Tapped Coil RF Implant Transceiver for Power and Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for implants do not satisfactorily integrate data communication, often requiring separate antenna pairs for power transfer and data transmission, increasing implant size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A tapped coil antenna system with a first and second section, coupled with a switch and rectifier, enables simultaneous power transfer and data communication by using a single antenna for both functions, with a switch controlling the second section to generate pulsed magnetic fields for uplink data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antenna pairs are used for power transfer and data communication, then communication reliability is improved, but implant size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transfer and data communication functions into a single antenna system. The tapped coil antenna structure allows the same antenna to perform both wireless power transfer and bidirectional data communication, eliminating the need for separate antenna pairs and thereby reducing implant size while maintaining communication reliability through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna system is designed to perform multiple functions: wireless power transfer, downlink data communication (to the implant), and uplink data communication (from the implant). This multi-functional design allows one antenna to replace what would traditionally require three separate antennas, directly addressing the size reduction goal while preserving all necessary communication capabilities
2Volume of moving object
If a single antenna is used for both power transfer and data communication, then implant size is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into two distinct sections: a first section for receiving power transfer signals and a second section for bidirectional data communication. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while being part of a unified antenna structure, managing complexity through modular functional division rather than requiring completely separate antenna systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a switch that dynamically connects or disconnects the second antenna section based on operational mode. During power transfer, the switch connects the second section to enable full antenna functionality. During data communication modes, the switch selectively engages the second section. This dynamic switching manages complexity by controlling when different sections are active, preventing constant complexity while maintaining size reduction benefits
3Use of energy by moving object
If the second section of the tapped coil antenna is continuously connected, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but uplink data transmission capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switch operates periodically, connecting the second antenna section during power transfer phases and disconnecting it during uplink data transmission phases. This periodic switching allows the system to achieve high power transfer efficiency when the section is connected, while still enabling uplink communication when disconnected, thereby balancing energy efficiency with communication versatility through time-based separation of functions
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
The system allows for efficient power transfer and data communication using a single antenna, reducing implant size and complexity while maintaining effective energy efficiency and communication range.
Implementation Method 1
a tapped coil antenna having a first section and a second section situated about a common axis, wherein the tapped coil antenna is operable to couple a downlink signal based on an RF signal from a remote transmitter to an implant to provide electrical power and downlink data
Implementation Method 2
A switch (such as a semiconductor-based switch) is coupled to the implant and to the tapped coil antenna, wherein the switch is operable to selectively connect the second section of the tapped coil antenna to generate a corresponding pulsed magnetic field based on an uplink data signal
Implementation Method 3
In examples, a rectifier is coupled to the tapped coil antenna to provide electrical power to the implant based on the downlink signal
Data Source
AI summary
Implants include a single tapped coil antenna having a first section and a second section for wireless power transfer, data downlink and data uplink. A modulated wireless power transfer signal is received by the tapped coil antenna and used to provide electrical power. The modulation is detected to generate downlink data. A switch is used to charge a section of the tapped coil antenna by establish a current which is then be interrupted by opening the switch. The switching produces a high-amplitude pulsed magnetic field (PMF) for use in data uplink over a large distance between the implant and an external transceiver.