Implantable Temperature Sensing Architecture Using Bandgap and CTAT
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a temperature sensor in implantable medical devices increases complexity, cost, and resource usage, posing challenges for existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing architecture that leverages existing circuitry in implantable devices, utilizing a bandgap reference voltage and CTAT voltage to determine device temperature without extensive modifications, enabling efficient temperature monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is added to the implantable device, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing circuit components (bandgap reference voltage circuit and CTAT voltage circuit) perform dual functions: their original functions plus temperature sensing. The bandgap reference voltage circuit continues to provide stable reference voltage while also serving as a temperature sensing element, and the CTAT voltage circuit provides both voltage regulation and temperature measurement capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function with existing voltage reference and regulation circuits. Specifically, the bandgap reference voltage circuit and CTAT voltage circuit are combined to form an integrated temperature sensing system. The ADC shares inputs with these circuits, and the processor integrates temperature data processing with existing control functions, thereby combining multiple functions into unified circuit blocks.
2Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is added to the implantable device, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making existing circuits perform dual functions (voltage reference/regulation plus temperature sensing), the patent eliminates the need for separate temperature sensor components, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing bandgap reference voltage circuit and CTAT voltage circuit serve themselves by providing temperature sensing capability as an additional function. These circuits use their own internal characteristics (voltage-temperature relationships) to generate temperature data without requiring external sensing components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is added to the implantable device, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing circuits perform dual functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate temperature sensor components and their associated power consumption. The ADC, processor, and other existing resources are utilized for temperature data acquisition and processing, avoiding the need for additional dedicated resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The bandgap reference voltage circuit and CTAT voltage circuit generate temperature data using their own operational characteristics without requiring additional power-consuming sensing components. The system uses existing power and processing resources efficiently by integrating temperature sensing into the existing architecture rather than adding separate resource-intensive temperature sensing subsystems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates dynamic optimization of implantable device functions, allows for recipient temperature monitoring, and provides alerts or adjustments based on temperature changes, enhancing safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a first node in the integrated circuit configured to provide a bandgap reference voltage
Implementation Method 2
a second node in the integrated circuit configured to provide a complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a device configured to be implanted within a recipient and that includes an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may include a first node configured to provide a bandgap reference voltage and a second node configured to provide a CTAT voltage. The first node may be coupled to a first input of an ADC and the second node may be coupled to a second input of the ADC. The system may also include a processor communicatively coupled to an output of the ADC. The processor may be configured to determine, based on the output of the ADC, the CTAT voltage. The processor may be further configured to determine, based on the CTAT voltage, a temperature of the device.