive an operating parameter (e.g., to ensure successful communication with a pump) indicating that the system may communicate only with the peripheral device (and not with other devices) during a specified period. In another example, the system may receive an operating parameter for blacklisting communication devices such as devices previously connected to the system (e.g., a previously exchanged pump may be blacklisted).

[0131] In some examples, the operating parameter may include a specified number of additional peripheral devices, and the method may include communicating only with the peripheral device and the specified number of additional devices, and excessive consumption of energy stored in the battery is avoided by restricting the number of devices with which the analyte monitoring system communicates.

[0132] In some examples, the operating parameters may include identification information for one or more additional peripheral devices, the method may include communicating only with the identified one or more additional devices, and excessive consumption of the energy stored in the battery is avoided by limiting the number of devices with which the analyte monitoring system communicates. For example, the analyte monitoring system may communicate with a default or user-specified primary device. In some examples, the identification information may specify a particular device, for example, using a device ID. In some examples, the identification information may specify the type of device (e.g., a watch). Examples of peripheral device types may include, for example, handheld devices (e.g., smartphones), watches, tablets, pens, pumps, or desktop computers.

[0133] In some examples, a system (e.g., an analyte monitoring system) may receive information regarding connections between peripheral devices. For example, the analyte system may receive information that a smartphone is communicating with a watch. In response to receiving information that a first peripheral device is communicating with a second peripheral device, the system may limit communication to a specified device or group of devices (e.g., the analyte monitoring system may communicate with a smartphone, or a smartphone and a pump), and depending on the specified device, may communicate with a third device (e.g., the smartphone may pass information to a smartwatch to reduce battery consumption by the analyte sensor system).

[0134] In some examples, the operating parameters may be a schedule for providing information such as analyte levels or trends (or both), and the system may communicate according to the schedule. For example, an analyte signal representing an analyte concentration level is received from an analyte sensor, processed to determine an estimated analyte concentration level, and transmitted via a wireless signal (e.g., using a communication circuit) according to a schedule specified by the operating parameters.

[0135] In some examples, a system (e.g., an analyte monitoring system) may receive identification information (e.g., a list) of one or more authorized peripheral devices. The system may accept operating parameters or communication requests from one or more peripheral devices based on the identification information of the authorized devices.

[0136] FIG. 7A is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 700 for managing power based on user input. In some examples, method 800 may include an analyte sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an analyte concentration level within a host, a processor configured to determine an analyte concentration level estimated based on the signal, and a communication circuit configured to transmit, via a transmitted communication signal, the estimated analyte concentration level or information based on the estimated analyte concentration level, and to receive a user input via a detected communication signal, and may be implemented in a system that may include. The system may be configured to control a communication mode of the communication circuit based at least in part on the user input. The system may be, for example, the system 200 shown in FIG. 2.

[0137] At 702, a user input is received. The user input may be received directly, for example, via a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface GUI), or from another device (e.g., a smartphone or other smart device) that may receive the user input via the user interface. In one example, the user interface may include a menu and buttons (e.g., providing various options as described below), and the user may provide an input by selecting an option from the menu and pressing a button. In some examples, the user input may be received via a network. For example, a host (e.g., a child) to which an analyte sensor (e.g., a glucose sensor) is attached may be in a first location, and a user (e.g., a caregiver) may provide a user input at a second location (e.g., via a smartphone), and the input may be relayed via a network (e.g., a cellular network or the Internet) to a smart device near the host.

[0138] User input may include, for example, a request to initiate an energy-saving mode. User input may also relate to energy management. For example, user input may include a request to align an estimated battery life with parameters of a partner device (e.g., a pump session). In some examples, user input may include specified conditions. In some examples, in response to meeting the specified conditions, the system may communicate less frequently or take other steps to consume less energy. In other examples, the system enters a low-power consumption mode and may invalidate the low-power consumption mode in response to meeting the specified conditions (e.g., the estimated glucose level has moved outside the safe range or the start of the delivery of basal or bolus insulin by the pump).

[0139] At 704, the sensor signal may be received from an analyte sensor. The sensor signal may indicate, for example, the analyte concentration level of the host (e.g., indicate the glucose concentration). The sensor signal may be received from the analyte sensor 104 by the processor 204 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2.

[0140] At 706, an estimated analyte concentration level (e.g., an estimated glucose concentration level) is determined based on the sensor signal.

[0141] At 708, the operating mode of the communication circuit may be determined at least in part based on user input. The determined operating mode may be, for example, an energy-saving mode in which power consumption by the communication circuit or the system can be reduced. The system may call any of the methods described herein to conserve or manage energy consumption (e.g., the system may communicate less frequently than in the normal operating mode, limit the number of devices with which the system communicates, or communicate using low-power technologies (e.g., NFC) for non-essential communications, all communications, or all communications).

[0142] At 710, the estimated analyte concentration level, or information based on the estimated analyte concentration level, can be transmitted via the communication circuit using the determined operating mode. Transmissions using an energy-saving mode can, for example, transmit information less frequently than in the normal operating mode, transmit using a low-power focused communication mode (e.g., NFC instead of Bluetooth), communicate with fewer devices (e.g., communicate with a pump instead of a watch), or communicate via a peripheral device (e.g., including communicating with a watch via a smartphone).

[0143] In some examples, the communication circuit can be controlled at least in part based on the analyte concentration level.

[0144] In some examples, the system (e.g., a CGM system) determines whether a condition is met at least in part based on the analyte concentration level and controls the operation of the communication circuit to reduce power consumption by the communication circuit based on the determination of whether the condition is met. For example, the condition can include a range of analyte concentration levels, and the determination of whether the condition is met can include determining whether the determined analyte concentration level falls within the range of analyte concentration levels. In one example, when the analyte concentration level is well controlled (e.g., the estimated glucose level is between 80 and 150 mg / dL and stable (e.g., no rapid rate of change)), the system can communicate less frequently than when the analyte concentration level is not well controlled (e.g., the estimated glucose level exceeds a specified threshold, e.g., is below 70 mg / DL, above 150 mg / dL, 200 mg / DL or 250 mg / DL, rising or falling rapidly, or a combination thereof).

[0145] In some examples, the condition may include a trend condition, and determining whether the condition is met may include determining whether the trend condition is met using multiple analyte concentration levels. For example, the trend condition may include that the rate of change of the analyte concentration level is below a specified threshold (e.g., the estimated glucose rate of change is 2 mg / dL / min or less or 3 mg / dL / min or less). The trend condition may also include the analyte concentration level (e.g., when the estimated glucose concentration level is less than 120 mg / dL, the rate of change of the estimated glucose concentration level of 2 mg / dL / min or less).

[0146] In some examples, transmitting using the determined mode of operation may include reducing power consumption by suppressing the automatic transmission of analyte concentration information or transmitting the analyte concentration information at a low frequency. In some examples, transmitting using the determined mode of operation may include transmitting only in response to a request (e.g., transitioning to a "pull" mode instead of a "push" mode), or transmitting at a low frequency unless a request is received (e.g., a request from a partner device or user).

[0147] In some examples, the determined mode of operation may be disabled to communicate in response to the analyte concentration level dropping below a threshold or going out of range.

[0148] In some examples, the user input may include specifying a condition, and the operation of the communication circuit may be modified in response to meeting the condition. The condition may include, for example, a range of analyte concentration levels or an analyte trend condition, or any other condition discussed herein.

[0149] In some examples, a patient state may be determined based on one or more analyte concentration levels, and the operation of the communication circuit may be modified to reduce power consumption in response to a patient state that meets safety conditions. For example, the patient state may be determined by applying one or more analyte concentration levels to a model, such as a state model that may include one or more states determined by a model responsive to the analyte concentration level(s), and optionally may also be determined by context factors, information about the device (e.g., battery level) or information about a partner device (e.g., a pump).

[0150] In some examples, user input may include a request to operate the system in a manner that ensures that the estimated battery life meets or exceeds the operating parameters for a partner device. For example, the operating parameter may be a period of time (e.g., a pump session time), and the system may operate in a manner that extends the life of the battery in the system so that the battery does not expire (e.g., deplete to a charge level insufficient to perform functions) before the period expires.

[0151] In some examples, the system may monitor warning conditions based at least in part on an estimated analyte concentration level, and the system may disable an energy savings mode to communicate a warning.

[0152] In some examples, the determined communication mode of operation may include a sleep mode (e.g., a low power consumption mode). In the sleep mode, the system may stop communicating, communicate very rarely, only list without transmitting, transmit very rarely, one or more non-communication operations (e.g., sensing) may be paused, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the system may enter the sleep mode in response to a user input that includes a request to stop a sensor session, or in response to a request to start a sensor session (e.g., after the start of a session, the sensor may not need to be used during a warm-up period in which the host / sensor adapts to the insertion of the sensor into the host). In some examples, the system may transition from the sleep mode after a specified period (e.g., after the expiration of a warm-up period).

[0153] FIG. 7B is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 700 for managing power based on a sleep command (e.g., an instruction to enter a sleep mode or other low power consumption state). The method may be applied, for example, to an analyte monitoring system that includes a communication circuit, an analyte sensor configured to generate a signal representative of an analyte concentration level, a processor configured to control the operation of the system, and a battery configured to power the system. The method may be implemented, for example, in a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 or a device such as that shown in FIG. 2.

[0154] Method 770 may include, at 772, receiving a sleep command from a peripheral device via a communication circuit. For example, it may be desirable to put the analyte monitoring system to sleep during a warm-up period (e.g., a warm-up period may be required after application of the sensor to the host and before sensor readings begin). Method 770 may include, at 774, transitioning the system to a low-power state in response to receiving the sleep command. In some examples, the system may stop communicating in the sleep state. For example, the communication circuit may completely stop transmitting and receiving for a period of time, or the communication circuit may optionally enter a standby-only mode with a lower power standby mode than normal operation (e.g., a longer duty cycle, or a return and standby on schedule). In some examples, other parts of the system may also stop consuming energy or enter a low-power mode. For example, the analyte sensor may stop applying a sensing voltage to the electrodes, or the processor may stop collecting or processing data. In another example, when the system is in the low-power mode, the analyte sensor may continue to apply a voltage for analyte measurement purposes, but the transmission / communication circuit may remain in the sleep or low-power mode. Further, in another example, when the sensor electronics are removed from the host (e.g., when the transmitter is disconnected from the sensor), the sensor electronics may stop processing or communicating (e.g., because the sensor electronics do not receive any sensor data at all).

[0155] The method may include, at 776, waking up the system from the low-power state. In some examples, the system may include a clock that triggers a wake-up event, for example, using a timer or at a specified time when a period (e.g., a warm-up period) has elapsed. In some examples, the method may include waking up the analyte monitoring system in response to a wake-up command, for example, in response to a command from a peripheral device such as a pump or a smart device (e.g., a smartphone or a dedicated handheld device).

[0156] FIG. 8 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 800 for determining an operating protocol to ensure that a battery life meets a specified time parameter. The method may be applied, for example, to an analyte monitoring system that includes a communication circuit, an analyte sensor configured to generate a signal representative of an analyte concentration level, a processor configured to control the operation of the system, and a battery configured to power the system. The method may be implemented, for example, in a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 or a device such as that shown in FIG. 2.

[0157] Method 800 may include, at 802, receiving a specified time parameter from a peripheral device. The specified time parameter may be, for example, a specified time such as a particular date (e.g., day, week, or month), or an amount of time such as a number of days, weeks, or months. Method 800 may further include, at 804, determining an amount of energy remaining in a battery based on, for example, a voltage measurement, a current measurement, a Coulomb counter, or any combination thereof. Method 800 may further include, at 806, determining a system operation protocol calculated to ensure planned energy consumption by providing an estimated battery life that meets the specified time parameter. For example, the planned energy consumption rate may be determined based on one or more communication parameters (e.g., transmission strength, how often the system communicates, or the number of devices the system will communicate with), one or more data processing parameters (e.g., the amount of data processing that will occur and how often it will occur), one or more sensing parameters (e.g., how often sensor readings will be acquired), or any combination thereof. In one example, the lifespan or expiration of an analyte sensor system (e.g., CGM) may be aligned or extended to exceed the lifespan or expiration of a pump. For example, the CGM may operate to ensure that the battery life of the CGM lasts longer than the battery life of the pump or a change in pump insertion location. In some examples, the system may ensure that sufficient battery remains at session end to perform one or more session end tasks, such as transferring data to an external device such as a smartphone. In some examples, a notification may be delivered to the user to change or check the analyte sensor system battery and coordinate pump replacement or change in pump insertion location with battery replacement.

[0158] Figure 9 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 900 that uses information from non-volatile memory after a power reset. The method may be implemented, for example, in a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 or a device such as that shown in FIG. 2.

[0159] Method 900 may include, at 902, receiving a sensor signal representative of an analyte concentration level from a wearable analyte monitor. Method 900 may further include, at 904, repeatedly storing information in non-volatile memory in preparation for an unplanned power reset, such as when a removable battery is removed from the device. The stored information may include, for example, an estimated analyte concentration level determined from the sensor signal, and an associated timestamp. In some examples, method 900 may also include storing in non-volatile memory time data, session data, pairing information, a reset count, or the impact of a battery reset. The reset count and the impact of the reset may be considered in estimating the remaining battery life.

[0160] In some examples, periodically storing information may include storing critical information. The critical information may be used to re-establish a session after a power reset and continue the session according to the operating parameters used prior to the power reset. For example, a mode (e.g., a communication mode, an operating mode of the device, or a mode of interaction with a peripheral device such as a pump) or a status (e.g., an analyte trend or a patient status) may be resumed after a power reset.

[0161] Method 900 may further include, at 906, retrieving information stored from non-volatile memory after a power reset. In some examples, the method may further include starting a power-on mode after a power reset and evaluating the device status or analyte status in the power-on mode using the retrieved information. In some examples, a debouncing circuit (e.g., a gate with hysteresis) may be used to avoid repeated execution of the power-on or power-off process when the battery is repeatedly connected and disconnected, or to avoid processing noise signals associated with removal or replacement of the battery. In some examples, the system may execute instructions to remove noise associated with removal or insertion of the battery. For example, the system or device may detect connection or disconnection of the battery, and the system may delay the power-on or power-off process or signal processing for a specified period after detection of connection or disconnection from the battery. In some examples, the system or device may delay the power-off process for a specified period after detection of connection to the battery, which may enable the system or device to avoid continuous execution of the power-on and power-off processes when the battery is connected and disconnected multiple times within a short time window.

[0162] The method may further include, at 908, resuming operation using the retrieved information. In some examples, the method may further include determining an operating mode based at least in part on the stored information. In some examples, the determined operating mode may include one or more of a power consumption mode or a communication mode. For example, the system may use the stored information to determine whether to operate in a low-power operating mode, a normal operating mode (e.g., default), or a high-power operating mode (e.g., high-frequency communication or high power to ensure a range or high probability of communication success, which may be useful, for example, when the patient is in an unmonitored state, such as when in a hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic state or trending towards it).

[0163] In some examples, the low power mode may be initiated based on battery conditions (e.g., based on current, voltage, or remaining energy), or the amount of remaining battery life (e.g., time until expiration, or estimated time until end-of-life conditions are met). In various examples, the low power mode may conserve power by communicating less frequently, transitioning from a first communication mode or protocol to a second mode or protocol that uses less power (e.g., transitioning from Bluetooth to NFC), communicating with fewer devices, depending on a peripheral device to communicate with another device (e.g., associating a smartphone to communicate with a watch, pump, or smart pen), performing non-communication operations (e.g., sensing) less frequently, or offloading processing to a peripheral device (e.g., depending on a smartphone for complex processing). In some examples, the determination of whether to operate in the low power mode after a power reset may be based on the battery power after the reset (e.g., detecting whether a battery with sufficient power (e.g., a new battery) has been inserted, or whether a low power battery (e.g., the same battery that was removed, or another low power battery) has been inserted). In some examples, the power level assessment (e.g., the determination of whether to operate in the low power mode) may be triggered after a power reset based on information stored prior to the reset (e.g., one or more of the operating modes prior to the reset, analyte management conditions (e.g., glucose level or trend), communication conditions (e.g., whether reliable), or communication mode (e.g., two-way or one-way)).

[0164] In some examples, the method may include determining an analyte trend based at least in part on an estimated analyte concentration level retrieved from non-volatile memory.

[0165] In some examples, the method may include periodically storing first information according to a first schedule and periodically storing additional information according to a second schedule, where the first information is stored more frequently than the additional information. For example, information that is important for resuming a session after a power reset may be stored more frequently than other types of information.

[0166] Examples of battery and device structures FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary sensor assembly 1000. The sensor assembly 1000 may include a base 1002 that may include or be coupled to a mounting unit 1004 configured to couple to a sensor electronics module 1006, which may be or include the sensor electronics module 106 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The sensor assembly 1000 may also include one or more batteries 1018 that may be removable or replaceable. The battery 1018 may be electrically coupled to an electrical contact 1028 that may be sized and shaped to electrically couple to an electrical contact 1030 on the sensor electronics module 1006, as further described below.

[0167] The base 1002 may include a contact 1008, which may be part of the contact sub - assembly 1010. The contact 1008 may be configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with respective contacts (not shown) on the sensor electronics module, for example, to enable signal transfer or power transfer. The contact sub - assembly 1010 may include a hinge 1012 configured to enable the contact sub - assembly 1010 to pivot between a first position (for insertion) and a second position (for use) relative to the attachment unit 1004. As used herein, the term "hinge" is a broad term and is used in its original meaning inclusively and without limitation to refer to any of a variety of pivoting, joint, and / or hinge mechanisms, such as an adhesive hinge, a sliding joint, etc., and the term "hinge" does not necessarily imply a pivot point or fixed point where the joint occurs. In some examples, the contact 1008 may be formed of a conductive elastomer material, such as a carbon - filled elastomer, that is electrically connected to the sensor 1016.

[0168] In some examples, the attachment unit 1004 may include an adhesive pad 1014 disposed on the back of the attachment unit. The adhesive pad may include a peelable backing layer. The attachment unit 1004 may be adhered to the host's skin by pressing the base 1002 of the attachment unit and the adhesive pad 1014 against the skin. Suitable adhesive pads may be selected and designed to stretch, expand, conform to, and / or ventilate the area (e.g., the host's skin). Various configurations and arrangements may provide water - resistance, waterproofness, and / or sealing characteristics associated with the attachment unit / sensor electronics module embodiments described herein. Any of the examples discussed herein may be sealed, for example, to avoid exposure to water or excessive exposure to moisture.

[0169] Figure 10B is an enlarged view of a portion of the sensor assembly of Figure 10A. The base 1002 can be configured to receive one or more batteries 1018, which can be, for example, coin cell batteries (such as silver oxide, lithium, alkaline, zinc air, etc.). The sealed area 1020 can extend over the battery to isolate and secure the battery 1018 within the base 1002. In various embodiments, the sealed area can be coupled to the base using a mechanical connection (such as a snap fit), an adhesive, a welded joint, or any combination thereof.

[0170] The base 1002 can include one or more protrusions 1024 (such as seal members or seal features) that extend upward to the sensor electronics module 1006. The electrical connector 1026 can extend through the protrusion 1024 and be electrically connected to a second electrical contact 1030 on the sensor electronics module 1006 via an electrical contact 1028. In some examples, the end face 1034 (such as a seal member) of the protrusion 1024 can seal against the opposite surface of the sensor electronics module to form a seal (such as a face seal). In some examples, the outer surface 1036 of the protrusion 1024 can seal against a corresponding surface (such as the inner surface on the cavity of the sensor electronics module 1006) to form a radial seal (such as an O-ring or lip seal for the sensor electronics module).

[0171] In the example shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the protrusion 1024 and the electrical connector 1026 are laterally offset from one or more batteries (i.e., to the right of the battery in Figure 10B), in which case the electrical connector 1026 can be electrically coupled to the battery via an electrical connector 1032. In some alternatives, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 13A, the protrusion can extend upward from the battery, for example, as shown in Figure 11A.

[0172] The protrusion 1024 can form a seal with the sensor electronics module 1006 when the sensor electronics module is assembled with the base 1002. For example, the protrusion can form a radial or face seal with the sensor electronics module 1006. The protrusion can be overmolded onto the base, or over or around the electrical contacts 1028. Alternatively, the seal component can be coupled to the protrusion (e.g., the protrusion itself can be integrated with the base, and the seal component can be overmolded onto the base, otherwise coupled to or disposed around the protrusion). The protrusion or seal can be formed of a material that forms a watertight seal, such as an elastomer or a compliant material (e.g., silicone, TPE, polypropylene, etc.).

[0173] Each of the exemplary bases shown in FIGS. 10A - 39C can include one or more electrical contacts 1028, 1029 configured to deliver battery power to a sensor electronics module (e.g., sensor electronics module 106 or sensor electronics module 1006 not shown in FIGS. 11A - 39C). Although some of the examples show two batteries, other examples may include a single battery, or three or more batteries (e.g., three, four, or more batteries). In various examples, the batteries may all be the same, the batteries may be sized differently, or may have different electrical or electrochemical properties to provide desired performance characteristics (e.g., current capacity or battery life). In examples having two or more batteries, the batteries may be arranged in series or parallel, but preferably are arranged in series, such that one contact 1028 is positive and the other contact 1029 is negative (or vice versa), thereby forming a closed circuit when coupled to the sensor electronics module. The base may also include electrical contacts 1008, 1010 configured to interface with the sensor electronics module to operably couple one or more sensor system components (e.g., potentiostat 202 shown in FIG. 2) to supply power and generate sensor signals (e.g., apply a bias via sensor 1016 to generate a signal indicative of the analyte concentration level). In some examples, a cover, film, flexible circuit board, potting material (e.g., epoxy), or other component may be provided and configured to extend over and seal the battery to the base. The sealed interface can be created using one or more of a seal member (e.g., an O - ring or elastomer), ultrasonic welding, laser, radio frequency (RF), or thermal welding. A sensor electronics seal member may also be provided between the sensor electronics module 1006 and the base.In any of the examples shown in FIGS. 10A - 39C, the battery can be coupled to the sensor electronics package via a conductive elastomer contact (e.g., a pad), a spring, a tab, a post, a pogo pin, a flat conductive pad or trace, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure that can be fixed to the base or to the sensor electronics module in various configurations. Any of the structural elements shown in FIGS. 10A - 39C may be combined with an example shown in another example of FIGS. 10A - 39C, and many of the examples may have similar or identical components as shown in the drawings.

[0174] A battery seal is provided between the sensor electronics module and the battery or battery contact to avoid contact, for example, between the battery and an external environment (e.g., water during swimming or bathing) that can corrode, wear, or damage the battery or electronic components. The battery seal can be, for example, a face seal, a radial seal (e.g., an O - ring), or an irregular seal. The seal can include, for example, an overmolded component such as an overmolded gasket, an overmolded elastomeric feature that can be coupled to or assembled with the base or sensor electronics module, or other overmolded or assembled seal components or features. One or more seals may create one continuous seal around the outer perimeter of both batteries (see, e.g., FIGS. 12A, 15A, 16A, 18A, and 19A), or individual seals may be created around each battery (see, e.g., FIGS. 11A, 13A, 14A, and 23A - 39C). In various configurations, the battery 1018 can be assembled to the base via the bottom of the base (see, e.g., FIGS. 11A, 11B, 13A - 16B, 20A - 25B, 28A - 34 and 38A - 39C), or via the top of the base (see, e.g., FIGS. 12A, 12B, 17A - 19B, 26A - 37B and 35A - 37D).

[0175] Any of the examples shown in FIGS. 11A to 39C can be coupled to an adhesive component such as the adhesive pad 1014 shown in FIGS. 10A, 23A to 23C, 28A to 28C, 30A to 30B, 32, 34, 36 and / or FIGS. 38A, 38B, or alternatively or additionally, the bottom surface 1052 of the base can include an adhesive for coupling the base to the host.

[0176] FIG. 11A is a perspective top view of an exemplary sensor base 1102 having two protruding seal members 1124, 1125 that can be offset from the battery 1018. FIG. 11A shows electrical contacts 1128, 1129 as conductive elastomer pack type contacts that can be pressed against corresponding contacts (not shown) on the sensor electronics module when the sensor electronics module is assembled with the base 1102. Battery power can be supplied to the sensor electronics module via the electrical contacts 1128, 1129. The seal members 1124, 1125 can be configured to seal against a sensor electronics module (not shown), such that the electrical contacts 1128, 1129 can be sealed from exposure to potential environmental elements such as water. The seal members 1124, 1125 can be, for example, overmolded elastomer seals (e.g., overmolded onto the base). The seal member 1124 can form a face seal when pressed against the sensor electronics module. In one example, the outer surfaces 1130, 1131 of the sensor electronics module can seal against one or more inner surfaces of corresponding cavities within the sensor electronics module. Alternatively or additionally, the end faces 1132, 1133 can form a seal against opposite surfaces on the sensor electronics module.

[0177] Figure 11B is a perspective bottom view of the base 1102. The battery 1018 can be sealed within the base. In some examples, an analyte sensor 1016 (not shown in FIG. 11B) can be delivered to the host through the bottom surface 1104 of the base 1102, for example, through a hole (not shown in FIG. 11B) within a sealed region 1020 (e.g., a cover). The analyte sensor 2016 can be configured to, for example, insert a needle / sensor assembly into the host and withdraw the needle, leaving the sensor within the host to detect the concentration of an analyte (e.g., glucose), and can be delivered via, for example, a mechanical or electrical delivery system (e.g., an applicator, not shown). Exemplary sensor delivery systems are shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,949,381, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 387,088 (published as US20170188910(A1)), and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 298,721 (published as US20170112534(A1)), which are incorporated by reference. Any of the examples shown in FIGS. 11A - 39C can be similarly configured to receive the sensor 1016 and the sensor delivery system.

[0178] The base 1102 and the bases shown in FIGS. 12A - 39C can include a mounting unit 1004, electrical contacts 1008, 1010, and a sealed region 1020, as described at least with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0179] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate an exemplary base 1202 in which the battery can be loaded from the upper side rather than the bottom side as shown in Figure 11B. The seal member 1224 can extend around both batteries 1218, 1219 and optionally also around the battery contacts 1228, 1229. The battery contacts 1228, 1229 may be separate components or may be part of the battery. The seal member 1224 can be overmolded onto the base or assembled with the base and can be disposed around the battery contacts 1228, 1229 or around the battery contacts 1228, 1229 and the battery 1018. The outer surface 1230 of the seal member 1224 can be configured to seal against the opposite inner surface (e.g., the inner surface of the cavity) on the sensor electronics module (e.g., sealed against the inner surface 1952 on the sensor electronics module 1904 of Figure 19B). Additionally or alternatively, the inner surface 1231 of the seal member 1224 can be configured to seal against the opposite surface on the sensor electronics module. As shown in Figure 12B, the batteries 1218, 1219 can be electrically coupled via a connector 1232. A sensor (e.g., sensor 104 or sensor 1016) can be delivered through a passage in the base such as the hole 1240 shown in Figure 12B.

[0180] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate an exemplary base 1302 that includes seal members 1324, 1325 having side surfaces 1330, 1331 that can form a face seal (e.g., a seal against the inner surface of a cavity on the sensor electronics module) with corresponding surfaces on the sensor electronics module to seal the battery electrical contacts 1328, 1329 against exposure to water or moisture. Additionally or alternatively, the end surfaces 1332, 1333 can form a seal against the sensor electronics module.

[0181] FIG. 13B shows a film 1310 (or alternatively a flexible circuit board) that can be laser or thermally joined (e.g., adhered or welded) to the attachment unit 1304 to seal the battery within the attachment unit 1304. For example, the sealed path 1312 can be laser or thermally joined around the battery to create an isolated area around the battery. Sensors (e.g., sensor 104 or sensor 1016) can be delivered through passages within the base such as the holes 1340 shown in FIG. 13B.

[0182] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an exemplary base 1402 and a sensor electronics module 1450. The sensor electronics module can include one or more protrusions 1452 (e.g., a second protrusion is not shown as it is at the rear of the base) including one or more electrical contacts 1454 configured to electrically couple with the electrical contacts 1428, 1429 on the base 1402. The protrusions 1452 can be configured to fit into corresponding recesses 1434, 1435 of the seal members 1424, 1425 such that one or more outer surfaces 1456 on the protrusions form a radial seal using the seal members.

[0183] The seal members 1424, 1425 can optionally have end faces 1432, 1433 that are sized and shaped to form a seal against the opposite surface 1458 of the sensor electronics module to further seal the battery electrical contacts 1428, 1429 against exposure to water or moisture.

[0184] FIG. 14B shows a film 1410 (or alternatively a flexible circuit board) that can be laser or thermally joined to the attachment unit 1404 to seal the battery within the attachment unit 1404. For example, the sealed weld path 1412 can be laser or thermally joined around the battery to create an isolated area around the battery.

[0185] Figures 15A and 15B illustrate an exemplary base 1502 having a seal member 1524 that may extend around one or more battery contacts 1528, 1529. The outer surface 1530, the inner surface 1531, or both may be configured to seal against a corresponding opposite surface of a sensor electronics module (not shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B) to form a seal around both battery contacts. The seal member 1524 may be, for example, an overmolded elastomeric gasket.

[0186] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate an exemplary base 1602 having a seal member 1624 that may extend around one or more battery contacts 1628, 1629. The outer surface 1630 of the seal member may include one or more ribs 1631 that may form a radial seal (similar to, for example, an O-ring) with the inner surface 1652 of a cavity 1654 formed by a sensor electronics module 1650. The seal member 1624 may be, for example, a molded elastomeric seal disposed on the battery contacts 1628, 1629. In another example, the seal member 1624 may be overmolded onto the base.

[0187] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate an exemplary base 1702 that includes a radial seal (e.g., an O-ring seal) that extends around a bottom component 1704 of the base. The radial seal 1724 and an upper component 1706 (which may be part of a sensor electronics module) may be configured to form a fluid-tight seal to avoid exposure to water or moisture.

[0188] Figures 18A and 18B illustrate an exemplary base 1802 that includes a radial seal that extends around a bottom component 1804 of the base. The radial seal 1824 and a portion 1806 of the sensor electronics module can be configured to form a hermetic seal to avoid exposure to water or moisture. The radial seal 1824 can be, or can include, for example, an overmolded elastomeric feature (e.g., overmolded onto the base so as to extend around an inserted battery or battery contacts).

[0189] Figures 19A and 19B illustrate an exemplary base 1902 that includes a seal member 1924 that extends around both batteries 1918, 1919. The seal member 1924 can be overmolded onto the base and sized and shaped to extend around the batteries 1918, 1919 (or around battery contacts (not shown) and the batteries). The outer surface 1930 of the seal member 1924 can include a ring feature 1931 that can be configured to seal against an opposite inner surface 1954 within a cavity on the sensor electronics module 1950.

[0190] Figures 20A and 20B illustrate another exemplary base 2002 that can include a single seal member 2024 that can include a cavity 2126 configured to receive a protrusion 2052 that extends from a bottom side 2054 of the sensor electronics module 2050. The seal member 2024 can be configured to seal against an outer surface 2058 of the protrusion. In some examples, the seal member 2024 can form a face seal with the protrusion 2052 or a radial seal (e.g., via an internal rib (not shown) within a cavity 2026 of the seal member). The protrusion 2052 can include one or more electrical contacts 2056 (e.g., a second contact, not shown, can be on an opposite side of the protrusion to complete a circuit, see, e.g., Figure 21B). The electrical contacts 2056 can electrically couple with corresponding contacts (not shown) on an inner surface of the seal member 2024 (e.g., on an inner wall of the cavity 2026 of the seal member 2024 that receives the protrusion).

[0191] Figures 21A and 21B illustrate another exemplary base 2102 that may include a single seal member 2124 that may include a cavity 2126 configured to receive a protrusion 2152 extending from the bottom side 2154 of the sensor electronics module 2150. The seal member 2124 may be configured to seal against the outer surface 2158 of the protrusion. In various examples, the seal member 2124 may form a face seal or a radial seal with the protrusion 2152 (e.g., via internal ribs (not shown) within the cavity 2126 of the seal member). The protrusion 2152 may include one or more electrical contacts 2156, 2160. The electrical contacts 2156, 2160 may be electrically coupled to corresponding contacts (not shown) on the inner surface of the seal member 2124 (e.g., on the inner wall of the cavity 2126 of the seal member 2124 that receives the protrusion).

[0192] Figures 22A and 22B illustrate another exemplary base 2202 that is similar to example 1102 shown in FIG. 11A, but where seal members 2224, 2225 are seated on the front portion 2204 of the base 2202.

[0193] Toy embodiments Several embodiments of securing a sensor electronics module to a base using a protrusion or "toe" on the sensor electronics module are described below in connection with FIGS. 23A - 29C.

[0194] Although not shown in FIGS. 23A - 29C, bases 2302 - 2902 may include an analyte sensor (e.g., analyte sensor 104 of FIG. 1, analyte sensor 212 of FIG. 2, analyte sensor 1016 of FIG. 10A) configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the concentration of an analyte (e.g., glucose) of a host. Sensor electronics modules 2350 - 2950 may include sensor electronics as described herein (e.g., sensor electronics 106 of FIGS. 1 and / or 2) and may at least include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal generated by the analyte sensor.

[0195] In some embodiments, the analyte sensor base assembly is configured to adhere to the skin of a host and one or more of the analyte sensors as described above, and includes bases 2302 - 2902 configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the analyte concentration level of the host, at least one battery as will be described below, at least one sensor contact 2308 - 2908 and / or 2310 - 2910, at least one battery contact 2328 - 2938 and / or 2329 - 2929, at least a seal member 2324 - 2924 configured to provide a seal around at least one battery contact 2328 - 2938 and / or 2329 - 2929, and / or may include any other feature configured to be associated with and / or coupled to bases 2302 - 2902 as will be described below.

[0196] FIG. 23A is a perspective view of an exemplary base 2302 and a sensor electronics module 2350 configured to be fixedly mounted to the base 2302, according to some embodiments. FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the sensor electronics module 2350 fixedly mounted to the base 2350 of FIG. 23A. FIG. 23C is a plan view of the sensor electronics module 2350 fixedly mounted to the base 2302 of FIG. 23A. Discussion continues with respect to FIGS. 23A - 23C.

[0197] As shown in the figure, the analyte sensor system 2300 includes a base 2302 and a sensor electronics module 2350. The base 2302 can be configured to adhere to the host's skin, for example, using adhesive pads 2314 that can be disposed on the back surface of the base 2302. In some embodiments, the adhesive pads 2314 can include a peelable backing layer. The base 2302 can be adhered to the host's skin by pressing the base 2302 and the adhesive pads 2314 onto the skin. Suitable adhesive pads can be selected and designed to stretch, expand, conform to, and / or ventilate the area of the host's skin. Various configurations and arrangements can provide the water resistance, waterproofness, and / or sealing characteristics associated with the embodiments of the base / sensor electronics module described herein.

[0198] In some embodiments, the base 2302 can be configured to physically and / or mechanically couple with the sensor electronics module 2350 using one or more retention features. For example, the base 2302 can have a raised outer perimeter 2304 configured to at least partially surround the sensor electronics module 2350 when the sensor electronics module 2350 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 2302, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 2350 into position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0199] To achieve, actuate, and / or support such physical and / or mechanical coupling, the base 2302 can further include a first retention member 2342 and a second retention member 2344, while the sensor electronics module 2350 can further include a fixed feature 2352 configured to mate with the first retention member 2342 and a retention feature 2356 configured to mate with the second retention member 2344.

[0200] The first retaining member 2342 of the base 2302 may include a recess, a ridge, a hook, a slit, or any other suitable type of retaining member. The first retaining member 2342 may be disposed, for example, at the first end of the base 2302. The second retaining member 2344 of the base 2302 may include a snap, a hook, a button, or any other suitable retaining member. The second retaining member 2344 may be disposed, for example, at the second end of the base 2302 opposite the first end.

[0201] The securing feature 2352 of the sensor electronics module 2350 may include a protrusion, a toe, or any other suitable type of retaining feature configured to mate with the first retaining member 2342 of the base 2302 and be substantially immobilized by the first retaining member 2342. The retaining feature 2356 of the sensor electronics module 2350 may include a recess, a ridge, a hook, a slit, or any other suitable type of retaining feature configured to mate with the second retaining member 2344 of the base 2302, fit into the second retaining member 2344, and / or otherwise be suitably immobilized by the second retaining member 2344.

[0202] For example, to secure the sensor electronics module 2350 to the base 2302, the securing feature 2352 of the sensor electronics module 2350 may be inserted into the first retaining member 2342 of the base 2302 such that the sensor electronics module 2350 is disposed at a high angle relative to the base 2302 as shown in FIG. 23A. The sensor electronics module 2350 is then pivoted toward the base 2302 about the mated first retaining member 2342 and first retaining feature 2352 until the retaining feature 2356 and the second retaining member 2344 are mated with each other (e.g., fit together in the retaining direction), thereby securing the sensor electronics module 2350 to the base 2302 as shown in FIGS. 23B and 23C.

[0203] In some embodiments, the second retaining member 2344 is an integral part of the base 2302 and is not configured to be separable from the base 2302. In such embodiments, the second retaining member 2344 can be configured to release the retaining feature 2356, for example, by applying sufficient force to the second retaining member 2344 to deflect it sufficiently, thereby decoupling the second retaining member 2344 from the second retaining feature 2356. However, in other embodiments, as will be described in more detail below in connection with at least FIGS. 24A-24D, the second retaining member 2344 is disposed on a frangible tab 2362 of the base 2302 that is configured to separate from the base 2302, thereby decoupling the second retaining member 2344 from the retaining feature 2356 and decoupling the sensor electronics module 2350 from the base 2302.

[0204] Although not shown in FIGS. 23A-23C, the base 2302 can include at least a battery (e.g., battery 292 of FIG. 2) configured to power the analyte sensor and / or the sensor electronics module 2350, a first sensor contact (e.g., similar to contact 2408 of FIG. 24A) and a second sensor contact (e.g., similar to contact 2410 of FIG. 24A), each electrically coupled to a respective terminal of the analyte sensor, and a first battery contact (e.g., similar to contact 2428 of FIG. 24A) and a second battery contact (e.g., similar to contact 2429 of FIG. 24A), each electrically coupled to a respective terminal of the battery.

[0205] Although not shown in FIGS. 23A - 23C, the sensor electronics module 2350 may include a plurality of contacts (e.g., similar to contact 2554 in FIG. 25A), the plurality of contacts including a first signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with a first sensor contact, a second signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with a second sensor contact, a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with a first battery contact, and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with a second battery contact (see, e.g., FIGS. 24A - 29C). Such first and second power contacts may be configured to receive power from a battery, while such first and second signal contacts may be configured to receive sensor signals from an analyte sensor.

[0206] Although not shown in FIGS. 23A - 23C, the analyte sensor assembly 2300 may further include a first seal member (see, e.g., FIGS. 24A - 29C) configured to surround and seal a first and second sensor contact, a first and second battery contact, a first and second signal contact, and a first and second power contact within a first cavity.

[0207] FIGS. 24A - 27B illustrate some variations and / or embodiments of an analyte sensor system similar to that of FIGS. 23A - 23C and are described in more detail below. Where appropriate, the sensor electronics module 2350 and base 2302 of FIGS. 23A - 23C may be considered to include some or all of the features described in connection with at least one of FIGS. 24A - 27B.

[0208] FIG. 24A is a perspective view of base 2402 including cover 2460 having frangible tab 2462 with retaining member 2444 disposed thereon, according to some embodiments. FIG. 24B is an enlarged perspective view of frangible tab 2462 and retaining member 2444 of FIG. 24A, shown with sensor electronics module 2450 retained to base 2402. FIG. 24C is a perspective view of cover 2460 of FIG. 24A. And FIG. 24D is a perspective bottom view of base 2402. Discussion continues with respect to FIGS. 24A-24D.

[0209] Analyte sensor system 2400 may comprise base 2402 and sensor electronics module 2450. As illustrated in the figures, base 2402 includes cover 2460 configured to be attached to and / or disposed on the bottom side of base 2402. Cover 2460 may include a plurality of conductive traces 2466, which may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of cover 2460 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. Conductive traces 2466 may ultimately be used to send electrical signals from the analyte sensor to sensor electronics module 2450 and / or to send power from battery 2418 to sensor electronics module 2450 and the analyte sensor. Cover 2460 may further include recess 2468 configured to receive battery 2418. Fabricating traces 2466 on cover 2460 instead of on base 2402 may provide a manufacturability benefit due to the small size of base 2402 and the manufacturing process of the LDS traces.

[0210] Cover 2460 is further illustrated as having a frangible tab 2462 coupled to the body of cover 2460 by a break line 2464. The frangible tab 2462 is configured to separate from cover 2460 along break line 2464 when the frangible tab 2462 is sufficiently bent, flexed, or otherwise deflected from its rest position as shown in FIG. 24C. Cover 2460 may be secured to the bottom surface of base 2402 using any suitable method, such as snap, adhesive, friction fit, heat staking, and / or laser, heat or ultrasonic welding along weld line 2412. As shown in FIG. 24D, when secured to base 2402, cover 2460 may secure battery 2418 within a cavity in the bottom surface of base 2402.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 24A, base 2402 includes a seal member 2424. A first sensor contact 2408 and a second sensor contact 2410 are disposed within seal member 2424 and each is electrically coupled to respective terminals of an analyte sensor (not shown in FIGS. 24A - 24D) within base 2402 via at least some of conductive traces 2466a on cover 2460. For example, when cover 2460 is properly secured to the bottom surface of base 2402, a first portion of conductive trace 2466a may be configured to contact first and second sensor contacts 2408, 2410, and a second portion of conductive trace 2466a (e.g., a portion including the raised post - like feature illustrated in FIG. 24C) may be further configured to contact respective terminals or electrodes of the analyte sensor.

[0212] The first battery contact 2428 and the second battery contact 2429 are also disposed within the seal member 2424, and each is electrically coupled to a respective terminal of the battery 2418 via at least some of the conductive traces 2466b on the cover 2460, as also shown in FIG. 24C. For example, when the cover 2460 is properly secured to the base 2402, a first portion of the conductive trace 2466b can be configured to contact the first and second battery contacts 2428, 2429, and a second portion of the conductive trace 2466b (e.g., the portion that abuts and / or contacts the cavity 2468 for receiving the battery 2418 illustrated in FIG. 24C) can be further configured to contact a respective terminal or electrode of the battery 2418. In some embodiments, when the cover 2460 is properly secured to the base 2402, a current limiting diode 2498 (see FIG. 24C) can be disposed in series between at least two portions of the conductive trace 2466b to electrically connect the conductive trace 2466b and can be configured to limit the amount of current that can be drawn from the battery 2418, thereby improving the useful life of the battery 2418. Such a current limiting diode 2498 can be disposed within a pocket 2499 within the base 2402 (see FIG. 24D).

[0213] In some embodiments, at least as shown in FIG. 24A, the first and second sensor contacts 2408, 2410 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the first and second battery contacts 2428, 2429, which may substantially reduce signal interference as compared to embodiments where the first and second sensor contacts 2508, 2510, and the first and second battery contacts 2528, 2529 are disposed immediately adjacent to each other (see, for example, FIGS. 25A and 25B). The predetermined distance may be a distance sufficient to substantially reduce signal interference (e.g., leakage current, ionic contamination) from the sensor contacts and / or battery contacts. The predetermined distance may be determined by the resistance of the PCB substrate material and / or the solder mask on the contacts. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is at least 1 millimeter. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is at least 2 millimeters. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is at least 3 millimeters. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is at least 4 millimeters. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is at least 5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is at least 10 millimeters. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is at least 15 millimeters. The contacts 2408, 2410, 2428, 2429 may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0214] Although not shown in FIGS. 24A-24D, the opposing (e.g., bottom) surface of the sensor electronics module 2450 further comprises a plurality of contacts, the plurality of contacts including a first signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first sensor contact 2408, a second signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second sensor contact 2410, a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact 2428, and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second battery contact 2429. Accordingly, the first and second signal contacts on the bottom surface of the sensor electronics module 2450 are configured to receive sensor signals from the analyte sensor, while the first and second power contacts are configured to receive power from the battery 2418 when the sensor electronics module 2450 is properly secured to the base 2402. Such contacts on the sensor electronics module 2450 can include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0215] When the sensor electronics module 2450 is fixed to the base 2402, the seal member 2424 is configured to press against the opposing surface of the sensor electronics module 2450, thereby forming a first cavity 2420 between the base 2402 and the sensor electronics module 2450. Thus, a single seal member 2424 is configured to surround the first and second sensor contacts 2408, 2410, the first and second battery contacts 2428, 2429, the first and second signal contacts of the sensor electronics module 2450, and the first and second power contacts within the first cavity 2420 and create one continuous seal. The seal member 2424 may be, for example, a molded component such as an overmolded gasket that may be coupled to or assembled with the base 2402, an overmolded elastomeric feature, and / or may be composed of or include an ultraviolet curable silicone.

[0216] In some embodiments, the base 2402 may be configured to physically and / or mechanically couple to the sensor electronics module 2450 using one or more retention features. For example, the base 2402 may have a raised outer perimeter 2404 configured to at least partially surround the sensor electronics module 2450 when the sensor electronics module 2450 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 2402, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 2450 into position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0217] To achieve, actuate, and / or support such physical and / or mechanical coupling, base 2402 may further include a first retaining member 2442 and a second retaining member 2444, while sensor electronics module 2450 may further include a first retaining feature (not shown in FIGS. 24A-24D but having a structure, function, and location similar to those of the fixing feature 2352 in FIGS. 23A-23C) configured to mate with the first retaining member 2442, and a retaining feature 2456 configured to mate with the second retaining member 2444. The first and second retaining members 2442, 2444, the fixing feature, and the retaining feature 2456 may each have a structure, function, and location similar or identical to those of the first and second retaining members 2342, 2344, the fixing feature 2352, and the retaining feature 2356 in FIGS. 23A-23C.

[0218] To fix sensor electronics module 2450 to base 2402, the first retaining feature (not shown in FIGS. 24A-24D) of sensor electronics module 2450 may be inserted into the first retaining member 2442 of base 2402 such that sensor electronics module 2450 is disposed at a high angle with respect to base 2402, similar to that shown in FIG. 23A. Sensor electronics module 2450 is then pivoted towards base 2402 about the mated first retaining member 2442 and the first retaining feature until the retaining feature 2456 and the second retaining member 2444 are mated with each other, thereby fixing sensor electronics module 2450 to base 2402 in an orientation as shown in FIGS. 23B, 23C, and 24B.

[0219] As illustrated in FIGS. 24A-24C, the second holding member 2444 of the base 2402 can be disposed on the frangible tab 2462 of the cover 2460. The frangible tab 2462 is configured to separate from the base 2402 along the break line 2464. Thus, the reusable sensor electronics module 2450 can be decoupled from the disposable base 2402 by sufficiently bending, flexing, or otherwise changing the frangible tab 2462 from its rest position to decouple the second holding member 2444 from the second holding feature 2456. The reusable sensor electronics module 2450, which includes components that are relatively more expensive than the disposable base 2302, can then be fixed and / or installed within a new disposable base 2402 having a new analyte sensor and a charged battery 2418 in preparation for a subsequent sensor session of the host. Such an arrangement, where the sensor electronics (e.g., including a wireless transceiver) is disposed within a housing or module that is mechanically separable from the analyte sensor and / or the battery, advantageously allows for the replacement of inexpensive components of the analyte sensor system 2400 (e.g., the base 2402) and the reuse of relatively more expensive components of the analyte sensor system 2400 (e.g., the sensor electronics module 2450).

[0220] FIG. 25A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 2502 and a sensor electronics module 2550 configured to be fixed within the base 2502, according to some embodiments. FIG. 25B is a plan view of the base 2502 of FIG. 25A. Discussion continues with reference to FIGS. 25A and 25B.

[0221] The analyte sensor system 2500 may include a base 2502 and a sensor electronics module 2550. Similar to the base 2402 of FIGS. 24A-24D, the base 2502 is configured to receive a battery 2518 within a cavity on the bottom surface of the base 2502. The base 2502 may also include a cover 2560 configured to be attached to and / or disposed on the bottom side of the base 2502. However, unlike the cover 2460 of FIGS. 24A-24D, the cover 2560 may not cover a substantial portion of the bottom surface of the base 2502. Instead, it may be shaped and sized to secure the battery 2518 within the base 2502. The cover 2560 may be secured to the bottom surface of the base 2502 using any suitable method, such as snap, adhesive, friction fit, thermosetting, and / or laser, thermal or ultrasonic welding along the weld line 2512.

[0222] As shown in FIG. 25B, the base 2502 may include a plurality of conductive traces 2566, which may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 2502 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The conductive traces 2566 may ultimately be utilized to send electrical signals from the analyte sensor to the sensor electronics module 2550 and / or to send power from the battery 2518 to the sensor electronics module 2550 and the analyte sensor. Fabricating the traces 2566 directly on the base 2502 is thought to be able to reduce the number of components and the size and / or volume of the overall sensor electronics module.

[0223] The base 2502 further includes a first sensor contact 2508 and a second sensor contact 2510, each electrically coupled to respective terminals of an analyte sensor within the base 2502 via at least some of the conductive traces 2566. The base 2502 further includes a first battery contact 2528 and a second battery contact 2529, each electrically coupled to respective terminals of the battery 2518 via at least some of the conductive traces 2566. As shown in the figure, the contacts 2508, 2510, 2528, 2529 may be disposed immediately adjacent to each other (e.g., along a straight or curved line) and may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0224] The base 2502 further includes a seal member 2524 that extends over and thereby may seal the conductive traces 2566 from moisture ingress and also surrounds the contacts 2508, 2510, 2528, 2529 on the base 2302 to form a single continuous seal. The seal member 2524 may include, for example, an overmolded component such as an overmolded gasket that may be coupled to or assembled with the base 2502, an overmolded elastomeric feature, and / or an ultraviolet curable silicone.

[0225] The opposing (e.g., bottom) surface of the sensor electronics module 2550 further comprises a plurality of contacts 2544, the plurality of contacts 2544 including a first signal contact configured to electrically contact a first sensor contact 2508, a second signal contact configured to electrically contact a second sensor contact 2510, a first power contact configured to electrically contact a first battery contact 2528, and a second power contact configured to electrically contact a second battery contact 2529. Accordingly, the first and second signal contacts on the bottom surface of the sensor electronics module 2550 are configured to receive sensor signals from the analyte sensor, while the first and second power contacts are configured to receive power from the battery 2518 when the sensor electronics module 2550 is properly secured to the base 2502. Such contacts 2554 on the sensor electronics module 2550 can include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0226] When the sensor electronics module 2550 is secured to the base 2502, the seal member 2524 is configured to press against the opposing surface of the sensor electronics module 2550, thereby forming a first cavity 2520 between the base 2502 and the sensor electronics module 2550. Accordingly, when the sensor electronics module 2550 is secured to the base 2502, the seal member 2524 is configured to surround each of the first and second sensor contacts 2508, 2510, the first and second battery contacts 2528, 2529, the first and second signal contacts, and the first and second power contacts of the sensor electronics module 2550 and create a continuous seal.

[0227] In some embodiments, the base 2502 may be configured to physically and / or mechanically couple to the sensor electronics module 2550 using one or more retention features. For example, the base 2502 may have a raised outer perimeter 2504 configured to at least partially surround the sensor electronics module 2550 when the sensor electronics module 2550 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 2502, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 2550 into a fixed position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0228] To achieve, actuate, and / or support such physical and / or mechanical coupling, the base 2502 may further include a first retention member 2542 and a second retention member (not shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, but having a similar structure, function, and location as the second retention members 2344, 2444 of FIGS. 23A-24D), while the sensor electronics module 2550 may further include a fixed feature 2552 configured to mate with the first retention member 2542 and a retention feature 2556 configured to mate with the second retention member. The first and second retention members 2542, the fixed feature 2552, and the retention feature 2556 may have a similar or the same structure, function, and location as the first and second retention members 2342, 2344, the fixed feature 2352, and the retention feature 2356 of FIGS. 23A-23C, except that the fixed feature 2552 may be wider than the fixed feature 2352 of FIGS. 23A-23C.

[0229] Although not shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the second holding member may be disposed on the base 2502, rather than a cover as described in connection with FIGS. 24A-24D, for example, as described in connection with FIGS. 23A-23C. In some embodiments, the second holding member is an integral part of the base 2502 and is not configured to be separable from the base 2302. In some other embodiments, the base 2502 may include frangible tabs similar to those already described in connection with at least FIGS. 24A-24D, and the second holding member may be disposed on the frangible tabs. The sensor electronics module 2550 may be fixedly attached to and releasably coupled from the base 2502, substantially as already described in connection with at least FIGS. 23A-24D.

[0230] FIG. 26A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 2602 and a sensor electronics module 2650 configured to be fixedly attached within the base 2602, according to some embodiments. FIG. 26B is a plan view of the base 2602 of FIG. 26A. Discussion continues with respect to FIGS. 26A and 26B.

[0231] The analyte sensor system 2600 may include a base 2602 and a sensor electronics module 2650. The base 2602 is configured to receive a battery 2618 within a cavity on the upper surface of the base 2602. As shown in FIG. 26B, the base 2602 may include a plurality of conductive traces 2666, which may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 2602 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The conductive traces 2666 may ultimately be utilized to send electrical signals from the analyte sensor to the sensor electronics module 2650 and / or to send power from the battery 2618 to the sensor electronics module 2650 and / or the analyte sensor.

[0232] The base 2602 further includes a first sensor contact 2608 and a second sensor contact 2610, each electrically coupled to respective terminals of an analyte sensor within the base 2602 via at least some of the conductive traces 2666. The base 2602 further includes a first battery contact 2628 and a second battery contact 2629, each electrically coupled to respective terminals of the battery 2618 via at least some of the conductive traces 2666. In some embodiments, at least one terminal of the battery 2618 can be a radial conductive connection that includes a conductive material disposed on a sidewall of a portion of the base 2602 configured to hold the battery 2618. Such a radial conductive terminal can be configured to physically secure the battery 2618 to the base 2602 and provide an electrical connection from one battery terminal to one of the battery contacts 2628, 2629.

[0233] As shown in the figures and as in the embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 25A and 25B, the contacts 2608, 2610, 2628, 2629 can be disposed immediately adjacent to each other (e.g., along a straight or curved line) and can include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0234] The base 2602 further includes a cover 2660 having a seal member 2624. The seal member 2624 extends over and covers the conductive trace 2666 and the battery 2618, whereby the conductive trace 2666 and the battery 2618 can be sealed. Also, the seal member 2624 surrounds each of the contacts 2608, 2610, 2628, 2629 on the base 2302 to create a continuous seal. The cover 2660 and / or the seal member 2624 can be coupled to the surface of the base 2602, for example, using any suitable method such as an adhesive, heat staking, and / or laser, thermal, or ultrasonic welding along the weld line 2612, and can include overmolded components such as overmolded gaskets, overmolded elastomeric features, and / or ultraviolet curable silicones. The cover 2660 can also extend over the through hole 2640 of the base 2602, and the cover 2660 can also include a second seal 2625 surrounding the through hole 2640. Due to the cover 2660 extending over substantially all or a substantial majority of the upper surface of the base 2602, the cover 2660 can act as an isolation cover for all or at least some of the components of the base 2602 disposed thereunder.

[0235] The opposing (e.g., bottom) surface of the sensor electronics module 2650 further comprises a plurality of contacts 2654, the plurality of contacts 2654 including a first signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first sensor contact 2608, a second signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second sensor contact 2610, a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact 2628, and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second battery contact 2629. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 2650 is properly secured to the base 2602, the first and second signal contacts on the bottom surface of the sensor electronics module 2650 are configured to receive sensor signals from the analyte sensor, while the first and second power contacts are configured to receive power from the battery 2618. Such contacts on the sensor electronics module 2650 can include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0236] When the sensor electronics module 2650 is secured to the base 2602, a portion of the seal member 2624 on the cover 2660 and surrounding the contacts 2608, 2610, 2628, 2629 is configured to press against the opposing surface of the sensor electronics module 2650, thereby forming a first cavity 2620 between the base 2602 and the sensor electronics module 2650. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 2650 is secured to the base 2602, the seal member 2624 is configured to surround the first and second sensor contacts 2608, 2610, the first and second battery contacts 2628, 2629, and the plurality of contacts 2654 (e.g., the first and second signal contacts and the first and second power contacts) of the sensor electronics module 2650 to create a continuous seal.

[0237] In some embodiments, the base 2602 can be configured to physically and / or mechanically couple to the sensor electronics module 2650 using one or more retention features. For example, the base 2602 can have a raised outer perimeter 2604 configured to at least partially surround the sensor electronics module 2650 when the sensor electronics module 2650 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 2602, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 2650 into a fixed position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0238] To achieve, actuate, and / or support such physical and / or mechanical coupling, the base 2602 can further include a first retention member 2642 and a second retention member (not shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B but having a structure, function, and location similar to the second retention members 2344 (FIG. 23A), 2444 (FIG. 24D)), while the sensor electronics module 2650 can further include a securing feature 2652 configured to mate with the first retention member 2642 and a retention feature 2656 configured to mate with the second retention member. The first and second retention members 2642, the securing feature 2652, and the retention feature 2656 can each have a structure, function, and location similar or identical to the first and second retention members 2342, 2344, the securing feature 2352, and the retention feature 2356 of FIGS. 23A-23C, except that the securing feature 2652 can be wider than the securing feature 2352 of FIGS. 23A-23C and can be similar to the securing feature 2552 of FIGS. 25A and 25B, but having a substantially rounded leading edge.

[0239] Although not shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the second holding member may be disposed on the base 2602, for example, as described in connection with FIGS. 23A-23C and FIGS. 25A, 25B, rather than a cover as described in connection with FIGS. 24A-24D. In some embodiments, the second holding member is an integral part of the base 2602 and is not configured to be separable from the base 2302. In some other embodiments, the base 2602 may include frangible tabs similar to those already described in connection with at least FIGS. 24A-24D, and the second holding member may be disposed on the frangible tabs. The sensor electronics module 2650 may be fixedly attached to and releasably coupled from the base 2602, substantially as already described in connection with at least FIGS. 23A-24D.

[0240] FIG. 27A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 2702 and a sensor electronics module 2750 configured to be fixedly attached within the base 2702, according to some embodiments. FIG. 27B is a plan view of the base 2702 of FIG. 27A. Discussion continues with respect to FIGS. 27A and 27B.

[0241] The analyte sensor system 2700 may include a base 2702 and a sensor electronics module 2750. Although some features are not shown in FIGS. 27A-27B, the base 2702 and the sensor electronics module 2750 may include substantially the same features as those already described for the base 2602 and the sensor electronics module 2650 in connection with FIGS. 26A, 26B, with the following differences.

[0242] The fixing feature 2752 of the sensor electronics module 2750, configured to mate with the first holding member 2742 of the base 2702, may include protrusions or "tabs" similar to those already described for the first holding member 2342 in FIGS. 23A-23C. Additionally, instead of the first seal member 2724 covering most of the upper surface of the base 2702, the first seal member 2724 may instead form a continuous peripheral seal that extends around each of the battery 2718 disposed within the cavity of the upper surface of the base 2702 and the contacts on the base 2302. A separate second seal member 2725 may surround the through-hole 2740 within the base 2702. The seal members 2724, 2725 may include overmolded components such as overmolded gaskets, overmolded elastomeric features, and / or ultraviolet curable silicones that may be coupled to the surface of the base 2702 using, for example, any suitable method. Additionally, in some embodiments, the power and signal contacts 2754 on the lower side of the sensor electronics module 2750 may directly contact the respective terminals on the battery 2718 and the respective leads of the analyte sensor (not shown in FIGS. 27A, 27B) and are not connected via a plurality of conductive traces located where such terminals and leads have been removed.

[0243] FIGS. 28A-29C are similar to at least FIGS. 23A-27B and illustrate some variations and / or embodiments of an analyte sensor system that provide electrical contacts on the first holding features of a sensor electronics module and are described in more detail below.

[0244] FIG. 28A is a perspective view of an exemplary base 2802 and a sensor electronics module 2850 configured to be fixedly disposed within the base 2802, according to some embodiments. FIG. 28B is a perspective view of the sensor electronics module 2850 fixedly disposed on the base 2802 of FIG. 28A. FIG. 28C is a plan view of the sensor electronics module 2850 fixedly disposed on the base 2802 of FIG. 28A.

[0245] As shown in the figure, the analyte sensor system 2800 includes a base 2802 and a sensor electronics module 2850. The base 2802 can be configured to adhere to the host's skin, for example, using adhesive pads 2814 that can be disposed on the back surface of the base 2802. The adhesive pads 2814 can have substantially the same features and functions as those already described for the adhesive pads 2314 in FIGS. 23A-23C.

[0246] The base 2802 can be configured to physically and / or mechanically couple to the sensor electronics module 2850 using one or more retention features. For example, the base 2802 can have a raised outer perimeter 2804 configured to at least partially surround the sensor electronics module 2850 when the sensor electronics module 2850 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 2802, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 2850 into position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0247] To achieve, actuate, and / or support such physical and / or mechanical coupling, the base 2802 can further include a first retention member 2842 and a second retention member 2844, while the sensor electronics module 2850 can further include a fixed feature 2852 configured to mate with the first retention member 2842 and a retention feature 2856 configured to mate with the second retention member 2844.

[0248] The first retention member 2842 of the base 2802 can include a cap or hood and can be disposed, for example, at the first end of the base 2802. The second retention member 2844 of the base 2802 can include a snap, hook, button, or any other suitable type of retention member. The second retention member 2844 can be disposed, for example, at the second end of the base 2802 opposite the first end.

[0249] The securing feature 2852 of the sensor electronics module 2850 may include a protrusion, tab, or any other suitable retaining feature configured to mate with and be substantially immobilized by the first retaining member 2842 of the base 2802. The retaining feature 2856 of the sensor electronics module 2850 may include a recess, ridge, hook, slit, or any other suitable retaining feature configured to mate with, fit into, and / or otherwise be suitably immobilized by the second retaining member 2844 of the base 2802.

[0250] The sensor electronics module 2850 may comprise a plurality of contacts 2854, which may include first and second signal contacts and first and second power contacts, each disposed on the first retaining feature 2852. Such first and second power contacts may be configured to receive power from a battery (not shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B) disposed within the base 2802, while such first and second signal contacts may be configured to receive sensor signals from an analyte sensor. Accordingly, the securing feature 2852 is configured to secure the sensor electronics module 2850 to the base 2802, provide an electrical connection therebetween, and utilize the same structure for both different functions.

[0251] The sensor electronics module 2850 may further include a first sealing member 2824 configured to surround and seal each of the first and second sensor contacts and the first and second battery contacts within a first cavity 2820 located within a cap or hood formed by the first retaining member 2842 of the base 2802. For example, the first sealing member 2824 may be disposed around the periphery of the securing feature 2852 and be configured to be pressed against the inner surface of the cap or hood of the base 2802 and / or formed by the first retaining member 2842 when the sensor electronics 2850 is properly secured to the base 2802, and may be a radial or slot seal.

[0252] Although not shown in FIGS. 28A - 28C, the base 2802 further includes a plurality of electrical contacts (see, e.g., contacts 2908, 2910, 2928, 2929 in FIGS. 29A - 29C) disposed within a cap or hood formed by the first retaining member 2842 of the base 2802, and includes, for example, a first and a second sensor contact each electrically coupled to a respective terminal of an analyte sensor, and a first and a second battery contact each electrically coupled to a respective terminal of a battery (see, e.g., battery 2918 in FIGS. 29A - 29C). The first and second signal contacts and the first and second power contacts (e.g., collectively contact 2954) of the sensor electronics module 2850 are configured to electrically contact the first and second sensor contacts and the first and second battery contacts (see, e.g., contacts 2908, 2910, 2928, 2929 in FIGS. 29A - 29C) of the base 2802, respectively, when the sensor electronics module 2850 is properly secured to the base 2802.

[0253] To fix the sensor electronics module 2850 to the base 2802, the fixing feature 2852 of the sensor electronics module 2850 can be inserted into the first holding member 2842 of the base 2802 such that the sensor electronics module 2850 is disposed at a high angle with respect to the base 2802 as shown in FIG. 28A. The sensor electronics module 2850 is then pivoted towards the base 2802 substantially centered on the fitted first holding member 2842 and fixing feature 2852 until the retaining feature 2856 and the second holding member 2844 are mated with each other (e.g., until they fit together in the retaining direction), thereby fixing the sensor electronics module 2850 to the base 2802 as shown in FIGS. 28B and 28C. In some embodiments, the force required to fix the sensor electronics module 2850 to the base 2802 and thereby seal the contacts 2908, 2910, 2928, 2929 within the first cavity 2820 is at least less than in the case of some other toying concepts (e.g., see FIGS. 23A - 27B) because the first sealing member 2824 is disposed around the periphery of the fixing feature 2852 rather than on a portion of the base 2802 or on a cover laterally spaced from the fixing feature 2852.

[0254] In some embodiments, the second retaining member 2844 is an integral part of the base 2802 and is not configured to be separable from the base 2802. In such embodiments, the second retaining member 2844 can be configured to release the retaining feature 2856, for example, by applying sufficient force to the second retaining member 2844 to deflect it sufficiently, thereby decoupling the second retaining member 2844 from the second retaining feature 2856. However, in other embodiments, the second retaining member 2844 is disposed on a frangible tab 2862 of the base 2802 that is configured to separate from the base 2802, as already described at least in connection with FIGS. 23A-24D, thereby decoupling the second retaining member 2844 from the retaining feature 2856 and decoupling the sensor electronics module 2850 from the base 2802.

[0255] Figures 29A-29C illustrate variations and / or embodiments of an analyte sensor system similar to that of FIGS. 28A-28C, which are described in more detail below. FIG. 29A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 2902 and a sensor electronics module 2950 configured to be fixedly disposed within the base 2902, according to some embodiments. FIG. 29B is a perspective view of a portion of the base 2902 of FIG. 29A. FIG. 29C is a perspective view of the bottom of the base 2902 of FIG. 29A. Discussion continues with respect to FIGS. 29A-29C.

[0256] The analyte sensor system 2900 can include a base 2902 and a sensor electronics module 2950. The base 2902 is configured to receive a battery 2918 within a cavity in the bottom surface of the base 2902. The base 2902 can also include a cover 2960 (shown transparently for illustrative purposes) that is configured to be attached to and / or disposed on the bottom surface of the base 2902 and that is shaped and sized to secure the battery 2918 within the base 2902. The cover 2960 can be secured to the bottom surface of the base 2902 using any suitable method, such as snap, adhesive, friction fit, heat staking, and / or heat or ultrasonic welding along a weld line 2912, such as laser welding.

[0257] As shown in FIG. 29B, the base 2902 may include a plurality of conductive traces 2966, which may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 2902 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The conductive traces 2966 may ultimately be used to send electrical signals from the analyte sensor to the sensor electronics module 2950 and / or to send power from the battery 2918 to the sensor electronics module 2950 and / or the analyte sensor. At least as illustrated in FIG. 29B, according to some embodiments, the conductive traces among the conductive traces 2966 that are ultimately used to send electrical signals from the analyte sensor to the sensor electronics module 2950 are disposed at least a predetermined distance away from the conductive traces among the conductive traces 2966 that can ultimately send power from the battery 2918 to the sensor electronics module 2950 and / or the analyte sensor. At least one advantage of such an arrangement of the conductive traces 2966 is that signal interference between the electrical signal traces and the power traces is reduced. The base 2902 further includes a first plurality of conductive contacts 2937, each in electrical contact with a respective one of the conductive traces 2966. The conductive contacts 2937 may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or other suitable conductive materials and / or structures. A seal member 2925 (shown transparently in FIG. 29B for illustrative purposes) covers the conductive traces 2966 and is disposed around at least a portion of the conductive contacts 2937. The seal member 2925 may include, for example, an overmolded component such as an overmolded gasket that may be coupled to or assembled with the base 2902, an overmolded elastomeric feature, and / or an ultraviolet curable silicone.

[0258] The base 2902 further includes a first holding member 2942, which may include a cap or hood, similar to the first holding member 2842 of FIGS. 28A and 28B, and may be disposed, for example, at the first end of the base 2902. Further, in some examples, the first holding member 2942 may be a separate component distinct from the base 2902, as shown in FIG. 29A. As shown in FIG. 29B, the first holding member 2942 further includes a second plurality of conductive contacts 2938, each of which is configured to be in electrical contact with one of the conductive contacts 2937 of the base 2902 when the first holding member 2942 is fixed to the base 2902 by, for example, an adhesive, welding, or any other suitable method. The first holding member 2942 may further include a second plurality of conductive traces 2967, which may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the first holding member 2942 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer, similar to the conductive traces 2966 of the base 2902. The first holding member 2942 may further include sensor contacts 2908, second sensor contacts 2910, first battery contacts 2928, and second battery contacts 2929, each of which is electrically coupled to one of the conductive contacts 2938 via one of the conductive traces 2967. As shown in the figure, the contacts 2908, 2910, 2928, 2929 may be disposed immediately adjacent to each other (e.g., along a straight or curved line) and may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0259] The first holding member 2942 further includes a seal member 2924 (e.g., disposed on the inner surface of the first holding member 2942), and the seal member 2924 extends to cover the conductive trace 2967, thereby sealing the conductive trace 2967 around each of the conductive contacts 2937. The seal member 2924 also surrounds the contacts 2908, 2910, 2928, 2929 to create one continuous seal. The seal member 2924 may be, for example, an overmolded component such as an overmolded gasket that may be coupled to or assembled with the first holding member 2942, an overmolded elastomeric feature, and / or may be composed of or include an ultraviolet curable silicone.

[0260] The sensor electronics module 2950 includes a fixing feature 2952 configured to mate with a first retaining member 2942. The fixing feature 2952 includes a plurality of contacts 2954, and the plurality of contacts 2954 include a first signal contact configured to electrically contact a first sensor contact 2908, a second signal contact configured to electrically contact a second sensor contact 2910, a first power contact configured to electrically contact a first battery contact 2928, and a second power contact configured to electrically contact a second battery contact 2929. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 2950 is properly fixed to the base 2902, the first and second signal contacts of the fixing feature 2952 of the sensor electronics module 2950 are configured to receive sensor signals from the analyte sensor, while the first and second power contacts are configured to receive power from the battery 2918. Such contacts 2954 on the fixing feature 2952 of the sensor electronics module 2950 may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure. Including the signal contacts 2954 in the fixing feature 2952 is thought to improve the space efficiency of the sensor electronics module 2950 and may minimize the overall height and / or area of the sensor electronics module 2950.

[0261] When the sensor electronics module 2950 is fixed to the base 2902, the seal member 2924 is configured to press against the opposing surface of the fixing feature 2952 of the sensor electronics module 2950, thereby forming a first cavity 2920 between the base 2902 (e.g., the first holding member 2942) and the sensor electronics module 2950 (e.g., the first holding feature 2952). Thus, when the sensor electronics module 2950 is fixed to the base 2902, the seal member 2924 is configured to surround the first and second sensor contacts 2908, 2910, the first and second battery contacts 2928, 2929, the first and second signal contacts of the sensor electronics module 2950 (e.g., the contacts 2854), and the first and second power contacts, and create a continuous seal.

[0262] The base 2902 can be configured to physically and / or mechanically couple to the sensor electronics module 2950 using one or more holding features. For example, the base 2902 can have a raised outer perimeter 2904 configured to at least partially surround the sensor electronics module 2950 when the sensor electronics module 2950 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 2902, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 2950 into position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0263] To achieve, actuate, and / or support such physical and / or mechanical coupling, the base 2902 can further include a second holding member (not shown in FIGS. 29A - 29C, but having a structure, function, and location similar to the second holding members 2344, 2444 of FIGS. 23A - 24D), while the sensor electronics module 2950 can further include a holding feature 2956 configured to mate with the second holding member. The second holding member 2942 and the holding feature 2956 can have a structure, function, and location similar or identical to the second holding member 2344 and the holding feature 2356 of FIGS. 23A - 23C, respectively.

[0264] Although not shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the second holding member may be disposed on the base 2902, for example, not a cover as described in connection with FIGS. 24A-24D, but as described in connection with FIGS. 23A-23C. In some embodiments, the second holding member is an integral part of the base 2902 and is not configured to be separable from the base 2902. In some other embodiments, the base 2902 may include frangible tabs similar to those already described in connection with at least FIGS. 23A-24D, and the second holding member may be disposed on the frangible tabs. The sensor electronics module 2950 is substantially fixed to the base 2902 and can be decoupled therefrom as already described in connection with at least FIGS. 23A-24D.

[0265] Exemplary over-the-top embodiments Some "over-the-top" embodiments are described in connection with FIGS. 30A-37D that utilize a sensor electronics module configured to surround and / or conceal and disposed overlying a base.

[0266] Although not shown in FIGS. 30A-37D, the bases 3002-3702 may include an analyte sensor (e.g., analyte sensor 104 of FIG. 1, analyte sensor 212 of FIG. 2, analyte sensor 1016 of FIG. 10A) configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the concentration of a host analyte (e.g., glucose), and the sensor electronics modules 3050-3750 may include sensor electronics as described herein (e.g., sensor electronics 106 of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2) and may include at least a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal generated by the analyte sensor.

[0267] In some embodiments, the analyte sensor-based assembly is configured to adhere to the host's skin and one or more of the analyte sensors as described above, and includes bases 3002-3702 configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the analyte concentration level of the host, at least one battery to be described at least below, at least one sensor contact 3008-3708 and / or 3010-3710, at least one battery contact 3028-3738 and / or 3029-3729, at least a seal member 3024-3724 and / or 3325, 3525, 3725 configured to provide a seal around at least one battery contact 3028-3738 and / or 3029-3729, and / or any other feature configured to be associated with and / or coupled to the bases 3002-3702 as described at least below.

[0268] FIG. 30A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 3002 and a sensor electronics module 3050 configured to be disposed over or affixed to the base 3002, according to some embodiments. FIG. 30B is a perspective assembled view of the sensor electronics module 3050 affixed to the base 3002 of FIG. 30A. Discussion regarding FIGS. 30A and 30B follows below.

[0269] As shown in the figures, the analyte sensor system 3000 includes a base 3002 and a sensor electronics module 3050. The base 3002 can be configured to adhere to the host's skin using an adhesive pad 3014, which can be disposed, for example, on the back surface of the base 3002. The adhesive pad 3014 can have substantially the same features and functions as those already described for the adhesive pad 2314 of FIGS. 23A-23C.

[0270] As shown in the figure, the sensor electronics module 3050 may have a raised outer periphery 3004 configured to at least partially surround the base 3002 when the sensor electronics module 3050 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 3002, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 3050 to a fixed position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0271] The sensor electronics module 3050 may further include an opening 3070. In some embodiments, the opening 3070 may be shaped such that there are a limited number of orientations that allow the sensor electronics module 3050 to be fixed to the base 3002 between the sensor electronics module 3050 and the base 3002. For example, the opening 3070 may have a shape that is symmetric with respect to at least one axis parallel to the upper surface of the sensor electronics module 3050, but asymmetric with respect to at least one other axis parallel to the upper surface of the sensor electronics module 3050. Such a partially symmetric shape of the opening 3070 may make it easier for the host to fix the sensor electronics module 3050 to the base 3002 in the appropriate orientation.

[0272] The base 3002 may have an inner circumference or an outer circumference or shape that complements the outer circumference 3004 of the raised portion of the sensor electronics module 3050. The base 3002 may further have a raised portion 3005 having an inner circumference or an outer circumference or shape that complements the inner circumference or shape of the opening 3070. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 3050 is fixedly disposed covering the top of the base 3002, the base 3002 is configured to fit snugly within the raised outer circumference 3004 of the sensor electronics module 3050, and the raised portion 3005 is configured to fit snugly within the opening 3070. In some embodiments, the battery may be located in a cavity (not shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B) within the raised portion 3005 of the base 3002. In some embodiments, when properly secured, the upper surface of the raised portion 3005 may seat substantially flush with the upper surface of the sensor electronics module 3050, thereby providing a tactile feedback that the sensor electronics module 3050 is properly secured to the base 3002. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the upper surface of the raised portion 3005 may seat at a higher or lower position compared to the upper surface of the sensor electronics module 3050. Thus, the use of the opening 3070 of the sensor electronics module 3050 and the raised portion 3005 of the base 3002 allows the analyte sensor system 3000 to have a significantly reduced thickness or depth compared to other analyte sensor systems.

[0273] The base 3002 may further include a first sensor contact 3008 and a second sensor contact 3010, each electrically connected to a respective terminal of the analyte sensor, and a first battery contact 3028 and a second battery contact 3029, each electrically connected to a respective terminal of the battery. FIG. 30A illustrates contacts 3008, 3010, 3028, 3029 disposed on the inclined surface 3097 of the raised portion 3005 of the base 3002. The advantages of disposing the contacts 3008, 3010, 3028, 3029 on the inclined surface 3097 include, but are not limited to, the spatial efficiency and being flatter of the sensor electronics module 3050. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the contacts 3008, 3010, 3028, 3029 may be disposed on any suitable surface of the base 3002. The base 3002 may further include a first seal member 3024, and the first seal member 3024 is configured to surround and seal each of the contacts 3008, 3010, 3028, 3029 within a first cavity 3020 formed between the opposing surface of the base 3002, the sensor electronics module 3050, and the first seal member 3024. The seal member 3024 may include, for example, an overmolded component such as an overmolded gasket, an overmolded elastomeric feature, and / or an ultraviolet curable silicone.

[0274] The sensor electronics module 3050 may comprise a plurality of contacts 3054 disposed on an inner surface facing the base 3002, the plurality of contacts 3054 including a first signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first sensor contact 3008, a second signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second sensor contact 3010, a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact 3028, and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second battery contact 3029. Such first and second power contacts may be configured to receive power from a battery, while such first and second signal contacts may be configured to receive sensor signals from an analyte sensor. In some alternative embodiments, the first seal member 3024 may alternatively be disposed on the surface of the sensor electronics module 3050 that is the same as the contacts 3054 facing the base 3002 to form the first cavity 3020.

[0275] The sensor electronics module 3050 may be secured to the base 3002 by pressing the sensor electronics module 3050 against the base 3002 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base 3002 until one or more retaining features of the sensor electronics module 3050 (not shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B) engage one or more corresponding retaining members of the base 3002 (not shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B). In some embodiments, the retaining members of the base 3002 may be the same members or features used to secure the base 3002 to an applicator (not shown) for initial deployment to the host's skin. The sensor electronics module 3050 may be decoupled from the base 3002 by pulling the sensor electronics module 3050 vertically away from the base 3002 while pressing with sufficient force to disengage the raised portion 3005 of the base 3002.

[0276] Embodiments similar to those described in connection with FIGS. 30A - 30C are shown in FIGS. 31A - 31C and are described below. FIG. 31A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 3102 and a sensor electronics module 3150 configured to be disposed over or affixed to the base 3102, according to some embodiments. FIG. 31B is a perspective view of a battery 3118 disposed on a cover 3160 of the base 3102 of FIG. 31A. FIG. 31C is a perspective bottom view of the base 3102 and the sensor electronics module 3150 of FIG. 31A. Discussion continues below with respect to FIGS. 31A - 31C.

[0277] As shown in the figures, the analyte sensor system 3100 includes a base 3102 and a sensor electronics module 3150. As shown in the figures, the sensor electronics module 3150 may have a raised outer perimeter 3104 configured to at least partially surround the base 3102 when the sensor electronics module 3150 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 3102, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 3150 into a fixed position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0278] The sensor electronics module 3150 further includes an opening 3170. Similar to the opening 3070 of FIGS. 30A - 30C, the opening 3170 may be shaped such that there are a limited number of orientations between the sensor electronics module 3150 and the base 3102 that allow the sensor electronics module 3150 and the base 3102 to be affixed to each other, which facilitates the host affixing the sensor electronics module 3150 to the base 3102 in the proper orientation.

[0279] The base 3102 may have an inner circumference or a peripheral shape that complements the outer circumference or shape of the raised outer periphery 3104 of the sensor electronics module 3150. The base 3102 may further have a raised portion 3105 having an inner circumference or a peripheral shape that complements the inner circumference or shape of the opening 3170. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 3150 is fixedly installed covering the top of the base 3102, the base 3102 is configured to fit firmly within the raised outer periphery 3104 of the sensor electronics module 3150, and the raised portion 3105 is configured to fit firmly within the opening 3170.

[0280] As shown in FIG. 31A, the battery 3118 may be located within a cavity within the raised portion 3105 of the base 3102. As already described in connection with FIGS. 30A - 30C, when properly installed, the upper surface of the raised portion 3105 may seat substantially flush with the upper surface of the sensor electronics module 3150, seat at a higher position compared to the upper surface of the sensor electronics module 3150, or seat at a lower position compared to the upper surface of the sensor electronics module 3150, thereby providing a tactile feedback that the sensor electronics module 3150 is properly installed on the base 3102.

[0281] Base 3102 is shown having a cover 3160 configured to be attached to and / or disposed on the bottom side of base 3102. Cover 3160 may include a plurality of conductive traces 3166, which may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of cover 3160 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. Conductive traces 3166 may ultimately be used to send electrical signals from the analyte sensor to sensor electronics module 3150 and / or to send power from battery 3118 to sensor electronics module 3150 and the analyte sensor. Cover 3160 may be further configured to receive battery 3118. Cover 3160 may be secured to the bottom surface of base 3102 using any suitable method, such as snap, adhesive, friction fit, thermal staking, and / or laser, thermal or ultrasonic welding along weld line 3112. As shown in FIG. 31D, when secured to base 3102, cover 3160 may secure battery 3118 within a cavity in the bottom surface of base 3102.

[0282] As shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, first sensor contact 3108 and second sensor contact 3110 are each electrically coupled to respective terminals of an analyte sensor within base 3102 via at least some of the conductive traces 3166 on cover 3160. First battery contact 3128 and second battery contact 3129 are also each electrically coupled to respective terminals of battery 3118 via at least some of the conductive traces 3166 on cover 3160. Contacts 3108, 3110, 3128, 3129 may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0283] The base 3102 further includes a first seal member 3124. When the cover 3160 is fixedly provided on the base 3102, each of the contacts 3108, 3110, 3128, and 3129 may protrude through the first seal member 3124.

[0284] As shown in FIG. 31C, the opposing (e.g., bottom) surface of the sensor electronics module 3150 further includes a plurality of contacts 3154, the plurality of contacts 3154 including a first signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first sensor contact 3108, a second signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second sensor contact 3110, a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact 3128, and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second battery contact 3129. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 3150 is properly fixedly provided on the base 3102, the first and second signal contacts on the bottom surface of the sensor electronics module 3150 are configured to receive a sensor signal from the analyte sensor, while the first and second power contacts are configured to receive power from the battery 3118. Such contacts on the sensor electronics module 3150 may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0285] When the sensor electronics module 3150 is fixed to the base 3102, the seal member 3124 is configured to press against the opposing surface of the sensor electronics module 3150, thereby forming a first cavity 3120 between the base 3102 and the sensor electronics module 3150. Accordingly, the seal member 3124 is configured to surround the first and second sensor contacts 3108, 3110, the first and second battery contacts 3128, 3129, the first and second signal contacts of the sensor electronics module 3150, and the first and second power contacts within the first cavity 3120 and create a single continuous seal. The seal member 3124 can include, for example, an overmolded component such as an overmolded gasket that can be coupled to or assembled with the base 3102, an overmolded elastomeric feature, and / or an ultraviolet curable silicone.

[0286] The sensor electronics module 3150 is fixed to the base 3102 and can be decoupled from the base 3102 in a manner similar to that already described in connection with FIGS. 30A - 30C.

[0287] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an exemplary base 3202 and a sensor electronics module 3250 configured to cover or be fixed on top of the base 3202, according to some embodiments. The analyte sensor system 3200 includes the base 3202 and the sensor electronics module 3250.

[0288] The base 3202 can be configured to adhere to the host's skin, for example, using adhesive pads 3214 that can be disposed on the back surface of the base 3202. The adhesive pads 3214 can have substantially the same characteristics and functions as those already described for the adhesive pads 2314 of FIGS. 23A - 23C.

[0289] The sensor electronics module 3250 is illustrated as having a raised outer periphery 3204 configured to at least partially surround the base 3202 when the sensor electronics module 3250 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 3202, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 3250 into a fixed position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0290] The sensor electronics module 3250 may further include a protrusion 3252 that extends away from the underside of the sensor electronics module 3250 and is configured to fit within a corresponding recess 3242 in the upper surface of the base 3204 when the sensor electronics module 3250 is properly oriented and secured to the base 3202. Utilizing the protrusion 3252 and the recess 3242 may enable the host to properly orient and align the sensor electronics module 3250 with respect to the base 3202 without direct aiming of the alignment / securing process.

[0291] When the sensor electronics module 3250 is secured to cover the top of the base 3202, the base 3202 is configured to fit snugly within the raised outer periphery 3204 of the sensor electronics module 3250, and the protrusion 3252 is configured to fit snugly within the recess 3242.

[0292] Further aspects of the analyte sensor system 3200 are discussed in connection with similar embodiments as shown in FIGS. 33A - 33C below. Thus, the analyte sensor system 3200 may be considered to have aspects similar or identical to those described for the analyte sensor system 3300 of FIGS. 33A - 33D.

[0293] FIG. 33A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 3302 and a sensor electronics module 3350 configured to be disposed over or affixed to the base 3302, according to some embodiments. FIG. 33B is a perspective view of a battery 3318 disposed on a cover 3360 of the base 3302 of FIG. 33A. FIG. 33C is an exploded perspective bottom view of the cover 3360 and the base 3302 of FIG. 33A. And FIG. 33D is a perspective bottom view of a cover 3360 affixed to the base 3302 of FIG. 33A. Discussion regarding FIGS. 33A-33D follows below.

[0294] As shown in the figures, the analyte sensor system 3300 includes a base 3302 and a sensor electronics module 3350. The sensor electronics module 3350 may have a raised outer perimeter 3304 configured to at least partially surround the base 3302 when the sensor electronics module 3350 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 3302, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 3350 into a fixed position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling.

[0295] The sensor electronics module 3350 further includes a protrusion 3352, and the base 3202 further includes a recess 3342, which are similar to the protrusion 3252 and the recess 3242 of FIG. 32 and have substantially the same functions.

[0296] In some embodiments, the base 3302 may have an inner perimeter or a perimeter or shape that complements the outer perimeter or shape of the raised outer perimeter 3304 of the sensor electronics module 3350. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the base 3302 may have any outer perimeter or shape that will fit snugly within the raised outer perimeter 3304 of the sensor electronics module 3350.

[0297] Base 3302 is shown as having a cover 3360 configured to be attached to and / or disposed on the bottom side of base 3302. Cover 3360 may include a plurality of conductive traces 3366, which may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of cover 3360 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. Conductive traces 3366 may ultimately be used to send electrical signals from an analyte sensor to sensor electronics module 3350 and / or to send power from battery 3318 to sensor electronics module 3350 and / or the analyte sensor. Cover 3360 may be secured to the bottom surface of base 3302 using any suitable method, such as snap, adhesive, friction fit, thermal caulking, and / or laser, heat, or ultrasonic welding along weld line 3312. When secured to base 3302, cover 3360 may secure battery 3318 within a cavity in the bottom surface of base 3302.

[0298] As shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, first sensor contact 3308 and second sensor contact 3310 are each electrically coupled to respective terminals of an analyte sensor within base 3302 via at least some of the conductive traces 3366 on cover 3360. First battery contact 3328 and second battery contact 3329 are also each electrically coupled to respective terminals of battery 3318 via at least some of the conductive traces 3366 on cover 3360. Contacts 3308, 3310, 3328, 3329 may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0299] The base 3302 further includes a first seal member 3324 and a second seal member 3325. When the cover 3360 is fixedly provided on the base 3302, the contacts 3308 and 3310 may protrude through the first seal member 3324, and the contacts 3328 and 3329 may protrude through the second seal member 3325.

[0300] As shown in FIG. 33A, the opposing (e.g., bottom) surface of the sensor electronics module 3350 further includes a plurality of contacts 3354, the plurality of contacts 3354 including a first signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first sensor contact 3308, a second signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second sensor contact 3310, a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact 3328, and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second battery contact 3329. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 3350 is properly fixedly provided on the base 3302, the first and second signal contacts on the bottom surface of the sensor electronics module 3350 are configured to receive sensor signals from the analyte sensor, while the first and second power contacts are configured to receive power from the battery 3318. Such contacts on the sensor electronics module 3350 may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or contacts, or any other suitable conductive material.

[0301] When the sensor electronics module 3350 is fixed to the base 3302, the first seal member 3324 is configured to press against the opposing surface of the sensor electronics module 3350, thereby forming a first cavity 3320a between the base 3302 and the sensor electronics module 3350. On the other hand, the second seal member 3325 is configured to press against the opposing surface of the sensor electronics module 3350, thereby forming a second cavity 3320b between the base 3302 and the sensor electronics module 3350. Accordingly, the first seal member 3324 is configured to surround the first and second sensor contacts 3308, 3310, and the first and second signal contacts 3354 within the first cavity 3320a, and to surround the first and second power contacts of the sensor electronics module 3350 within the first cavity 3320a to create a continuous seal. On the other hand, the second seal member 3325 is configured to surround the first and second battery contacts 3328, 3329, and the first and second power contacts 3354 within the second cavity 3320b to create a continuous seal. The first and second seal members 3324, 3325 may include, for example, overmolded components such as overmolded gaskets that can be coupled to or assembled with the base 3302, overmolded elastomeric features, and / or ultraviolet curable silicone.

[0302] The sensor electronics module 3350 is fixed to the base 3302 and can be decoupled from the base 3302 in a manner similar to that already described in connection with FIGS. 30A - 30C.

[0303] Omnidirectional over - the - top embodiment FIGS. 34 - 37D illustrate some embodiments of an analyte sensor system in which a sensor electronics module having a substantially circular outer shape is configured to be fixed omnidirectionally to a base having a substantially circular outer shape.

[0304] FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 3402 and a sensor electronics module 3450 configured to be disposed over or affixed to the base 3402, according to some embodiments.

[0305] The analyte sensor system 3400 includes a base 3402 and a sensor electronics module 3450. As illustrated, the base 3402 and the sensor electronics module 3450 may each have a substantially circular outer shape, which allows for alignment of one with respect to the other in all directions.

[0306] The base 3402 may be configured to adhere to a host's skin, for example, using adhesive pads 3414 that may be disposed on the back surface of the base 3402. The adhesive pads 3414 may have substantially the same features and functions as those already described for the adhesive pads 2314 of FIGS. 23A-23C.

[0307] The base 3402 may have a raised outer perimeter 3404 configured to at least partially surround the sensor electronics module 3450 when the sensor electronics module 3450 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 3402, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 3450 into position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling. In some embodiments, the raised outer perimeter 2404 may have a substantially circular outer shape. The base 3402 may further include an opening 3470, which may have a substantially circular shape in some embodiments.

[0308] The sensor electronics module 3450 may have a substantially circular outer perimeter or shape that complements the inner perimeter or shape of the raised outer perimeter 3404 of the base 3450. The sensor electronics module 3450 may further have a raised portion 3405 having a substantially circular outer perimeter or shape that complements the inner perimeter or shape of the opening 3470. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 3450 is fixedly installed covering the top of the base 3402, the sensor electronics module 3450 is configured to fit snugly within the raised outer perimeter 3404 of the base 3402, and the raised portion 3405 is configured to fit snugly within the opening 3470. In some embodiments, when properly installed, the bottom surface of the raised portion 3405 may seat substantially flush with the bottom surface of the base 3402. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the bottom surface of the raised portion 3405 may seat at a higher or lower position compared to the bottom surface of the base 3402. Accordingly, at least some of the substantially circular shapes and / or outer perimeters of the raised outer perimeter 3404 of the sensor electronics module 3450, the raised portion 3405, the base 3402, and / or the opening 3470 enable omnidirectional attachment of the sensor electronics module 3450 to the base 3402. Omnidirectional attachment may improve the user's convenience when installing the sensor electronics module 3450 without requiring the user to first align the sensor electronics module 3450.

[0309] The base 3402 may further include a first sensor contact 3408 and a second sensor contact (not shown in FIG. 34 but substantially the same as the first sensor contact 3408), each configured to be electrically connected to a respective terminal of the analyte sensor, and a first battery contact 3428 and a second battery contact 3429, each configured to be electrically connected to a respective terminal of a battery (not shown in FIG. 34) disposed within the base 3402. The base 3402 may further include a first seal member (not shown in FIG. 34 but substantially the same as the first seal member 3524 of FIGS. 35A-35D), the first seal member being configured to surround and seal the first and second sensor contacts 3408 and the first and second battery contacts 3428 within a first cavity 3420 formed between opposing surfaces of the base 3402, the sensor electronics module 3450, and the first seal member. The first seal member may include, for example, an overmolded component such as an overmolded gasket, an overmolded elastomeric feature, and / or an ultraviolet curable silicone.

[0310] The sensor electronics module 3450 may comprise a plurality of concentric circular contacts 3454 disposed on the inner surface facing the base 3402. In some embodiments, the contacts 3454 may each have a substantially ring-like form and may each be annularly spaced from one another. As shown, the contacts 3454 may be centered on the raised portion 3405, which allows the contacts 3454 to be in electrical contact with one of each of the first and second sensor contacts 3408 and the first and second battery contacts 3428 of the base 3402 when the sensor electronics module 3450 is attached to the base 3402. Due to the annular form of each of the contacts 3454, it is believed that the sensor electronics module 3450 can be attached to the base 3402 in any orientation. Each contact 3454 may be configured to contact one of the sensor contacts or battery contacts at any point along each respective contact 3454. The contacts 3454 may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 3502 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The contacts 3454 may include a first signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first sensor contact 3408, a second signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with a second sensor contact (not shown in FIG. 34), a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact 3428, and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with a second battery contact (not shown in FIG. 34). Such first and second power contacts may be configured to receive power from a battery, while such first and second signal contacts may be configured to receive sensor signals from an analyte sensor. In some alternative embodiments, a first seal member (not shown in FIG. 34) may alternatively be disposed on the surface of the sensor electronics module 3450 that is the same as or adjacent to the contact 3454 facing the base 3402 to form the first cavity 3420.

[0311] The sensor electronics module 3450 can be fixed to the base 3402 by pressing the sensor electronics module 3450 against the base 3402 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base 3402 until one or more retention features of the sensor electronics module 3450 fit into one or more corresponding retention members of the base 3402. In some embodiments, the retention members of the base 3402 may be the same members or features used to fix the base 3402 to an applicator (not shown) for initial deployment to the host's skin. The sensor electronics module 3450 can be decoupled from the base 3402 by pulling the sensor electronics module 3450 vertically away from the base 3402 while anchoring with sufficient force to release the base 3402.

[0312] Embodiments similar to those described in connection with FIG. 34 are shown in FIGS. 35A - 35D and described below. FIG. 35A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 3502 and a sensor electronics module 3550 configured to cover or be fixed on top of the base 3502, according to some embodiments. FIG. 35B is an exploded perspective bottom view of the base 3502 and the sensor electronics module 3550 of FIG. 35A. FIG. 35C is a plan view of the bottom of the base 3502 of FIG. 35A. FIG. 35D is a perspective cross - sectional view of the sensor electronics module 3550 fixed to the base 3502 of FIG. 35A.

[0313] The analyte sensor system 3500 includes a base 3502 and a sensor electronics module 3550. As illustrated, the base 3502 and the sensor electronics module 3550 can each have a substantially circular outer shape, which allows them to be aligned in all directions relative to each other. The base 3502 includes a battery 3518 configured to power the analyte sensor and / or the sensor electronics module 3550. The battery 3518 can be disposed within a cavity through an upper side of the base 3502. In some embodiments, the battery 3518 can be secured within the cavity using a conductive epoxy or another suitable adhesive compound.

[0314] The base 3502 can have a raised outer perimeter 3504 configured to at least partially surround the sensor electronics module 3550 when the sensor electronics module 3550 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 3502, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 3550 into a fixed position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling. In some embodiments, the raised outer perimeter 2404 can have a substantially circular outer shape. In contrast to the base 3402 of FIG. 34, in some embodiments, the base 3502 may not include an opening similar to the opening 3470.

[0315] The sensor electronics module 3550 may have a substantially circular outer perimeter or shape that complements the inner perimeter or shape of the raised outer perimeter 3504 of the base 3550. In contrast to the sensor electronics module 3450 of FIG. 34, in some embodiments, the sensor electronics module 3550 may not have a raised portion similar to the raised portion 3405 because the base 3502 may not include an opening similar to the opening 3470. However, when the sensor electronics module 3550 is fixedly installed covering the top of the base 3502, the sensor electronics module 3550 is similarly configured to fit snugly within the raised outer perimeter 3504 of the base 3502. The sensor electronics module 3550, and the substantially circular shape and / or outer perimeter of the raised outer perimeter 3504 of the base 3502, enable the all-directional attachment of the sensor electronics module 3550 to the base 3502.

[0316] The base 3502 may further include a first sensor contact 3508 and a second sensor contact 3510, each electrically connected to a respective terminal of the analyte sensor, and a first battery contact 3528 and a second battery contact 3529, each electrically connected to a respective terminal of the battery 3518. The base 3502 may further include a first sealing member 3524 configured to surround and seal each of the first and second sensor contacts 3508, 3510, and the first and second battery contacts 3528, 3529 within a first cavity 3520 formed between an opposing surface of the base 3502, the sensor electronics module 3550, and the first sealing member 3524. In some embodiments, the first sealing member 3524 may be disposed on a surface of the base 3202 facing the sensor electronics module 3550, on a sidewall of the raised outer periphery 3504 of the base 3202, or both. In some embodiments, the base 3502 may further include a second sealing member 3525 disposed within the outer periphery of the first sealing member 3524 and around a through hole 3540 of the base 3202. The first and second sealing members 3524, 3525 may include, for example, overmolded components such as overmolded gaskets, overmolded elastomeric features, and / or ultraviolet curable silicones.

[0317] The base 3502 is further illustrated as including a plurality of conductive contacts 3566, which may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 3502 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The conductive traces 3566 may ultimately be used to send electrical signals from the analyte sensor to the sensor electronics module 3550 and / or to send power from the battery 3518 to the sensor electronics module 3550 and the analyte sensor.

[0318] The sensor electronics module 3550 may comprise a plurality of concentric circular contacts 3554 disposed on an inner surface facing the base 3502. In some embodiments, the contacts 3554 may each have a substantially ring-like form and may be annularly spaced from each other, such that when the sensor electronics module 3550 is attached to the base 3502, the contacts 3554 are able to make electrical contact with one of each of the first and second sensor contacts 3508, 3510, and the first and second battery contacts 3528, 3529 of the base 3502. Due to the annular form of each of the contacts 3554, it is contemplated that the sensor electronics module 3550 may be attached to the base 3502 in any orientation. Each contact 3554 may be configured to contact one of the sensor contacts or battery contacts at any point along each respective contact 3554. The contacts 3554 may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 3502 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The contacts 3554 may include a first signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the first sensor contact 3508, a second signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the second sensor contact 3510, a first power contact configured to make electrical contact with the first battery contact 3528, and a second power contact configured to make electrical contact with the second battery contact 3529. Such first and second power contacts may be configured to receive power from a battery, while such first and second signal contacts may be configured to receive sensor signals from an analyte sensor. In some alternative embodiments, one or both of the first and second seal members 3524, 3525 may alternatively be disposed on the surface of the sensor electronics module 3550 that is the same as or adjacent to the contacts 3554 facing the base 3502 to form the first cavity 3520.

[0319] The sensor electronics module 3550 can be fixedly installed on the base 3502 by pressing the sensor electronics module 3550 against the base 3502 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base 3502 until one or more retaining features of the sensor electronics module 3550 fit into one or more corresponding retaining members of the base 3502. In some embodiments, the retaining members of the base 3502 may be the same members or features used to fixedly install the base 3502 to an applicator (not shown) for initial deployment on the host's skin. The sensor electronics module 3550 can be decoupled from the base 3502 by vertically pulling the sensor electronics module 3550 away from the base 3502 while anchoring with sufficient force to release the base 3502.

[0320] FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 3602 and a sensor electronics module 3650 configured to cover or be fixedly installed on the base 3602, according to some embodiments.

[0321] The analyte sensor system 3600 includes a base 3602 and a sensor electronics module 3650. As illustrated, the base 3602 and the sensor electronics module 3650 can each have a substantially circular outer shape, which allows for alignment in all directions therebetween.

[0322] The base 3602 can be configured to adhere to the host's skin using adhesive pads 3614, which can be disposed, for example, on the back surface of the base 3602. The adhesive pads 3614 can have substantially the same features and functions as those already described for the adhesive pads 2314 of FIGS. 23A-23C.

[0323] The sensor electronics module 3650 may have a raised outer periphery 3604 configured to at least partially surround the base 3602 when the sensor electronics module 3650 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 3602, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 3650 into a fixed position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling. In some embodiments, the raised outer periphery 3604 may have a substantially circular outer shape. The sensor electronics module 3650 may further include an opening 3670, which may have a substantially circular shape in some embodiments.

[0324] The base 3602 may have a substantially circular outer periphery or shape that complements the inner periphery or shape of the raised outer periphery 3604 of the sensor electronics module 3650. The base 3602 may further have a raised portion 3605 having a substantially circular outer periphery or shape that complements the inner periphery or shape of the opening 3670. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 3650 is fixedly installed covering the top of the base 3602, the base 3602 is configured to fit firmly within the raised outer periphery 3604 of the sensor electronics module 3650, and the raised portion 3605 is configured to fit firmly within the opening 3670. In some embodiments, when properly installed, the upper surface of the raised portion 3605 may seat substantially flush with the upper surface of the sensor electronics module 3650. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the upper surface of the raised portion 3605 may seat at a higher or lower position compared to the upper surface of the sensor electronics module 3650. Thus, at least some of the substantially circular shapes and / or outer peripheries of the sensor electronics module 3650, the raised portion 3605 of the base 3602, and the raised outer periphery 3604 of the sensor electronics module 3650 and / or the opening 3670 enable the all-directional attachment of the sensor electronics module 3650 to the base 3602.

[0325] The base 3602 may further include a first sensor contact 3608 and a second sensor contact 3610, each electrically connected to a respective terminal of the analyte sensor, and a first battery contact 3628 and a second battery contact 3629, each electrically connected to a respective terminal of a battery (not shown in FIG. 36) disposed within the base 3602. The base 3602 may further include a first sealing member (not shown in FIG. 36 but substantially similar to the first sealing member 3724 of FIGS. 37A-37D), the first sealing member configured to surround and seal each of the first and second sensor contacts 3608 and the first and second battery contacts 3628 within a first cavity 3620 formed between opposing surfaces of the base 3602, the sensor electronics module 3650, and the first sealing member. The first sealing member may include, for example, an overmolded component such as an overmolded gasket, an overmolded elastomeric feature, and / or an ultraviolet curable silicone.

[0326] The sensor electronics module 3650 may include a plurality of concentric circular contacts 3654 disposed on an inner surface facing the base 3602. In some embodiments, the contacts 3654 may each have a substantially ring-like form and may be annularly spaced from each other. As shown, the contacts 3654 may be centered on the opening 3670, which allows the contacts 3654 to make electrical contact with one of each of the first and second sensor contacts 3608, 3610 and the first and second battery contacts 3628, 3729 of the base 3602 when the sensor electronics module 3650 is attached to the base 3602. Due to the annular form of each of the contacts 3654, the sensor electronics module 3650 is considered to be attachable to the base 3602 in any orientation. Each contact 3654 may be configured to contact one of the sensor contacts or battery contacts at any point along the respective contact 3654. The contacts 3654 may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 3502 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The contacts 3654 may include a first signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the first sensor contact 3608, a second signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the second sensor contact 3610, a first power contact configured to make electrical contact with the first battery contact 3628, and a second power contact configured to make electrical contact with the second battery contact 3629. Such first and second power contacts may be configured to receive power from a battery, while such first and second signal contacts may be configured to receive sensor signals from an analyte sensor. In some alternative embodiments, a first seal member (not shown in FIG. 36) may alternatively be disposed on the surface of the sensor electronics module 3650 that is the same as or adjacent to the contact 3654 facing the base 3602 to form the first cavity 3620.

[0327] The sensor electronics module 3650 can be fixed to the base 3602 by pressing the sensor electronics module 3650 against the base 3602 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base 3602 until one or more retention features of the sensor electronics module 3650 fit into one or more corresponding retention members of the base 3602. In some embodiments, the retention members of the base 3602 may be the same members or features used to fix the base 3602 to an applicator (not shown) for initial deployment to the host's skin. The sensor electronics module 3650 can be decoupled from the base 3602 by pulling the sensor electronics module 3650 vertically away from the base 3602 while pressing down with sufficient force to disengage the raised portion 3605 of the base 3602.

[0328] Embodiments similar to those described in connection with FIG. 36 are shown in FIGS. 37A - 37D and described below. FIG. 37A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base 3702 and a sensor electronics module 3750 configured to cover or be fixed on the base 3702, according to some embodiments. FIG. 37B is an exploded perspective bottom view of the base 3702 and the sensor electronics module 3750 of FIG. 37A. FIG. 37C is a plan view of the bottom of the base 3702 of FIG. 37A. FIG. 37D is a side cross-sectional view of the sensor electronics module 3750 fixed to the base 3702 of FIG. 37A.

[0329] The analyte sensor system 3700 includes a base 3702 and a sensor electronics module 3750. As illustrated, the base 3702 and the sensor electronics module 3750 can each have a substantially circular outer shape, which allows them to be aligned in all directions relative to each other. Although not shown in FIGS. 37A - 37D, the base 3702 can include an analyte sensor (e.g., analyte sensor 104 of FIG. 1, analyte sensor 212 of FIG. 2, analyte sensor 1016 of FIG. 10A) configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the concentration of a host analyte (e.g., glucose). The base 3702 further includes a battery 3718 configured to power the analyte sensor and / or the sensor electronics module 3750. The battery 3718 can be disposed within a cavity through the upper side of the base 3702. In some embodiments, the battery 3718 can be secured within the cavity using a conductive epoxy or another suitable adhesive compound.

[0330] Although not shown in FIGS. 37A - 37D, the sensor electronics module 3750 can include sensor electronics as described herein (e.g., sensor electronics 106 of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2) and can at least include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal generated by the analyte sensor.

[0331] The sensor electronics module 3750 can have a raised outer perimeter 3704 configured to at least partially surround the base 3702 when the sensor electronics module 3750 is physically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 3702, thereby guiding the sensor electronics module 3750 into a fixed position during such physical and / or mechanical coupling. In some embodiments, the raised outer perimeter 2404 can have a substantially circular outer shape. The sensor electronics module 3750 can further include an opening 3770, which can have a substantially circular shape in some embodiments.

[0332] The base 3702 may have a substantially circular outer perimeter or shape that complements the inner perimeter or shape of the raised outer perimeter 3704 of the sensor electronics module 3750. The base 3702 may further have a raised portion 3405 having a substantially circular outer perimeter or shape that complements the inner perimeter or shape of the opening 3770. Thus, when the sensor electronics module 3750 is fixedly installed covering the top of the base 3702, the sensor electronics module 3750 is configured to fit snugly within the raised outer perimeter 3704 of the base 3702, while the raised portion 3705 of the base 3702 is configured to fit snugly within the opening 3770. The substantially circular shapes and / or outer perimeters of at least some of the sensor electronics module 3750, the opening 3770, the raised outer perimeter 3704 of the sensor electronics module 3750, and the raised portion 3705 of the base 3702 allow for all-directional attachment of the sensor electronics module 3750 to the base 3702.

[0333] The base 3702 may further include a first sensor contact 3708 and a second sensor contact 3710, each electrically connected to a respective terminal of the analyte sensor, and a first battery contact 3728 and a second battery contact 3729, each electrically connected to a respective terminal of the battery 3718. The base 3702 may further include a first sealing member 3724 configured to surround and seal each of the first and second sensor contacts 3708, 3710, and the first and second battery contacts 3728, 3729 within a first cavity 3720 formed between an opposing surface of the base 3702, the sensor electronics module 3750, and the first sealing member 3724. In some embodiments, the first sealing member 3724 may be disposed on a surface of the base 3202 facing the sensor electronics module 3750, on a sidewall of the base 3202, or both. In some embodiments, the base 3703 may further include a second sealing member 3725 disposed within the outer periphery of the first sealing member 3724 and surrounding the sidewall of the raised portion 3705 of the base 3702. In some embodiments, the base 3702 may further include a third sealing member 3727 disposed within the outer periphery of the first sealing member 3724 and surrounding the through hole 3740 of the base 3202. The first, second, and / or third sealing members 3724, 3725, 3727 may include, for example, overmolded components such as overmolded gaskets, overmolded elastomeric features, and / or ultraviolet curable silicones.

[0334] The base 3702 is further illustrated as including a plurality of conductive contacts 3766 that may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 3702 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The conductive traces 3766 may ultimately be used to send electrical signals from the analyte sensor to the sensor electronics module 3750 and / or to send power from the battery 3718 to the sensor electronics module 3750 and the analyte sensor.

[0335] The sensor electronics module 3750 may comprise a plurality of concentric circular contacts 3754 disposed on an inner surface facing the base 3702. In some embodiments, the contacts 3754 may each have a substantially ring-like form and may be annularly spaced from each other about an opening 3770, such that when the sensor electronics module 3750 is attached to the base 3702, the contacts 3754 are capable of making electrical contact with one of each of the first and second sensor contacts 3708, 3710, and the first and second battery contacts 3728, 3729 of the base 3702. Due to the annular form of each of the contacts 3754, it is contemplated that the sensor electronics module 3750 may be attached to the base 3702 in any orientation. Each contact 3754 may be configured to contact one of the sensor contacts or battery contacts at any point along the respective contact 3754. The contacts 3754 may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 3702 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The contacts 3754 may include a first signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the first sensor contact 3708, a second signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the second sensor contact 3710, a first power contact configured to make electrical contact with the first battery contact 3728, and a second power contact configured to make electrical contact with the second battery contact 3729. Such first and second power contacts may be configured to receive power from the battery 3718, while such first and second signal contacts may be configured to receive sensor signals from an analyte sensor. In some alternative embodiments, one or more of the first, second, and third seal members 3724, 3725, 3727 may alternatively be disposed on the surface of the sensor electronics module 3750 that is the same as or adjacent to the contact 3754 facing the base 3702 to form the first cavity 3720.

[0336] The sensor electronics module 3750 can be fixedly installed on the base 3702 by pressing the sensor electronics module 3750 against the base 3702 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base 3702 until one or more retaining features of the sensor electronics module 3750 fit into one or more corresponding retaining members of the base 3702. In some embodiments, the retaining members of the base 3702 may be the same members or features used to fixedly install the base 3702 to an applicator (not shown) for initial deployment to the host's skin. The sensor electronics module 3750 can be decoupled from the base 3702 by vertically pulling the sensor electronics module 3750 away from the base 3702 while pressing down with sufficient force to disengage the raised portion 3705 of the base 3702.

[0337] Slider embodiment Figures 38A - 39C illustrate some embodiments of an analyte sensor system in which the base includes rails and along which a sensor electronics module configured to fit the rails slides to be fixedly installed on the base.

[0338] Although not shown in Figures 38A - 39C, the bases 3802 - 3902 may include an analyte sensor (e.g., analyte sensor 104 of FIG. 1, analyte sensor 212 of FIG. 2, analyte sensor 1016 of FIG. 10A) configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the concentration of an analyte (e.g., glucose) of the host, and the sensor electronics modules 3850 - 3950 may include the sensor electronics described herein (e.g., sensor electronics 106 of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2) and may at least include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal generated by the analyte sensor.

[0339] In some embodiments, an analyte sensor-based assembly is configured to adhere to a host's skin and one or more of the analyte sensors as described above, and includes bases 3802-3902 configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the analyte concentration level of the host, at least one battery to be described at least below, at least one sensor contact 3808-3908 and / or 3810-3910, at least one battery contact 3828-3938 and / or 3829-3929, at least a seal member 3824-3924 and / or 3925 configured to provide a seal around at least one battery contact 3828-3938 and / or 3829-3929, and / or may include any other feature configured to be associated with and / or coupled to bases 3802-3902 as described at least below.

[0340] FIG. 38A is a perspective view of an exemplary base 3802 and a sensor electronics module 3850 configured to be slid and secured to the base 3802, according to some embodiments. FIG. 38B is a perspective view of the sensor electronics module 3850 secured to the base 3802 of FIG. 38A. Discussion regarding FIGS. 38A and 38B follows below.

[0341] As shown in the figure, the analyte sensor system 3800 includes a base 3802 and a sensor electronics module 3850. The base 3802 can be configured to adhere to a host's skin using an adhesive pad 3814, which can be disposed, for example, on the back surface of the base 3802. The adhesive pad 3814 can have substantially the same features and functions as those already described for the adhesive pad 2314 of FIGS. 23A-23C.

[0342] In some embodiments, the base 3802 can be configured to be slid and physically and / or mechanically coupled to the sensor electronics module 3850 using one or more retention features. For example, the base 3802 can have a raised central rail 3872 configured to guide the sensor electronics module 3850 into a fixed position during physical and / or mechanical coupling to the base 3802. In some embodiments, the rail 3872 can have a substantially constant width along its length. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the rail 3872 can have a tapered width along its length such that the rail 3872 is substantially wedge-shaped, having a first width at a first end of the rail 3872 and a second width smaller than the first width at a second end of the rail 3872 opposite the first end. Such a tapered width of the rail 3872 can facilitate easy fitting of the sensor electronics module 3850 to the base 3802 and a good seal around one or more components and / or electrical contacts disposed thereon. The sensor electronics module 3850 can further include a channel 3874 having a shape that complements the outer perimeter or shape of the rail 3872 of the base 3802.

[0343] Although not shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B, to achieve, effectuate, and / or support such physical and / or mechanical coupling, the base 3802 can further include at least one of a first and a second retention member (e.g., see, at least, retention member 3944 of FIGS. 39A-39C), while the sensor electronics module 3850 can further include at least one of a first and a second retention feature configured to mate with the first and second retention members, respectively (e.g., see, at least, retention feature 3956 of FIGS. 39A-39C). Such at least one retention member(s) and retention mechanism(s) can prevent the sensor electronics module 3850 from undesirably retreating from a fixed position relative to the base 3802, as further described below with reference to FIGS. 38 and FIGS. 39A-39C.

[0344] FIG. 38A illustrates a base 3802 as having a first sensor contact 3808 and a second sensor contact 3810, each electrically connected to respective terminals of an analyte sensor, and a first battery contact 3828 and a second battery contact 3829, each electrically connected to respective terminals of a battery (not shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B, but see, for example, battery 3918 in FIGS. 39A-39C).

[0345] The sensor electronics module 3850 may include a plurality of contacts 3854 disposed on an inner surface of a channel 3874. In some embodiments, the contacts 3854 may include a first signal contact configured to electrically contact the first sensor contact 3808, a second signal contact configured to electrically contact the second sensor contact 3810, a first power contact configured to electrically contact the first battery contact 3828, and a second power contact configured to electrically contact the second battery contact 3829. Such first and second power contacts may be configured to receive power from a battery, and such first and second signal contacts may be configured to receive sensor signals from an analyte sensor.

[0346] The base 3802 may further include a first seal member 3824 configured to surround and seal around the first and second sensor contacts 3808, 3810, the first and second battery contacts 3828, 3829, the first and second signal contacts, and the first and second power contacts within a first cavity 3820. The first seal member 3824 is shown as being disposed on a sidewall of the rail 3874, but the present disclosure is not so limited, and the first seal member 3824 may alternatively be disposed around the contacts 3854 and configured to form the first cavity 3820 by being disposed on an inner surface of the channel 3874 of the sensor electronics module 3850.

[0347] The sensor electronics module 3850 can be fixed to the base 3802 by aligning channel 3874 of the sensor electronics module 3850 with rail 3872 of the base 3802 and sliding the sensor electronics module 3850 in a direction parallel to the host's body until the sensor electronics module 3850 reaches the end of its movement along the rail 3872, seats against at least a portion of the base 3802, and at least one retaining member(s) and retaining feature(s) (not shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B) engage with each other. In some embodiments, such alignment and fixing of the sensor electronics module 3850 to the base 3802 can be achieved with one hand by the host by pressing at least one finger against the base 3802 and at least one other finger against the sensor electronics module 3850 so that the fingers approach each other until the sensor electronics module 3850 is properly fixed to the base 3802.

[0348] Embodiments similar to those described in connection with FIGS. 38A and 38B are shown in FIGS. 39A - 39C and are described below. FIG. 39A is a perspective view of an exemplary base 3902 and a sensor electronics module 3950 configured to be slid and fixed to the base 3902, according to some embodiments. FIG. 39B is another perspective view of the base 3902 of FIG. 39A. FIG. 39C is an exploded perspective bottom view of the base 3902 and the sensor electronics module 3950 of FIG. 39A. Discussion continues with respect to FIGS. 39A - 39C.

[0349] As shown in the figure, the analyte sensor system 3900 includes a base 3902 and a sensor electronics module 3950. The base 3902 is configured to receive a battery 3918 within a cavity in the bottom surface of the base 3902. The base 3902 may also include a cover 3960 configured to be attached to and / or disposed on the bottom side of the base 3902. The cover 3960 may be shaped and sized to secure the battery 3918 within the base 3902. The cover 3960 may be secured to the bottom surface of the base 3902 using any suitable method, such as snap, adhesive, friction fit, heat staking, and / or laser, thermal or ultrasonic welding along a weld line 3912.

[0350] As shown in FIG. 39B, the base 3902 may include a plurality of conductive traces 3966, which may be formed using any suitable process, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) of the base 3902 or overmolding of a conductive elastomer. The conductive traces 3966 may ultimately be used to send electrical signals from the analyte sensor to the sensor electronics module 3950 and / or to send power from the battery 3918 to the sensor electronics module 3950 and the analyte sensor.

[0351] The base 3902 further includes a first sensor contact 3908 and a second sensor contact 3910, each electrically coupled to respective terminals of an analyte sensor within the base 3902 via at least some of the conductive traces 3966. The contacts 3908, 3910 can be disposed immediately adjacent to each other. The base 3902 further includes a first battery contact 3928 and a second battery contact 3929, each electrically coupled to respective terminals of the battery 3918 via at least some of the conductive traces 3966 on the cover 3960. The contacts 3928, 3929 can likewise be disposed immediately adjacent to each other. The contacts 3908, 3910, 3928, 3929 are illustrated as being disposed on a sidewall of the base 3902 and configured to face a mating surface of the sensor electronics module 3950. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the contacts 3908, 3910, 3928, 3929 can be disposed on any suitable surface of the base 3902. The contacts 3908, 3910, 3938, 3929 can include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or any other suitable conductive material and / or structure.

[0352] The base 3902 further includes a seal member 3924 that extends over and seals the conductive traces 3966, and the seal member 3924 also surrounds the contacts 3908, 3910 to create a single continuous seal to form a first cavity 3920a and creates another single continuous seal around the contacts 3928, 3929 on the base 2302 to form a second cavity 3920b. The seal member 3924 can include, for example, an overmolded component such as an overmolded gasket, an overmolded elastomeric feature, and / or an ultraviolet curable silicone that can be coupled to the surface of the base 3902 using any suitable method.

[0353] The sensor electronics module 3950 may include a plurality of contacts 3954 disposed on a surface (e.g., sidewall) of the sensor electronics module 3950 configured to face a mating surface of the sensor electronics module 3950 where contacts 3908, 3910, 3928, 3929 are disposed. The contacts 3954 may include conductive elastomer contacts (e.g., pads), springs, tabs, posts, pogo pins, flat conductive pads or traces, or other suitable conductive materials and / or structures. In some embodiments, the contacts 3954 may include a first signal contact configured to make electrical contact with a first sensor contact 3908, a second signal contact configured to make electrical contact with a second sensor contact 3910, a first power contact configured to make electrical contact with a first battery contact 3928, and a second power contact configured to make electrical contact with a second battery contact 3929. Such first and second power contacts may be configured to receive power from the battery 3918, while such first and second signal contacts may be configured to receive sensor signals from an analyte sensor.

[0354] In some embodiments, the base 3902 may be configured to be slid and physically and / or mechanically coupled to the sensor electronics module 3950 using one or more retention features. For example, the base 3902 may have a raised central rail 3972 configured to guide the sensor electronics module 3950 to a fixed position during physical and / or mechanical coupling to the base 3902. In some embodiments, the rail 3972 may have a substantially constant width along its length. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the rail 3972 may have any suitable shape, width(s) along its length. To effectuate and / or support such physical and / or mechanical coupling, the base 3902 may further include at least one retention member 3944. The retention member 3944 may include snaps, hooks, deflectable tabs, or any other suitable type(s) of retention member(s).

[0355] The sensor electronics module 3950 may further include a channel 3974 having a shape that complements the outer periphery or shape of the rail 3972 of the base 3902, and at least one retention feature 3956 configured to mate with the retention member(s) 3944. In some embodiments, the retention feature(s) 3956 may include a recess configured to receive the retention member 3944. Such retention member(s) 3944 and retention mechanism(s) 3956 may substantially fix the sensor electronics module 3950 to the base 3902 and prevent the sensor electronics module 3950 from undesirably retreating from such a fixed position.

[0356] In some embodiments, the base 3902 may have a break line 3964 that defines a first portion of the base 3902 where the retention member 3944 is disposed, and is defined from a second portion of the base 3902 disposed on the opposite side of the break line 3964 from the first portion. Thus, the first portion of the base 3902 is configured to separate from the second portion of the base 3902 along the break line 3964 when the first portion of the base 3902 is sufficiently bent, flexed, or otherwise deflected from its rest position shown in FIG. 39A, and may include a frangible tab similar to that already described in connection with FIGS. 24A-24D.

[0357] The sensor electronics module 3950 can be fixed to the base 3902 by aligning channel 3974 of the sensor electronics module 3950 with rail 3972 of the base 3902 and sliding the sensor electronics module 3950 in a direction parallel to the host's body until the sensor electronics module 3950 reaches the end of its movement along rail 3972, seats against at least a portion of the base 3902, and the retaining member(s) 3944 and retaining feature(s) 3956 engage with each other. In some embodiments, such alignment and fixation of the sensor electronics module 3950 to the base 3902 can be achieved with one hand by the host by having at least one finger against the base 3902 and at least one other finger against the sensor electronics module 3950 and pressing the fingers towards each other until the sensor electronics module 3950 is properly fixed to the base 3902.

[0358] Manufacturing method for the above embodiments Some exemplary methods of fabricating a disposable analyte sensor base having one or more batteries disposed therein and a reusable sensor electronics module configured to releasably couple to the base are provided below in connection with FIG. 40.

[0359] The methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for achieving the described methods. The steps and / or actions of the method may be exchanged with each other without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified.

[0360] Here, an exemplary method 4000 for fabricating an analyte detection device and / or system will now be described below in connection with FIG. 40. Method 4000 can at least correspond to the above description related to FIGS. 1 - 39C.

[0361] Block 4002 includes forming a base configured to adhere to the host's skin. For example, the base can be formed according to the description regarding at least any one of bases 1002 - 3902, as already described in connection with any of FIGS. 10A - 39C.

[0362] Block 4004 includes disposing a first plurality of contacts on the base. For example, as already described in connection with FIGS. 23A - 39C, any of bases 2302 - 3902 has disposed thereon at least a first plurality of contacts including first sensor contacts 2308 - 3908 and second sensor contacts 2310 - 3910. In some embodiments, the first plurality of contacts can further include first battery contacts 2328 - 3228, 3428 - 3828, and second battery contacts 2329 - 3229, 3429 - 3829, as already described in connection with FIGS. 23A - 32 and FIGS. 34 - 38B.

[0363] Block 4006 includes attaching an analyte sensor to the base, and the analyte sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the analyte concentration level of the host. For example, analyte sensor 104 can be attached to at least any one of bases 2302 - 3902. As already described, analyte sensor 104 is configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the analyte concentration level of the host.

[0364] Block 4008 includes attaching a battery to the base. For example, a battery, such as at least any battery described in connection with FIGS. 10A - 39C, can be attached to respective bases 1002 - 3902 as already described in connection with FIGS. 10A - 39C.

[0365] Block 4010 includes forming a sensor electronics module configured to be releasably coupled to a base, the sensor electronics module comprising a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal at least partially based on a sensor signal. For example, the sensor electronics module can be formed according to the description regarding at least any one of sensor electronics modules 2350-3950 as already described in connection with any of FIGS. 23A-39C.

[0366] Block 4012 includes disposing a second plurality of contacts at respective locations on the sensor electronics module such that each of the second plurality of contacts is configured to be in electrical contact with a respective one of the first plurality of contacts when the sensor electronics module is secured to the base. For example, any of sensor electronics modules 2350-3950 has disposed thereon at least a second plurality of contacts 2354-3954, and as already described in connection with FIGS. 23A-39C, a first signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with a first sensor contact 2308-3908 and a second signal contact configured to be in electrical contact with a second sensor contact 2310-3910 when sensor electronics modules 2350-3950 are secured to bases 2302-3902. In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts 2354-3954 can further include a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with a first battery contact 2328-3228, 3428-3828 and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with a second battery contact 2329-3229, 3429-3829 when sensor electronics modules 2350-3950 are secured to bases 2302-3902 as already described in connection with FIGS. 23A-32 and FIGS. 34-38B.

[0367] Block 4014 includes disposing a first seal member on one of a base and a sensor electronics module, the first seal member forming a first cavity and configured to provide a continuous seal around a first and a second plurality of contacts within the first cavity when the sensor electronics is secured to the base. For example, the first seal members 2324-3924 may be disposed on at least one of the bases 2302-3902 and the sensor electronics modules 2350-3950 as already described in relation to at least FIGS. 23A-39C, whereby the first seal members 2324-3924 form the first cavities 2320-3920 and are configured to provide a continuous seal around the first and second plurality of contacts within the first cavities 2320-3920 when the sensor electronics modules 2350-3950 are secured to the bases 2302-3902.

[0368] In some embodiments, the bases 2302-3902 are configured to be disposable. In some embodiments, the sensor electronics modules 2350-3950 are configured to be reusable. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to provide power to the analyte sensor 104 and the sensor electronics modules 2350-3950. In some embodiments, when the sensor electronics modules 2350-3950 are secured to the bases 2302-3902, the first and second signal contacts are configured to receive sensor signals via the first sensor contacts 2308-3908 and the second sensor contacts 2310-3910, and the first and second power contacts are configured to receive power from the battery. In some embodiments, each of the second plurality of contacts 2654 is in direct electrical contact with one of the analyte sensor 104 and the battery.

[0369] In some embodiments, method 4000 may further include electrically coupling first sensor contacts 2308-3908 and second sensor contacts 2310-3910 to respective terminals of analyte sensor 104. In some embodiments, method 400 may further include electrically coupling first battery contacts 2328-3228, 3428-3828, and second battery contacts 2329-3229, 3429-3829 to respective terminals of a battery.

[0370] In some embodiments, method 4000 may further include forming a first retaining member 2342-3942 and a second retaining member 2344-3944 on base 2302-3902, and forming on sensor electronics module 2350-3950 a first retaining feature 2352-3952 configured to mate with first retaining member 2342-3942 and a second retaining feature 3956 configured to mate with second retaining member 2344-3944 such that sensor electronics module 2350-3950 is releasably coupled to base 2302-3902 when sensor electronics module 2350-3950 is secured to base 2302-3902. In some embodiments, second retaining member 2344-3944 is frangible and configured to be separable from base 2302-3902. In some embodiments, a second plurality of contacts 2854-2954 are disposed on first retaining features 2852, 2952. In some embodiments, first retaining members 2842, 2942 include a hood, and a first plurality of contacts 2908, 2910, 2928, 2929 are disposed within the hood. In some embodiments, first seal member 2824 is disposed around a periphery of securing mechanism 2852 such that first cavity 2820 is disposed within the hood. In some embodiments, first seal member 2924 is disposed on an inner surface of the hood.

[0371] In some embodiments, method 4000 may further include securing covers 2460, 2560, 2960, 3160, 3360, 3960 to the bottoms of bases 2402, 2502, 2902, 3160, 3360, 3902. Such covers may be configured to secure a battery within each respective base. In some embodiments, method 4000 may further include disposing a first plurality of conductive traces 2466, 3166, 3366 on covers 2460, 3160, 3360 such that when covers 2460, 3160, 3360 are secured to the bottoms of bases 2402, 3102, 3302, at least some of the first plurality of contacts are coupled to one of analyte sensor 104 and the battery via the first plurality of conductive traces 2466, 3166, 3366.

[0372] In some embodiments, method 4000 may further include disposing a first plurality of conductive traces 2366, 2566 - 2666, 2866 - 3066, 3466 - 3966 on bases 2302, 2502 - 2026, 2802 - 3002, 3402 - 3902 such that at least some of the first plurality of contacts are electrically coupled to one of analyte sensor 104 and the battery via the first plurality of conductive traces 2366, 2566 - 2666, 2866 - 3066, 3466 - 3966. In some embodiments, first seal members 2524 - 2624, 2924, 3824 - 3924 extend over the first plurality of conductive traces 2566 - 2666, 2966, 3866 - 3966 thereby sealing the first plurality of conductive traces 2566 - 2666, 2966, 3866 - 3966 from ingress of moisture. In some embodiments, first seal member 2666 extends over battery 2618 thereby sealing battery 2618 from ingress of moisture.

[0373] In some embodiments, method 4000 may further include forming openings 3070 - 3170, 3670 - 3770 in sensor electronics modules 3050 - 3150, 3650 - 3750, and forming raised portions 3005 - 3105, 3605 - 3705 on bases 3002 - 3102, 3602 - 3702 configured to fit within the openings 3070 - 3170, 3670 - 3770, wherein the outer perimeter of the raised portion abuts the inner perimeter of the opening. In some embodiments, the first plurality of contacts 3008, 3010, 3028, 3029 are disposed on the raised portion 3005. In some embodiments, the openings 3070 - 3170 are symmetric with respect to at least one axis parallel to the top surface of the sensor electronics modules 3050 - 3150 and asymmetric with respect to at least one other axis parallel to the top surface of the sensor electronics modules 3050 - 3150. In some embodiments, the battery is disposed within the raised portions 3005 - 3105, 3605 of the bases 3002 - 3102, 3602. In some embodiments, the top surfaces of the raised portions 3005 - 3105, 3605 - 3705 seat substantially flush with the top surfaces of the sensor electronics modules 3050 - 3150, 3650 - 3750 when the sensor electronics modules are secured to the bases 3002 - 3102, 3602 - 3702.

[0374] In some embodiments, method 4000 may include forming recesses 3242 - 3342 in the top surfaces of bases 3202 - 3302 and forming protrusions 3252 - 3352 configured to mate with the recesses 3242 - 3342, whereby the mating of the protrusions 3252 - 3352 with the recesses 3242 - 3342 aligns the sensor electronics modules 3250 - 3350 for securing to the bases 3202 - 3302.

[0375] In some embodiments, method 4000 includes forming a third plurality of contacts on bases 3302, 3902 and forming a fourth plurality of contacts at locations on sensor electronics modules 3350, 3950 such that each of the fourth plurality of contacts is configured to be in electrical contact with a respective one of the third plurality of contacts when the sensor electronics modules 3350, 3950 are secured to the bases 3302, 3902, and disposing a second seal member 3325, 3925 on one of bases 3302, 3902 and sensor electronics modules 3350, 3950. The second seal member 3325, 3925 is configured to form a second cavity 3320b, 3920b and provide a continuous seal around the third and fourth pluralities of contacts within the second cavity when the sensor electronics modules 3350, 3950 are secured to the bases 3302, 3902. In some embodiments, the third plurality of contacts includes a first battery contact 3328, 3928 and a second battery contact 3329, 3929. In some embodiments, method 4000 further includes electrically coupling the first battery contact 3328, 3928 and the second battery contact 3329, 3929 to respective terminals of a battery. In some embodiments, the fourth plurality of contacts 3354, 3954 includes a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact 3328, 3928 and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second battery contact 3329, 3929 when the sensor electronics modules 3350, 3950 are secured to the bases 3302, 3902.

[0376] In some embodiments, the second plurality of contacts 3454 - 3754 include concentric circular contacts. In some embodiments, the concentric circular contacts 3454 - 3754 are disposed around the center of the sensor electronics modules 3450 - 3750. In some embodiments, each of the second plurality of contacts 3454 - 3754 is configured to electrically contact one of the first plurality of contacts when the sensor electronics modules 3450 - 3750 are fixed to the bases 3402 - 3702 in any of a plurality of radial orientations.

[0377] In some embodiments, method 4000 further includes forming an opening 3470 in base 3402 and forming a raised portion 3405 on sensor electronics module 3450 configured to fit within the opening 3470, wherein the outer perimeter of the raised portion 3405 abuts the inner perimeter of the opening 3470. In some embodiments, the opening 3470 and the raised portion 3405 each have a substantially circular shape.

[0378] In some embodiments, method 4000 may further include forming raised rails 3872 - 3972 on bases 3802 - 3902 and forming channels 3874 - 3974 having a shape that abuts the shape of the raised rails 3872 - 3972 on sensor electronics modules 3850 - 3950. In some embodiments, the raised rails 3872 - 3972 may have a constant width along their length. In some embodiments, the width of the raised rails 3872 - 3972 tapers along their length. In some embodiments, the first plurality of contacts 3808, 3810, 3828, 3829 are disposed on the sidewalls of the raised rail 3872 and the second plurality of contacts 3854 are disposed on the sidewalls of the channel 3874. In some embodiments, the first plurality of contacts 3908, 3910 and the third plurality of contacts 3928, 3929 are disposed on the sidewalls of the base 3902 and the second and fourth pluralities of contacts 3954 are disposed on the sidewalls of the sensor electronics module 3950.

[0379] Each of these non-limiting examples can be independent in itself or can be combined in various permutations or in combination with one or more of the other examples.

[0380] The detailed description above includes references to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples can include elements in addition to those illustrated or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only the elements illustrated or described are provided. Further, the inventors also contemplate examples that use any combination or permutation of the elements (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described, either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) or with respect to one or more other examples shown or described herein.

[0381] Where there is an inconsistent usage between this document and some of the documents incorporated by reference, the usage of this document prevails.

[0382] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used to include one or more, regardless of other instances or usages of "at least one" or "one or more", as is common in patent documents. In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to the non-exclusive "or" such that, unless otherwise specified, "A or B" includes "A but not B", "B but not A", and "A and B". In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein". Also, in the following claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" are open-ended, i.e., a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those recited after such terms in the claims is still considered to be within the scope of those claims. Further, in the following claims, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0383] Geometric terms such as "parallel", "perpendicular", "circular", or "square" do not require absolute mathematical precision unless otherwise indicated in the context. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functionality. For example, if an element is described as "circular" or "substantially circular", components that are not exactly circular (e.g., slightly rectangular or multi-sided polygons) are also encompassed by this description.

[0384] Examples of the methods described in this specification can be implemented, at least in part, by machines or computers. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or a machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform the methods described in the above examples. Implementations of such methods can include code such as microcode, assembly language code, higher-level language code, etc. Such code can include computer-readable instructions for performing various methods. The code can form part of a computer program product. Further, in one example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media during execution or at other times. Examples of such tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc.

[0385] The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Upon reviewing the foregoing description, one of ordinary skill in the art, for example, may be able to use other embodiments. The abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) so that a reader can quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the foregoing detailed description, various features may be grouped in order to simplify the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that the disclosed features not claimed are essential to the scope of the claims. Rather, the subject of the invention may not cover all of the features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, as a result, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description as examples or embodiments, and each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment, and such embodiments are intended to be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

Claim 1 An analyte sensor system, comprising a base configured to adhere to the skin of a host, the base comprising an analyte sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the analyte concentration level of the host, a battery, and a base including a first plurality of contacts, a sensor electronics module configured to releasably couple to the base, the sensor electronics module comprising a second plurality of contacts, each configured to make electrical contact with a respective one of the first plurality of contacts, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal; the base further comprising a first sealing member configured to provide a seal around the first and second pluralities of contacts within a first cavity formed between the base and the sensor electronics module when the sensor electronics module is secured to the base; the base further comprising a cover configured to be secured to the base and to secure the battery within the base; the cover comprising the first sealing member; a system, wherein the cover is configured to be disposed between the base and the sensor electronics module. Claim 2 The system of claim 1, wherein the base is disposable and / or the sensor electronics module is reusable. Claim 3 The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first plurality of contacts includes a first sensor contact and a second sensor contact, each configured to be electrically coupled to a respective terminal of the analyte sensor. Claim 4 The system of claim 3, wherein the second plurality of contacts includes a first signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the first sensor contact and a second signal contact configured to make electrical contact with the second sensor contact. Claim 5 The system of claim 4, wherein the first plurality of contacts further includes a first battery contact and a second battery contact, each configured to be electrically coupled to a respective terminal of the battery. Claim 6 The system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of second contacts further includes a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second battery contact.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first and second signal contacts are configured to receive the sensor signal via the first and second sensor contacts, and the first and second power contacts are configured to receive power from the battery.

8. The base further includes a first retaining member and a second retaining member. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor electronics module further includes a fixing feature configured to fit with the first retaining member and a retaining feature configured to fit with the second retaining member, thereby releasably coupling the sensor electronics module to the base.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the second retaining member is frangible and configured to be separable from the base.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cover includes a first plurality of conductive traces configured to couple at least some of the first plurality of contacts to one of the analyte sensor and the battery.

11. The cover includes a recess configured to receive the battery, and / or The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cover includes a weld line configured to fix the cover to the base.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and 11, wherein the base includes a first plurality of conductive traces configured to couple at least some of the first plurality of contacts to one of the analyte sensor and the battery.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first sealing member extends over the first plurality of conductive traces, thereby sealing the first plurality of conductive traces from moisture ingress.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first sealing member extends over the battery, thereby sealing the battery from moisture ingress.

15. The second plurality of contacts includes at least one signal contact configured to be electrically connected to the analyte sensor and at least one power contact configured to be electrically connected to the battery, or, The second plurality of contacts includes at least two signal contacts configured to be electrically connected to the analyte sensor and at least two power contacts configured to be electrically connected to the battery, the system according to claim 8 or 9. **Claim 16** The sensor electronics module, while the sensor electronics module is disposed at a high angle relative to the base, fitting the fixing feature with the first holding member, and pivoting the sensor electronics module towards the base about the first holding member until the retaining feature engages with the second holding member, the system according to claim 8 or 9, configured to releasably couple to the base. **Claim 17** The base includes a recess disposed on an upper surface of the base, and the sensor electronics module includes a protrusion configured to fit with the recess, thereby aligning the sensor electronics module with the base, the system according to any of claims 1-7, and 10-14. **Claim 18** The base further includes a third plurality of contacts, the sensor electronics module further includes a fourth plurality of contacts, each configured to be in electrical contact with a respective one of the third plurality of contacts, the system further comprising a second sealing member configured to provide a continuous seal around the third and fourth plurality of contacts within a second cavity, the system according to any of claims 1, 2, and 10-12. **Claim 19** The third plurality of contacts includes a first battery contact and a second battery contact, each configured to be electrically coupled to a respective terminal of the battery, and / or, the fourth plurality of contacts includes a first power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the first battery contact and a second power contact configured to be in electrical contact with the second battery contact, the system according to claim 18.

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