Multi-Band Implant Antenna With Isolation for Dual-Range Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable medical device systems require separate antennas for near-field and far-field communication, limiting the miniaturization of external components due to the need for two physically distinct wireless communication paths.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band antenna arrangement with an isolation circuit and coil driver enables simultaneous near-field and far-field communication using a single antenna, incorporating a high-pass filter and isolation coupler to separate and protect far-field wireless circuitry from near-field signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antennas are used for near-field and far-field communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines near-field and far-field communication antennas into a single multi-band antenna structure. The antenna is designed with multiple resonant elements that can operate at different frequencies and modes: electrically small antennas for near-field magnetic coupling and larger radiating elements for far-field electromagnetic waves, all integrated within one antenna assembly rather than using separate physical antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-band antenna is designed to perform multiple communication functions simultaneously - it can operate in near-field mode for short-range high-data-rate communication with implantable devices and in far-field mode for long-range communication with external devices. The antenna structure includes elements that can be selectively activated or tuned to provide different communication modes as needed.
2Volume of moving object
If a single antenna is used for both near-field and far-field communication, then device size is reduced, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-band antenna is segmented into distinct functional elements - electrically small antennas for near-field operation and larger radiating elements for far-field operation. These segmented elements are spatially arranged and electrically isolated within the single antenna structure, allowing independent operation and reducing mutual interference between near-field and far-field communication modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs isolation circuits and impedance matching networks as intermediary elements between different antenna elements and communication circuits. These intermediary components provide electrical isolation and signal conditioning to prevent near-field signals from interfering with far-field communication and vice versa, enabling simultaneous operation of both modes within the single antenna structure.
3Reliability
If separate communication paths are used for near-field and far-field signals, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate near-field and far-field communication paths into a unified multi-band antenna interface. Instead of maintaining completely separate physical communication paths, the design integrates both communication modes through a single antenna structure with shared mounting and support infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining distinct signal paths through electromagnetic isolation.
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 communication in both near-field and far-field without the need for separate antennas, allowing for smaller and more compact external components in implantable medical device systems.
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 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.