Three-Level Encoding Transmitter for Zero DC Offset Neural Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Neural implants face challenges in reducing power consumption during data transmission while maintaining a zero DC offset to prevent current leakage and ensure safety near neural tissue, as existing solutions require continuous operation and consume power even when no data is being transmitted.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a three-level encoding scheme using differential signals with a middle voltage for idle transmission, allowing transmitter circuits to achieve zero power consumption when no data is being transmitted, and novel receiver circuits that consume zero power when receiving the idle voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous operation is used to maintain zero DC offset, then safety is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using non-overlapping control signals that periodically switch between active and inactive states. The first control signal activates the inverter circuit for data transmission, while the second control signal activates the idle circuit to maintain zero DC offset during idle periods. This periodic switching allows the system to maintain safety (zero DC offset) while reducing power consumption during idle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the circuit configuration changeable through control signals. The inverter circuit and idle circuit are dynamically switched based on whether data transmission is occurring or not. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its power consumption state while maintaining the zero DC offset requirement, resolving the contradiction between continuous safety maintenance and power savings.
2Productivity
If inverter circuit is always active to transmit data, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action through non-overlapping control signals that periodically activate the inverter circuit for data transmission and the idle circuit for idle periods. This ensures the inverter is only active when needed for data transmission, reducing power consumption during idle periods while maintaining data transmission capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the idle state handling function from the inverter circuit by introducing a separate idle circuit. This allows the inverter circuit to be dedicated solely to active data transmission, while the idle circuit handles the idle state maintenance. The extraction enables the inverter to be turned off during idle periods, reducing power consumption while preserving data transmission capability when active.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If DC level is maintained at ground potential continuously, then current leakage is prevented, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using control signals that periodically maintain the zero DC offset condition through the idle circuit during idle periods, and through the inverter circuit during data transmission periods. This periodic maintenance ensures current leakage prevention (safety) while reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous active operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the idle circuit to automatically maintain the zero DC offset condition without requiring external intervention or continuous power consumption. The idle circuit self-regulates the DC level at ground potential during idle periods, providing safety (current leakage prevention) with minimal power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-level encoding transmitter is disclosed in which a transmitter circuit is configured to receive an input data signal including binary data and transmit an encoded data signal. The transmitter circuit can include an inverter circuit configured transmit first and second voltages for each logical level of the binary data. A transmission control circuit can cause the inverter circuit to transmit the voltages or deactivate the inverter circuit based on a first control signal. The transmitter circuit can further include an idle circuit configured to transmit an idle voltage between the first and second voltages when there is no data transmission. The idle circuit may transmit the idle voltage based on a second control signal. The first and second control signals may be configured to only be active when the other is inactive.