Multi-Band Implant Antenna Isolation for Near- and Far-Field Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable medical device systems require two separate antennas for near-field and far-field wireless communication, limiting the miniaturization of external components due to the need for distinct wireless communication paths.
Innovation Solution
A medical device component with a multi-band antenna arrangement, a coil driver, and an isolation circuit that enables both near-field and far-field communication using a single antenna, allowing the same antenna to receive and transmit signals across different frequency ranges by employing a high-pass filter and isolation coupler to separate near-field and far-field signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate antennas are used for near-field and far-field wireless communication, then reliable communication in both ranges is achieved, but device size increases and miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single antenna to perform both near-field and far-field wireless communication functions. The antenna is designed with specific geometric characteristics and impedance properties that allow it to operate effectively across different communication ranges and frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennas for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by operating the single antenna across different frequency bands and impedance states. The system adjusts operational parameters such as frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz for near-field, 2.4 GHz for far-field) and impedance matching to optimize performance for the specific communication range required, allowing one antenna to adapt to multiple communication modes.
2Volume of moving object
If a single antenna is used for both near-field and far-field communication, then device miniaturization is enabled, but signal interference and isolation between communication modes becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by introducing a switch or impedance matching network between the antenna and the communication circuits. This intermediary component selectively connects the antenna to different communication modes (near-field or far-field) based on operational requirements, preventing direct signal interference while maintaining the benefits of a single antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the antenna structure into distinct geometric regions or zones with different electrical characteristics. The antenna may incorporate segmented elements with different lengths, widths, or configurations that resonate at different frequencies, allowing independent optimization for near-field and far-field operations while maintaining physical integration.
3Reliability
If separate wireless communication paths are used for near-field and far-field, then communication performance is optimized, but manufacturing complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating the near-field and far-field antenna structures into a single integrated antenna assembly. This unified structure reduces the total number of components, simplifies manufacturing processes, and decreases assembly steps while maintaining the communication performance characteristics of both modes through careful electromagnetic design and impedance matching.
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
Enables efficient wireless communication in both near-field and far-field ranges without the need for separate antennas, facilitating smaller device designs while maintaining effective data and power transfer between implantable and external components and other external devices.
Implementation Method 1
configured to receive, via the multi-band antenna arrangement, near-field signals from an implantable component inductively coupled to the multi-band antenna arrangement
Implementation Method 2
configured to receive, via the multi-band antenna arrangement, far-field signals from at least one external device and to provide the far-field signals to the electronics circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques that provide a medical device component with the ability to communicate in both the near-field and far-field via a single antenna arrangement. More specifically, a medical device component includes an electronics circuit, a coil driver, an antenna arrangement, and an isolation circuit. The isolation circuit operates to extract far-field signals received at the antenna arrangement and provide these signals to the electronics circuit. The electronics circuit is protected from near-field signals received at the antenna arrangement via the isolation circuit.