Optical-based power activation techniques for an analyte sensor system

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for optical-based power activation for an analyte sensor system. The analyte sensor system includes an analyte sensor configured to generate analyte measurements associated with a user and a light¬ sensitive component is configured to generate an output signal based on the light energy. The light-sensitive component is disposed underneath an aperture and on a top side of a circuit board facing a top side of a housing of the analyte sensor system. The analyte sensor system further includes a sensor electronics module configured to receive, in a low-power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component, switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal, receive, in the high-power mode, the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor, and transmit analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device.

Description

Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01OPTICAL-BASED POWER ACTIVATION TECHNIQUES FOR AN ANALYTE SENSOR SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 730,855, filed December 11, 2024 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 792,774, filed April 22, 2025, both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties for all applicable purposes, as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present application relates generally to medical devices such as analyte sensors, and more particularly to techniques for optical-based power activation for an analyte sensor system.

[0003] Diabetes is a metabolic condition relating to the production or use of insulin by the body. Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use glucose for energy, or store glucose as fat.

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

[0005] When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the body is unable to effectively use insulin that is present, blood sugar levels can elevate beyond normal ranges. The state of having a higher than normal blood sugar level is called "hyperglycemia." Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to a number of health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, cataract and other eye problems, nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage. Hyperglycemia can also lead to acute problems, such as diabetic ketoacidosis - a state in which the body becomes excessively acidic due to the presence of blood glucose and ketones, which are produced when the body cannot use glucose. The state of having lower than normal blood glucose levels is called "hypoglycemia." SevereP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 1Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 hypoglycemia can lead to acute crises that can result in seizures or death.

[0006] A diabetes patient can receive insulin to manage blood glucose levels. Insulin can be received, for example, through a manual injection with a needle. Wearable insulin pumps are also available. Diet and exercise also affect blood glucose levels. A glucose sensor can provide an estimated glucose concentration level, which can be used as guidance by a patient or caregiver.

[0007] Diabetes conditions are sometimes referred to as "Type 1" and "Type 2". A Type 1 diabetes patient is typically able to use insulin when it is present, but the body is unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, because of a problem with the insulinproducing beta cells of the pancreas. A Type 2 diabetes patient may produce some insulin, but the patient has become "insulin resistant" due to a reduced sensitivity to insulin. The result is that even though insulin is present in the body, the insulin is not sufficiently used by the patient's body to effectively regulate blood sugar levels.

[0008] Blood sugar concentration levels may be monitored with an analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose monitor. A wearable continuous glucose monitor may be powered by a battery that powers the sensor and other components, such as wireless communication circuitry. It is important that battery power be consistently available to assure that analyte concentration levels can be sensed and communicated by the analyte sensor.

[0009] This Background is provided to introduce a brief context for the Summary and Detailed Description that follow. This Background is not intended to be an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter nor be viewed as limiting the claimed subject matter to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages or problems presented above.SUMMARY

[0010] One aspect provides a method for wireless communication by analyte sensor system. The method includes receiving, by a light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system, light energy; outputting, by the light-sensitive component, an output signal based on the light energy; receiving, by a sensor electronics module of the analyte sensor system in a low-power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component; switching, by the sensor electronics module, the sensor electronics module from the low- power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 2Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 sensitive component; receiving, by the sensor electronics module in the high-power mode, analyte measurements from a transcutaneous analyte sensor of the analyte sensor system; and transmitting, by the sensor electronics module, analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

[0011] Another aspect provides a method for activating an analyte sensor system. The method includes removing an applicator device and analyte sensor system from packaging material in which the applicator device and analyte sensor system are stored, wherein the analyte sensor system resides inside the applicator device prior to being deployed onto a body of a user; removing a removable cap of the applicator device, exposing an opening on a bottom side of the applicator device; pressing the opening on the bottom side of the applicator device against a body of a user of the analyte sensor system; and deploying the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user using a trigger button on the applicator device.

[0012] Another aspect provides an analyte sensor system. The analyte sensor system includes: a transcutaneous analyte sensor configured to generate analyte measurements associated with analyte levels of a user; a light-sensitive component, disposed on a circuit board of the analyte sensor system, configured to generate an output signal based on light energy; a housing configured to encase the circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; and a sensor electronics module disposed on the circuit board and configured to: receive, in a low-power mode, the output signal from the lightsensitive component; switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receive, in the high-power mode, the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; and transmit analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

[0013] Another aspect provides an analyte sensor assembly. The analyte sensor assembly includes an analyte sensor system; and an applicator device configured to deploy the analyte sensor system onto a body of a user, wherein: the analyte sensor system comprises: a transcutaneous analyte sensor configured to generate analyte measurements associated with analyte levels of a user; a light-sensitive component, disposed on a circuit board of the analyte sensor system, configured to generate an output signal based on light energy; a housing configured to encase the circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; and a sensor electronics module disposed on the circuitP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 3Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 board and configured to: receive, in a low-power mode, the output signal from the lightsensitive component; switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receive, in the high-power mode, the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; and transmit analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

[0014] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for method for activating an analyte sensor system. The method includes removing an applicator device and analyte sensor system from packaging material in which the applicator device and analyte sensor system are stored, wherein the analyte sensor system resides inside the applicator device prior to being deployed onto a body of a user; removing a removable cap of the applicator device, exposing an opening on a bottom side of the applicator device; pressing the opening on the bottom side of the applicator device against a body of a user of the analyte sensor system; deploying the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user using a trigger button on the applicator device, wherein: the analyte sensor system includes: a housing comprising a top side and a bottom side, wherein: the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user; the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side; and the top side includes an aperture for allowing light energy to enter the housing; a circuit board included within the housing and disposed between the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing; a light-sensitive component disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing; and a sensor electronics module; and deploying the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user causes: the light energy to be received by a light-sensitive component of the analyte sensory system through the aperture on the top side of the housing of the analyte sensor system; the light-sensitive component to output an output signal based on the light energy; and the sensor electronics module to receive the output signal and switch the sensor electronics module from a low-power mode to a high-power mode, activating the analyte sensor system, based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component.

[0015] Other aspects provide: an apparatus operable, configured, or otherwise adapted to perform the aforementioned methods as well as those described elsewhere herein; a non-transitory, computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform theP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 4Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 aforementioned methods as well as those described elsewhere herein; a computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium comprising code for performing the aforementioned methods as well as those described elsewhere herein; and an apparatus comprising means for performing the aforementioned methods as well as those described elsewhere herein. By way of example, an apparatus may comprise a processing system, a device with a processing system, or processing systems cooperating over one or more networks.

[0016] The following description and the appended figures set forth certain features for purposes of illustration.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates an example diabetes management system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed view of a health management system including a display device that is communicatively coupled to an analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0019] FIG. 3A is an example analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0020] FIG. 3B is an example analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0021] FIG. 3C illustrates aspects of an example analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an analyte sensor system that includes a power activation module for switching the analyte sensor system from a low- power mode to a high-power mode, according to certain aspects.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an analyte sensor system that includes a power activation module for switching the analyte sensor system from a low- power mode to a high-power mode, according to certain aspects.

[0024] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate various aspects of an analyte sensor system and an applicator device for reducing pre-mature activation of the analyte sensor system prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of a user, according to certain aspects.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 5Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0025] FIG. 7 A illustrates an example embodiment in which an optical fiber is used to direct light energy from an aperture on a top side of an analyte sensor system to a lightsensitive component of the analyte sensor system, according to certain aspects.

[0026] FIG. 7B illustrates an example embodiment in which the applicator device includes a sealing material for sealing the aperture on the top side of the analyte sensor system, according to certain aspects.

[0027] FIG. 8A illustrates another example embodiment in which an optical fiber is used to direct light energy from an aperture on a bottom side of the analyte sensor system to the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system, according to certain aspects.

[0028] FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate another example embodiment in which the applicator device includes a sealing material for sealing an aperture on the bottom side of the analyte sensor system, according to certain aspects.

[0029] FIG. 9A illustrates another example embodiment in which an optical fiber is used to direct light energy from an aperture on a sidewall of the analyte sensor system to the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system, according to certain aspects.

[0030] FIG. 9B illustrates another example embodiment in which the applicator device includes a sealing material for sealing the aperture on the sidewall of the analyte sensor system, according to certain aspects.

[0031] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates example embodiments in which different thicknesses of various portions of a housing of the analyte sensor system may be used to control exposure of the light-sensitive component to light energy, according to certain aspects.

[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates example embodiments in which different opacities of various portions of a housing of the analyte sensor system may be used to control exposure of the light-sensitive component to light energy, according to certain aspects.

[0033] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which an electrochromic material may be used to prevent premature exposure of the light-sensitive component to light energy, according to certain aspects.

[0034] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which a photochromic material may be used to prevent premature exposure of the light-sensitive component to light energy, according to certain aspects.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 6Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0035] FIG. 14A illustrates an embodiment in which a sensitivity of the lightsensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component does not generate an output signal to switch the analyte sensor system to a high power mode based on light-energy that penetrates through the applicator device, according to certain aspects.

[0036] FIG. 14B illustrates an example embodiment in which the applicator device includes a light generator, according to certain aspects.

[0037] FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16, and 17 illustrate additional embodiments for preventing premature exposure of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system to light energy, according to certain aspects.

[0038] FIG. 18 depicts a method for wireless communication by an analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0039] FIG. 19 depicts a method for activating an analyte sensor system, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0040] FIG. 20 depicts aspects of an example a health management device, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Aspects of the present disclosure provide optical-based power activation techniques for an analyte sensor system in a health management system.Introduction to Health Management Systems

[0042] FIG. 1 depicts a health management system 100 including an example continuous analyte sensor system (SS) 8 having continuous analyte sensor(s) and sensor electronics, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. For example, SS 8 may be configured to continuously monitor one or more analytes of a user 50, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0043] As shown, SS 8 includes sensor electronics module 12 and one or more analyte sensor(s) 10 (individually referred to herein as analyte sensor 10 and collectively referred to herein as analyte sensors 10) associated with sensor electronics module 12. In some embodiments, the one or more analyte sensor(s) 10 may comprise one or more continuous analyte sensors configured to provide continuous analyte concentration level measurements. Sensor electronics module 12 may be in wireless communication (e.g.,P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 7Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 directly or indirectly) with one or more of display devices 110, 120, 130, and 140, and / or server system 134.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the analyte sensor(s) 10 may comprise one or more sensors for detecting and / or measuring analyte(s). The analyte sensor(s) 10 may be a multi-analyte sensor configured to continuously measure two or more analytes or a single analyte sensor configured to continuously measure a single analyte as a non-invasive device, a subcutaneous device, a transcutaneous device, a transdermal device, and / or an intravascular device. In certain embodiments, the analyte sensor(s) 10 may be configured to continuously measure analyte concentration levels of the user 50 using one or more techniques, such as enzymatic techniques, chemical techniques, physical techniques, electrochemical techniques, potentiostatic techniques, potentiometric techniques, impedimetric techniques, coulometric techniques, spectrophotometric techniques, polarimetric techniques, calorimetric techniques, iontophoretic techniques, radiometric techniques, immunochemical techniques, and the like. The term “continuous,” as used herein, can mean fully continuous, semi-continuous, periodic, etc. In certain aspects, the analyte sensor(s) 10 provides a data stream indicative of the concentration of one or more analytes of the user 50. The data stream may include raw data signals, which are then converted into a calibrated and / or filtered data stream used to provide estimated analyte value(s) to the user 50.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the analyte sensor(s) 10 may be a multi-analyte sensor, configured to continuously measure one or more analytes in a body of the user 50. In some embodiments, the one or more analytes may include at least one of sodium ions, potassium ions, hydrogen ions, lithium ions, magnesium ions, calcium ions, chloride ions, sulfite ions, sulfate ions, phosphate ions, ammonium ions, uric acid, urea, ketones, and / or glucose.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the analyte sensor(s) 10 may comprise a percutaneous wire that has a proximal portion coupled to the sensor electronics module 12 and a distal portion with several electrodes, such as a measurement electrode and a reference electrode. The measurement (or working) electrode may be coated, covered, treated, embedded, etc., with one or more chemical molecules that react with a particular analyte, and the reference electrode may provide a reference electrical voltage. The measurement electrode may generate the analog electrical signal, which is conveyed along a conductor that extends from the measurement electrode to the proximal portionP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 8Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 of the percutaneous wire that is coupled to the sensor electronics module 12. After the SS 8 has been applied to epidermis of the user 50, analyte sensor(s) 10 penetrates the epidermis, and the distal portion extends into the dermis and / or subcutaneous tissue under epidermis. Other configurations of analyte sensor(s) 10 may also be used, such as a multianalyte sensor that includes multiple measurement electrodes, each generating an analog electrical signal that represents the concentration levels of a particular analyte.

[0047] Generally, a single-analyte sensor generates an analog electrical signal that is proportional to the concentration level of a particular analyte. Similarly, each multianalyte sensor generates multiple analog electrical signals, and each analog electrical signal is proportional to the concentration level of a particular analyte. As an illustrative example, analyte sensor(s) 10 may include a single-analyte sensor configured to measure glucose concentration levels, and another single-analyte sensor configured to measure concentration levels of another analyte of the user 50, such as at least one of a sodium ion concentration level, a potassium ion concentration level, a hydrogen ion concentration level, a lithium ion concentration level, a magnesium ion concentration level, a calcium ion concentration level, a chloride ion concentration level, a sulfite ion concentration level, a sulfate ion concentration level, a phosphate ion concentration level, an ammonium ion concentration level, a uric acid concentration level, a urea concentration level, and / or a ketone concentration level. As another illustrative example, analyte sensor(s) 10 may include a single-analyte sensor configured to measure glucose concentration levels, and one or more multi-analyte sensors configured to measure a sodium ion concentration level, a potassium ion concentration level, a hydrogen ion concentration level, a lithium ion concentration level, a magnesium ion concentration level, a calcium ion concentration level, a chloride ion concentration level, a sulfite ion concentration level, a sulfate ion concentration level, a phosphate ion concentration level, an ammonium ion concentration level, a uric acid concentration level, a urea concentration level, a ketone concentration level, a concentration of lactate, a concentration level of creatinine, etc. As yet another illustrative example, analyte sensor(s) 10 may include a multi-analyte sensor configured to measure glucose concentration levels, a sodium ion concentration level, a potassium ion concentration level, a hydrogen ion concentration level, a lithium ion concentration level, a magnesium ion concentration level, a calcium ion concentration level, a chloride ion concentration level, a sulfite ion concentration level, a sulfate ion concentration level, a phosphate ion concentration level, an ammonium ion concentration level, a uric acidP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 9Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 concentration level, a urea concentration level, a ketone concentration level, a concentration of lactate, a concentration level of creatinine, etc.

[0048] Accordingly, analyte sensor(s) 10 is configured to generate at least one analog electrical signal that is proportional to the concentration level of a particular analyte, and sensor electronics module 12 is configured to convert the analog electrical signal into an analyte sensor count values, calibrate the analyte sensor count values based on the sensitivity profile of the analyte sensor(s) 10 to generate measured analyte concentration levels, and transmit the measured analyte concentration level data, including the measured analyte concentration levels, to a display device, such as display devices 210, 220, 230, and / or 240, via a wireless connection. For example, sensor electronics module 12 may be configured to sample the analog electrical signal at a particular sampling period (or rate), such as every 1 second (1 Hz), 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, etc., and to transmit the measured analyte concentration data to the display device at a particular transmission period (or rate), which may be the same as (or longer than) the sampling period, such as every 1 minute (0.016 Hz), 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, at the conclusion of the wear period, etc. Depending on the sampling and transmission periods, the measured analyte concentration data transmitted to the display device include at least one measured analyte concentration level having an associated time tag, sequence number, etc. Additional details regarding analyte concentration level measurement and the configuration of the analyte sensor(s) 10 and sensor electronics module 12 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 241,658 filed on September 1, 2023 and entitled, “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MEASURING A CONCENTRATION OF A TARGET ANALYTE IN A BIOLOGICAL FLUID IN VIVO,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0049] In certain embodiments, analyte sensor(s) 10 may incorporate a thermocouple within, or alongside, the percutaneous wire to provide an analog temperature signal to the sensor electronics module 12, which may be used to correct the analog electrical signal or the measured analyte data for temperature. In other embodiments, the thermocouple may be incorporated into the sensor electronics module 12 above the adhesive pad, or, alternatively, the thermocouple may contact the epidermis of the patient through openings in the adhesive pad. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor(s) 10 may incorporate a percutaneous flexible planar substrate including a plurality of electrodes, such as 2 electrodes, 3 electrodes, 4 electrodes, 5 electrodes, 6 electrodes,P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 10Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT017 electrodes, or 8 electrodes.

[0050] In certain embodiments, sensor electronics module 12 includes electronic circuitry associated with measuring and processing the continuous analyte sensor data, including prospective algorithms associated with processing and calibration of the sensor data. Sensor electronics module 12 can be physically coupled to analyte sensor(s) 10 and can be integral with (non-releasably attached to) or releasably attachable to analyte sensor(s) 10. Sensor electronics module 12 may include hardware, firmware, and / or software that enable measurement of levels of analyte(s) via analyte sensor(s) 10. For example, sensor electronics module 12 can include an electrochemical analog front end (e.g., a potentiostat, galvanostat, coulostat, etc.), a power source for providing power to the sensor (including power switches and controlling logic), other components useful for signal processing and data storage, and a telemetry module for transmitting data from the sensor electronics module to, e.g., one or more display devices. Electronics can be affixed to a printed circuit board (PCB), or the like, and can take a variety of forms. For example, the electronics can take the form of an integrated circuit (IC), such as an Application- Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electrochemical analog front end (AFE), a microcontroller, and / or a processor.

[0051] Display devices 110, 120, 130, and / or 140 are configured for displaying displayable sensor data, including analyte data, which may be transmitted by sensor electronics module 12. Each of display devices 110, 120, 130, and / or 140 may include a display such as a touchscreen display 112, 122, 132, and / or 142 for displaying sensor data to a patient and / or for receiving inputs from the patient. For example, a graphical user interface (GUI) may be presented to the patient for such purposes. In certain embodiments, the display devices may include other types of user interfaces such as a voice user interface instead of, or in addition to, a touchscreen display for communicating sensor data to the patient of the display device and / or for receiving patient inputs. In certain embodiments, one, some, or all of display devices 110, 120, 130, 140 may be configured to display or otherwise communicate the sensor information as it is communicated from sensor electronics module 12 (e.g., in a data package that is transmitted to respective display devices), without any additional prospective processing required for calibration and / or real-time display of the sensor data.

[0052] The plurality of display devices 110, 120, 130, 140 depicted in FIG. 1 may include a custom or proprietary display device, for example, display device 110,P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 11Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 especially designed for displaying certain types of displayable sensor information associated with analyte data received from sensor electronics module 12 (e.g., a numerical value and / or an arrow, in certain embodiments). In certain embodiments, one of the plurality of display devices 110, 120, 130, 140 includes a smartphone, such as a mobile phone, based on an Android, iOS, or another operating system configured to display a graphical representation of the continuous sensor data (e.g., including current and / or historic data). In some embodiments, one of the plurality of display devices 110, 120, 130, 140 may include a home automation system display or speakers. In certain embodiments, health management system 100 further includes a medical delivery device (e.g., an insulin pump or pen). Sensor electronics module 12 may be configured to transmit sensor information and / or analyte data to medical delivery device. The medical delivery device (not shown) may be configured to administer a certain dosage of insulin or another medicament to the user based on the sensor information and / or analyte data (e.g., which may include a recommended insulin dosage) received from the sensor electronics module 12.

[0053] Server system 134 may be used to directly or indirectly collect analyte data from SS 8 and / or the plurality of display devices, for example, to perform analytics thereon, generate universal or individualized models for analyte concentration levels and profiles, provide services or feedback, including from individuals or systems remotely monitoring the analyte data, perform or assist SS 8 and the plurality of display devices with identification, authentication, etc., according to the embodiments described herein, so on. Note that, in certain embodiments, server system 134 may be representative of multiple systems or computing devices that perform the functions of server system 134 (e.g., in a distributed manner).

[0054] The term “analyte” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers without limitation to a substance or chemical constituent in a biological fluid (e.g., blood, interstitial fluid, cerebral spinal fluid, lymph fluid, urine, sweat, saliva, etc.) that can be analyzed. Analytes can include naturally occurring substances, artificial substances, metabolites, electrolytes, ions, gasses, hormones, proteins, enzymes, neurotransmitters, infectious agents, and / or reaction products. In some examples, the analyte measured by the sensing regions, devices, and methods is glucose. However, other analytes are contemplated as well,P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 12Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 including but not limited to acarboxyprothrombin; acylcamitine; adenine phosphoribosyl transferase; adenosine deaminase; albumin; alpha-fetoprotein; amino acid profiles (arginine (Krebs cycle), histidine / urocanic acid, homocysteine, phenylalanine / tyrosine, tryptophan); andrenostenedione; antipyrine; arabinitol enantiomers; arginase; benzoylecgonine (cocaine); bilirubin, biotinidase; biopterin; c-reactive protein; carnitine; camosinase; CD4; ceruloplasmin; chenodeoxycholic acid; chloroquine; cholesterol; cholinesterase; conjugated 1-P hydroxy-cholic acid; cortisol; creatine; creatine kinase; creatine kinase MM isoenzyme; creatinine; cyclosporin A; d-penicillamine; de- ethylchloroquine; dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; DNA (acetylator polymorphism, alcohol dehydrogenase, alpha 1 -antitrypsin, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne / Becker muscular dystrophy, glucose-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 vivax, 21 -deoxycortisol); desbutylhalofantrine; dihydropteridine reductase; diptheria / tetanus antitoxin; erythrocyte arginase; erythrocyte protoporphyrin; esterase D; fatty acids / acylglycines; free P-human chorionic gonadotropin; free erythrocyte porphyrin; free thyroxine (FT4); free tri-iodothyronine (FT3); fumarylacetoacetase; galactose / gal-1 -phosphate; galactose- 1 -phosphate uridyltransferase; gentamicin; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; glutathione; glutathione perioxidase; glycerol; glycocholic acid; glycosylated hemoglobin; halofantrine; hemoglobin variants; hexosaminidase A; human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I; 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone; hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase; immunoreactive trypsin; beta-hydroxybutyrate; ketones; lactate; lead; lipoproteins ((a), B / A-l, P); lysozyme; mefloquine; netilmicin; oxygen; phenobarbitone; phenytoin; phytanic / pristanic acid; potassium, sodium, and / or other blood electrolytes; progesterone; prolactin; prolidase; purine nucleoside phosphorylase; quinine; reverse tri-iodothyronine (rT3); selenium; serum pancreatic lipase; sissomicin; somatomedin C; specific antibodies (adenovirus, anti-nuclear antibody, anti-zeta antibody, arbovirus, Aujeszky's disease virus, dengue virus, Dracunculus medinensis, Echinococcus granulosus, Entamoeba histolytica, enterovirus, Giardia duodenalisa, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus, herpes virus, HIV-1, IgE (atopic disease), influenza virus, Leishmania donovani, leptospira, measles / mumps / rubella, Mycobacterium leprae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Myoglobin, Onchocerca volvulus, parainfluenza virus, Plasmodium falciparum, poliovirus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respiratory syncytial virus, rickettsia (scrubP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 13Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 typhus), Schistosoma mansoni, Toxoplasma gondii, Trepenoma pallidium, Trypanosoma cruzi / rangeli, vesicular stomatis virus, Wuchereria bancrofti, yellow fever virus); specific antigens (hepatitis B virus, HIV-1); succinylacetone; sulfadoxine; theophylline; thyrotropin (TSH); thyroxine (T4); thyroxine-binding globulin; trace elements; transferrin; UDP-galactose-4-epimerase; urea; uric acid; uroporphyrinogen I synthase; vitamin A; white blood cells; and zinc protoporphyrin. Salts, sugar, protein, fat, vitamins, and hormones naturally occurring in blood or interstitial fluids can also constitute analytes in certain examples. The analyte can be naturally present in the biological fluid, or endogenous, for example, a metabolic product, a hormone, an antigen, an antibody, and the like. Alternately, the analyte can be introduced into the body, or exogenous, for example, a contrast agent for imaging, a radioisotope, a chemical agent, a fluorocarbon- based synthetic blood, or a drug or pharmaceutical composition, including but not limited to insulin; ethanol; cannabis (marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, hashish); inhalants (nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, chloro hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons); cocaine (crack cocaine); stimulants (amphetamines, methamphetamines, Ritalin, Cylert, Preludin, Didrex, PreState, Voranil, Sandrex, Plegine); depressants (barbiturates, methaqualone, tranquilizers such as Valium, Librium, Miltown, Serax, Equanil, Tranxene); hallucinogens (phencyclidine, lysergic acid, mescaline, peyote, psilocybin); narcotics (heroin, codeine, morphine, opium, meperidine, Percocet, Percodan, Tussionex, Fentanyl, Darvon, Talwin, Lomotil); designer drugs (analogs of fentanyl, meperidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, and phencyclidine, for example, Ecstasy); anabolic steroids; and nicotine. The metabolic products of drugs and pharmaceutical compositions are also contemplated analytes. Analytes such as neurochemicals and other chemicals generated within the body can also be analyzed, such as, for example, ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, noradrenaline, 3-methoxytyramine (3MT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5 -hydroxy tryptamine (5HT), 5- hydroxyindoleacetic acid (FHIAA), and histamine.

[0055] The term “ion” as used herein is a broad term, and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers without limitation to an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. Ions in a biological fluid is referred to as “electrolytes.” Non-limiting examples of ions in biological fluids include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), calciumP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 14Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01(Ca2+), hydrogen (H+), lithium (Li+), chloride (Cl ), sulfide (S2), sulfite (SO32), sulfate (SO42), phosphate (PO43), and ammonium (NH4+). An ion is an example of an analyte.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed view of health management system 100 including a display device 150 that is communicatively coupled to SS 8. In certain embodiments, display device 150 may be any one of display devices 110, 120, 130, and 140 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the display device 150 includes smartphone, such as a mobile phone, based on an Android, iOS, or another operating system configured to display a graphical representation of the continuous sensor data (e.g., including current and / or historic data). In some embodiments, the display device 150 may be a smartwatch or another type of device, such as an insulin pump or other type of pump.

[0057] The communication path between SS 8 and display device 150 is shown as communication path 180. In certain embodiments, SS 8 and display device 150 are configured to wirelessly communicate over communication path 180 using low range and / or distance wireless communication protocols. Examples of low range and / or distance wireless communication protocols include Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocols. In certain embodiments, other short range wireless communications may include Near Field Communications (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID) communications, IR (infra-red) communications, optical communications. In certain embodiments, wireless communication protocols other than low range and / or distance wireless communication protocols may be used for communication path 180, such as WiFi Direct. Display device 150 is also configured to connect to network 190 (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc.). For example, display device 150 may connect to network 190 via a wired (e.g., Ethernet) or wireless (e.g., WLAN, wireless WAN, cellular, Mesh network, personal area network (PAN) etc.) interface. Display device 150 is able to communicate with server system 134 through network 190. The communication path between display device 150 and server system 134 is shown as communication path 181 via network 190.

[0058] Note that, in certain embodiments, SS 8 may be able to independently (e.g., wirelessly) communicate with server system 134 through network 190. An independent communication path between SS 8 and server system 134 is shown as communication path 182. However, in certain other embodiments, SS 8 may not be configured with the necessary hardware / software to establish, for example, an independent wireless communication path with server system 134 through network 190. In such embodiments,P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 15Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01SS 8 may communicate with server system 134 through display device 150. An indirect or pass-through communication path between SS 8 and server system 134 is shown as communication path 183.

[0059] In embodiments where display device 150 is a proprietary display device, such as display device 110 designed specifically for the communication of analyte data, display device 150 may not be configured with the necessary hardware / software for independently connecting to network 190. Instead, in certain such embodiments, display device 150 is configured to establish a wired or wireless communication path 184 (e.g., through a Universal System Bus (USB) connection) with computer device 103, which is configured to communicate with server system 134 through network 190. For example, computer device 103 may connect to network 190 via a wired (e.g., Ethernet) or wireless (e.g., WLAN, wireless WAN, cellular, etc.) interface. In some embodiments, the display device 150 may be capable of independently communicating with server system 134 through network 190, independent of computer device 103.

[0060] Health management system 100 additionally includes server system 134, which in turn includes server 135 that is coupled to storage 136 (e.g., one or more computer storage systems, cloud-based storage systems and / or services, etc.). In certain embodiments, server system 134 may be located or execute in a public or private cloud. In certain embodiments, server system 134 is located or executes on-premises (“on- prem”). As discussed, server system 134 is configured to receive, collect, and / or monitor information, including analyte data and related information, as well as encryption / authentication information from SS 8 and / or display device 150. Such information may include input responsive to the analyte data or input (e.g., the user’s analyte concentration measurements and other physiological / behavioral information) received in connection with an analyte monitoring or sensor application running on SS 8 or display device 150. This information may be stored in storage 136 and may be processed, such as by an analytics engine capable of performing analytics on the information. An example of an analyte sensor application that may be executable on display device 150 is analyte sensor application 121, as further described below.

[0061] In certain embodiments, server system 134 at least partially directs communications between SS 8 and display device 150, for example, for facilitating authentication therebetween. Such communications include messaging (e.g., advertisement, command, or other messaging), message delivery, and analyte data. ForP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 16Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 example, in certain embodiments, server system 134 may process and exchange messages between SS 8 and display device 150 related to frequency bands, timing of transmissions, security, alarms, and so on. In certain embodiments, server system 134 may also update information stored on SS 8 and / or display device 150. In certain embodiments, server system 134 may send / receive information to / from SS 8 and or display device 150 in realtime or sporadically. Further, in certain embodiments, server system 134 may implement cloud computing capabilities for SS 8 and / or display device 150.

[0062] FIG. 2 also illustrates the components of SS 8 in further detail. As shown, in certain embodiments, SS 8 includes analyte sensor 10 coupled to sensor electronics module 12. As shown, the sensor electronics module 12 includes one or more hardware components, such one or more processors 11, sensor measurement circuitry 13, one or more memories 14, connectivity interface 15, and real time clock (RTC) 17. In some embodiments, the one or more hardware components of the sensor electronics module 12 may be implemented as ASIC on a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0063] As shown, sensor electronics module 12 includes the sensor measurement circuitry 13 that is coupled to analyte sensor 10 (such as a potentiostat) for processing and managing sensor data. Sensor measurement circuitry 13 may also be coupled to the one or more processors 11 of the sensor electronics module 12. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 11 may be a general-purpose or application-specific microprocessor, an ASIC, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., that executes instructions to perform control, computation, input / output, etc. functions for the sensor electronics module 12. The one or more processors 11 may include a single integrated circuit, such as a micro processing device, or multiple integrated circuit devices and / or circuit boards working in cooperation to accomplish the appropriate functionality.

[0064] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 11 may be configured to sample an analog electrical signal received from the analyte sensor(s) 10 using the analog- to-digital (A / D) signal processing circuitry, such as the sensor measurement circuitry 13, at regular intervals (such as the sampling period) to generate analyte sensor count values based on the analog electrical signals received from the analyte sensor(s) 10, calibrate the analyte sensor count values based on the sensitivity profile of the analyte sensor(s) 10 to generate measured analyte concentration levels, and generate measured analyte data from the measured analyte concentration levels, generate sensor data packages that include, inter alia, the measured analyte concentration level data. The one or more processors 11P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 17Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 may store the measured analyte concentration level data in the one or more memories 14, and generate the sensor data packages at regular intervals (such as the transmission period) for transmission to the display device 150. The one or more processors 11 may also add additional data to the sensor data packages, such as supplemental sensor information that includes a sensor identifier, a sensor status, temperatures that correspond to the measured analyte data, etc. The sensor data packages are then wirelessly transmitted over a wireless connection to the display device 150. In certain embodiments, the wireless connection is a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection. In such embodiments, the sensor data packages are transmitted in the form of Bluetooth or BLE data packets to the display device 150.

[0065] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 11 may perform part or all of the functions of the sensor measurement circuitry 13 for obtaining and processing sensor measurement values from analyte sensor 10. The one or more processors 11 may also be coupled to the one or more memories 14 and the RTC 17 for storing and tracking sensor data. In addition, the one or more processors 11 may be further coupled to the connectivity interface 15, which includes a radio unit or transceiver (TRX) 16 for sending sensor data (e.g., measured analyte concentration levels) and receiving requests and commands from an external device, such as display device 150. As used herein, the term transceiver generally refers to a device or a collection of devices that enable SS 8 to (e.g., wirelessly) transmit and receive data. It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the sensor measurement circuitry 13 may carry out all the functions of the one or more processors 11 or vice versa.

[0066] Transceiver 16 may be configured with the necessary hardware and wireless communications protocols for enabling wireless communications between SS 8 and other devices, such as display device 150 and / or server system 134. For example, as described above, transceiver 16 may be configured with the necessary hardware and communication protocols to establish a Bluetooth or BLE connection with display device 150. As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, in such an example, the necessary hardware may include a Bluetooth or BLE security manager and / or other Bluetooth or BLE related hardware / software modules configured for Bluetooth or BLE communications standards. In some embodiments where SS 8 is configured to establish an independent communication path with server system 134, transceiver 16 may be configured with the necessary hardware and communication protocols (e.g., long range wireless cellularP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 18Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 communication protocol, such as, GSM, CDMA, LTE, VoLTE, 3G, 4G, 5G communication protocols) for establishing a wireless connection to network 190 to connect with server system 134. As discussed elsewhere, other short range protocols, may also be used for communication between display device 150 and a SS 8 such as NFC, RFID, etc.

[0067] FIG. 2 similarly illustrates the components of display device 150 in further detail. As shown, display device 150 includes connectivity interface 128, one or more processors 126, one or more memories 127, a real time clock (RTC) 163, a display 125 for presenting a graphical user interface (GUI), and a storage 123. A bus (not shown here) may be used to interconnect the various elements of display device 150 and transfer data between these elements. Connectivity interface 128 includes a transceiver (TRX) 129 used for receiving sensor data (e.g., measured analyte concentration levels) from SS 8 and for sending requests, instructions, and / or data to SS 8 as well as server system 134. Transceiver 129 is coupled to other elements of display device 150 via connectivity interface 128 and / or the bus. Transceiver 129 may include multiple transceiver modules operable on different wireless standards. For example, transceiver 129 may be configured with one or more communication protocols, such as wireless communication protocol(s) for establishing a wireless communication path with network 190 and / or low range wireless communication protocol(s) (e.g., Bluetooth or BEE) for establishing a wireless communication path 180 with SS 8. Additionally, connectivity interface 128 may in some cases include additional components for controlling radio and / or wired connections, such as baseband and / or Ethernet modems, audio / video codecs, and so on.

[0068] In some embodiments, when a standardized communication protocol is used between display device 150 and SS 8, commercially available transceiver circuits may be utilized that incorporate processing circuitry to handle low level data communication functions such as the management of data encoding, transmission frequencies, handshake protocols, security, and the like. In such embodiments, the one or more processors 126 of display device 150 and / or the one or more processors 11 of SS 8 may not need to manage these activities, but instead provide desired data values for transmission, and manage high level functions such as power up or down, set a rate at which messages are transmitted, and the like. Instructions and data values for performing these high level functions can be provided to the transceiver circuits via a data bus and transfer protocol established by the manufacturer of transceivers 129 and 16.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 19Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01However, in embodiments where a standardized communication protocol is not used between transceivers 129 and 16 (e.g., when non- standardized or modified protocols are used), the one or more processors 126 and 11 may be configured to execute instructions associated with proprietary communications protocols (e.g., one or more of the communications protocols described herein) to control and manage their respective transceivers. In addition, when non-standardized or modified protocols are used, customized circuitries may be used to service such protocols.

[0069] The one or more processors 126 may include processor sub-modules, including, by way of example, an applications processor that interfaces with and / or controls other elements of display device 150 (e.g., connectivity interface 128, analyte sensor application 121 (hereinafter “sensor application 121”), display 125, RTC 163, one or more memories 127, storage 123, etc.). In certain embodiments, the one or more processors 126 is configured to perform functions related to device management, such as, for example, managing lists of available or previously paired devices, information related to network conditions (e.g., link quality and the like), information related to the timing, type, and / or structure of messaging exchanged between SS 8 and display device 150, and so on. The one or more processors 126 may further be configured to receive and process user input, such as, for example, a user's biometric information, such as the user’s finger print (e.g., to authorize the user's access to data or to be used for authorization / encryption of data, including analyte data), as well as analyte data.

[0070] The one or more processors 126 may include and / or be coupled to circuitry such as logic circuits, memory, a battery and power circuitry, and other circuitry drivers for periphery components and audio components. The one or more processors 126 and any sub-processors thereof may include logic circuits for receiving, processing, and / or storing data received and / or input to display device 150, and data to be transmitted or delivered by display device 150. As described above, the one or more processors 126 may be coupled by a bus to display 125, connectivity interface 128, storage 123, etc. Hence, the one or more processors 126 may receive and process electrical signals generated by these respective elements and thus perform various functions. By way of example, the one or more processors 126 may access stored content from storage 123 and one or more memories 127 at the direction of analyte sensor application 121, and process the stored content to be displayed by display 125. Additionally, the one or more processors 126 may process the stored content for transmission via connectivityP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 20Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 interface 128 to SS 8 and / or server system 134. Display device 150 may include other peripheral components not shown in detail in FIG. 2.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the one or more memories 127 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) for storing data and / or instructions for software programs and applications, such as analyte sensor application 121. Display 125 presents a GUI associated with operating system 162 and / or analyte sensor application 121. In various embodiments, a user may interact with analyte sensor application 121 via a corresponding GUI presented on display 125. By way of example, display 125 may be a touchscreen display that accepts touch input. Analyte sensor application 121 may process and / or present analyte-related data received by display device 150 and present such data via display 125. Additionally, analyte sensor application 121 may be used to obtain, access, display, control, and / or interface with analyte data and related messaging and processes associated with SS 8 (e.g., and / or any other medical device (e.g., insulin pump or pen) that are communicatively coupled with display device 150), as is described in further detail herein.

[0072] Storage 123 may be a non-volatile storage for storing software programs, instructions, data, etc. For example, storage 123 may store analyte sensor application 121 that, when executed using the one or more processors 126, for example, receives input (e.g., by a conventional hard / soft key or a touch screen, voice detection, or other input mechanism), and allows a user to interact with the analyte data and related content via display 125. In various embodiments, storage 123 may also store user input data and / or other data collected by display device 150 (e.g., input from other users gathered via analyte sensor application 121). Storage 123 may further be used to store volumes of analyte data received from SS 8 (or any other medical data received from other medical devices (e.g., insulin pump, pen, etc.) for later retrieval and use, e.g., for determining trends and triggering alerts.

[0073] As described above, SS 8, in certain embodiments, gathers analyte data (e.g., measured analyte concentration levels) from analyte sensor 10 and transmits the same or a modified version of the collected data to display device 150. Data points regarding analyte values may be gathered and transmitted over the life of analyte sensor 10 (e.g., in the range of 1 to 30 days or more). New measurements may be transmitted often enough to adequately monitor analyte concentration levels. In certain embodiments, rather than having the transmission and receiving circuitry of each of SS 8 and displayP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 21Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 device 150 continuously communicate, SS 8 and display device 150 may regularly and / or periodically establish a communication channel among each other. Thus, in such embodiments, SS 8 may, for example, communicate with display device 150 at predetermined time intervals. The duration of the predetermined time interval can be selected to be long enough so that SS 8 does not consume too much power by transmitting data more frequently than needed, yet frequent enough to provide substantially real-time sensor information (e.g., measured glucose values or analyte data) to display device 150 for output (e.g., via display 125) to the user. While the predetermined time interval is every five minutes in some embodiments, it is appreciated that this time interval can be varied to be any desired length of time. In other embodiments, transceivers 129 and 16 may be continuously communicating. For example, in certain embodiments, transceivers 129 and 16 may establish a session or connection there between and continue to communicate together until the connection is lost.

[0074] Analyte sensor application 121 may be downloaded, installed, and initially configured / setup on display device 150. For example, display device 150 may obtain analyte sensor application 121 from server system 134, or from another source, such as an application store or the like, via a network, e.g., network 190. Following installation and setup, analyte sensor application 121 may be configured to access, process, and / or interface with analyte data (e.g., whether stored on server system 134, locally from storage 123, from SS 8, or any other medical device). By way of example, analyte sensor application 121 may present a menu that includes various controls or commands that may be executed in connection with the operation of SS 8, display device 150, one or more other display devices (e.g., display device 110, 130, 140, etc.), and / or one or more other partner devices, such as an insulin pump. For example, analyte sensor application 121 may be used to interface with or control other display and / or partner devices, for example, to deliver or make available thereto analyte data, including for example by receiving / sending analyte data directly to the other display and / or partner device and / or by sending an instruction for SS 8 and the other display and / or partner device to be connected.

[0075] In certain embodiments, after downloading analyte sensor application 121, as one of the initial steps, the user may be directed by analyte sensor application 121 to establish a secure wireless connection between the display device 150 to the SS 8 of the user, which the user may have already placed on their body. A wireless communicationP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 22Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 path 180 between display device 150 and SS 8 allows SS 8 to transmit analyte measurements to display device 150 and for the two devices to engage in any of the other interactions described above.

[0076] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the SS 8 described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the sensor electronics module 12 of the SS 8 may include an outer housing with a first, top portion 392 and a second, bottom portion 394. In embodiments, the outer housing may include a clamshell design.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3A, the outer housing may feature a generally oblong shape. The outer housing may further include aperture 396 disposed substantially through a center portion of outer housing and adapted for analyte sensor(s) 10 and needle insertion through a bottom of SS 8. In embodiments, aperture 396 may be a channel or elongated slot. SS 8 may further include an adhesive patch 326 configured to secure SS 8 to epidermis of a user (e.g., user 50 described with respect to FIG. 1). In embodiments, adhesive patch 326 may include an adhesive suitable for skin adhesion, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive (e.g., acrylic, rubber-based, or other suitable type) bonded to a carrier substrate (e.g., spun lace polyester, polyurethane film, or other suitable type) for skin attachment, though any suitable type of adhesive is also contemplated. As shown, adhesive patch 326 may feature an aperture 398 aligned with aperture 396 such that analyte sensor(s) 10 may pass through a bottom of SS 8 and through adhesive patch 326.

[0078] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of SS 8 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3B further illustrates aperture 396 disposed substantially in a center portion of a bottom of SS 8, and aperture 398, both adapted for analyte sensor(s) 10 and needle insertion.

[0079] FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of SS 8 of FIGs. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3C illustrates the first, top portion 392 and the second, bottom portion 394 of the outer housing, adhesive patch 326, aperture 396 in the center portion of SS 8, aperture 398 in the center portion of adhesive patch 326, and analyte sensor(s) 10 passing through aperture 396. As sensor electronics module 12, previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, may further include a PCB 304 for communicatively coupling one or more hardware components of the sensor electronics module 12 of the SS 8, such as the analyte sensor(s) 10, the one or more processors 11, the sensor measurement circuitry 13, the one or more memories 14, the connectivity interface 15, and the RTC 17. Additionally, as shown, the sensor electronics module 12 may include a battery 302, which may beP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 23Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 electrically coupled to the PCB 304 and configured to provide power to the one or more hardware components of the SS.

[0080] Additionally, the analyte sensor(s) 10 may include one or more electrodes 337 configured to sense or measuring analyte concentration levels of a user (e.g., user 50), such as a glucose concentration level. For example, the one or more electrodes 337 may include a working electrode coated with an enzyme, such as glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase, which facilitates a reaction with glucose. This reaction produces an electroactive compound, such as hydrogen peroxide or an electron mediator, which generates an electrical signal at the one or more electrodes 337. The signal is proportional to the glucose concentration and may be received and processed by one or more hardware components of the sensor electronics module 12 (e.g., the one or more processors 11 and / or the sensor measurement circuitry 13) via an input pin on the PCB 304. In some embodiments, the electrode may also include additional layers or coatings, such as membranes to reduce interference from other substances, to improve measurement accuracy.Optical-Based Power Activation Techniques for an Analyte Sensor System

[0081] Analyte sensor systems are used in various applications to monitor analyte levels within a patient or user over time, providing continuous insight into health metrics that may be crucial for detecting or predicting adverse events. For example, analyte sensor systems are commonly employed in healthcare settings for tracking glucose levels, providing real-time or near-real-time data that can inform treatment decisions and enable preventive actions.

[0082] Typically, an analyte sensor system includes a power source, such as a battery, that supplies energy to one or more components of the analyte sensor system, including sensors, processors, and communication modules. Since battery capacity is limited, efficient power management within these systems is essential to prolong their operational life. To conserve energy, analyte sensor systems often include a power activation module configured to maintain the analyte sensor system in an OFF-state or a low-power mode until a trigger event occurs, thereby conserving energy stored in the battery. One such power activation module includes a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor. The TMR sensor may be configured detect the presence or absence of a magnetic field, which serves as a trigger event for activating the analyte sensor system. ForP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 24Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 example, in some scenarios, the TMR sensor may output a discrete signal when it detects an external magnetic field, preventing energy from flowing from the battery and maintaining the system in the OFF- state to conserve energy. Conversely, when the TMR detects an absence of the external magnetic field, the TMR sensor may stop outputting the discrete signal, allowing the energy to flow from the battery and transitioning the analyte sensor system to an ON-state for active analyte monitoring.

[0083] While TMR sensors are useful for efficient power management in analyte sensor systems, they present challenges in certain scenarios. For example, one such challenge relates to ensuring that the analyte sensor system remains reliably in an OFF state during shipment and storage. In some cases, during shipment to a user, the analyte sensor system may experience impacts, vibrations, or accidental drops, which may cause a magnetic field applied to the TMR sensor to be interrupted, resulting in the premature activation of the analyte sensor system. This premature activation may drain the battery of the analyte sensor system before the analyte sensor system is ready for use by the user, potentially reducing the operational lifespan of the analyte sensor system.

[0084] Additionally, analyte sensor systems may encounter external magnetic fields during shipment or storage that may interfere with the TMR sensor. For example, magnetic fields from other electronic devices or transportation equipment could inadvertently activate the TMR sensor, causing the analyte sensor system to turn on. This unintended activation could again lead to unnecessary battery consumption, which may reduce the operational lifespan of the analyte sensor system.

[0085] Further, while power consumption is at its highest when the analyte sensor system is fully operational (i.e., in the ON-state), some power may still be consumed even when the system is in the OFF- state or low-power mode. This residual power consumption may be due to the need for an analog front-end (AFE) of the analyte sensor system to remain powered to monitor the TMR sensor’s output signal. Although this power draw is relatively low compared to the ON-state, it may still present a challenge, particularly if the analyte sensor system is stored for extended periods. Over time, this standby power drain may reduce the battery’s capacity to a level that renders the device unusable by the time it is ready to be deployed by the user. This issue may be further compounded in next-generation analyte sensor systems, which are trending toward smaller, more compact form factors to enhance patient comfort and meet market demands. These reduced form factors necessitate smaller batteries with lower energy storageP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 25Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 capacities, making even minimal power loss in the OFF state a significant concern.

[0086] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques to reduce the likelihood of premature activation in analyte sensor systems. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for conserving energy while the analyte sensor system remains in a low-power mode or OFF- state prior to being deployed and used by a user. For example, in some cases, these techniques may involve the use of a light-sensitive component or an optical sensor, such as a photodiode or photovoltaic sensor, for activating an analyte sensor system. For example, in some embodiments, the lightsensitive component may be configured to detect a particular light condition and, in response, output a signal that may be used to transition the analyte sensor system from the OFF-state or low-power mode to an ON-state or operational mode.

[0087] To support this functionality, aspects of the present disclosure include various circuit diagrams for the power activation module that incorporates a light-sensitive component to control the activation of the analyte sensor system. For example, in one embodiment, the power activation module may include a photodiode configured to output an output signal (e.g., a current), which may be periodically measured by an AFE of the analyte sensor system while the analyte sensor system, including the AFE, remains in a low-power mode. When the output signal of the photodiode exceeds a specified threshold (e.g., a threshold current), the AFE may be configured to close a power switch, allowing current to flow from the battery and power up other components of the analyte sensor system, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), thereby transitioning the analyte sensor system from the low-power mode to an ON-state or operational mode.

[0088] In another embodiment, the power activation module may include a photovoltaic sensor, such as an LED, configured to output an output signal (e.g., a voltage) to a power switch. When the output signal is sufficiently high (e.g., when its voltage meets or exceeds a threshold voltage), the power switch activates or closes, allowing current to flow from the battery to power the one or more other components of the analyte sensor system, thereby transitioning the analyte sensor system to the ON-state or operational mode. In some cases, this approach may avoid the need for the AFE to periodically measure the output signal, allowing the analyte sensor system to remain completely powered off and conserving energy by avoiding the residual consumption associated with these periodic measurements.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 26Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0089] In some embodiments, the use of the light-sensitive component for activation may be less prone to accidental triggering, since activation relies on controlled exposure to specific light conditions rather than external magnetic fields, which can sometimes lead to premature activation due to unintended magnetic interference or disruptions. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides additional structural aspects to further reduce the likelihood of premature activation. For example, in some embodiments, the analyte sensor system may include an aperture on a top side of a housing of the analyte sensor system configured to allow light to pass through the top side of the housing of the analyte sensor system and to reach the light-sensitive component. In some embodiments, the aperture may be implemented on a bottom side of the housing of the analyte sensor system. In some embodiments, the aperture may be implemented on a sidewall of the housing of the analyte sensor system.

[0090] In some embodiments, to reduce the likelihood of premature activation prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user, an applicator device used to deploy the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user may include a sealing material configured in various manners to cover and seal the aperture included in the housing of the analyte sensor system, preventing the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system from being prematurely exposed to light energy prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor system may include an opaque tube-like structure configured to circumscribe the light-sensitive component and the aperture and prevent light from reaching the light-sensitive component from lateral angles.

[0091] In some embodiments, the analyte sensor system may include an optical fiber, extending between the aperture and the light sensitive component, configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

[0092] Other techniques may also be used to help avoid the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system from being prematurely exposed to the light energy, such as using different thicknesses or opacities for different portions of the housing of the analyte sensor system, using an electrochromic material to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component, using a photochromic material to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component, and other techniques as described herein.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 27Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01Example Circuit Diagrams for Optical-Based Power Activation

[0093] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an analyte sensor system 400 that includes a power activation module 410 for switching the analyte sensor system 400 from a low-power mode to a high-power mode, according to certain aspects. As shown, the analyte sensor system 400 includes a sensor electronics module 401. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor system 400 may be an example of the SS 8 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and / or 3C. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sensor electronics module 401 may be an example of the sensor electronics module 12 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0094] As shown, the sensor electronics module 401 of the analyte sensor system 400 includes an AFE 402 and a microcontroller unit (MCU) 404. In some embodiments, while operating in the high-power or “operational” mode, the AFE 402 may be configured to receive analyte measurements from a transcutaneous analyte sensor 406 and provide the analyte measurements to the MCU 404. Additionally, while operating in in a high- power or “operational” mode, the MCU 404 may be configured to receive and process the analyte measurements to generate analyte data associated with the analyte measurements. The MCU 404 may also be configured to transmit the analyte data to a display device, such as the display device 150 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0095] In some embodiments, prior to the analyte sensor system 400 being deployed onto a body of a user, the sensor electronics module 401, including the AFE 402 and the MCU 404, may operate in a low-power mode to conserve energy stored in a battery 408 of the analyte sensor system 400. Thereafter, once deployed onto the body of the user, the sensor electronics module 401 may be configured to switch or transition from the low- power mode to the high-power or “operational” mode. In some embodiments, while operating in the low-power mode, the MCU 404 may be configured to be in a powered- off state in which little to no energy from the battery 408 is flowing or being consumed by the MCU 404. Additionally, while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE 402 may be configured to consume significantly less energy from the battery 408 relative to the high-power mode. As will be described below, the little energy consumed by the AFE 402 in the low-power mode may be associated with the AFE 402 periodically measuring an output signal 412 from a light-sensitive component 414, such as a photodiode, for triggering activation of the analyte sensor system 400.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 28Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown, the AFE 402 includes a power activation module 410, which may be configured to control activation of the analyte sensor system 400. In other words, the power activation module 410 may be configured to switch the sensor electronics module 401 from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, for example, in connection with the analyte sensor system 400 being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0097] In some embodiments, switching the sensor electronics module 401 from the low-power mode to the high-power mode may be based on the output signal 412 from the light-sensitive component 414. For example, when exposed to light energy, the lightsensitive component 414 (e.g., photodiode) may be configured to generate the output signal 412 based on the light energy. In some embodiments, while in the low-power mode, the power activation module 410 may be configured to measure a current of the output signal 412 from light-sensitive component 414. In some embodiments, while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE 402 may consume a small amount of energy from the battery 408 in order to measure the current of the output signal 412. In some embodiments, the amount of energy consumed by AFE 402 measuring the current of the output signal 412 may be relatively less than an amount of energy consumed by the AFE 402 while operating in the high-power mode (e.g., when the AFE 402 receives the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor 406).

[0098] In some embodiments, the AFE 402 may be configured to measure the current of the output signal 412 according to a periodicity. In some embodiments, the periodicity may be longer relative to a periodicity associated with a TMR sensor, allowing the power activation module 410 to conserve energy stored in the battery 408. For example, in some embodiments, the periodicity may range between 10 seconds and one minute.

[0099] As shown, the analyte sensor system 400 may include a power switch 416, which may be used to control the flow of current or energy from the battery 408 to at least the MCU 404. In some embodiments, when the measured current of the output signal 412 is less than a threshold current, the power activation module 410 may be configured to maintain the power switch 416 in an open position, preventing the energy or current from flowing from the battery 408 to at least the MCU 404 and maintaining the sensor electronics module 401 in the low-power mode. However, when the measured current of the output signal 412 is greater than or equal to the threshold current, the power activationP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 29Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 module 410 may be configured to close the power switch 416 to allow the current to flow from the battery 408 to at least the MCU 404 in order to switch the sensor electronics module 401 from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

[0100] Additionally, after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, the MCU 404 of the sensor electronics module 401 may be configured to output a lock signal 418 to the power activation module 410. The lock signal 418 may lock the power switch 416 in an ON position (e.g., maintaining the power switch 416 in a closed position) regardless of whether light energy is being provided to the light-sensitive component 414 or not. In some embodiments, the lock signal 418 may help to avoid the sensor electronics module 401 from being put back into the low-power mode when the light-sensitive component 414 is not being exposed to the light energy, such as when the user is wearing the analyte sensor system 400 in a dark room.

[0101] FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an analyte sensor system 500 that includes a power activation module 510 for switching the analyte sensor system 500 from a low-power mode to a high-power mode, according to certain aspects. As shown, the analyte sensor system 500 includes a sensor electronics module 501. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor system 500 may be an example of the SS 8 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and / or 3C. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sensor electronics module 501 may be an example of the sensor electronics module 12 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0102] As shown, the sensor electronics module 501 of the analyte sensor system 400 includes an AFE 502 and an MCU 504. In some embodiments, while operating in the high-power or “operational” mode, the AFE 502 may be configured to receive analyte measurements from a continuous transcutaneous analyte sensor 506 and provide the analyte measurements to the MCU 504. Additionally, while operating in in a high-power or “operational” mode, the MCU 504 may be configured to receive and process the analyte measurements to generate analyte data associated with the analyte measurements. The MCU 504 may also be configured to transmit the analyte data to a display device, such as the display device 150 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0103] Additionally, as shown, the analyte sensor system 500 includes the power activation module 510 that may be used to switch the analyte sensor system 500 from the low-power mode to the high-power mode. In contrast to the power activation module 410P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 30Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 shown in FIG. 4, when operating in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system 500 being deployed onto the body of the user, the AFE 502 and the MCU 504 are configured to be in a powered-OFF state, which may conserve more energy relative to the power activation module 410 of FIG. 4.

[0104] For example, as shown, the power activation module 510 may be implemented separately from the AFE 502. Accordingly, in this configuration, the AFE 502 may not be required to consume any energy from the battery 508 related to measuring a current of an output signal from a light sensitive component in order to switch the analyte sensor system 500 from the low-power mode to the high-power mode. As a result, prior to the analyte sensor system 500 being deployed onto the body of the user, the AFE 502 and the MCU 504 may be maintained in a powered-OFF state, consuming no energy from the battery 508 of the analyte sensor system 500. Further, to conserve additional energy, rather than having the power activation module 510 consuming energy to measure a current of an output signal of a light-sensitive component, a voltage of an output signal 512 of a light-sensitive component 514 may be used to directly close a power switch 516 and allow current to flow from the battery 508 of the analyte sensor system 500 to the AFE 502 and MCU 504.

[0105] For example, as shown, the analyte sensor system 500 of FIG. 5 may include the light-sensitive component 514, such as a photovoltaic sensor, which is configured to output the output signal 512 having a particular voltage when exposed to light energy. In some embodiments, the light-sensitive component 514 may be a photovoltaic sensor, such an FED, and may only be sensitive to visible light. As shown, the output signal 512 may be input into a photovoltaic buffer 518 configured to amplify a gain of the output signal 512 to a sufficient level to control the power switch 516. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic buffer 518 may be implemented using complementary metal-oxide- semiconductor (CMOS) and may only consume a very small amount of energy from the battery 508 (e.g., a couple nanoAmps).

[0106] The photovoltaic buffer 518 may then output an amplified output signal 519 to a first input terminal of a logical OR gate 520. When a voltage of the amplified output signal 519 is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, the logical OR gate 520 may output an output signal 521 to an input of the power switch 516. The output signal 521 output from the logical OR gate 520 may cause the power switch 516 to close and allow current to flow from the battery 508 of the analyte sensor system 500 to at least the AFEP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 31Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01502 and the MCU 504, resulting in the sensor electronics module 501 (including the AFE 502 and the MCU 504) switching from the low-power mode (e.g., powered-OFF state) to the high-power mode. Conversely, when the voltage of the amplified output signal 519 is less than the threshold voltage, the logical OR gate 520 may not output the output signal 521 to the power switch 516. As a result, the power switch 516 is maintained in an open position, preventing the current from flowing from the battery 508 to the AFE 502 and MCU 504, and maintaining the sensor electronics module 501 (including the AFE 502 and the MCU 504) in the low-power mode (e.g., powered-OFF state).

[0107] Additionally, after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, the MCU 504 of the sensor electronics module 501 may be configured to output a lock signal 522 to the power switch 516. The lock signal 522 may lock the power switch 516 in an ON position (e.g., maintaining the power switch 516 in a closed position) regardless of whether light energy is being provided to the light-sensitive component 514 or not. For example, as shown, the lock signal 522 may be provided to a second input terminal of the logical OR gate 520, causing the logical OR gate 520 to output the output signal 521regardless of whether the light-sensitive component 514 is outputting the output signal 512 responsive to light energy or not. In some embodiments, the lock signal 522 may help to avoid the sensor electronics module 501 from being put back into the low- power mode when the light-sensitive component 514 is not being exposed to the light energy, such as when the user is wearing the analyte sensor system 500 in a dark room.Example Structural Aspects for Optical-Based Power Activation

[0108] As discussed above, in some scenarios, an analyte sensor system may be susceptible to pre-mature activation (e.g., switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode). FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate various aspects of an analyte sensor system 600 and an applicator device 650 for reducing pre-mature activation of the analyte sensor system 600 prior to the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed onto a body 602 of a user. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor system 600 may be an example of the SS 8 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and / or 3C, the analyte sensor system 400 depicted and described with respect to FIG. 4, and / or the analyte sensor system 500 depicted and described with respect to FIG. 5.

[0109] For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the analyte sensor system 600 may include a housing 604, which may comprise a top side 606 and a bottom side 608. In someP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 32Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 embodiments, the bottom side 608 may be configured to face towards the body 602 of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user and the top side 606 is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side (e.g., away from the body 602). Further, as shown, the top side 606 includes an aperture 610 for allowing the light energy 612 to enter the housing and reach a light-sensitive component 614. In some embodiments, the light-sensitive component 614 may be an example of the light-sensitive component 414 or light-sensitive component 515 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 4 and / or 5, respectively.

[0110] As shown, the analyte sensor system may also include a printed circuit board (PCB) 616 within the housing 604, which may be disposed (e.g., encased) between the top side 606 of the housing 604 and the bottom side 608 of the housing 604. Further, as shown, the PCB 616 may include a sensor electronics module 618, which may be configured to receive and process analyte measurements from an analyte sensor 620 before transmitting analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device. In some embodiments, the PCB 616 may include circuitry for electrically coupling the sensor electronics module 618 with the light-sensitive component 614. In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module 618 may be an example of the sensor electronics module 401 or the sensor electronics module 501 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 4 and / or 5, respectively.

[0111] Further, as shown, the light-sensitive component 614 may be disposed underneath the aperture 610 and on a top side of the PCB 616 facing the top side 606 of the housing 604. In some embodiments, to help reduce the likelihood of pre-mature activation of the analyte sensor system 600 due to the light energy 612 entering through the housing from lateral angles 622 (e.g., from angles other than directly through the aperture 610), the analyte sensor system 600 may further include a tube structure 624 extending between the PCB 616 and the top side 606 of the housing 604 and circumscribing the light-sensitive component 614 disposed on the PCB 616 and the aperture 610 included in the top side 606 of the housing 604. In some embodiments, the tube structure 624 may be opaque to visible light and may be composed of a material such as plastic, metal, or another opaque material. Further, as shown, the tube structure 624 may include a hollow interior space 625 configured to channel the light energy 612 from the aperture 610 to the light-sensitive component 614.

[0112] It should be noted that FIG. 6A illustrates a scenario in which the analyteP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 33Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 sensor system 600 has already been deployed onto the body 602 of the user. In contrast, FIG. 6B illustrates a scenario prior to the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed onto the body 602 of the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, prior to being deployed onto the body 602, the analyte sensor system 600 may reside inside the applicator device 650. For example, the applicator device 650 may include a cup-shaped portion 652, in which the analyte sensor system 600 is configured to reside prior to being deployed onto the body 602 of the user, and a removable cap 628 configured to seal the analyte sensor system 600 inside the cup-shaped portion.

[0113] For example, as shown, an opening 626 on a bottom side of the applicator device 650 (e.g., through which the analyte sensor system 600 may exit the applicator device 650 when deployed) may be sealed using the removable cap 628, which may prevent contaminants from entering the applicator device 650 and may maintain a sterile environment therein for the analyte sensor system 600. In some embodiments, the removable cap 628 may be removed by a user, exposing the opening 626 on the bottom side of the applicator device 650, prior to deploying the analyte sensor system 600 onto a body of the user.

[0114] FIG.6C illustrates a scenario in which the analyte sensor system 600 is being deployed onto the body 602 by a user 603 and being activated. In some embodiments, deploying the analyte sensor system 600 onto the body 602 involves the user 603 removing the applicator device 650 and analyte sensor system 600 from packaging material in which the applicator device 650 and analyte sensor system 600 are stored. Thereafter, the user 603 may remove the removable cap 628 of the applicator device 650 shown in FIG. 6B, exposing an opening 626 on the bottom side of the applicator device 650.

[0115] The user 603 may then press the opening 626 on the bottom side of the applicator device 650 against the body 602, as shown in FIG. 6C. Once positioned, the user 603 may deploy the analyte sensor system 600 by pressing a trigger button 630 on the applicator device, activating the spring 632 and causing the spring 632 to expand downwards toward the body 602. As the spring 632 expands, the analyte sensor system 600 is driven out of the applicator device 650 through the opening 626, simultaneously inserting the analyte sensor 620 into the body 602 and securing the analyte sensor system 600 to the body 602 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6A). Once the analyte sensor system 600 has been deployed onto the body 602 of the user 603, light energy 612 may be received byP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 34Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the light-sensitive component 614 causing the light-sensitive component 614 to output an output signal based on the light energy 612 and causing the sensor electronics module 618 of the analyte sensor system 600 to switch the sensor electronics module 618 from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, thereby activating the analyte sensor system 600, as described above with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0116] In some embodiments, in addition to preventing contaminants from entering the applicator device 650, the removable cap 628 may also help to reduce an amount of light energy 612 that is able enter the applicator device 650 and reach the aperture 610 and light-sensitive component 614 of the analyte sensor system 600, significantly reducing the likelihood of pre-mature activation of the analyte sensor system 600. Additionally, as can be seen in FIGS. 6B and 6C, due to the aperture 610 being positioned on the top side 606 of the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system, the aperture is configured to face away from the opening 626 of the applicator device 650, which may also help to reduce the amount of light energy 612 that is able to reach the aperture 610 and light-sensitive component 614 of the analyte sensor system 600.

[0117] The positioning of the aperture 610 on the top side 606 of the housing 604 is especially advantageous in scenarios in which the user 603 removes the removable cap 628 but sets the applicator device 650 down and walks away for a period of time without deploying the analyte sensor system 600 onto the body 602 of the user 603. For example, in this scenario, if the aperture 610 (and light-sensitive component 614) were to be positioned on the bottom side 608 of the housing 604, light energy 612 would be able to reach the light-sensitive component 614 once the removable cap 628 is removed, causing the analyte sensor system 600 to pre-maturely activate, long before the analyte sensor system 600 is actually deployed onto the body 602 of the user 603.

[0118] In contrast, in the scenario in which the user 603 removes the removable cap 628 but sets the applicator device 650 down and walks away without deploying the analyte sensor system 600, the positioning of the aperture 610 (and light-sensitive component 614) on the top side 606 of the housing 604 may significantly reduce the amount of light energy 612 that is able to reach the aperture 610 and light-sensitive component 614 of the analyte sensor system 600, reducing the chances that the analyte sensor system 600 pre-maturely activates before the analyte sensor system 600 is deployed onto the body 602 of the user 603.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 35Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0119] Further, to help reduce the likelihood of pre-mature activation of the analyte sensor system 600 due to light energy 612 entering the aperture 610 when the removable cap 628 is removed or when the light energy 612 is able to permeate through the applicator device 650, such as in very bright light scenarios, the aperture 610 included in the top side 606 of the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600 may be configured to be sealed (e.g., completely covered) by a sealing material 634 of the applicator device 650, preventing the light energy 612 from entering through the aperture 610 and being received by the light-sensitive component 614, as shown in FIG. 6C. In some embodiments, the sealing material 634 may be opaque and may be composed of a material, such as rubber, polyurethane foam, silicone, or another opaque material.

[0120] Further, after the analyte sensor system 600 is deployed onto the body 602 of the user 603, the aperture 610 is configured to be free of the sealing material 634 of the applicator device 650, allowing the light energy 612 to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component. In other words, when the analyte sensor system 600 is deployed onto the body 602 of the user 603, the sealing material 634 is configured to remain attached to, and inside of, the applicator device 650, allowing the light energy 612 to penetrate through the aperture 610 and reach the light-sensitive component 614 and causing the light-sensitive component 614 to generate an output signal for switching the analyte sensor system 600 from a low-power mode to a high-power mode discussed above with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0121] FIG. 6D illustrates an example embodiment in which the aperture 610 of the analyte sensor system 600 is implemented on a sidewall 636 of analyte sensor system 600. For example, as shown in FIG. 6D, the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600 includes a sidewall 636 adjacent to the top side 606 of the housing 604. Further, as shown, the aperture 610 may be implemented in the sidewall 636, such that the aperture 610 is oriented approximately 90 degrees relative to its position in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C.

[0122] Further, as shown, to complement the positioning of the aperture 610 on the sidewall 636 of the housing 604, the light-sensitive component 614 may be implemented or positioned on a side or edge 637 of the PCB 616. As noted above, the PCB 616 may include circuity for electrically coupling the light-sensitive component 614 with the sensor electronics module. Further, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6D, the tube structure 624 may extend between the edge 637 of the PCB 616 and the sidewall 636 ofP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 36Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the housing 604, circumscribing the light-sensitive component 614 disposed on the edge 637 of the PCB 616 and the aperture 610 included in the sidewall 636 of the housing 604.Additionally, as noted above to reduce the likelihood of pre-mature activation of the analyte sensor system 600 due to light energy 612 entering the aperture 610 when the removable cap 628 is removed or when the light energy 612 is able to pass through the applicator device 650, such as in very bright light scenarios, the aperture 610 may be sealed (e.g., completely covered) by the sealing material 634 of the applicator device 650. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6D, the sealing material 634 may be attached to a sidewall 640 of the applicator device by a finger-like structure 638. As shown, the finger-like structure 638 may be configured to press the sealing material 634 against the aperture 610 ensuring a sufficient enough seal to prevent the light energy 612 from entering the aperture 610 when the removable cap 628 is removed and / or in very bright light scenarios.

[0123] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate the use of an opaque tube structure 624 that is configured to circumscribe the light-sensitive component 614 and the aperture 610, thereby preventing light from reaching the lightsensitive component 614 and causing the analyte sensor system 600 to be prematurely activated (e.g., prior to being deployed onto the body 602 of the user). In some embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to using the opaque tube structure 624, in some embodiments, the analyte sensor system 600 may include an optical fiber extending between the aperture 610 and the light-sensitive component 614, which may be configured to direct the light energy 612 from the aperture 610 to the light-sensitive component 614 using total internal reflection (TIR).

[0124] FIG. 7A illustrates an example embodiment in which an optical fiber 702 is used to direct the light energy 612 from the aperture 610 to the light-sensitive component 614. As shown in FIG. 7A, the aperture 610 may be implemented in the top side 606 of the analyte sensor system 600 and the light-sensitive component 614 implemented on a top side of the PCB 616. In some embodiments, the light-sensitive component 614 may be disposed on the top side of the PCB 616 underneath and laterally offset form the aperture 610, as shown. In this configuration, the optical fiber 702 may comprise a bent structure 704 for directing the light energy 612 from the aperture 610 to the light-sensitive component 614. In some embodiments, the light-sensitive component may be disposed, on the top side of a PCB 616 of the analyte sensor system 600, directly beneath theP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 37Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 aperture 610. In this embodiment, the optical fiber 702 may have a straight, non-bending structure for directing the light energy 612 from the aperture 6120 to the light-sensitive component 614.

[0125] In some cases, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the aperture 610 is implemented on the top side 606 of the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600, the applicator device 650 used to deploy the analyte sensor system 600 onto the body of a user may include a sealing material 706 to seal the aperture 610 to prevent light from reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0126] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the cup-shaped portion 652 of the applicator device 650 includes a top side 708, a bottom side 710, and one or more sidewalls 712. As can be seen, the one or more sidewalls 712 are disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side 708 and the bottom side 710. In some embodiments, the top side 708 and the one or more sidewalls 712 may be composed of a solid material. Further, as shown, the bottom side 710 comprises an opening 626 configured to be sealed by the removable cap 628.

[0127] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the applicator device 650 includes a sealing material 706 extending from the top side 708 of the cup-shaped portion 652 of the applicator device 650, which may be configured to seal the aperture to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user. In some embodiments, the sealing material 706 may be opaque and may be composed of a material, such as rubber, polyurethane foam, silicone, or another opaque material.

[0128] In some embodiments, when the removable cap 628 is removed and the analyte sensor system 600 is deployed onto the body of the user, the sealing material 706 may stay within the cup-shaped portion 652 of the applicator device 650, exposing the aperture to the light energy 612 and allowing the light energy 612 to reach the lightsensitive component 614 via the optical fiber 702. In other words, after the analyte sensor system 600 is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture 610 may be configured to be free of the sealing material 706 to allow the light energy 612 to enter the aperture and be directed to the light-sensitive component 614 via the optical fiber 702.

[0129] FIG. 8A illustrates an example embodiment in which the bottom side 608 ofP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 38Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600 may include the aperture 610 for allowing the light energy 612 to enter the housing 604 and to be received by the lightsensitive component 614. In this embodiment, the light-sensitive component 614 may be disposed on the top side of the PCB 616 facing the top side 606 of the housing 604. Further, as can be seen, the optical fiber 702 may comprise a bent structure 802 that extends from the light-sensitive component 614, through the PCB 616, as shown at 804, to the aperture 610 included in the bottom side 608 of the housing 604.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, when the aperture 610 is implemented on the bottom side 608 of the analyte sensor system 600, the removable cap 628 of the applicator device 650 may have a vertically oriented shaft member 806 that includes a sealing material 808 configured to seal the aperture 610 to prevent the light energy 612 from entering the aperture 610 and reaching the light-sensitive component 614 prior to the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0131] For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the shaft member 806 may extend from an interior surface 805 of removable cap 628. Further, as shown, the shaft member 806 includes a first end 807 and a second end 809. The first end 807 of the shaft member 806 may be attached to the interior surface 805 of the removable cap 628. The second end 809 of the shaft member 806 includes the sealing material 808 configured to seal the aperture 610 included in the bottom side 608 of the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600 to prevent the light energy 612 from entering the aperture 610 and reaching the lightsensitive component 614 prior to the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed onto the body of the user. In some cases, after the removable cap 628 of the applicator device 650 is removed by the user from the cup-shaped portion 652 of the applicator device 650, the aperture 610 is configured to be free of the sealing material 808 to allow the light energy 612 to enter the aperture 610 and reach the light-sensitive component 614

[0132] FIG. 9A illustrates an example embodiment in which a sidewall 636 of the analyte sensor system 600 includes the aperture 610 for allowing the light energy 612 to enter the housing 604 and to be received by the light-sensitive component 614. For example, as illustrated, the analyte sensor system 600 includes the sidewall 636, which may be disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side 606 of the housing 604 and the bottom side 608 of the housing 604. In this embodiment, the light-sensitive component 614 may be disposed on the top side of the PCB 616 facing the top side 606 of the housing 604. Further, as can be seen, the optical fiber 702 may extend between theP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 39Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 aperture 610 included in the sidewall 901 of the analyte sensor system and the lightsensitive component 614

[0133] As shown in FIG. 9B, when the aperture 610 is implemented in the sidewall 636 of the housing 604 of analyte sensor system 600, the applicator device 650 may include arm member 902 extending from an interior surface of the one or more sidewalls 712 of the applicator device 650. As shown, the arm member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the arm member may attached to the interior surface of the one or more sidewalls 636. Further, as shown, the second end of the arm member 902 includes a sealing material 904 configured to seal the aperture 610 included in the one or more sidewalls 636 of the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600 to prevent the light energy 612 from entering the aperture 610 and reaching the light-sensitive component 614 prior to the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed onto the body of the user. In some cases, after the analyte sensor system 600 is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture 610 may be configured to be free of the sealing material 904 to allow the light energy 612 to enter the aperture 610 and reach the light-sensitive component 614.

[0134] FIG. 10A illustrates an example embodiment in which different thicknesses of various portions of the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600 may be used to control exposure of the light-sensitive component 614 to the light energy 612. As shown in FIG. 10A, a first portion 1002 of the bottom side 608 of the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600 may have a first thickness (Tl) that is less than a second thickness (T2) of a remaining portion 1004 of the bottom side 608 of the housing 604. In some cases, the first thickness (Tl) may allow the light energy 612 to pass through the bottom side 608 of the housing 604 to reach the light-sensitive component 614 disposed on a bottom side of the PCB 616.

[0135] It should be appreciated that the techniques described with respect to FIG. 10A may also be applicable to the top side 606 of the housing 604. In other words, the light-sensitive component 614 may be disposed on a top side of the PCB 616 and the top side 606 of the housing 604 may have a first portion with a first thickness (Tl) that is less than a second thickness (T2) of a remaining portion of the top side 606 of the housing 604. In such cases, the first thickness (Tl) may allow the light energy 612 to pass through the of the top side 606 of the housing 604 to reach the light-sensitive component 614 disposed on a top side of the PCB 616.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 40Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0136] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10B, the bottom side 608 of the housing 604 may have a first thickness (Tl) while the top side 606 of the housing 604 has a second thickness (T2). In some cases, the first thickness (Tl) of the bottom side 608 may be greater than the second thickness (T2) of the top side 606. In some cases, the first thickness (Tl) of the bottom side 608 may prevent the light energy 612 from passing through the bottom side 608 of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component 614, such as in a scenario in which the user removes the removable cap of the applicator device, exposing the bottom side 608 of the housing 604 to the light energy 612, but does not immediately deploy the analyte sensor system onto their body. In other words, in this scenario, the first thickness (Tl) of the bottom side 608 of the housing may prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component when the user removes the removable cap of the applicator device prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user. However, after the user deploys the analyte sensor system 600 onto their body, the second thickness (T2) of the top side 606 may allow the light energy 612 to pass through the top side 606 of the housing 604 and reach the light-sensitive component 614 disposed on a top side of the PCB 616.

[0137] With respect to FIG. 10B, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the light-sensitive component 614 may be disposed on a bottom side of the PCB 616 and that the top side 606 of the housing 604 may have a first thickness that is greater than a second thickness of the bottom side 608 of the housing.

[0138] FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment in which different opacities of various portions of the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600 may be used to control exposure of the light-sensitive component 614 to the light energy 612. For example, in some cases, the bottom side 608 of the housing 604 may have a first opacity 1102 while the top side 606 of the housing 604 may have a second opacity 1104. In some cases, the first opacity 1102 of the bottom side 608 may be higher (e.g., more opaque) than the second opacity 1104 of the top side 606. In some cases, the first opacity 1102 of the bottom side 608 may prevent the light energy 612 from penetrating the bottom side 608 of the housing 604 and reaching the light-sensitive component 614. In some cases, the second opacity 1104 of the top side 606 may allow the light energy 612 to penetrate the top side 606 of the housing 604 and reach the light-sensitive component 614.

[0139] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which an electrochromic material may be used to prevent premature exposure of the light-sensitive component 614 to lightP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 41Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 energy 612. For example, in some cases, the top side 606 of the housing 604 of the analyte sensor system 600 may include an electrochromic material 1202. Prior to the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material 1202 may be configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy 612 from reaching the light-sensitive component 614. In such cases, light energy 612 penetrating the applicator device 650 (e.g., through the opening 626 and / or the one or more sidewalls 712) may be prevented from reaching the light-sensitive component 614 of the analyte sensor system 600 based on the opacity of the electrochromic material 1202. However, after or during deployment of the analyte sensor system 600, the electrochromic material 1202 may be configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy 612 to reach the lightsensitive component 614.

[0140] In some embodiments, the electrochromic material 1202 may be configured to switch to being transparent in response to an electrical signal having at least a threshold voltage that is mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system 600 onto the body of the user. For example, in some embodiments, the applicator device 650 may include a mechanical-based voltage generator 1204 configured to mechanically generate the electrical signal, having at least the threshold voltage, to switch the electrochromic material 1202 to being transparent based on an acceleration of the analyte sensor system 600 caused by the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed onto the body of the user. As shown in FIG. 12 and discussed with respect to FIG. 6C, the user 603 may deploy the analyte sensor system 600 by pressing the trigger button 630 on the applicator device 650, activating the spring 632 and causing the spring 632 to expand downwards as shown at 1205 and causing the analyte sensor system 600 to accelerate down toward the body of the user.

[0141] In some embodiments, the mechanical expansion of the spring 632 and acceleration of the analyte sensor system 600 resulting from the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed may cause the voltage generator 1204 to mechanically generate and output an electrical signal having a threshold voltage, as shown at 1206. In some embodiments, the electrical signal may be received at an input 1208 on the analyte sensor system 600 and may cause the electrochromic material 1202 to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy 612 to reach the light-sensitive component 614.

[0142] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which photochromic material may be used to prevent premature exposure of the light-sensitive component 614 to light energyP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 42Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01612. For example, in some cases, the top side 606 of the housing 604 may include a photochromic material 1302. In some embodiments, the photochromic material 1302 may form a lens that may be used to control whether the light energy 612 may reach the lightsensitive component 614. For example, prior to the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material 1302 may be configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy 612 is below a threshold to prevent the light energy 612 from reaching the light-sensitive component 614. In such cases, light energy 612 penetrating the applicator device 650, as shown at 1304, may have a diminished intensity below the threshold and may thus prevented from reaching the lightsensitive component of the analyte sensor system based on the opacity of the photochromic material 1302. However, the photochromic material 1302 may be configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system 600 onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy 612 is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy 612 to reach the light-sensitive component.

[0143] FIGS. 14A illustrates an embodiment in which a sensitivity of the lightsensitive component 614 of the analyte sensor system 600 may be set low enough such that the light-sensitive component 614 is configured to not generate an output signal to switch the analyte sensor system 600 to the high power mode based on light-energy that penetrates through the applicator device.

[0144] For example, in some cases, the light energy 612 comprises first light energy and second light energy. As shown at 1402, the first light energy comprises light energy that penetrates through the applicator device 650 prior to the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed onto the body of the user. In some cases, the applicator device 650 may be configured to diminish an intensity of the first light energy that passes through the applicator device 650. For example, a material (e.g., plastic, metal, rubber, etc.) of the applicator device 650 may diminish the intensity of the first light energy that passes through the applicator device 650 as shown at 1402. In such cases, the sensitivity of the light-sensitive component 614 may be set such that the light-sensitive component 614 is configured to not generate the output signal to switch the analyte sensor system 600 to the high power mode based on the first light energy having the diminished intensity. In some embodiments, the sensitivity of the light-sensitive component 614 may define a threshold (e.g., a minimum level of illumination expressed in lux) at which the lightsensitive component 614 outputs the output signal for switching the analyte sensor systemP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 43Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01600 to the high power mode discussed above.

[0145] In some embodiments, when the sensitivity of the light-sensitive component 614 is set low (e.g., a minimum level of illumination expressed in lux is high), in order to ensure that the analyte sensor system 600 activates (e.g., the light-sensitive component outputs the output signal to switch the analyte sensor system 600 to the high power mode) when it is deployed onto the body of the user (e.g., in low-light scenarios), the applicator device 650 may include a light generator 1404 configured to generate the second light energy during deployment of the analyte sensor system 600 onto the body of the user, as shown in FIG. 14B. For example, the user 603 may deploy the analyte sensor system 600 by pressing the trigger button 630 on the applicator device 650, activating the spring 632 and causing the spring 632 to expand downwards as shown at 1408 and causing the analyte sensor system 600 to accelerate down toward the body of the user.

[0146] In some embodiments, the mechanical expansion of the spring 632 and acceleration of the analyte sensor system 600 resulting from the analyte sensor system 600 being deployed may cause the light generator 1404 to generate and output the second light energy, as shown at 1406. In some embodiments, the second light energy may comprise an electrical spark or a flash of light (e.g., generated by a light bulb, lightemitting diode, etc.). In some embodiments, the second light energy output at 1406 in FIG. 14B may have an intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy shown in FIG. 14A. In some embodiments, the sensitivity of the lightsensitive component 614 of the analyte sensor system 600 may be set such that the lightsensitive component 614 is configured to generate and output the output signal based on the second light energy having the intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy. In other words, the light generator 1404 of the applicator device 650 may generate the second light energy with a high enough intensity in order to cause the light-sensitive component 614 to generate the output signal to cause the analyte sensor system 600 to switch to the high power mode, allowing the analyte sensor system 600 to activate even in low lighting conditions.

[0147] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate some additional embodiments for preventing premature exposure of the light-sensitive component 614 of the analyte sensor system 600 to light energy. For example, FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate different views of the removable cap 628 of the applicator device 650. As shown, the removable cap 628 may include a plurality of holes 1502 configured to allow a sterilizing gas into the cup-shapedP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 44Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 portion 652 of the applicator device 650 to sterilize the analyte sensor system during a manufacturing process. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15B, the plurality of holes 1502 may be sealed with an opaque high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fiber material 1504 (e.g., Tyvek) to prevent the light energy 612 from entering the cup-shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0148] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which an inner surface of a cup- shaped portion 652 of the applicator device 650 may comprise an opaque spray coating 1602 configured to prevent the light energy 612 from penetrating through the cup- shaped portion 652 and reaching the light-sensitive component 614 of the analyte sensor system 600.

[0149] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment in which the cup-shaped portion 652 of the applicator device 650 further includes a cartridge 1702 that surrounds and holds analyte sensor system 600 within the cup-shaped portion 652 prior to being deployed onto the body of the user. In some cases, the cartridge 1702 may be composed of an opaque material configured to prevent the light energy 612 from penetrating through the cartridge 1702 and reaching the light-sensitive component 614 of the analyte sensor system 600.Example Operations

[0150] FIG. 18 shows an example of a method 1800 for wireless communication by an analyte sensor system, such as the analyte sensor system 400, the analyte sensor system 500, and / or the analyte sensor system 600. In some embodiments, one or more operations of the method 700 may be performed by one or more processors of the analyte sensor system, such as the one or more processors 11, based on instructions stored in one or more memories. For example, in some embodiments, the analyte sensor system may include one or more memories, such as the one or more memories 14, including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the analyte sensor system to perform one or more operations of the method 700.

[0151] Method 1800 begins at step 1805 with receiving, by a light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system, light energy.

[0152] Method 1800 then proceeds to step 1810 with outputting, by the lightsensitive component, an output signal based on the light energy.

[0153] Method 1800 then proceeds to step 1815 with receiving, by a sensor electronics module of the analyte sensor system in a low-power mode, the output signalP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 45Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 from the light-sensitive component. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for receiving and / or code for receiving as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0154] Method 1800 then proceeds to step 1820 with switching, by the sensor electronics module, the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high- power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for switching and / or code for switching as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0155] Method 1800 then proceeds to step 1825 with receiving, by the sensor electronics module in the high-power mode, analyte measurements from a transcutaneous analyte sensor of the analyte sensor system. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for receiving and / or code for receiving as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0156] Method 1800 then proceeds to step 1830 with transmitting, by the sensor electronics module, analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for transmitting and / or code for transmitting as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0157] In some aspects, receiving the output signal from the light-sensitive component comprises receiving the output signal by a power activation module of the sensor electronics module. In some aspects, receiving the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor comprises receiving the analyte measurements by an analog front end (AFE) of the sensor electronics module. In some aspects, transmitting the analyte data to the display device comprises transmitting the analyte data by a microcontroller unit (MCU) of the sensor electronics module.

[0158] In some aspects, the method 1800 further includes, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user, operating the sensor electronics module in the low-power mode. In some aspects, while operating the sensor electronics module in the low-power mode, the MCU operates in a powered-off state and the AFE consumes less energy relative to the high-power mode. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for operating and / or code for operating as described with reference to FIG. 20.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 46Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0159] In some aspects, the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

[0160] In some aspects, the power activation module is part of the AFE. In some aspects, the method further comprises, while in the low-power mode, measuring, by the power activation module, a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

[0161] In some aspects, the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.

[0162] In some aspects, the method 1800 further includes, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for closing and / or code for closing as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0163] In some aspects, the method 1800 further includes operating the AFE and the MCU in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user. In some aspects, while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE and the MCU operate in a powered-OFF state. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for operating and / or code for operating as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0164] In some aspects, the light-sensitive component comprises a photovoltaic sensor.

[0165] In some aspects, the method 1800 further includes, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for closing and / or code for closing as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0166] In some aspects, the method 1800 further includes outputting, by the MCU of the sensor electronics module after switching from the low-power mode to the high- power mode, a lock signal to the power switch. In some aspects, the lock signal locks theP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 47Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 power switch on regardless of the light energy. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for outputting and / or code for outputting as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0167] In some aspects, the analyte sensor system further includes a housing configured to encase a circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor. In some aspects, the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side. In some aspects, the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user. In some aspects, the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side. In some aspects, the circuit board is included within the housing and disposed between the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

[0168] In some aspects, the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the light-sensitive component.

[0169] In some aspects, the aperture is included on the top side of the housing. In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0170] In some aspects, the analyte sensor system further includes a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing. In some aspects, the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

[0171] In some aspects, the tube structure is opaque to visible light.

[0172] In some aspects, the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0173] In some aspects, the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.

[0174] In some aspects, the analyte sensor system further includes an optical fiber extending between the aperture and the light-sensitive component. In some aspects, the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

[0175] In some aspects, the aperture is included on the top side of the housing. In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on aP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 48Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0176] In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

[0177] In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture. In some aspects, the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0178] In some aspects, the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing. In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0179] In some aspects, the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, through the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

[0180] In some aspects, the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

[0181] In some aspects, the aperture is included in the sidewall of the housing.

[0182] In some aspects, the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness. In some aspects, the top side of the housing has a second thickness. In some aspects, the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

[0183] In some aspects, the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component. In some aspects, the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0184] In some aspects, the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity. In some aspects, the top side of the housing has a second opacity. In some aspects, the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

[0185] In some aspects, the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component. In some aspects, the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 49Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0186] In some aspects, the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material. In some aspects, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material is configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component. In some aspects, the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.

[0187] In some aspects, the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material. In some aspects, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the lightsensitive component. In some aspects, the photochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component.

[0188] In one aspect, method 1800, or any aspect related to it, may be performed by an apparatus, such as health management device 2000of FIG. 20, which includes various components operable, configured, or adapted to perform the method 1800. Health management device 2000is described below in further detail.

[0189] Note that FIG. 18 is just one example of a method, and other methods including fewer, additional, or alternative steps are possible consistent with this disclosure.

[0190] FIG. 19 shows an example of a method 1900 for activating an analyte sensor system, such as the analyte sensor system 400, the analyte sensor system 500, and / or the analyte sensor system 600.

[0191] Method 1900 begins at step 1905 with removing an applicator device and analyte sensor system from packaging material in which the applicator device and analyte sensor system are stored. In some aspects, the analyte sensor system resides inside the applicator device prior to being deployed onto a body of a user.

[0192] Method 1900 then proceeds to step 1910 with removing a removable cap of the applicator device, exposing an opening on a bottom side of the applicator device.

[0193] Method 1900 then proceeds to step 1915 with pressing the opening on theP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 50Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 bottom side of the applicator device against a body of a user of the analyte sensor system.

[0194] Method 1900 then proceeds to step 1920 with deploying the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user using a trigger button on the applicator device.

[0195] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes receiving, by a lightsensitive component of the analyte sensor system after deploying the analyte sensor system, light energy.

[0196] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes outputting, by the lightsensitive component, an output signal based on the light energy.

[0197] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes receiving, by a sensor electronics module of the analyte sensor system in a low-power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for receiving and / or code for receiving as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0198] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes switching, by the sensor electronics module, the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high- power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for switching and / or code for switching as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0199] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes receiving, by the sensor electronics module in the high-power mode, analyte measurements from a transcutaneous analyte sensor of the analyte sensor system. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for receiving and / or code for receiving as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0200] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes transmitting, by the sensor electronics module, analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for transmitting and / or code for transmitting as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0201] In some aspects, receiving the output signal from the light-sensitive component comprises receiving the output signal by a power activation module of the sensor electronics module. In some aspects, receiving the analyte measurements from theP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 51Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 analyte sensor comprises receiving the analyte measurements by an analog front end (AFE) of the sensor electronics module. In some aspects, transmitting the analyte data to the display device comprises transmitting the analyte data by a microcontroller unit (MCU) of the sensor electronics module.

[0202] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, operating the sensor electronics module in the low-power mode. In some aspects, while operating the sensor electronics module in the low-power mode, the MCU operates in a powered-off state and the AFE consumes less energy relative to the high-power mode. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for operating and / or code for operating as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0203] In some aspects, the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

[0204] In some aspects, the power activation module is part of the AFE. In some aspects, the method further comprises, while in the low-power mode, measuring, by the power activation module, a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

[0205] In some aspects, the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.

[0206] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for closing and / or code for closing as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0207] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes operating the AFE and the MCU in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user. In some aspects, while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE and the MCU operate in a powered-OFF state. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for operating and / or code for operating as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0208] In some aspects, the light-sensitive component comprises a photovoltaicP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 52Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 sensor.

[0209] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for closing and / or code for closing as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0210] In some aspects, the method 1900 further includes outputting, by the MCU of the sensor electronics module after switching from the low-power mode to the high- power mode, a lock signal to the power switch. In some aspects, the lock signal locks the power switch on regardless of the light energy. In some cases, the operations of this step refer to, or may be performed by, circuitry for outputting and / or code for outputting as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0211] In some aspects, the analyte sensor system further includes a housing configured to encase a circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor. In some aspects, the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side. In some aspects, the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user. In some aspects, the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side. In some aspects, the circuit board is included within the housing and disposed between the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

[0212] In some aspects, the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the light-sensitive component.

[0213] In some aspects, the aperture is included on the top side of the housing. In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0214] In some aspects, the analyte sensor system further includes a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing. In some aspects, the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

[0215] In some aspects, the tube structure is opaque to visible light.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 53Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0216] In some aspects, the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0217] In some aspects, the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.

[0218] In some aspects, the applicator device includes: a cup- shaped portion in which the analyte sensor system is configured to reside prior to being deployed onto the body of the user. In some aspects, a removable cap configured to seal the analyte sensor system inside the cup- shaped portion.

[0219] In some aspects, the removable cap includes a plurality of holes configured to allow a sterilizing gas into the cup-shaped portion to sterilize the analyte sensor system during a manufacturing process. In some aspects, the plurality of holes are sealed with an opaque high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fiber material to prevent the light energy from entering the cup-shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0220] In some aspects, an inner surface of the cup-shaped portion comprises an opaque spray coating configured to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cup-shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0221] In some aspects, the cup-shaped portion further includes a cartridge that surrounds and holds analyte sensor system within the cup-shaped portion prior to being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0222] In some aspects, the cartridge is composed of an opaque material configured to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cartridge and reaching the lightsensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0223] In some aspects, the cup-shaped portion includes a top side, a bottom side, and one or more sidewalls. In some aspects, the one or more sidewalls are disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side and the bottom side. In some aspects, the top side and the one or more sidewalls are composed of a solid material. In some aspects, the bottom side comprises a hole configured to be sealed by the removable cap.

[0224] In some aspects, the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 54Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0225] In some aspects, the aperture is included on the top side of the housing. In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0226] In some aspects, the applicator device includes a sealing material, extending from the top side of the cup-shaped portion, configured to seal the aperture included in the top side of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0227] In some aspects, after the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0228] In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

[0229] In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture. In some aspects, the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0230] In some aspects, the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing. In some aspects, the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0231] In some aspects, the removable cap of the applicator device includes a vertically oriented shaft member extending from an interior surface of removable cap. In some aspects, the shaft member includes a first end and a second end. In some aspects, the first end of the shaft member is attached to the interior surface of the removable cap. In some aspects, the second end of the shaft member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0232] In some aspects, after the removable cap of the applicator device is removed from the cup-shaped portion of the applicator device, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the lightsensitive component.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 55Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0233] In some aspects, the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, through the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

[0234] In some aspects, the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

[0235] In some aspects, the aperture is included in the sidewall of the housing.

[0236] In some aspects, applicator device includes an arm member extending from an interior surface of the one or more sidewalls of the applicator device. In some aspects, the arm member includes a first end and a second end. In some aspects, the first end of the arm member is attached to the interior surface of the one or more sidewalls. In some aspects, the second end of the arm member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in sidewall of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0237] In some aspects, after the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0238] In some aspects, the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness. In some aspects, the top side of the housing has a second thickness. In some aspects, the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

[0239] In some aspects, the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component. In some aspects, the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0240] In some aspects, the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity. In some aspects, the top side of the housing has a second opacity. In some aspects, the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

[0241] In some aspects, the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component. In some aspects, the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy toP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 56Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0242] In some aspects, the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material. In some aspects, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material is configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component. In some aspects, the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.

[0243] In some aspects, the applicator device includes a voltage generator configured to mechanically generate the electrical signal based on an acceleration of the analyte sensor system caused by the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0244] In some aspects, the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material. In some aspects, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the lightsensitive component. In some aspects, the photochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component.

[0245] In some aspects, the light energy comprises first light energy and second light energy. In some aspects, the first light energy comprises light energy that penetrates through the applicator device prior to the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user. In some aspects, the applicator device is configured to diminish an intensity of the first light energy that penetrates through the applicator device. In some aspects, a sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to not generate the output signal based on the first light energy having the diminished intensity.

[0246] In some aspects, the applicator device includes a light generator configured to generate the second light energy during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user. In some aspects, the second light energy has an intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy. In some aspects, theP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 57Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to generate the output signal based on the second light energy having the intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy.

[0247] In one aspect, method 1900, or any aspect related to it, may be performed by an apparatus, such as health management device 2000of FIG. 20, which includes various components operable, configured, or adapted to perform the method 1900. Communications device 2100 is described below in further detail.

[0248] Note that FIG. 19 is just one example of a method, and other methods including fewer, additional, or alternative steps are possible consistent with this disclosure.Example Health Monitoring Devices

[0249] FIG. 20 depicts aspects of an example health management device 2000. In some aspects, health management device 2000 is an analyte sensor system, such as the SS 8, the analyte sensor system 400, the analyte sensor system 500, and / or the analyte sensor system 600.

[0250] The health management device 2000 includes a processing system 2005 coupled to the transceiver 2055 (e.g., a transmitter and / or a receiver). The transceiver 2055 is configured to transmit and receive signals for the health management device 2000 via the antenna 2060, such as the various signals and messages as described herein. The processing system 2005 may be configured to perform processing functions for the health management device 2000, including processing signals received and / or to be transmitted by the health management device 2000.

[0251] The health management device 2000 includes an analyte sensor 2001 configured to perform measurements of an analyte concentration level of a user of the health management device 2000. In various aspects, the analyte sensor 2001 may be representative of the analyte sensor 10, the analyte sensor 406, the analyte sensor 506, and / or the analyte sensor 620. The processing system 2005 includes one or more processors 2010. In various aspects, the one or more processors 2010 may be representative of the one or more processors 11, as described with respect to FIG. 2. The analyte sensor 2001 and the one or more processors 2010 are coupled to a computer- readable medium / memory 2030 via a bus 2050. In some aspects, the computer-readableP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 58Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 medium / memory 2030 may be representative of the one or more memories 14, as described with respect to FIG. 2. In certain aspects, the computer-readable medium / memory 2030 is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer-executable code) that when executed by the one or more processors 2010, cause the one or more processors 2010 to perform the method 1800 described with respect to FIG. 18, the method 1900 described with respect to FIG. 19, or any aspect related to these methods. Note that reference to a processor performing a function of health management device 2000 may include one or more processors 2010 performing that function of health management device 2000.

[0252] In the depicted example, computer-readable medium / memory 2030 stores code (e.g., executable instructions), such as code for receiving 2035, code for outputting 2036, code for switching 2037, code for transmitting 2038, code for operating 2039, code for measuring 2040, and code for closing 2041. Processing of the code for receiving 2035, code for outputting 2036, code for switching 2037, code for transmitting 2038, code for operating 2039, code for measuring 2040, and code for closing 2041 may cause the health management device 2000 to perform the method 1800 described with respect to FIG. 18, the method 1900 described with respect to FIG. 19, or any aspect related to these methods.

[0253] The one or more processors 2010 include circuitry configured to implement (e.g., execute) the code stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 2030, including circuitry for receiving 2015, circuitry for outputting 2016, circuitry for switching 2017, circuitry for transmitting 2018, circuitry for operating 2019, circuitry for measuring 2020, and circuitry for closing 2021. Processing with circuitry for circuitry for receiving 2015, circuitry for outputting 2016, circuitry for switching 2017, circuitry for transmitting 2018, circuitry for operating 2019, circuitry for measuring 2020, and circuitry for closing 2021 may cause the health management device 2000 to perform the method 1800 described with respect to FIG. 18, the method 1900 described with respect to FIG. 19, or any aspect related to these methods.Example Clauses

[0254] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0255] Clause 1: A method for wireless communication by analyte sensor system, comprising: receiving, by a light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system, lightP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 59Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 energy; outputting, by the light-sensitive component, an output signal based on the light energy; receiving, by a sensor electronics module of the analyte sensor system in a low- power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component; switching, by the sensor electronics module, the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receiving, by the sensor electronics module in the high-power mode, analyte measurements from a transcutaneous analyte sensor of the analyte sensor system; and transmitting, by the sensor electronics module, analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

[0256] Clause 2: The method of Clause 1, wherein: receiving the output signal from the light-sensitive component comprises receiving the output signal by a power activation module of the sensor electronics module; receiving the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor comprises receiving the analyte measurements by an analog front end (AFE) of the sensor electronics module; and transmitting the analyte data to the display device comprises transmitting the analyte data by a microcontroller unit (MCU) of the sensor electronics module.

[0257] Clause 3: The method of Clause 2, further comprising, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user, operating the sensor electronics module in the low-power mode, wherein while operating the sensor electronics module in the low-power mode, the MCU operates in a powered-off state and the AFE consumes less energy relative to the high-power mode.

[0258] Clause 4: The method of any of Clauses 2-3, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

[0259] Clause 5: The method of Clause 4, wherein: the power activation module is part of the AFE; and the method further comprises, while in the low-power mode, measuring, by the power activation module, a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

[0260] Clause 6: The method of Clause 5, wherein the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.

[0261] Clause 7: The method of any of Clauses 5-6, further comprising, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from aP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 60Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

[0262] Clause 8: The method of any of Clauses 2-7, further comprising operating the AFE and the MCU in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user, wherein while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE and the MCU operate in a powered-OFF state.

[0263] Clause 9: The method of Clause 8, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photovoltaic sensor.

[0264] Clause 10: The method of Clause 9, further comprising, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

[0265] Clause 11: The method of Clause 10, further comprising: outputting, by the MCU of the sensor electronics module after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, a lock signal to the power switch, wherein the lock signal locks the power switch on regardless of the light energy.

[0266] Clause 12: The method of any one of Clauses 1-11, wherein: the analyte sensor system further includes a housing configured to encase a circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user; the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side; and the circuit board is included within the housing and disposed between the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

[0267] Clause 13: The method of Clause 12, wherein the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the lightsensitive component.

[0268] Clause 14: The method of Clause 13, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0269] Clause 15: The method of Clause 14, wherein the analyte sensor systemP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 61Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 further includes a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing, wherein the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

[0270] Clause 16: The method of Clause 15, wherein the tube structure is opaque to visible light.

[0271] Clause 17: The method of any of Clauses 15-16, wherein the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0272] Clause 18: The method of any of Clauses 15-17, wherein the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.

[0273] Clause 19: The method of any of Clauses 13-18, wherein: the analyte sensor system further includes an optical fiber extending between the aperture and the lightsensitive component; and the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

[0274] Clause 20: The method of Clause 19, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0275] Clause 21: The method of Clause 20, wherein the light-sensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

[0276] Clause 22: The method of Clause 21, wherein: the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture; and the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the lightsensitive component.

[0277] Clause 23: The method of Clause 19, wherein: the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0278] Clause 24: The method of Clause 23, wherein the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, through the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

[0279] Clause 25: The method of Clause 19, wherein the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housingP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 62Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 and the bottom side of the housing.

[0280] Clause 26: The method of Clause 25, wherein the aperture is included in the sidewall of the housing.

[0281] Clause 27: The method of any of Clauses 12-26, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness; the top side of the housing has a second thickness; and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

[0282] Clause 28: The method of Clause 27, wherein: the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0283] Clause 29: The method of any of Clauses 12-28, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity; the top side of the housing has a second opacity; and the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

[0284] Clause 30: The method of Clause 29, wherein: the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0285] Clause 31: The method of any of Clauses 12-30, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material is configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.

[0286] Clause 32: The method of any of Clauses 12-31, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the photochromic material is configured toP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 63Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component.

[0287] Clause 33: A method for activating an analyte sensor system, comprising: removing an applicator device and analyte sensor system from packaging material in which the applicator device and analyte sensor system are stored, wherein the analyte sensor system resides inside the applicator device prior to being deployed onto a body of a user; removing a removable cap of the applicator device, exposing an opening on a bottom side of the applicator device; pressing the opening on the bottom side of the applicator device against a body of a user of the analyte sensor system; and deploying the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user using a trigger button on the applicator device.

[0288] Clause 34: The method of Clause 33, further comprising: receiving, by a light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system after deploying the analyte sensor system, light energy; outputting, by the light-sensitive component, an output signal based on the light energy; receiving, by a sensor electronics module of the analyte sensor system in a low-power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component; switching, by the sensor electronics module, the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receiving, by the sensor electronics module in the high-power mode, analyte measurements from a transcutaneous analyte sensor of the analyte sensor system; and transmitting, by the sensor electronics module, analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

[0289] Clause 35: The method of Clause 34, wherein: receiving the output signal from the light-sensitive component comprises receiving the output signal by a power activation module of the sensor electronics module; receiving the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor comprises receiving the analyte measurements by an analog front end (AFE) of the sensor electronics module; and transmitting the analyte data to the display device comprises transmitting the analyte data by a microcontroller unit (MCU) of the sensor electronics module.

[0290] Clause 36: The method of Clause 35, further comprising, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, operating the sensor electronicsP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 64Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 module in the low-power mode, wherein while operating the sensor electronics module in the low-power mode, the MCU operates in a powered-off state and the AFE consumes less energy relative to the high-power mode.

[0291] Clause 37: The method of any of Clauses 35-36, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

[0292] Clause 38: The method of Clause 37, wherein: the power activation module is part of the AFE; and the method further comprises, while in the low-power mode, measuring, by the power activation module, a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

[0293] Clause 39: The method of Clause 38, wherein the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.

[0294] Clause 40: The method of any of Clauses 38-39, further comprising, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

[0295] Clause 41: The method of any of Clauses 35-40, further comprising: operating the AFE and the MCU in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, wherein while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE and the MCU operate in a powered-OFF state.

[0296] Clause 42: The method of Clause 41, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photovoltaic sensor.

[0297] Clause 43: The method of Clause 42, further comprising, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

[0298] Clause 44: The method of Clause 43, further comprising: outputting, by the MCU of the sensor electronics module after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, a lock signal to the power switch, wherein the lock signal locks the power switch on regardless of the light energy.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 65Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0299] Clause 45: The method of any of Clauses 34-44, wherein: the analyte sensor system further includes a housing configured to encase a circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user; the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side; and the circuit board is included within the housing and disposed between the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

[0300] Clause 46: The method of Clause 45, wherein the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the lightsensitive component.

[0301] Clause 47: The method of Clause 46, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0302] Clause 48: The method of Clause 47, wherein the analyte sensor system further includes a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing, wherein the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

[0303] Clause 49: The method of Clause 48, wherein the tube structure is opaque to visible light.

[0304] Clause 50: The method of any of Clauses 48-49, wherein the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0305] Clause 51: The method of any of Clauses 48-50, wherein the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.

[0306] Clause 52: The method of any of Clauses 46-51, wherein the applicator device includes: a cup-shaped portion in which the analyte sensor system is configured to reside prior to being deployed onto the body of the user; and a removable cap configured to seal the analyte sensor system inside the cup-shaped portion.

[0307] Clause 53: The method of Clause 52, wherein: the removable cap includes a plurality of holes configured to allow a sterilizing gas into the cup- shaped portion to sterilize the analyte sensor system during a manufacturing process; and the plurality ofP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 66Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 holes are sealed with an opaque high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fiber material to prevent the light energy from entering the cup-shaped portion and reaching the lightsensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0308] Clause 54: The method of any of Clauses 52-53, wherein an inner surface of the cup-shaped portion comprises an opaque spray coating configured to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cup-shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0309] Clause 55: The method of any of Clauses 52-54, wherein the cup-shaped portion further includes a cartridge that surrounds and holds analyte sensor system within the cup- shaped portion prior to being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0310] Clause 56: The method of Clause 55, wherein the cartridge is composed of an opaque material configured to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cartridge and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0311] Clause 57: The method of any of Clauses 52-56, wherein: the cup-shaped portion includes a top side, a bottom side, and one or more sidewalls; the one or more sidewalls are disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side and the bottom side; the top side and the one or more sidewalls are composed of a solid material; and the bottom side comprises a hole configured to be sealed by the removable cap.

[0312] Clause 58: The method of Clause 57, the analyte sensor system further includes an optical fiber extending between the aperture and the light-sensitive component, wherein the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

[0313] Clause 59: The method of Clause 58, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0314] Clause 60: The method of Clause 59, wherein the applicator device includes a sealing material, extending from the top side of the cup- shaped portion, configured to seal the aperture included in the top side of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0315] Clause 61: The method of Clause 60, wherein, after the analyte sensor systemP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 67Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0316] Clause 62: The method of any of Clause 59-61, wherein the light-sensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

[0317] Clause 63: The method of Clause 62, wherein: the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture; and the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the lightsensitive component.

[0318] Clause 64: The method of Clause 58, wherein: the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0319] Clause 65: The method of Clause 64, wherein: the removable cap of the applicator device includes a vertically oriented shaft member extending from an interior surface of removable cap; the shaft member includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the shaft member is attached to the interior surface of the removable cap; and the second end of the shaft member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0320] Clause 66: The method of Clause 65, wherein, after the removable cap of the applicator device is removed from the cup- shaped portion of the applicator device, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0321] Clause 67: The method of any of Clauses 64-66, wherein the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, through the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

[0322] Clause 68: The method of Clause 58, wherein the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 68Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0323] Clause 69: The method of Clause 68, wherein the aperture is included in the sidewall of the housing.

[0324] Clause 70: The method of Clause 69, wherein: applicator device includes an arm member extending from an interior surface of the one or more sidewalls of the applicator device; the arm member includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the arm member is attached to the interior surface of the one or more sidewalls; and the second end of the arm member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in sidewall of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0325] Clause 71: The method of Clause 70, wherein, after the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0326] Clause 72: The method of any of Clauses 45-70, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness; the top side of the housing has a second thickness; and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

[0327] Clause 73: The method of Clause 72, wherein: the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0328] Clause 74: The method of any of Clauses 45-73, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity; the top side of the housing has a second opacity; and the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

[0329] Clause 75: The method of Clause 74, wherein: the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0330] Clause 76: The method of any of Clauses 45-75, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system beingP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 69Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material is configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.

[0331] Clause 77: The method of Clause 76, wherein the applicator device includes a voltage generator configured to mechanically generate the electrical signal based on an acceleration of the analyte sensor system caused by the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0332] Clause 78: The method of any of Clauses 45-77, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the photochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component.

[0333] Clause 79: The method of any of Clauses 45-78, wherein: the light energy comprises first light energy and second light energy; the first light energy comprises light energy that penetrates through the applicator device prior to the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user; the applicator device is configured to diminish an intensity of the first light energy that penetrates through the applicator device; and a sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to not generate the output signal based on the first light energy having the diminished intensity.

[0334] Clause 80: The method of Clause 79, wherein: the applicator device includes a light generator configured to generate the second light energy during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user; and the second light energy has an intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy; and the sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to generate the output signal based on theP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 70Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 second light energy having the intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy.

[0335] Clause 81: An analyte sensor system, comprising: a transcutaneous analyte sensor configured to generate analyte measurements associated with analyte levels of a user; a light-sensitive component, disposed on a circuit board of the analyte sensor system, configured to generate an output signal based on light energy; a housing configured to encase the circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; and a sensor electronics module disposed on the circuit board and configured to: receive, in a low-power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component; switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receive, in the high-power mode, the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; and transmit analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

[0336] Clause 82: The analyte sensor system of Clause 81, wherein the sensor electronics module comprises: a power activation module configured to receive the output signal from the light-sensitive component; an analog front end (AFE) configured to receive the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; and a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to transmit the analyte data to the display device.

[0337] Clause 83: The analyte sensor system of Clause 82, wherein: prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user, the sensor electronics module is configured to operate in the low-power mode; and while operating in the low- power mode, the MCU is configured to be in a powered-off state and the AFE is configured to consume less energy relative to the high-power mode.

[0338] Clause 84: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 82-83, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

[0339] Clause 85: The analyte sensor system of Clause 84, wherein: the power activation module is part of the AFE; and while in the low-power mode, the power activation module is configured to measure a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

[0340] Clause 86: The analyte sensor system of Clause 85, wherein the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 71Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0341] Clause 87: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 85-86, wherein, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, the power activation module is configured to close a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

[0342] Clause 88: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 82-87, wherein: the AFE and the MCU are configured to operate in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user; and while operating in the low- power mode, the AFE and the MCU are configured to be in a powered-OFF state.

[0343] Clause 89: The analyte sensor system of Clause 88, wherein the lightsensitive component comprises a photovoltaic sensor.

[0344] Clause 90: The analyte sensor system of Clause 89, wherein, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, the power activation module is configured to close a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

[0345] Clause 91: The analyte sensor system of Clause 90, wherein: after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, the MCU of the sensor electronics module is configured to output a lock signal to the power switch; and the lock signal locks the power switch on regardless of the light energy.

[0346] Clause 92: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 81-91, wherein: the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user; and the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side.

[0347] Clause 93: The analyte sensor system of Clause 92, wherein the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the light-sensitive component.

[0348] Clause 94: The analyte sensor system of Clause 93, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 72Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01

[0349] Clause 95: The analyte sensor system of Clause 94, further comprising a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing, wherein the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

[0350] Clause 96: The analyte sensor system of Clause 95, wherein the tube structure is opaque to visible light.

[0351] Clause 97: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 95-96, wherein the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0352] Clause 98: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 95-97, wherein the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.

[0353] Clause 99: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 93-98, further comprising an optical fiber extending between the aperture and the light-sensitive component, wherein the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

[0354] Clause 100: The analyte sensor system of Clause 99, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0355] Clause 101: The analyte sensor system of Clause 100, wherein the lightsensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

[0356] Clause 102: The analyte sensor system of Clause 101, wherein: the lightsensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture; and the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0357] Clause 103: The analyte sensor system of Clause 99, wherein: the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0358] Clause 104: The analyte sensor system of Clause 103, wherein the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, throughP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 73Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

[0359] Clause 105: The analyte sensor system of Clause 99, wherein the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

[0360] Clause 106: The analyte sensor system of Clause 105, wherein the aperture is included in the sidewall of the housing.

[0361] Clause 107: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 92-106, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness; the top side of the housing has a second thickness; and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

[0362] Clause 108: The analyte sensor system of Clause 107, wherein: the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the lightsensitive component.

[0363] Clause 109: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 92-108, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity; the top side of the housing has a second opacity; and the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

[0364] Clause 110: The analyte sensor system of Clause 109, wherein: the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the lightsensitive component.

[0365] Clause 111: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 92-110, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material is configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.

[0366] Clause 112: The analyte sensor system of any of Clauses 92-111, wherein:P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 74Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the photochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component.

[0367] Clause 113: An analyte sensor assembly, comprising: an analyte sensor system; and an applicator device configured to deploy the analyte sensor system onto a body of a user, wherein: the analyte sensor system comprises: a transcutaneous analyte sensor configured to generate analyte measurements associated with analyte levels of a user; a light-sensitive component, disposed on a circuit board of the analyte sensor system, configured to generate an output signal based on light energy; a housing configured to encase the circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; and a sensor electronics module disposed on the circuit board and configured to: receive, in a low-power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component; switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receive, in the high-power mode, the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; and transmit analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

[0368] Clause 114: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 113, wherein the sensor electronics module comprises: a power activation module configured to receive the output signal from the light-sensitive component; an analog front end (AFE) configured to receive the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; and a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to transmit the analyte data to the display device.

[0369] Clause 115: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 114, wherein: prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the sensor electronics module is configured to operate in the low-power mode; and while operating in the low- power mode, the MCU is configured to be in a powered-off state and the AFE is configured to consume less energy relative to the high-power mode.

[0370] Clause 116: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 114-115, whereinP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 75Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

[0371] Clause 117: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 116, wherein: the power activation module is part of the AFE; and while in the low-power mode, the power activation module is configured to measure a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

[0372] Clause 118: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 117, wherein the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.

[0373] Clause 119: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 117-118, wherein, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, the power activation module is configured to close a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

[0374] Clause 120: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 114-119, wherein: the AFE and the MCU are configured to operate in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user; and while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE and the MCU are configured to be in a powered-OFF state.

[0375] Clause 121: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 120, wherein the lightsensitive component comprises a photovoltaic sensor.

[0376] Clause 122: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 121, wherein, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, the power activation module is configured to close a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

[0377] Clause 123: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 122, wherein: after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, the MCU of the sensor electronics module is configured to output a lock signal to the power switch; and the lock signal locks the power switch on regardless of the light energy.

[0378] Clause 124: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 113-123, wherein: the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user; and the topP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 76Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side.

[0379] Clause 125: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 124, wherein the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the light-sensitive component.

[0380] Clause 126: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 125, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0381] Clause 127: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 126, further comprising a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing, wherein the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

[0382] Clause 128: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 127, wherein the tube structure is opaque to visible light.

[0383] Clause 129: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 127-128, wherein the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0384] Clause 130: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 127-129, wherein the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.

[0385] Clause 131: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 125, wherein the applicator device includes: a cup-shaped portion in which the analyte sensor system is configured to reside prior to being deployed onto the body of the user; and a removable cap configured to seal the analyte sensor system inside the cup-shaped portion.

[0386] Clause 132: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 131, wherein: the removable cap includes a plurality of holes configured to allow a sterilizing gas into the cup-shaped portion to sterilize the analyte sensor system during a manufacturing process; and the plurality of holes are sealed with an opaque high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fiber material to prevent the light energy from entering the cup- shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0387] Clause 133: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 131-132, wherein an inner surface of the cup-shaped portion comprises an opaque spray coating configuredP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 77Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cup-shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0388] Clause 134: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 131-133, wherein the cup- shaped portion further includes a cartridge that surrounds and holds analyte sensor system within the cup-shaped portion prior to being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0389] Clause 135: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 134, wherein the cartridge is composed of an opaque material configured to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cartridge and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

[0390] Clause 136: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 131-135, wherein: the cup- shaped portion includes a top side, a bottom side, and one or more sidewalls; the one or more sidewalls are disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side and the bottom side; the top side and the one or more sidewalls are composed of a solid material; and the bottom side comprises a hole configured to be sealed by the removable cap.

[0391] Clause 137: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 136, further comprising an optical fiber extending between the aperture and the light-sensitive component, wherein the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

[0392] Clause 138: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 137, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0393] Clause 139: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 138, wherein the applicator device includes a sealing material, extending from the top side of the cupshaped portion, configured to seal the aperture included in the top side of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0394] Clause 140: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 139, wherein, after the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach theP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 78Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 light-sensitive component.

[0395] Clause 141: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 138-140, wherein the light-sensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

[0396] Clause 142: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 141, wherein: the lightsensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture; and the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

[0397] Clause 143: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 137, wherein: the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

[0398] Clause 144: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 143, wherein: the removable cap of the applicator device includes a vertically oriented shaft member extending from an interior surface of removable cap; the shaft member includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the shaft member is attached to the interior surface of the removable cap; and the second end of the shaft member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0399] Clause 145: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 144, wherein, after the removable cap of the applicator device is removed from the cup-shaped portion of the applicator device, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0400] Clause 146: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 143, wherein the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, through the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

[0401] Clause 147: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 137, wherein the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

[0402] Clause 148: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 147, wherein the apertureP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 79Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 is included in the sidewall of the housing.

[0403] Clause 149: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 148, wherein: applicator device includes an arm member extending from an interior surface of the one or more sidewalls of the applicator device; the arm member includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the arm member is attached to the interior surface of the one or more sidewalls; and the second end of the arm member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in sidewall of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0404] Clause 150: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 149, wherein, after the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

[0405] Clause 151: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 124-150, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness; the top side of the housing has a second thickness; and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

[0406] Clause 152: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 151, wherein: the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the lightsensitive component.

[0407] Clause 153: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 124-152, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity; the top side of the housing has a second opacity; and the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

[0408] Clause 154: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 153, wherein: the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the lightsensitive component.

[0409] Clause 155: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 124-154, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material isP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 80Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.

[0410] Clause 156: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 155, wherein the applicator device includes a voltage generator configured to mechanically generate the electrical signal based on an acceleration of the analyte sensor system caused by the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

[0411] Clause 157: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 124-156, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the photochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component.

[0412] Clause 158: The analyte sensor assembly of any of Clauses 124-157, wherein: the light energy comprises first light energy and second light energy; the first light energy comprises light energy that penetrates through the applicator device prior to the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user; the applicator device is configured to diminish an intensity of the first light energy that penetrates through the applicator device; and a sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to not generate the output signal based on the first light energy having the diminished intensity.

[0413] Clause 159: The analyte sensor assembly of Clause 158, wherein: the applicator device includes a light generator configured to generate the second light energy during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user; and the second light energy has an intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy; and the sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to generate the output signal based on the second light energy having the intensity that is greater than the diminishedP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 81Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 intensity of the first light energy.

[0414] Clause 160: An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors configured to execute instructions stored on one or more memories and to cause the apparatus to perform a method in accordance with any combination of Clauses 1-80.

[0415] Clause 161: An apparatus, comprising means for performing a method in accordance with any combination of Clauses 1-80.

[0416] Clause 162: A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a method in accordance with any combination of Clauses 1-80.

[0417] Clause 163: A computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium comprising code for performing a method in accordance with any combination of Clauses 1-80.Additional Considerations

[0418] In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” and “computer readable medium”, as well as variations thereof, are used to generally refer to transitory or non-transitory media. These and other various forms of computer program media or computer usable / readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processing device for execution. Such instructions embodied on the medium, may generally be referred to as “computer program code” or a “computer program product” or “instructions” (which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings). When executed, such instructions may enable a computing module, such as the SS 8, the analyte sensor system 400, analyte sensor system 500, analyte sensor system 600, display device 150, circuitry related thereto, and / or a processor thereof or connected thereto to perform features or functions of the present disclosure as discussed herein (for example, in connection with methods described above and / or in the claims), including for example when the same is / are incorporated into a system, apparatus, device and / or the like.

[0419] Various embodiments have been described with reference to specific example features thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and figuresP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 82Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above description has described embodiments with reference to different functional units. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units may be used without detracting from the invention. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate computing devices may be performed by the same computing device. Likewise, functionality illustrated to be performed by a single computing device may be distributed amongst several computing devices. Hence, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0420] Although described above in terms of various example embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the present application, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present application should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments.

[0421] Terms and phrases used in the present application, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide illustrative instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; the term “set” should be read to include one or more objects of the type included in the set; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Similarly, the plural may in some cases be recognized as applicable to the singular and vice versa. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skillP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 83Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

[0422] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic, circuitry, or other components, may be combined in a single package or separately maintained and may further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

[0423] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of example block diagrams, flow charts, and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. Moreover, the operations and sub-operations of various methods described herein are not necessarily limited to the order described or shown in the figures, and one of skill in the art will appreciate, upon studying the present disclosure, variations of the order of the operations described herein that are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0424] It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by execution of computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus (such as a controller, microcontroller, microprocessor or the like) in a sensor electronics system to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create instructions for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. TheP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 84Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks presented herein.

[0425] It should be appreciated that all methods and processes disclosed herein may be used in any glucose or other analyte monitoring system, continuous or intermittent. It should further be appreciated that the implementation and / or execution of all methods and processes may be performed by any suitable devices or systems, whether local or remote. Further, any combination of devices or systems may be used to implement the present methods and processes.

[0426] In addition, the operations and sub-operations of methods described herein may be carried out or implemented, in some cases, by one or more of the components, elements, devices, modules, circuitry, processors, etc. of systems, apparatuses, devices, environments, and / or computing modules described herein and referenced in various of figures of the present disclosure, as well as one or more sub- components, elements, devices, modules, processors, circuitry, and the like depicted therein and / or described with respect thereto. In such instances, the description of the methods or aspects thereof may refer to a corresponding component, element, etc., but regardless of whether an explicit reference is made, one of skill in the art will recognize upon studying the present disclosure when the corresponding component, element, etc. may be used. Further, it will be appreciated that such references do not necessarily limit the described methods to the particular component, element, etc. referred to. Thus, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that aspects and features described above in connection with (sub-) components, elements, devices, modules, and circuitry, etc., including variations thereof, may be applied to the various operations described in connection with methods described herein, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 85

Claims

Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01CLAIMS1. An analyte sensor system, comprising: a transcutaneous analyte sensor configured to generate analyte measurements associated with analyte levels of a user; a light-sensitive component, disposed on a circuit board of the analyte sensor system, configured to generate an output signal based on light energy; a housing configured to encase the circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; and a sensor electronics module disposed on the circuit board and configured to: receive, in a low-power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component; switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high- power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receive, in the high-power mode, the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; and transmit analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

2. The analyte sensor system of claim 1, wherein the sensor electronics module comprises: a power activation module configured to receive the output signal from the lightsensitive component; an analog front end (AFE) configured to receive the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; and a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to transmit the analyte data to the display device.

3. The analyte sensor system of claim 2, wherein: prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user, the sensor electronics module is configured to operate in the low-power mode; and while operating in the low-power mode, the MCU is configured to be in a powered-off state and the AFE is configured to consume less energy relative to the high- power mode.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 86Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT014. The analyte sensor system of claim 2, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

5. The analyte sensor system of claim 4, wherein: the power activation module is part of the AFE; and while in the low-power mode, the power activation module is configured to measure a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

6. The analyte sensor system of claim 5, wherein the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.

7. The analyte sensor system of claim 5, wherein, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, the power activation module is configured to close a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

8. The analyte sensor system of claim 2, wherein: the AFE and the MCU are configured to operate in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user; and while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE and the MCU are configured to be in a powered-OFF state.

9. The analyte sensor system of claim 8, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photovoltaic sensor.

10. The analyte sensor system of claim 9, wherein, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, the power activation module is configured to close a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

11. The analyte sensor system of claim 10, wherein:P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 87Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, the MCU of the sensor electronics module is configured to output a lock signal to the power switch; and the lock signal locks the power switch on regardless of the light energy.

12. The analyte sensor system of claim 1, wherein: the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user; and the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side.

13. The analyte sensor system of claim 12, wherein the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the light-sensitive component.

14. The analyte sensor system of claim 13, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

15. The analyte sensor system of claim 14, further comprising a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing, wherein the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

16. The analyte sensor system of claim 15, wherein the tube structure is opaque to visible light.

17. The analyte sensor system of claim 15, wherein the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the lightsensitive component.

18. The analyte sensor system of claim 15, wherein the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 88Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT0119. The analyte sensor system of claim 13, further comprising an optical fiber extending between the aperture and the light-sensitive component, wherein the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

20. The analyte sensor system of claim 19, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

21. The analyte sensor system of claim 20, wherein the light-sensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

22. The analyte sensor system of claim 21, wherein: the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture; and the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

23. The analyte sensor system of claim 19, wherein: the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

24. The analyte sensor system of claim 23, wherein the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, through the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

25. The analyte sensor system of claim 19, wherein the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 89Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT0126. The analyte sensor system of claim 25, wherein the aperture is included in the sidewall of the housing.

27. The analyte sensor system of claim 12, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness; the top side of the housing has a second thickness; and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

28. The analyte sensor system of claim 27, wherein: the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

29. The analyte sensor system of claim 12, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity; the top side of the housing has a second opacity; and the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

30. The analyte sensor system of claim 29, wherein: the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

31. The analyte sensor system of claim 12, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material is configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 90Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT0132. The analyte sensor system of claim 12, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the photochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the lightsensitive component.

33. An analyte sensor assembly, comprising: an analyte sensor system; and an applicator device configured to deploy the analyte sensor system onto a body of a user, wherein: the analyte sensor system comprises: a transcutaneous analyte sensor configured to generate analyte measurements associated with analyte levels of a user; a light-sensitive component, disposed on a circuit board of the analyte sensor system, configured to generate an output signal based on light energy; a housing configured to encase the circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; and a sensor electronics module disposed on the circuit board and configured to: receive, in a low-power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component; switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receive, in the high-power mode, the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; andP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 91Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 transmit analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

34. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 33, wherein the sensor electronics module comprises: a power activation module configured to receive the output signal from the lightsensitive component; an analog front end (AFE) configured to receive the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor; and a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to transmit the analyte data to the display device.

35. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 34, wherein: prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the sensor electronics module is configured to operate in the low-power mode; and while operating in the low-power mode, the MCU is configured to be in a powered-off state and the AFE is configured to consume less energy relative to the high- power mode.

36. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 34, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

37. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 36, wherein: the power activation module is part of the AFE; and while in the low-power mode, the power activation module is configured to measure a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

38. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 37, wherein the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.

39. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 37, wherein, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, the power activation module is configured to close a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery ofP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 92Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the analyte sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

40. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 34, wherein: the AFE and the MCU are configured to operate in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user; and while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE and the MCU are configured to be in a powered-OFF state.

41. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 40, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photovoltaic sensor.

42. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 41, wherein, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, the power activation module is configured to close a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

43. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 42, wherein: after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, the MCU of the sensor electronics module is configured to output a lock signal to the power switch; and the lock signal locks the power switch on regardless of the light energy.

44. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 33, wherein: the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user; and the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side.

45. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 44, wherein the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the light-sensitive component.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 93Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT0146. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 45, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

47. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 46, further comprising a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing, wherein the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

48. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 47, wherein the tube structure is opaque to visible light.

49. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 47, wherein the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the lightsensitive component.

50. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 47, wherein the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.

51. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 45, wherein the applicator device includes: a cup-shaped portion in which the analyte sensor system is configured to reside prior to being deployed onto the body of the user; and a removable cap configured to seal the analyte sensor system inside the cupshaped portion.

52. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 51, wherein: the removable cap includes a plurality of holes configured to allow a sterilizing gas into the cup-shaped portion to sterilize the analyte sensor system during a manufacturing process; and the plurality of holes are sealed with an opaque high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fiber material to prevent the light energy from entering the cup- shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 94Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT0153. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 51, wherein an inner surface of the cupshaped portion comprises an opaque spray coating configured to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cup-shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

54. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 51, wherein the cup-shaped portion further includes a cartridge that surrounds and holds analyte sensor system within the cup-shaped portion prior to being deployed onto the body of the user.

55. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 54, wherein the cartridge is composed of an opaque material configured to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cartridge and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

56. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 51, wherein: the cup-shaped portion includes a top side, a bottom side, and one or more sidewalls; the one or more sidewalls are disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side and the bottom side; the top side and the one or more sidewalls are composed of a solid material; and the bottom side comprises a hole configured to be sealed by the removable cap.

57. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 56, further comprising an optical fiber extending between the aperture and the light-sensitive component, wherein the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

58. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 57, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

59. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 58, wherein the applicator device includes a sealing material, extending from the top side of the cup-shaped portion, configured to seal the aperture included in the top side of the housing of the analyte sensor system toP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 95Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

60. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 59, wherein, after the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

61. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 58, wherein the light-sensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

62. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 61, wherein: the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture; and the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

63. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 57, wherein: the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

64. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 63, wherein: the removable cap of the applicator device includes a vertically oriented shaft member extending from an interior surface of removable cap; the shaft member includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the shaft member is attached to the interior surface of the removable cap; and the second end of the shaft member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 96Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT0165. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 64, wherein, after the removable cap of the applicator device is removed from the cup-shaped portion of the applicator device, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

66. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 63, wherein the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, through the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

67. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 57, wherein the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

68. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 67, wherein the aperture is included in the sidewall of the housing.

69. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 68, wherein: applicator device includes an arm member extending from an interior surface of the one or more sidewalls of the applicator device; the arm member includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the arm member is attached to the interior surface of the one or more sidewalls; and the second end of the arm member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in sidewall of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

70. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 69, wherein, after the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

71. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 44, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness;P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 97Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the top side of the housing has a second thickness; and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

72. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 71, wherein: the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

73. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 44, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity; the top side of the housing has a second opacity; and the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

74. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 73, wherein: the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

75. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 44, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material is configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.

76. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 75, wherein the applicator device includes a voltage generator configured to mechanically generate the electrical signal based on an acceleration of the analyte sensor system caused by the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 98Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT0177. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 44, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the photochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the lightsensitive component.

78. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 44, wherein: the light energy comprises first light energy and second light energy; the first light energy comprises light energy that penetrates through the applicator device prior to the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user; the applicator device is configured to diminish an intensity of the first light energy that penetrates through the applicator device; and a sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to not generate the output signal based on the first light energy having the diminished intensity.

79. The analyte sensor assembly of claim 78, wherein: the applicator device includes a light generator configured to generate the second light energy during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user; and the second light energy has an intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy; and the sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to generate the output signal based on the second light energy having the intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy.

80. A method for wireless communication by analyte sensor system, comprising:P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 99Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 receiving, by a light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system, light energy; outputting, by the light-sensitive component, an output signal based on the light energy; receiving, by a sensor electronics module of the analyte sensor system in a low- power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component; switching, by the sensor electronics module, the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receiving, by the sensor electronics module in the high-power mode, analyte measurements from a transcutaneous analyte sensor of the analyte sensor system; and transmitting, by the sensor electronics module, analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein: receiving the output signal from the light-sensitive component comprises receiving the output signal by a power activation module of the sensor electronics module; receiving the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor comprises receiving the analyte measurements by an analog front end (AFE) of the sensor electronics module; and transmitting the analyte data to the display device comprises transmitting the analyte data by a microcontroller unit (MCU) of the sensor electronics module.

82. The method of claim 81, further comprising, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user, operating the sensor electronics module in the low-power mode, wherein while operating the sensor electronics module in the low- power mode, the MCU operates in a powered-off state and the AFE consumes less energy relative to the high-power mode.

83. The method of claim 81, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

84. The method of claim 83, wherein: the power activation module is part of the AFE; andP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 100Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the method further comprises, while in the low-power mode, measuring, by the power activation module, a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

85. The method of claim 84, wherein the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.

86. The method of claim 84, further comprising, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

87. The method of claim 81, further comprising operating the AFE and the MCU in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto a body of the user, wherein while operating in the low-power mode, the AFE and the MCU operate in a powered-OFF state.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photovoltaic sensor.

89. The method of claim 88, further comprising, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

90. The method of claim 89, further comprising outputting, by the MCU of the sensor electronics module after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, a lock signal to the power switch, wherein the lock signal locks the power switch on regardless of the light energy.

91. The method of claim 80, wherein:P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 101Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the analyte sensor system further includes a housing configured to encase a circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user; the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side; and the circuit board is included within the housing and disposed between the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

92. The method of claim 91, wherein the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the light-sensitive component.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the analyte sensor system further includes a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing, wherein the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein the tube structure is opaque to visible light.

96. The method of claim 94, wherein the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

97. The method of claim 94, wherein the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.

98. The method of claim 92, wherein: the analyte sensor system further includes an optical fiber extending between the aperture and the light-sensitive component; andP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 102Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

99. The method of claim 98, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein the light-sensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein: the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture; and the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

102. The method of claim 98, wherein: the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, through the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

104. The method of claim 98, wherein the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein the aperture is included in the sidewall of the housing.

106. The method of claim 91, wherein:P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 103Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness; the top side of the housing has a second thickness; and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein: the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

108. The method of claim 91, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity; the top side of the housing has a second opacity; and the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

109. The method of claim 108, wherein: the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

110. The method of claim 91 , wherein: the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material is configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.

111. The method of claim 91 , wherein: the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material;P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 104Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the photochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the lightsensitive component.

112. A method for activating an analyte sensor system, comprising: removing an applicator device and analyte sensor system from packaging material in which the applicator device and analyte sensor system are stored, wherein the analyte sensor system resides inside the applicator device prior to being deployed onto a body of a user; removing a removable cap of the applicator device, exposing an opening on a bottom side of the applicator device; pressing the opening on the bottom side of the applicator device against a body of a user of the analyte sensor system; and deploying the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user using a trigger button on the applicator device.

113. The method of claim 112, further comprising: receiving, by a light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system after deploying the analyte sensor system, light energy; outputting, by the light-sensitive component, an output signal based on the light energy; receiving, by a sensor electronics module of the analyte sensor system in a low- power mode, the output signal from the light-sensitive component; switching, by the sensor electronics module, the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to a high-power mode based on the output signal received from the light-sensitive component; receiving, by the sensor electronics module in the high-power mode, analyte measurements from a transcutaneous analyte sensor of the analyte sensor system; andP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 105Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 transmitting, by the sensor electronics module, analyte data associated with the analyte measurements to a display device for display to a user.

114. The method of claim 113, wherein: receiving the output signal from the light-sensitive component comprises receiving the output signal by a power activation module of the sensor electronics module; receiving the analyte measurements from the analyte sensor comprises receiving the analyte measurements by an analog front end (AFE) of the sensor electronics module; and transmitting the analyte data to the display device comprises transmitting the analyte data by a microcontroller unit (MCU) of the sensor electronics module.

115. The method of claim 114, further comprising, prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, operating the sensor electronics module in the low-power mode, wherein while operating the sensor electronics module in the low- power mode, the MCU operates in a powered-off state and the AFE consumes less energy relative to the high-power mode.

116. The method of claim 114, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photodiode.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein: the power activation module is part of the AFE; and the method further comprises, while in the low-power mode, measuring, by the power activation module, a current of the output signal from photodiode according to a periodicity.

118. The method of claim 117, wherein the periodicity is in a range between 10 seconds and one minute.

119. The method of claim 117, further comprising, when the measured current of the output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold current, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyteP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 106Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 sensor system to at least the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

120. The method of claim 114, further comprising: operating the AFE and the MCU in the low-power mode prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, wherein while operating in the low- power mode, the AFE and the MCU operate in a powered-OFF state.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein the light-sensitive component comprises a photovoltaic sensor.

122. The method of claim 121, further comprising, when a voltage of output signal is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage, closing, by the power activation module, a power switch to allow current to flow from a battery of the analyte sensor system to at least the AFE and the MCU in order to switch the sensor electronics module from the low-power mode to the high-power mode.

123. The method of claim 122, further comprising outputting, by the MCU of the sensor electronics module after switching from the low-power mode to the high-power mode, a lock signal to the power switch, wherein the lock signal locks the power switch on regardless of the light energy.

124. The method of claim 113, wherein: the analyte sensor system further includes a housing configured to encase a circuit board and at least a portion of the transcutaneous analyte sensor; the housing comprises a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side is configured to face towards a body of a user when the analyte sensor system is worn by the user; the top side is configured to face in a direction opposite to the bottom side; and the circuit board is included within the housing and disposed between the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

125. The method of claim 124, wherein the housing includes an aperture for allowing the light energy to enter the housing and to be received by the light-sensitive component.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 107Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01126. The method of claim 125, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

127. The method of claim 126, wherein the analyte sensor system further includes a tube structure extending between the circuit board and the top side of the housing, wherein the tube structure circumscribes the light-sensitive component disposed on the circuit board and the aperture included in the top side of the housing.

128. The method of claim 127, wherein the tube structure is opaque to visible light.

129. The method of claim 127, wherein the tube structure includes a hollow interior space configured to channel the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

130. The method of claim 127, wherein the tube structure is formed of plastic, metal, or another opaque material.

131. The method of claim 125, wherein the applicator device includes: a cup- shaped portion in which the analyte sensor system is configured to reside prior to being deployed onto the body of the user; and a removable cap configured to seal the analyte sensor system inside the cupshaped portion.

132. The method of claim 131, wherein: the removable cap includes a plurality of holes configured to allow a sterilizing gas into the cup-shaped portion to sterilize the analyte sensor system during a manufacturing process; and the plurality of holes are sealed with an opaque high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fiber material to prevent the light energy from entering the cup- shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 108Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01133. The method of claim 131, wherein an inner surface of the cup-shaped portion comprises an opaque spray coating configured to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cup-shaped portion and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

134. The method of claim 131, wherein the cup- shaped portion further includes a cartridge that surrounds and holds analyte sensor system within the cup-shaped portion prior to being deployed onto the body of the user.

135. The method of claim 134, wherein the cartridge is composed of an opaque material configured to prevent the light energy from penetrating through the cartridge and reaching the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system.

136. The method of claim 131, wherein: the cup-shaped portion includes a top side, a bottom side, and one or more sidewalls; the one or more sidewalls are disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side and the bottom side; the top side and the one or more sidewalls are composed of a solid material; and the bottom side comprises a hole configured to be sealed by the removable cap.

137. The method of claim 136, the analyte sensor system further includes an optical fiber extending between the aperture and the light-sensitive component, wherein the optical fiber is configured to direct the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component using total internal reflection (TIR).

138. The method of claim 137, wherein: the aperture is included on the top side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath the aperture and on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

139. The method of claim 138, wherein the applicator device includes a sealing material, extending from the top side of the cup- shaped portion, configured to seal the aperture included in the top side of the housing of the analyte sensor system to preventP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 109Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein, after the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

141. The method of claim 138, wherein the light-sensitive component is disposed directly underneath the aperture on the top side of the circuit board.

142. The method of claim 141, wherein: the light-sensitive component is disposed underneath and laterally offset from the aperture; and the optical fiber comprises a bent structure for directing the light energy from the aperture to the light-sensitive component.

143. The method of claim 137, wherein: the aperture is included on the bottom side of the housing; and the light-sensitive component is disposed on a top side of the circuit board facing the top side of the housing.

144. The method of claim 143, wherein: the removable cap of the applicator device includes a vertically oriented shaft member extending from an interior surface of removable cap; the shaft member includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the shaft member is attached to the interior surface of the removable cap; and the second end of the shaft member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

145. The method of claim 144, wherein, after the removable cap of the applicator device is removed from the cup-shaped portion of the applicator device, the aperture isP+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 110Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

146. The method of claim 143, wherein the optical fiber comprises a bent structure that extends from the light-sensitive component, through the circuit board, to the aperture included in the bottom side of the housing.

147. The method of claim 137, wherein the housing further comprises a sidewall disposed between, and oriented perpendicular to, the top side of the housing and the bottom side of the housing.

148. The method of claim 147, wherein the aperture is included in the sidewall of the housing.

149. The method of claim 148, wherein: applicator device includes an arm member extending from an interior surface of the one or more sidewalls of the applicator device; the arm member includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the arm member is attached to the interior surface of the one or more sidewalls; and the second end of the arm member comprises a sealing material configured to seal the aperture included in sidewall of the housing of the analyte sensor system to prevent the light energy from entering the aperture and reaching the light-sensitive component prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

150. The method of claim 149, wherein, after the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user, the aperture is configured to be free of the sealing material to allow the light energy to enter the aperture and reach the light-sensitive component.

151. The method of claim 124, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first thickness; the top side of the housing has a second thickness; and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 111Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01152. The method of claim 151, wherein: the first thickness of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second thickness of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

153. The method of claim 124, wherein: the bottom side of the housing has a first opacity; the top side of the housing has a second opacity; and the first opacity is higher than the second opacity.

154. The method of claim 153, wherein: the first opacity of the bottom side prevents the light energy from penetrating the bottom side of the housing and reaching the light-sensitive component; and the second opacity of the top side allows the light energy to penetrate the top side of the housing and reach the light-sensitive component.

155. The method of claim 124, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises an electrochromic material; prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the electrochromic material is configured to be opaque to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the electrochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent to allow the light energy to reach the light-sensitive component in response to an electrical signal mechanically generated during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user.

156. The method of claim 155, wherein the applicator device includes a voltage generator configured to mechanically generate the electrical signal based on an acceleration of the analyte sensor system caused by the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user.

157. The method of claim 124, wherein: the top side of the housing comprises a photochromic material;P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 112Dexcom Ref. No.: 0964-PCT01 prior to the analyte sensor system being deployed onto the body of the user, the photochromic material is configured to be opaque when an intensity of the light energy is below a threshold to prevent the light energy from reaching the light-sensitive component; and the photochromic material is configured to switch to being transparent, during or after deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user, when the intensity of the light energy is greater than the threshold to allow the light energy to reach the lightsensitive component.

158. The method of claim 124, wherein: the light energy comprises first light energy and second light energy; the first light energy comprises light energy that penetrates through the applicator device prior to the analyte sensor system is deployed onto the body of the user; the applicator device is configured to diminish an intensity of the first light energy that penetrates through the applicator device; and a sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to not generate the output signal based on the first light energy having the diminished intensity.

159. The method of claim 158, wherein: the applicator device includes a light generator configured to generate the second light energy during deployment of the analyte sensor system onto the body of the user; and the second light energy has an intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy; and the sensitivity of the light-sensitive component of the analyte sensor system is set such that the light-sensitive component is configured to generate the output signal based on the second light energy having the intensity that is greater than the diminished intensity of the first light energy.P+S Ref. No.: DEXC / 0964PC 113

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