Pulse-Skipping Boost Converter Noise Control for Medical Device Programmers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical device programmers face challenges with switching noise from pulse-skipping boost converters, which can undermine wireless telemetry performance, especially when using common battery cells like AAA cells.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pulse-skipping dc-dc boost converter with a control circuit that inhibits pulse skipping based on battery voltage levels, reducing switching noise and ensuring effective communication with implantable medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pulse-skipping boost converter is used to convert battery voltage to operating voltage, then cost is reduced and common battery cells can be used, but switching noise increases and wireless telemetry performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the boost converter operation mode based on battery voltage levels. When battery voltage is high, pulse-skipping mode is inhibited to reduce noise. When battery voltage drops below a threshold, pulse-skipping mode is enabled to maintain adequate voltage conversion, optimizing both noise performance and cost-effectiveness throughout the battery lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the boost converter by selectively enabling or disabling pulse-skipping mode based on battery voltage conditions. This parameter change allows the system to transition between different conversion modes (continuous vs. pulse-skipping) to balance noise reduction with cost and battery compatibility
2Power
If a pulse-skipping boost converter operates at high battery voltage, then voltage conversion is maintained, but switching noise increases and undermines telemetry performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring battery voltage levels and using this information to control the pulse-skipping inhibit signal. The control circuit continuously adjusts the boost converter operation based on real-time battery voltage feedback, ensuring telemetry performance is maintained when voltage levels would otherwise cause excessive noise
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
This solution allows for reliable wireless telemetry performance by reducing noise interference, enabling proper communication and programming of implantable medical devices while using conventional and cost-effective boost converter technology.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse-skipping boost converter to convert a battery voltage to an operating voltage for the programmer
Data Source
AI summary
A programmer for a medical device, such as a neurostimulator, includes a reduced-noise power supply that converts dc power provided by a battery source to power for components within the programmer. The power supply includes a pulse-skipping dc-dc boost converter. The programmer provides an input circuit for selectively inhibiting pulse-skipping to reduce switching noise that could otherwise undermine wireless telemetry performance between the programmer and a medical device.